EMPEROR: The Field of Swords, Book 3 (Unabridged) cover art

EMPEROR: The Field of Swords, Book 3 (Unabridged)

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EMPEROR: The Field of Swords, Book 3 (Unabridged)

By: Conn Iggulden
Narrated by: Paul Blake
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About this listen

 Julius Caesar has taken his legions north into mighty battles with the Gallic tribes. But as his successes mount, overwhelming ambition and new alliances begin to threaten his friendship with Marcus Brutus, brother-in-arms and fellow warrior. Although the conquest of Gaul has made Caesar a hero all over again, his victories on the battlefield cause still more rivalries at home. And ultimately Caesar and Brutus will have to choose whether to cross the Rubicon - together or singly - and to take the fight to Rome itself.©2005 Conn Iggulden (P)2014 Audible, Inc. Historical Mystery Suspense Fiction

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Having read some of the other reviews I ended up approaching this one with a little trepidation. Changing narrator mid-series is often difficult and in this case doing so and changing the way that some of the character names and Roman words are pronounced was always going to irritate some people. That said I am pretty stunned to see some of the very harsh reviews being aimed at Paul Blake. I think it was a mistake to change the pronunciation but ironically I think his are the most accurate. I had to smile as I pondered the mysterious “Sir Wheelier” in the book’s opening chapter for a while until I realized who “he” really was!

So, granted the change in pronunciation was bound to make the start of this book difficult for those of us who had enjoyed Robert Glenister’s performances in the previous two. That apart though I think that Blake’s delivery is very good and it matches that of Glenister. It’s just different and possibly more authentic.

On to the story and it’s an excellent continuation of the series. Perhaps a bit slower to really get going than the previous volume but when it does gain traction it’s excellent. Lots of the Roman intrigue we have come to expect and Caesar’s campaigns in Gaul are edge of the seat stuff. The changes in the characters are subtly revealed as the time passes. The boyhood friends are now men, they are hardened by experiences that would test the most robust of physiques and the toughest of souls. Blake delivers a much haughtier Caesar and maybe that’s why he was chosen. The main characters are now established Roman Nobilitas and boys no longer. Their friendship is tested beyond any kind of reasonable limits.

Quite simply it’s another excellent installment and I’m off immediately to book 4. The issues with the change of narrator have obviously irritated some but in my view they are minor rather than being decisive. Given the excellent “Good read” guarantee from Audible I would definitely recommend anyone who has enjoyed the first two books to give this a try and just be prepared to make an adjustment or two for the pronunciation. Rome demands it of you!

Do not be of faint heart!

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Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I have not even finished this book and feel compelled to write this review - the narrator is doing my head in! Although I can understand that his pronunciation may be technically correct, it goes against that of the previous books and common usage.

'Serwillia' is driving me mad, like most of the other reviewers I cannot understand the inconsistency with the previous books, it is making it hard to enjoy as every time he does it, the words jar and distract from the story.

I have to continue because I am enjoying the story but it is DESPITE the narrator. I am disappointed to find out he has done the next book in the series too.

What other book might you compare EMPEROR: The Field of Swords, Book 3 (Unabridged) to, and why?

I started this series after going through Con Iggulden's Genghis Khan series.

How could the performance have been better?

The performance could have been better by sacking the narrator, and forking out for Robert Glennister!

If this book were a film would you go see it?

No

Any additional comments?

The narrator, and publisher need to read the reviews of this product to see how they have messed up a series - the author should have had a preview and said no!

Terrible narrator! Spoilt the book

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Would you try another book written by Conn Iggulden or narrated by Paul Blake?

I'd love to try all of the books by Iggulden. He writes extremely well and if you are a fan on CS Forester, Bernard Cornwell etc you'll love his style.

Paul Blake, the narrator, absolutely not! He has changed the pronunciation of every name in the book, almost ruining it for me. If it wasn't such a good story (and £19 of my money) I wouldn't have bothered listening.

What other book might you compare EMPEROR: The Field of Swords, Book 3 (Unabridged) to, and why?

Any of the other series by Conn Iggulden, such as the Genghis series. Or books by Bernard Cornwell, such as the Viking Series of the Sharpe books.

Would you be willing to try another one of Paul Blake’s performances?

NO! If you take over narration half way through a series then at least have the sense to pronounce the characters names in the same way. Thoroughly un-impressed.

Do you think EMPEROR: The Field of Swords, Book 3 (Unabridged) needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Yes, books 4 and 5 of the series. But narrater by Robert Glenister again please.

A great story spoiled by the narration

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A good attempt at bring Caesar to life, with liberties within the point of reason.
The reading of key names in the story was awful

Oh the name mangling in the reading.

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The narrator should stick to the same name pronunciations as the previous narrator for continuity.

Great story - reasonable narration

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