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The Last Kingdom
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Agincourt
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Young Nicholas Hook is dogged by a curse, haunted by what he has failed to do and banished for what he has done. A wanted man in England, he is driven to fight as a mercenary archer in France, where he finds two things he can love: his instincts as a fighting man, and a girl in trouble. Together they survive the notorious massacre at Soissons, an event that shocks all Christendom. With no options left, Hook heads home to England, where his capture means certain death.
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Bernard Cornwell's brilliant novel, reissued for fans to find out the story behind the stones. This is the tale of three brothers and of their rivalry that created this great temple. One summer's day, a dying stranger carrying great wealth in gold comes to the settlement of Ratharryn. The three sons of Ratharryn's chief each perceive the great gift in a different way. The eldest, Lengar, the warrior, harnesses his murderous ambition to be a ruler and take great power for his tribe.
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It is AD 55. As trouble brews on the eastern fringes of the Roman Empire, Tribune Cato and Centurion Macro must prepare for war.... The wily Parthian Empire has invaded Armenia, a frontier territory claimed by Rome, ousting King Rhadamistus. The king is ambitious and ruthless, but he is vital to Rome's strategic interests. General Corbulo must restore him to power while also readying the troops for war with the powerful Parthian Empire. Corbulo orders new arrivals Cato and Macro, and their elite cohort of Praetorian Guards, to carry out the task.
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The first book in Bernard Cornwell's best-selling series on the American Civil War. It is summer 1861. The armies of North and South stand on the brink of America's civil war. Nathanial Starbuck, jilted by his girl and estranged from his family, arrives in the capital of the Confederate South, where he enlists in an elite regiment being raised by rich, eccentric Washington Faulconer.
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Uther, the High King of Britain, has died, leaving the infant Mordred as his only heir. His uncle, the loyal and gifted warlord Arthur, now rules as caretaker for a country which has fallen into chaos - threats emerge from within the British kingdoms while vicious Saxon armies stand ready to invade. Uther, the High King of Britain, has died, leaving the infant Mordred as his only heir. His uncle, the loyal and gifted warlord Arthur, now rules as caretaker for a country which has fallen into chaos - threats emerge from within the British kingdoms while vicious Saxon armies stand ready to invade.
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The year is 1342. The English, led by Edward III, are laying waste to the French countryside. The army may be led by the King, but it is the archers, the common men, who are England's secret weapon. The French know them as Harlequins. Thomas of Hookton is one of these archers. But he is also on a personal mission: To avenge his father's death and retrieve a stolen relic.
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 19
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 19
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Young Nicholas Hook is dogged by a curse, haunted by what he has failed to do and banished for what he has done. A wanted man in England, he is driven to fight as a mercenary archer in France, where he finds two things he can love: his instincts as a fighting man, and a girl in trouble. Together they survive the notorious massacre at Soissons, an event that shocks all Christendom. With no options left, Hook heads home to England, where his capture means certain death.
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Stonehenge
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 17 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 189
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 170
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 169
Bernard Cornwell's brilliant novel, reissued for fans to find out the story behind the stones. This is the tale of three brothers and of their rivalry that created this great temple. One summer's day, a dying stranger carrying great wealth in gold comes to the settlement of Ratharryn. The three sons of Ratharryn's chief each perceive the great gift in a different way. The eldest, Lengar, the warrior, harnesses his murderous ambition to be a ruler and take great power for his tribe.
-
5 out of 5 stars
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Lost in time
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The Blood of Rome
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- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 13 hrs and 22 mins
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 106
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 97
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 98
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 95
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 85
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 85
The first book in Bernard Cornwell's best-selling series on the American Civil War. It is summer 1861. The armies of North and South stand on the brink of America's civil war. Nathanial Starbuck, jilted by his girl and estranged from his family, arrives in the capital of the Confederate South, where he enlists in an elite regiment being raised by rich, eccentric Washington Faulconer.
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 725
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The first novel in Simon Scarrow's bestselling Roman series. It is 42 AD, and Quintus Licinius Cato has just arrived in Germany as a new recruit to the Second Legion, the toughest in the Roman army. If adjusting to the rigours of military life isn't difficult enough for the bookish young man, he also has to contend with the disgust of his colleagues when, because of his imperial connections, he is appointed a rank above them.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Finally
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Sharpe's Tiger: The Siege of Seringapatam, 1799 (The Sharpe Series, Book 1)
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 635
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 595
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 590
Richard Sharpe avoids the tyrannical Sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill and endeavours to rescue a British officer from under the nose of the Tippoo of Mysore. But in fleeing Hakeswill, Sharpe enters the exotic and dangerous world of the Tippoo. An adventure that will require all of his wits just to stay alive, let alone save the British army from catastrophe.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Gripping from start to end
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Enemy of God
- By: Bernard Cornwell
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- Abridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 68
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 36
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Story5 out of 5 stars 36
The continuing story of Arthur, the second in a trilogy that began with The Winter King. The novels bring Arthur and his world to vivid life.
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5 out of 5 stars
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The Arthurian legend given substance
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 29
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Bengtsson's hero, Red Orm-canny - courageous and above all lucky - is only a boy when he is abducted from his Danish home by the Vikings and made to take his place at the oars of their dragon-prowed ships. Orm is then captured by the Moors in Spain, where he fights for the Caliph of Cordova. Escaping from captivity, Orm washes up in Ireland, where he marvels at those epicene creatures, the Christian monks, and from which he then moves on to play an ever more important part in the intrigues of the various Scandinavian kings and clans and dependencies.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Amazing.A joy and a pleasure to listen to.
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Raven: Blood Eye
- Raven, Book 1
- By: Giles Kristian
- Narrated by: Philip Stevens
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- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 148
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 135
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Random House presents the audiobook edition of Raven: Blood Eye by Giles Kristian, read by Philip Stevens. The first book in a thrilling Viking trilogy that launched the career of acclaimed historical novelist Giles Kristian - who's now confronting the tumult and devastation of the English Civil War in The Bleeding Land. For two years Osric has lived a simple life, though he is feared and shunned for his mysterious past and blood-red eye.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Absolutely fantastic
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Viking Fire
- By: Justin Hill
- Narrated by: Jonathan McGarrity
- Length: 11 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 12
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 11
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 11
In 1035, a young 15-year-old Viking is dragged wounded from the battle. Left for dead, for the next 20 years his adventures lead him over mountains, down the length of Russia and ultimately to Constantinople and the Holy City of Jerusalem. Drawn into political intrigue, he will be the lover of empresses, the murderer of an emperor; he will hold the balance of power in the Byzantine Empire in his hands and then give it all up for a Russian princess and the chance to return home and lead his own people.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Absolutely gripping in word and voice
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Summary
Caught up in the power struggle between two kings, powerless to stop the bloodshed and compelled to take a side, this is a powerful tale of loyalty, war and the struggle to survive.
The first book in a brand-new series, The Last Kingdom is set in England during the reign of King Alfred.
Uhtred is an English boy, born into the aristocracy of ninth-century Northumbria. Orphaned at 10, he is captured and adopted by a Dane and taught the Viking ways. Yet Uhtred's fate is indissolubly bound up with Alfred, King of Wessex, who rules over the only English kingdom to survive the Danish assault.
The struggle between the English and the Danes and the strife between christianity and paganism is the background to Uhtred's growing up. He is left uncertain of his loyalties but a slaughter in a winter dawn propels him to the English side and he will become a man just as the Danes launch their fiercest attack yet on Alfred's kingdom. Marriage ties him further still to the West Saxon cause but when his wife and child vanish in the chaos of the Danish invasion, Uhtred is driven to face the greatest of the Viking chieftains in a battle beside the sea. There, in the horror of the shield-wall, he discovers his true allegiance.
The Last Kingdom, like most of Bernard Cornwell's books, is firmly based on true history. It is the first novel of a series that will tell the tale of Alfred the Great and his descendants and of the enemies they faced, Viking warriors like Ivar the Boneless and his feared brother, Ubba. Against their lives Bernard Cornwell has woven a story of divided loyalties, reluctant love, and desperate heroism. In Uhtred, he has created one of his most interesting and heroic characters and in The Last Kingdom one of his most powerful and passionate novels.
Critic reviews
"Bernard Cornwell is a literary miracle. Year after year, hail, rain, snow, war and political upheavals fail to prevent him from producing the most entertaining and readable historical novels of his generation." ( Daily Mail)
"Cornwell's narration is quite masterly and supremely well-researched." ( Observer)
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What members say
Average customer ratings
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- A D MCCLENAGHAN
- 13-12-14
Fate is unstoppable
What made the experience of listening to The Last Kingdom the most enjoyable?
A fantastic tale by a master of historical fiction, brilliantly performed by an actor who brings the characters to vivid life.
What other book might you compare The Last Kingdom to, and why?
Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield. Just as The Last Kingdom draws you into the world of the Vikings and Saxons, Gates of Fire recreates ancient Greece and the warriors that defended it against the might of the Persian Empire. These are books that celebrate the warrior ethos in all its bloody glory with a bold, dark humour.
Which character – as performed by Jonathan Keeble – was your favourite?
Apart from the brilliantly performed lead Uhtred, Earl Ragnar the Fearless is realised with real strength and humour. Like Uhtred you can't help loving him, despite his bloody Viking ways. His humour and thirst for life is in stark and brilliant contrast to the pious priests and monks who dominate the Saxon lands.
Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
The Last Kingdom is an exciting listen, filled with action and adventure, and a warrior spirit that had me laughing out loud with its larger than life characters who live and die hard.
Any additional comments?
This is my first experience of Bernard Cromwell's books, but it will not be my last. I loved it. It has also sparked my interest in historical fiction in general and this period in particular. I shall certainly be listening to the other books in this series and will look out for others to try. I have heard Jonathan Keeble's narration before (in a less than inspiring James Herbert novel) but this was outstanding. One of the best performances I've heard in a long while and I'm looking forward to hearing more. Fate is unstoppable.
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- William
- COLWYN BAY, United Kingdom
- 30-07-14
A Suprise to find , a Joy to listen to
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Any History fan who likes 8-9th century England will enjoy a tale of a young boy growth to manhood in Viking torn England.
Who was your favorite character and why?
the main character as its focused on him Uhtred son of Uhtred.
Which scene did you most enjoy?
The big storm at sea.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
the big battles
Any additional comments?
If you like Viking or Anglo Saxons you will enjoy this book that is based on a young boy and his experiences. His battles loves and joys through the trials of the world he is born into. the narrator was top notch by the way. the book good and gritty. please listen.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Stuart M
- 06-06-17
Fantastic
Such a fantastic story that is wonderfully narrated. Would recommend to anyone. Better than the TV show, which is very good!
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Christopher Wilton
- 30-11-15
Curious choice of prose-style, but it works brilliantly.
I was a little put off at first when I realised that the story would be told retrospectively by the hero, as a chronicle of his life.
However, this didn't detract from the enjoyment and the narrator's performance even enhances it for the most part.
It's an interesting period of English history I knew very little about before starting the book.
Very different from Sharpe, which I'm more familiar with, but on the whole still excellent.
I will definitely be purchasing the next in the series, as long a the narration remains good.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Mr Doug White
- England
- 20-05-14
Reliably riveting
Where does The Last Kingdom rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
It's certInly up there with one of the more compelling reads. Took me a while to get used to Mr Keebles performance but when I did I was hooked
Who was your favorite character and why?
Leofrig. Perhaps the only honest character in the book and fills the diamond in the ruff comic aside role
What about Jonathan Keeble’s performance did you like?
Solid character interpretation and good timing and pace
Any additional comments?
I found this a little difficult to get into at first and I am still not sure how much I like or empathise with Uthred the main character. King Alfred is defiantly betrayed as a man not to be trusted and certainly does not trust Uthred and with good reason. His loŷalties change throughout the story but that makes it more compelling, you are never sure which way he will turn. Set against the backdrop of a country on the very edge of extinction the story draws you in effortlessly in the way you would expect of an experienced author. For all those who like a bit of historical fiction and for those looking for a new series to add to their collection, defiantly worth a try
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- richard martin
- 17-10-18
Just awesome
Awesome writing, awesome performance. Just awesome. Best audio book I've ever had. Totally loved it.
Would have just written 'awesome' but review required 15 words minmum. Could have written 'awesome' 15 times I suppose.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mrs S.
- 01-09-18
WONDERFUL!!
Saw the TV series but the book has so much more important detail. Brilliant! Looking forward to the next
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- AliL
- 06-08-18
Riveting story, excellent narration. Bravo!
Bravo! Jonathan Keeble’s narration brought Bernard Cornwell’s engrossing story of Uhtred to life. Just bought second in series and can’t wait to get started. I have read and loved other Bernard Cornwell’s series, Sharpe, Grail Quest, Warlord Chronicles, so why I ask myself has it taken so long for me to reach out for this series!?
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 03-08-18
unreal
I literally couldnt stop listening to this. as soon as it finished, i started again.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- toby
- 07-12-18
good audio book
great start to a series of novels. good voice actor added to the depth of the book
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Stephen
- 05-05-16
New threads in an old, accurate tapestry
Where does The Last Kingdom rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
I had previously read many of Simon Scarrow's fiction of Romans in Britain, and enjoyed them. These here make a good follow-on. I find the writing a little superior and the narration is good. It's interesting for anyone who finds this period before 1066 intriguing, or who has an interest in the influence of Vikings on British history.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- K. A. Wolstenholme
- 07-03-18
Cornwell at his best!
I've never been a fan of the Viking story and certainly dislike the "Hollywood style" dramatisations, so this purchase was a chance taken in a moment of boredom. However, Mr Cornwell manages to bring the characters to life in a way that makes them human and likeable. The added bonus of Jonathan Keeble and his wonderful voices makes this my new favourite. Looking forward to listening to the rest of the series!
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- francisco
- 18-08-17
Loved it !
I could not stop ... The narrator holds our attention and every action comes to life. And although the book has a slightly different story from the bbc series I'm going to buy The Pale Horseman.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mike
- 23-01-17
Amazing narration, excellent story
Wow, one if the best readings I've heard. The range of distinct characters was so impressive. The story was so realistic, it really brought to life that period for me.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Rui Ribeiro
- 19-04-16
Enthralling
An excellent book, superbly written and narrated. Before finishing it, I found myself buying the additional audiobooks on the series. Highly recommended.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jarrod
- 21-05-15
Excellent in every way
Really enjoyed this well written and well narrated historical fiction about a very interesting period of British history. Well done