Outstanding

At first found the switching between Wellingtons and Napoleons storys frustrating. Each time you wanted to hear more and had to reset you thoughts. However this is a well written and a fascinating read/listen . Jonathan Keebles narration is exquisite and brings the story to life. Just about to start book 2 cannot wait.

8 people found this helpful

Something very different from Simon Scarrow

If you could sum up Young Bloods in three words, what would they be?

A great foundation to the story of Napoleon and Wellington as youngsters

Who was your favorite character and why?

Arthur Wellesley...He was an underdog character coming from fairly modest roots and no stranger to failures and vices, although Napoleon as a child was extremely entertaining.

Have you listened to any of Jonathan Keeble’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Jonathan Keeble's work is always great this is no exception

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

Some of the light humour was mildly amusing, hearing the British soldiers plight when retreating was also moving.

Any additional comments?

This novel forms an extremely solid foundation for the coming books, you get to actually like both characters Napoleon and Arthur Wellesley and see them both for their human side for their successes, failures, flaws, vices and virtues which has not been left out...I really enjoyed this Simon Scarrow put a lot of work into character development and this made for fascinating characters.

6 people found this helpful

Fascinating, educating and throughly thrilling

One of the best books I have ever read. I literally couldn't put it down for the third time, this time, on Audible.com. If your interested in this period of time, then you must read it.

5 people found this helpful

Simon Scarrow But Not As We Know Him

This is simply an excellent start to what looks likely to be a very high quality series. My only previous experience of Simon Scarrow has been the early books of the Macro and Cato series. Full of solid, hearty characters created by the author giving him much freedom in terms of their own story and behaviours.

Journaling the lives of these two most famous of generals from much more recent history is a significantly different proposition and naturally the result is a much different book. This is a fascinating look at the early lives of these two famous young men with the starkly contrasting upbringings they had up to their first tastes of command and battle.

What actually struck me was that despite the differences there were also fascinating parallels to be drawn. Their experiences of the capital cities, Paris and London, their difficult births and how they both succeeded by being somewhat unconventional. The stark differences in their personalities and motivations show that while these two both became great generals they were forged by very different fires. Although I am sure Scarrow does utilise a certain amount of poetic license seeing this most tumultuous part of history through the double aspect of both their lives makes Young Bloods truly fascinating reading.

The book really gathers pace towards the end and thoroughly sets the scene for what is to follow. The narration by Jonathan Keeble is first class. He is set a tough task with so many characters and accents but he rises to the challenge like a thoroughbred.

In very short, this is a different Simon Scarrow to what I've personally seen before but it's just as good, if not better. I have extremely high hopes for the rest of this series when it is made available.

26 people found this helpful

Fantastic

A fascinating book with so much more than simply the early life of the main protagonists.... I'm straight into book two.

3 people found this helpful

Well worth a listen

Simon Scarrow has done a fine job on this book I read the 4 books some time back but listening to it just brings back how good a writer he is and in this case it's well narrated

It details the young lives and start of the careers of Napoleon and Wellington in an interesting and informative way

I really enjoyed this book and it was over far to quickly I am now eager to purchase the other 3 books in the series

6 people found this helpful

Epic Story

Although you know the history of these great men, Simon Scarrow breaths life into the past. Fantastic stuff, time to start book 2.

5 people found this helpful

Lightening strikes twice

I approached this book with trepidation as it seemed to be quite a departure from the type of stories told before. I didn't want to listen to history of Wellington and Bonaparte but I took the chance when this was on sale.

I am really impressed yet again. Simon has given personality and gravitas to historical figures who's depths and motivations I now know I didn't understand before.

The book also has made me draw parallels with what is happening today and made me realise that there are many similarities with the modern social situation as there were during the time of the French Revolution.

Excellent.

5 people found this helpful

Best Scarrow Yet

Would you listen to Young Bloods again? Why?

This series far exceeds Cato and Macro .. Scarrow just seems to get into the characters better ..

What did you like best about this story?

Napoloen is a brilliant Character

Which character – as performed by Jonathan Keeble – was your favourite?

Napoloen is a brilliant Character but Wellesley is a my real life hero .. Napoeon probably edges it in this book but I don't think it will last

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes and almost did

Any additional comments?

I just wished i would have waited until Generals was released so I could have listened to them both in a row

8 people found this helpful

Detailed and identity

Great detailed account of the rise in power historically of two men we all know but putting a human face onto these legends. Fare in its account of the French and English frames of reference that coming from an Irish man.. We can judge people of today for what our ancestors believes and actions you can only do what at the time you think is right..

The human condition

Look forward to the rest of the story that I new of but now am aware of and its impact on the world

5 people found this helpful