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The Powder of Death

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About this listen

The Powder of Death opens with a returned envoy to China meeting an English scholar in Oxford in the mid-13th century; their purpose is to share a deadly secret. They vow that the knowledge of gunpowder must die with them.

The audiobook tells the story of its rediscovery, one man's obsession with the powder of death, and Edward III's determination to use it to his advantage. The nature of warfare is changed forever, and the world hears the death knell of knightly chivalry.

©2016 Julian Stockwin (P)2016 W.F. Howes Ltd Action & Adventure Genre Fiction Historical Mystery Mystery, Thriller & Suspense War & Military Fiction Military Suspense China

Critic reviews

"Stockwin's page-turning prose, vividly drawn characters and ability to draw the reader right into these ancient times create a grand and compelling historical epic." ( Quarterdeck Magazine, on The Silk Tree)
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Not his best by far, stick to Kydd, the story lacks both continuity and consistency.

not so good

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Here is an historical novel on a completely different tack from a masterful writer of naval histories ~ Julian Stockwin. From a medieval village, to Cathay, Italy, Coventry, Ghent and to battles ... all directed towards the acceptance of guns, cannons and gunpowder in the 13th and 14th centuries. A riveting read ... I thoroughly enjoyed this work and the reading thereof.

History made so Vivid

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I'd say there are about three good books in this story; instead of letting the tale develop we are taken on a superficial fast paced romp.

The author has done much better than this with the Kydd series, don't let this stand-alone effort put you off.

Too rushed

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