James Black’s first novel is the first in a series of bizarre ‘mash ups’ for older children and young adults. This first instalment sees Robin Hood battling a host of zombies to save his merry men, the people of Nottingham and his country.

The book is aimed primarily at young boys aged around 11 and over, so starting the book I was rather sceptical about its appeal to a 25-year-old woman. But the amount of gore, intrigue and horror is pretty overwhelming. In fact, this book, in most parts, is downright disgusting, which is very surprising and exciting for a new children’s series.

Although this is a mash up of two unrelated genres, this unlikely pairing becomes well suited. Set in 1194, we follow Robin the outlaw in his camp in Sherwood Forest along with Little John, Maid Marian, Friar Tuck and Will Scarlet. The atmosphere of the camp is murky, dark, isolated and at a time where plagues were common, the downtrodden atmosphere is actually quite fitting for an outbreak of undead monsters wanting to feast on human flesh.

As previously mentioned, this book does not hold back. I’ve seen my fair share of horror films and read many Stephen King novels, and have to say the detail in which these zombies tear people apart and ooze puss from their open sores is reminiscent of an adult horror novel. Certain parts will make you cringe and flinch, especially the descriptions of dismemberment in battle scenes.