Today I’m reviewing Return of the Wolf, book 5 in The Forest Lord series by Steven A. McKay!

Here’s the blurb.

England’s greatest ever hero is back, but for how long?

AD 1331 – Wakefield, England
It’s been five long years since Robin Hood’s heart-breaking funeral. Since then, his friends have moved on with their lives, having adventures of their own, and becoming respected figures in the local community. But, as Christmas bells rang out last December, to everyone’s shock, Robin returned home to Wakefield, alive and well.

He believes all his old enemies are dead and gone, and is looking forward to living a peaceful life with his wife and young children. Things rarely work out as we plan them though, and it’s not long before a deadly new threat raises its head.
The Coterel gang are notorious throughout England, committing all kinds of heinous crimes including extortion, prostitution, kidnapping, and even murder. They appear untouchable, with noblemen and even Members of Parliament amongst their members. When Robin and his friends attack a cruel extortionist in nearby Notton they find themselves on the wrong side of the Coterels, and it seems Robin will be forced to live either as an outlaw again, or be viciously hunted down like an animal.

Although his choices are limited, one – seemingly mad – option presents itself and, before long Robin takes sail for the first time ever, on the trail of the legendary lost treasure of King John.
With John Little, Will Scaflock, Friar Tuck, and two loyal Hospitallers in tow, Robin travels across Europe to Flanders, Aachen, and finally the mythical, legend-haunted mountain known as the Untersberg. Will he find England’s lost crown jewels there, or will he find only danger and death?

Review

I can’t believe it’s been 9 years since I read Blood of the Wolf and thought I was saying goodbye to Robin forever!

In that time the author has treated us to some wonderful mystery/supernatural tales involving some of Robin’s friends.. Tuck, John and Will.. oh how I’ve loved these novels keeping the memory of this wonderful series alive but at the same time giving the reader something new and exciting..

Imagine my joy to find out a new book was coming… I knew Robin wasn’t dead! Robin faked his death to give himself a chance at a real life.. a quiet life with his family…

Yeah that was never going to last…

Robin has returned to Wakefield and while most are glad to see him back Robin feels a little out of place.. its hard to remember his old life as an outlaw.. but some things never leave you..

When Robin helps John collect some money in his role as Bailiff he ends up getting himself in a bit of bother which serves to remind him.. he’s technically a Wolf’s Head again.. an outlaw.. no one who knows him would ever turn him in but he’s quickly got himself on the wrong side of the Coterel gang..the Coterel’s are very well connected and won’t think twice about slaying him where he stands.

Robin needs to keep a low profile but he’s also at a loss as to what to actually do with himself.. that’s when the old tale of the old King’s lost treasure comes in..it might be just a story but who knows.. it could be real and if so it could be his way to earn himself a pardon from the current King and secure himself from the Coterel’s reach.

With his old friends in tow Robin heads away from England to go on the farthest journey he’s ever made.. unfortunately they aren’t the only ones making the journey so Robin will need to watch his back…

To make matters worse as they follow the breadcrumbs in a land quite unknown to themselves they inadvertently show their intent and a local lord sends his own men out on a path to reach the treasure before Robin.

Can Robin and the others make it to the treasure first? Hang on.. does the treasure even exist? If it does will it be enough to win a pardon? Can they make it out of this mess alive?

What I really enjoyed was the tone and development of the plot. Robin has been away for a while and the author doesn’t shy away from that.. rather embraces it, allowing them to develop Robin afresh.. you see him grow and gain his confidence back.

I also really enjoyed the nostalgia, instantly taking me back to the very first time Robin become a wolf’s head.. it really made me miss the series.. especially some the characters like Alan-a-Dale.. I really think I’m going to need to revisit the series to relive everything again.

I loved that the author didn’t ignore the fact that everyone has aged too..they aren’t as young and fresh as they once were.. but still pack a punch when needed and those action scenes were bloody fantastic. The camaraderie too was super with some real moments of hilarity even in the face of danger.

Overall I loved this one. The author manages to mix mystery and the legend that is Robin Hood effortlessly, it was fresh, fun and does the series proud!

A triumphant return for our hero.. 5*

To find out more head to Amazon or Goodreads!