The Whispering Swarm cover art

The Whispering Swarm

The Sanctuary of the White Friars, Book 1

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About this listen

Almost anyone who has read or written science fiction or fantasy has been inspired by the work of Michael Moorcock. His literary flair and grand sense of adventure have been evident since his controversial first novel Behold the Man, through the stories and novels featuring his most famous character, Elric of Melniboné, to his fantasy masterpiece, Gloriana, winner of both the Campbell Memorial and World Fantasy awards for best novel. Neil Gaiman, Alan Moore, and Michael Chabon all cite Moorcock as a major influence; as editor of New Worlds magazine, he helped launch the careers of many of his contemporaries, including Harlan Ellison, Philip K. Dick, and J. G. Ballard.

Moorcock's first independent novel in nine years is a tale both fantastical and autobiographical, a celebration of London and what it meant to be young there in the years after World War II. The Whispering Swarm is the first in a trilogy that will follow a young man named Michael as he simultaneously discovers himself and a secret realm hidden deep in the heart of London.

©2014 Michael Moorcock (P)2014 Audible Inc. Classics Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Genre Fiction Gothic Historical Horror Metaphysical & Visionary Scary Magic England
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The start of this book follows a slightly modified autobiography of Michael Moorcock. This aspect is very entertaining, however once he delves into his fantasy sanctuary hidden in London the moves between his wife and fictional lover go back and forward filled with repetitive anguish about who he should love. I don't think he can do good kitchen sink drama. When he gets back to the swashbuckling adventure he is on much safer ground. Good book but should have been edited down quite a bit in my opinion.

Great fantasy autobiography to start then gets repetitive

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Interesting to get an insight into the creative mind of Micheal Moorcock well worth listening to

Cracking tale

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Honest, thoughtful and in parts hilarious with superb narration, highly recommended
Love yea Mike, keep in truck in on those silver roads good buddy

Fans of Moorcock will enjoy

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Didn't finished, story didn't hold my attention - too pretentious for me, not enough fantasy

Pretentious.

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