If I could I'd give this SIX stars

???Triumff??? by Dan Abnett, is a farce well worth the listen. Bending your imagination and history to have had Elizabeth I marry Phillip of Spain to create a English/Spanish union.
The entire European word has been kept under the thumb of this empire. The year is 2010 and they still travel in wooden ships with sails and no plumbing it is still 1542. Simon Vance is perfect for the narration. He can so quickly run some saying and twist them into something that you will laugh out loud to. I laughed so many times, I'm glad I chose to listen at home. I had to re-wind to get what I missed from laughing. America is still the new world, and native Americans can???t believe that these people want to buy land with glass beads. ???How dumb do they think we are???? Everything is twisted, Dan Abnett did a wonderful job of creating characters, and verbal interchanges totally mind hysterical . The hero Triumff , went on a ship and discovered Australia, the only place in the entire world were they ARE living in the 21st century. They have motor vehicles, mp3 players plumbing, etc. Triumff wants to keep the English/Spanish Empire from invading Australia. There is magic, and many other strange things. This is a must if you enjoy paranormal/fiction. I loved it and I hope that there will be more in this series. Both Abnett and Simon Vance made this story for me. If I could I???d give it SIX STARS.

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6 people found this helpful

Swashbuckling Blackadder with Steampunk Magic?

I downloaded this on a whim totally carried away by somone's very enthusiastic review. I think the book was ok, but just not for me. It is set in modern day London which due to the discovery of magic has not moved on from Tudor times (which at times means the narration is faux Tudor English which can be, depending on the scene, marvellous or irritating.)

I think I would have preferred to read this in print so I could savour the humour (the puns can be dire - no bad thing).

The characters were very standard, but Mother Grundy was pure Granny Weatherwax and lifted the story a bit when she was around, and our hero was definitely Blackadder (with a huge dash of Lord Flashheart).

Personally, I think Randell Garett's Lord Darcy is a better alternate history with magic.

However, if you like British humour like Pratchett, Blackadder, Adams and Python, and punning like in the Xanth books, you will most probably like this.

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1 person found this helpful

Refreshing, Humorous, not Mr.Abnett's Best

A very amusing work, refreshing and very much in keeping with the new style. It is interesting to see Abnett's work independent of other IP. I look forward to where he goes with this, with some more work the characters will likely improve.

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1 person found this helpful

Great Swashbuckling FUN!

Okay, to start, I'm admittedly a huge Dan Abnett fan. I LOVE his WH40K stuff. TRIUMFF is certainly a wide break from all of that. I'm not sure if you could label it Clockworkpunk or Sailpunk, it sorta slips into either one of those genres. What it surely is, is a whole lot of Tongue-Firmly-In-Cheek Swashbuckling FUN. Abnett really cuts loose and shows us that he can do humor just as expertly as his grim dark far future Mil-Sci-Fi.

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Great alternate history fiction from Abnett

What made the experience of listening to Triumff: Her Majesty's Hero the most enjoyable?

Abnett did a great job in creating this work. He was able to make it a perfect balance of comedy, intrigue, and sword play. The narrator does well to depict all of te characters and delivers the quips and jokes with maximum effect. I was entertained immensly by this and hope Abnett will make a few more adventures for Triumff!

What did you like best about this story?

The comedy and action mix.

Which scene was your favorite?

The sword fight in the rain introducing Triumff.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Laughed throughout!

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A fun swashbuckler with a dry sense of humor.

What made the experience of listening to Triumff: Her Majesty's Hero the most enjoyable?

Quite simply, this is a fun book that does not take itself or the reader too seriously.

If you are looking for massive world building, deep dark undertones and characters that drip with angst ... This is not the book for you.

On the other hand if you enjoy well-written fight scenes and appreciate a dry, British sense of humor ... This one will be right up your alley.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I suppose I would go with Triumff's Butler. I am a sucker for the unblinking straight man's responses to the absurd.

What about Simon Vance’s performance did you like?

Vance has an uncanny ability to make amusing lines funny and funny lines hysterical.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Considerably funnier than I expected. Several times had me laugh aloud and draw odd looks from those around me.

Any additional comments?

Similar to Alex Bledsoe's work (Sword Edged Blonde) albeit without having as strong a plot.

Enjoyable listen, I will certainly be picking up any sequel Mr. Abnett cares to put out.

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Good, but not the Abnett I expect

Would you consider the audio edition of Triumff: Her Majesty's Hero to be better than the print version?

I can't compare, as I haven't read the printed text, but Abnett weaves elaborate tales, so some times you need to read and re-read to comprehend.

Which character – as performed by Simon Vance – was your favorite?

The Spainard

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Crashing swords and magic in the twentieth century, oh yes!!

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