Robert

Being the third book in the series of four, this wonderful story was spoiled somewhat by a change of narrator from the first two parts. I gave the first two books a 5 star rating, due in no small part to the efforts of the narrator Robert Glenister. This new narrator appeared hell bent on changing Glenister's pronunciation of names (erroneously in my opinion) and made little or no attempt at different voices to distinguish the characters. It says a lot for the quality of Mr Iggulden's writing that I made it through to the end.

I'm working my way through the long list for the 2012 Man Booker Prize. This one has made the shortlist, although I cannot for the life of me think why. The narration was good but couldn't bring to life what, in all essence, is a cheerless, dreary book. Don't waste your money.

I have never abandoned a book before but I was sorely tempted on several occasions with this one. Nothing happened for excruciating long periods, none of the characters were remotely likeable, and in the end I couldn't have cared less what happened. Poor.