Intriguingly enchanting

Any additional comments?

This book is a historical yet spellbinding journey about a group of smugglers sent on a journey to obtain the purest form of malaria antidote-medicine from the 18th century Peruvian quinine trees found deep within the mountains.

I was excited and enthralled when I learned that the reason a small group of highly skilled smugglers are needed to obtain the quinine, was due to the quinine trees being guarded and protected by cartel-like criminals. In this regard, the story reminded me of many SAS operations I've read about, whereby soldiers covertly penetrated such factions that were guarding drug factories hidden deep within the jungles of South America.

The difference here of course, there is nothing covert about this storyline. As the story unfolds we learn that there is indeed an ulterior motive and far more sinister developments are underway. Oh and something else the SAS didn't have to deal with: sorcery.

The leading character is a priest with a good heart but has a thirst for adventure anda longing to find out the truth behind these sinister goings on. Is it really magic, or just a trick to protect the valuable merchandise?

The book is beautifully written and expertly told by one of my favourite narrators. Allow yourself to succumb to the magic of this storyline and you are sure to be swept away with as much delight as I was!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

20 people found this helpful

so quiet!

great follow up to the watchmaker and the narrator is good but for some reason it's really quiet compared to every other audiobook I've ever bought, at full volume I couldn't hear it if I was walking down a busy road or on the tube.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

18 people found this helpful

Good

A very interesting story about finding quinine & bringing it back to the UK which also touches on the power of the East India Company at that time. The protagonist character is well developed and believable and the story is lifted by the more mystical aspects.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

The Watchmaker this is not

Hard going and goes nowhere. I truly wanted to enjoy this, but came out grateful when it had finished.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

good but slow

it toke me a very long time to get into this story and then it was over.....a slow slow burner. I did eventually feel glad I perceived

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Differences and understating

What a beautiful story so well written
Equally well read by the narrator,
We believe ourselves full of care and understanding,
This tale shows we are all on an empathic learning
Curve, over much enjoyed

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Brilliant Audio Book

David Thorpe reads The Bedlam Stacks and every character comes even further to life than they do when you read the book yourself. The different personalities brought out by Mr Thorpe are amazing and his understanding and nuances gave me a new perspective on what is already a favourite book. I fell in love anew with many of the characters. Thank you David Thorpe.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Absolutely blown away by this

I thoroughly enjoyed the Watchmaker, and was really pleased to be able to read the second of Natasha Pulley's books. I love Natasha Pulley's way of writing - her characters are so likeable they almost become part of the family, apart from the rotten ones ...... of course.
The story was quite complicated but so very well put together it has kept my attention thoroughly. David Thorpe narrated very well - I know some commentators have not liked him much - but I thought he was first class and absolutely right for the story.
A wonderful trip to Peru with such interesting people, stories and consequences. BRILLIANT

I was also delighted to meet 'Katar', (Sorry - I have no idea how it is spelled, the Watchmaker), in his earlier life.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

19 people found this helpful

Wonderful story and took me back to my travels in Peru

Great story, unusual and original . I have travelled throughout south america and spent time in Peru. The description of the landscape and architecture/historic ruins are very accurate and written by someone who had travelled there, I am sure.

The story itself is a beautifully balanced cocktail of history , local spirituality and beliefs , reminders of old fashioned prejudice and our historic influence on the world , as well as being a story about human compassion , friendship and at times a look at how we could act in desperation . A story of history, friendship, judgment, magic and spiritual beliefs..... listen and you will be enthralled and sad when it ends !!!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

12 people found this helpful

Enjoyable and entertaining

Really enjoyed the story and didn't feel I wanted it to end. We get a small glimpse into Keita Mori's story as it gets interwoven in this. There are similarities between him and Raphael to do with friendship, longevity of life, time and the feeling that they have lived a life we are barely scratching the surface of.
Definitely will be looking out for future books by this author.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!