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Title: Finale

Subtitle: A Novel of the Reagan Years

Author: Thomas Mallon

Narrator: Christopher Lane

Format: Unabridged

Length: 17 hrs and 17 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-04-15

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 46 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

From the author of the acclaimed novel Watergate comes a galvanizing new novel about the tumultuous administration of the most consequential and enigmatic president of modern times - Ronald Reagan. Finale takes listeners to the political gridiron of Washington in 1986, the wealthiest enclaves of Southern California, and the volcanic landscape of Iceland, where the president engages in two almost apocalyptic days of negotiation with Mikhail Gorbachev. Along with Soviet dissidents, illegal arms traders, and antinuclear activists, the novel's memorable characters include Margaret Thatcher, Jimmy Carter, Pamela Harriman, John W. Hinckley, and even Bette Davis, with whom the president long ago appeared on screen. Several figures - including a humbled, crafty Richard Nixon; the young, brilliantly acerbic Christopher Hitchens; and an anxious, astrology-dependent Nancy Reagan - become the eyes through which listeners see the last convulsions of the Cold War, the AIDS epidemic, a clash of ideologies, and a political revolution. At the center of it all - but forever out of reach - is Reagan himself, whose genial remoteness confounds his subordinates, his children, and the citizens who elected him.

Members Reviews:

Sophisticated gossip gives way to poignancy

One minute Nancy Reagan is confiding with Merv Griffin, the next Richard Nixon is telling Zsa Zsa Gabor that he was responsible for bringing dancing to Whittier College as a student leader there. The dialogue is well paced and fun, capturing some of the more interesting doers and their deeds in 1986, largely, when Reagan and Gorbachev were negotiating the end of the Cold War. And the narrator capably captures a parade of personalities. This is a good read and ultimately through the magic of fiction creates a portrait of the Reagans that is as plausible and real as any biographer can conjure. This also is a terrific companion to the author's novel about Watergate.

Gore Vidal for the 21st Century

The novels Watergate and Finale have a similar style to Vidal's historical novels. The characters are always in verbal chess. I liked Watergate a little more because it had a more coherent story line but Finale is very good also. I would really give a 4.5 but didn't have that option. The reader, Christopher Lane is very good too. He does a good Reagan, his Nixon is not as good but it's ok, he is very good overall.

Odd choices of characters

I would have liked more of the top-level political strategizing. Many of the characters here were, I suppose realistic, but often petty in mentality and focus. I did get a sense of what the lesser bit players must struggle with, in DC intrigues that often spill over into ugly public spectacle, even as they try to develop meaningful personal lives and relationships. Conflicting interests sprawling across personal encounters must abound in DC.

I have the eternal problem of historical fiction whenever I am not expert in the players: what parts of this are verifiably true, what parts not? For example, Christopher Hitchens is a character here, but were his dalliances and statements, as told here, correct? How much is fabricated?

As for the dementia-POV part, I was not terribly impressed: it was an interesting concept, but mediocre in execution, in my opinion.

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Title: The Book of Lost and Found

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Lucy Foley

Narrator: Fiona Hardingham

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 32 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-25-15

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 10 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

From London to Corsica to Paris - as a young woman pursues the truth about her late mother, two captivating love stories unfurl.

Kate Darling's enigmatic mother - a once-famous ballerina - has passed away, leaving Kate bereft. When her grandmother falls ill and bequeaths to Kate a small portrait of a woman who bears a striking resemblance to Kate's mother, Kate uncovers a mystery that may upend everything she thought she knew.

Kate's journey to find the true identity of the woman in the portrait takes her to some of the world's most iconic and indulgent locales, revealing a love story that began in the wild 1920s and was disrupted by war and could now spark new love for Kate. Alternating between Kate's present-day hunt and voices from the past, The Book of Lost and Found casts light on family secrets and love - both lost and found.

Critic Reviews:

"Lucy Foley masterfully evokes period and setting in The Book of Lost and Found. Readers may count on losing hours of sleep to remain immersed in lush Corsica, luminous Paris, and lively New York, with an unforgettable group of characters, and a mystery that spans decades. Sublime!" (Erika Robuck, best-selling author of Hemingway's Girl and Call Me Zelda)

"The Book of Lost and Found is an irresistibly entertaining and evocative novel, a tender, heartwrenching tale of love lost and found immersed in a suspenseful historical mystery. Lucy Foley's impressive debut thoroughly satisfies, and I can't wait to read whatever she writes next." (Jennifer Chiaverini, author of Mrs. Grant and Madame Jule and Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker)

"The Book of Lost and Found is a sheer joy to read. Everything I love is in there - romance, the linking of past and present, travel to wonderful (and wonderfully described) destinations, characters I wish I could meet, and an evocative mystery - all spun together with Foley's engaging and elegant prose." (Mary Simses, author of The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop and Café)

Members Reviews:

It reads like a traveloge

This story has a romantic, atmospheric start, but the constant switching between time lines and characters POV and changes in locale began to wear thin. It reads like a traveloge. After a lot of drama and too much plotting, the story is wrapped up much too quickly. It felt rushed and unsatisfying.

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Title: Home Front: Series One

Subtitle: The powerful BBC Radio 4 First World War drama

Author: Katie Hims

Narrator: full cast, Deborah Findlay, Ami Metcalf

Format: Original Recording

Length: 8 hrs and 58 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-20-15

Publisher: BBC Worldwide

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 11 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The first series of a major BBC Radio 4 drama serial tracking the fortunes of a group of characters on the home front.

Each episode was broadcast exactly 100 years after the events it portrays, through which the characters struggle to maintain normality while Britain is involved in the First World War.

Members Reviews:

Addictive listening

Obsessed as I am with the Great War, I looked forward to listening to Home Front, but I confess to being a bit surprised at just how addictive the series turned out to be.

Each 12-15 minute episode opens with a news headline for the day, and then we see that day through the eyes of a viewpoint character.

The characters live in Folkestone, Kent, and what engaging characters they are!

To name but a few examples, we meet Kitty and her boyfriend, Dieter, a German national. Kitty is expecting and marriage seems out of the question. Then there are two seven year-old boys who go missing, a vicar who is in love with a woman who isn't his wife, a smashing little girl named Jessie, and several soldiers bound for the western front.

I cared about these fictional folk. Each one has a problem and a desire to solve it, and not one is a cardboard cutout. They keep you coming back for more.

Because of the excellent casting and distinctive voices of the actors, it's easy to follow the multiplicity of characters and storylines. I especially enjoyed the gifted Miss Findlay's portrayal of Sylvia's changes of heart and mind. The child actors were wonderful. In fact, there wasn't any disappointing acting from anyone!

Season One opens on August 4, 1914, the day Britain declared war on Germany. Mr Asquith is the PM, and everyone says it will be over by Christmas.The last episode is October 3, 1914, and in the autumn rains, we find the world of the previous summer has been forever lost.

If you have any interest in the Great War, or just great characters, be sure to give this a listen. Downton Abbey left me cold, but Home Front made me laugh and cry. I wouldn't have missed it.

Absolute Great WW1 Tribute

Would you listen to Home Front: Series One again? Why?

Listen many times such a well acted storyline taking you into life in 1914.

What did you like best about this story?

Variances between Upper and Lower Class life during wartime.

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you had only read the book?

Brought to life listening to real people sharing their experiences of life during WW1.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

WW1 Life Experiences

Any additional comments?

So pleased I found this weekly series on Podcasts and never missed a show. Purchased the series as soon as I found it on Audiobooks. A yarn of a storyline for all who enjoy history brought to life. The acting is so good the listener feels they have gone back in time into the scary world of 1914-18 during the First Wolrd War. Life was so different for men, women, children and foreigners. The show tells it like it was for those left behind at home trying to live a normal life as their men were sent out to fight in what we now know was one of the most horrific wars where hundreds of thousands of mens lives were uneccessarly slaughtered within minutes of enterring the war zone.

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Title: Pirates and Prejudice

Author: Kara Louise

Narrator: Tiffany Halla Colonna

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 32 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-11-15

Publisher: Kara Louise

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 84 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

After Elizabeth Bennet refuses Mr. Darcy's offer of marriage, it takes a heavy toll on him. He withdraws to London and disappears near the docks, away from family, friends, and acquaintances. When he is mistaken for an escaped pirate, he is thrust into an adventure he would never have imagined. Will this be what he needs to forget the one woman he had come to love?

When her aunt and uncle have to cancel their plans to tour the Lake District, Elizabeth Bennet has the opportunity to sail to the Isles of Scilly with her father. After a pleasant visit, the voyage home brings storms, a shipwreck, and pirates! When she is rescued by gallant Captain Smith, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to him. What will she do when she discovers he is the very man whose offer of marriage she refused just a few months earlier?

Members Reviews:

A MUST FOR ALL P& P FANS !

LISTEN TO IN ONE DAY ! NARRATION TOPS ! SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE ! I HOPE THERE IS A PART 2 !!!!!

Great Story!

Pirates and Prejudice was a delightful, pirate-y take on the adventures of our favorite couple. Starting shortly after the proposal debacle at Rosings, this book places Darcy in rough shape on the docks of London. Hes let himself go and has sunk into the worst mood. Its definitely not the normal arrogant, pride-filled gentleman were used to. When hes forced into for the crown piracy, we get to see our hero transformed into an ARGGH!-saying, sword wielding, tough guy.

Elizabeth on the other hand has taken a trip with Mr. Bennett to see his ailing sister in the Isles of Sicily. While visiting family, Elizabeth becomes acquainted with her cousins Melanie and David. Everyone in the family thinks David is a fine catch for Elizabeth and she begins to think so too. But can Davids pleasantness take place of Darcys irksome place in Elizabeths heart? Before either of them can find out, Elizabeth is kidnapped by pirates and the real fun begins!

I adored Darcy in this. Even though he had to go against a lot of his normal instincts, being pushed outside of his comfort level was fun to watch. Some of my favorite parts involved Darcy learning to talk and act like a pirate.

One of my favorite side characters is Mr. Bennett and we get to see a lot of him here. My favorite new character is a pirate named Bellows. Even the evil enemy Lockerly is fun to watch. Jane, Bingley, Georgianna and the rest of the Bennetts are seen as well, with cameos by Wickham, Miss Bingley and the dreaded Lady Catherine.

During the pirate kidnapping scenes there were several enjoyable moments Ill not disclose to ruin your fun, but be assured, you will enjoy this book.

This is a must read for any Austen fan and another gem in Karas crown as queen of Austen Variations.

Tiffany has a calm, but intriguing voice that will truly bring the book alive. Although she is a woman and does all the voices in the book (even the men), she has a great grasp of accents and its quite enjoyable.

Captivating Tale, Awesome Naration

The story was such a fun take on Pride and Prejudice. I really enjoyed the twists and turns presented by the author. The naration was perfect! The reader's many voices for characters were spot-on and added an extra dimension to the story which made it so much better than reading it to myself!

Great

I really enjoyed this book. I wish that Audible had more books by Kara Louise available.

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Title: Villa America

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Liza Klaussmann

Narrator: Jennifer Woodward

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 48 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-04-15

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 26 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

A dazzling novel set in the French Riviera based on the real-life inspirations for F. Scott Fitzgerald's Tender Is The Night.

When Sara Wiborg and Gerald Murphy met and married, they set forth to create a beautiful world together - one that they couldn't find within the confines of society life in New York City. They packed up their children and moved to the South of France, where they immediately fell in with a group of expats, including Hemingway, Picasso, and Zelda and Scott Fitzgerald.

On the coast of Antibes, they built Villa America, a fragrant paradise where they invented summer on the Riviera for a group of bohemian artists and writers who became deeply entwined in each other's affairs. There, in their oasis by the sea, the Murphys regaled their guests and their children with flamboyant beach parties, fiery debates over the newest ideas, and dinners beneath the stars.

It was, for a while, a charmed life, but these were people who kept secrets and who, beneath the sparkling veneer, were heartbreakingly human. When a tragic accident brings Owen, a young American aviator who fought in the Great War, to the south of France, he finds himself drawn into this flamboyant circle, and the Murphys find their world irrevocably, unexpectedly transformed.

A handsome, private man, Owen intrigues and unsettles the Murphys, testing the strength of their union and encouraging a hidden side of Gerald to emerge. Suddenly a life in which everything has been considered and exquisitely planned becomes volatile, its safeties breached, the stakes incalculably high. Nothing will remain as it once was.

Liza Klaussman expertly evokes the 1920s cultural scene of the so-called "Lost Generation". Ravishing and affecting, and written with infinite tenderness, Villa America is at once the poignant story of a marriage and of a golden age that could not last.

Critic Reviews:

"Narrator Jennifer Woodward presents this fictional version of the Murphys with all their magic intact as they entertain at their home, Villa America, in Cap d'Antibes. Woodward's genteel tones and girlish delight make the family's bohemian existence and hedonism both carefree and urgently serious." (AudioFile)

Members Reviews:

Enjoyable though a tad wooden

This journey through now quite well explored territory, thanks to the superior Paris Wife, is an enjoyable look at two of the key players, but presents as all too wooden and mono-dimensional. Not enough time was spent on the interior lives of the protagonists, and too many characters were skirted over, too lightly. The author shied away when it really mattered most. But, recommended for any lover of this period.

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Title: The Dressmaker

Author: Rosalie Ham

Narrator: Rachel Griffiths

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 38 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-16-15

Publisher: Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 29 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

After 20 years spent mastering the art of dressmaking at couture houses in Paris, Tilly Dunnage returns to the small Australian town she was banished from as a child. She plans only to check on her ailing mother and leave.

But Tilly decides to stay, and though she is still an outcast, her lush, exquisite dresses prove irresistible to the prim women of Dungatar.

Through her fashion business, her friendship with Sergeant Farrat - the towns only policeman, who harbours an unusual passion for fabrics - and a budding romance with Teddy, the local football star whose family is almost as reviled as hers, she finds a measure of grudging acceptance.

But as her dresses begin to arouse competition and envy in town, causing old resentments to surface, it becomes clear that Tillys mind is set on a darker design: exacting revenge on those who wronged her, in the most spectacular fashion.

Members Reviews:

Dark and funny

Small country towns have secrets - some everybody knows (but don't talk about) and some only known to a few.

Shame about the pronunciation....

The book is well-written, but I had trouble figuring out precisely when it was set. The entire story takes place over perhaps a year. The main character receives the new LP of South Pacific, putting it around 1949-1950. They sing God Save the King, which puts it prior to 1953 (When Queen Elizabeth II came to the throne). But then another character requests clothing styled after Marilyn Monroe in Bus Stop (1956)....

I'm sure not all listeners are as picky as me, but this kind of thing became a distraction.

Rachel Griffiths does a good job capturing the essence of this story, with its Dickensian names and often hilarious incidents.

Unfortunately, given that the story is about a dressmaker, it would have been good to have a narrator who knew how to pronounce Schiaparelli, Vionnet, and (worst of all) "couture".

Not a happy read

Would you try another book from Rosalie Ham and/or Rachel Griffiths?

Maybe not

What was most disappointing about Rosalie Hams story?

It was grim. Not inspiring. No idea why they made this into a movie, I'm guessing they changed the story for the movie.

Which scene was your favorite?

Nothing really

Was The Dressmaker worth the listening time?

Nope

Right up my catwalk.

'The Dressmaker' was thoroughly entertaining, great plot, well voiced and would highly recommend to sewists and more.

Couldn't listen to it!

I could not listen to it because of the narration. I kept going back to try again with big intervals in between. The voice was very flat indeed and sounded like a very good' text to speech' because it sounded to be all on one level. I could not listen to it all to finish. I am very sorry indeed to Rachel Griffiths. It was a great shame, I really wanted to listen to it I loved the movie and wanted to hear the book. Sorry to Rosalie Ham, but my advice is to get a different narrator.

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Title: Dobyns Chronicles

Author: Shirley McLain

Narrator: Clay Lomakayu

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-26-15

Publisher: Shirley's Books

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 4 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Dobyns Chronicles is a captivating celebration of the life of Charlie Dobyns. His life began in Northeast Texas, near Bonham, on the Red River. His Cherokee mother and cowboy father strove to survive on their river valley ranch. Tragedy ended this way of life for Charlie in 1888. Follow him through Chickasaw Territory and on to McAlester in Eastern Oklahoma.

This is a story of a changing way of life and adaptations made to survive. Charlie's strong passion for life and dignity equipped him for survival as he raised his siblings with likeability and dignity. It's a story of loss, misfortune, hard times, and heartbreak but also love, determination, kindness, joy, and spirituality.

Follow Charlie's life through the adventures that shaped the man he became, and the lives of his family, for generations.

Members Reviews:

`You just have to take a deep seat and hang on for the ride.'

California-born Oklahoma author Shirley McLain is a retired RN, enjoying her retirement in Sapulpa, Oklahoma writing poetry and novels. She has seen much, not only in her travels but in her survey of the human heart as a nurse, and she comes to this historical fiction novel DOBYNS CHRONICLES with a sound sense of appreciation of the terrain of Texas and Oklahoma, the durability of the pioneer men and women about whom she writes, and a special appreciation for Native American history.

McLain writes with such keen sense of reality that the figures in her book jump off the page and stay in our minds as the many aspects of the chronicled life spill out. Despite the fact that the author spends time at the inception of the book declaring that this book is fiction, we can't help but believe that Charlie Dobyns was a real figure. The narrator gives us that impression and it is a fine way to relate history, whether lived or invented from the myriad tales that surround Texas and Oklahoma of the 19th and 20th centuries. Charlie Dobbins was a `half-breed' - the son of a Cherokee mother and Texas cowboy. The early days in the Red River valley ranch were harsh and Charlie's fond memories were brought to a tragic close in 1888. From that year on we accompany Charlie through Chickasaw lands into McAlester, Oklahoma. Charlie suffers the slings and arrows of exposure to Yellow Fever, tax sale, hard times, heartbreak, tragedies, yet through it all he demonstrates love, kindness, joy, and a strong spiritual connection that brings him to the role of grandfather to a family hose actions become indelible in our memories. And so whether fact or fiction we know Charlie Dobbins through Shirley McLain's gift for writing from birth to death, and as a touching eulogy, McLain offers `I am proud to be part of this family. Charley left us a legacy of love for family and for the land. In the sixties, the old house burned down but was rebuilt by his grandson, Charles Blevins, who continues to live on the old home place. Kettle Creek has been such a special part of many people's lives. As long as one of us remains on the mountain, then Charley will always be around.'

This kind of Americana, too infrequently captured in novels, is fine medicine for the times in which we live. History and an appreciation of roots soothe many of the scars time leaves. Grady Harp, July 14

Dobyns Chronicles, A Family History

Dobyns Chronicles is the story of young Charley Dobyns coming of age in the Texas and Oklahoma Territories. The time period is 1880-1950.

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Title: The Pilgrim

Author: Davis Bunn

Narrator: Angela Grayden

Format: Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 55 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-22-15

Publisher: Servant

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 18 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In his latest historical epic, worldwide best-selling author Davis Bunn takes listeners on a journey through an ancient landscape. Travel with Empress Helena from Caesarea to Judea. Abandoned by her husband, in danger because of her faith, but with an implacable will to do what God calls her to, she takes a perilous pilgrimage. Along the way she meets those who would help her (the wizened and wise bishop Macarius; the rough-edged but kind-hearted sergeant Cratus; the young soldier Anthony, a man who has lost everything, including his faith) and those who would harm her (the menacing and murderous Roman assassin Severus). Miracles seem to follow this humble but determined woman as she wins many over to the faith, and changes lives forever - including her own. This unforgettable story of the discovery of the True Cross will thrill listeners with its adventure, and with its vivid portrait of one of Christian history's most important women.

Members Reviews:

This book illustrates the connection between the temporal and the eternal

This story was an oasis in a desert of cynicism. Set in the time of Constantine the Great, the characters are compelling and plot is engaging from beginning to end.

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Title: Thousand Shrine Warrior

Author: Jessica Amanda Salmonson

Narrator: Allison Hiroto

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 17 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-26-15

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Tomoe turns to religion to escape her past, but destiny is not through with her yet.

The young girl crashes through the underbrush, desperate to escape the cackling soldiers at her back. After catching her in a tryst with a local farmboy, they intend to execute her for her sin. She runs for as long as she can, finally collapsing outside a shrine where a traveling nun sits with her flute. When the soldiers arrive, the nun sets her flute aside, drawing a legendary sword. She kills the men easily and sets the young girl free. Though she tried to avoid it, Tomoe Gozen has shed blood once again.

After countless battles and endless wandering, this legendary samurai has renounced Bushido and taken the oaths of a wandering nun. But though she disguises herself as a mendicant, trouble will find her still. Tomoe must engage in one last fight - this time for the sake of her soul.

Members Reviews:

Fantastic Read, love it.

Great Book! If you love Samurai stories, this is a wonderful entertainment. Tomoe was a real warrior, it gives an account of the era and what it must have been like to travel the long road.

Remarkable that this series is not widely known.

I found the first book of this trilogy (Tomeoe Gozen) at a library sale, and was captivated. Everything about it; from the unique character, to the inventive alternative Japan, to the elegant writing style, to the unbelievable amount of sheer STORY packed into the first 66 pages, was remarkable.

Not easy to find the rest of the out-of-print series, but wonderfully rewarding. Very involved storytelling, complex and somehow very Japanese. And I can say that the heroine, Tomoe Gozen, starts out a complete original and is uniquely transformed by her (frequently awful) experiences, right up to the heart-wrenching final scenes of the last book. Be warned, though: happy endings, dreams fullfilled, walking towards a sunset hand-in-hand towards some happily-ever-after future...not prominently featured. Tomoe Gozen is, throughout, a tragic figure

I cannot recommend this highly enough to fans of fantasy, samurai stories, excellent writing, sword fighting, mythic adventure and japanophiles in general.

A strong ending to the Tomoe Gozen Saga.

Thousand Shrine Warrior (The Tomoe Gozen Saga Book 3)Jessica Amanda Salmonson finishes the Tomoe Gozen saga much stronger than it started off. Tomoe is a 'free' woman in that she's a nun now, one who worships the 'Thousand Shrines' and through that, can visit almost any shrine and find welcome.

This saga wraps up with a novel length tale, unlike previous volumes that were shorter stories joined by longer themes. The land of Naippon is one that is not as wracked by war as it has been in previous novels, but this brings its own problems such as poorly disciplined samurai and samurai who takes jobs that would normally be beneath them.

The supernatural elements are in full swing this time around too with threads of destiny and ancestry tying Tomoe to one of the villains of this tale, Kuro the Darkness.

Thousand Shrine Warrior #3 in Tomoe Gozen Saga

Thousand Shrine Warrior: Third Novel in the Tomoe Gozen Saga -by Jessica Amanda Salmonson

I don't remember reading this third and last book in the series. I remembered the first two books, in fact I mentioned it was a bit like meeting up with her high school BFF and catching up on the gossip. But this story was entirely new.

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Title: The Golden Naginata

Author: Jessica Amanda Salmonson

Narrator: Allison Hiroto

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 57 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-26-15

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 4 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

For the sake of an enchanted sword, Tomoe revolts against her father.

In all of Naipon, there is no samurai more famous than Tomoe Gozen. Her skill with the blade is legendary, her honor unquestioned, and evil men everywhere fear her name.

No challenge is too great for Tomoe, but she is not ready for marriage. When her father announces that he has arranged a match for her - one that will mean laying aside her sword - Tomoe responds as she always does when her life is threatened: She draws her twin blades.

After fighting her way out of her father's house, Tomoe meets Azo Hono-o, a female samurai who plans to make a name for herself by killing Tomoe Gozen. Tomoe convinces Azo to join forces with her, and together they set out across Naipon in search of a golden sword, which they will use to carve a place for themselves in a man's world.

Members Reviews:

An alternate fantasy Japan with a strong woman warrior as ...

An alternate fantasy Japan with a strong woman warrior as the central character. She deals with demons both internal and external. A very satisfying story well told.

Adore this book

Was really glad to find a copy of this. It's hard to find good books with strong, enjoyable female characters. Great storytelling. I recommend this whole series.

OMG!

This is one of my top 10 books along with Tomoe Gozen. I only wish Salmonson had written more. Beautiful descriptions, great characters and plenty of action.

One Samurai's Road

This is the second volume in Jessica Salmonson's fantasy series set around the life of Tomoe Gozen, a semi-legendary woman Samurai in 12th Century Japan. Gozen is believed to have become the wife of Minamoto no Yoshinaka who launched an unsuccessful struggle to gain lordship over Japan and the Minamoto clan that culminated in a massive battle near Kyoto in 1184.

This part of the story starts with Tomoe's refusal to accept a husband. In Feudal Japan a woman was permitted to be a samurai until she was married. At that time she must put aside her weapons and become an obedient homemaker - hardly the kind of role for which the young woman was suited. Instead she storms off and becomes enmeshed in fighting the efforts of one sword smith to destroy the life and works of Okio, the most brilliant sword smith of the age.

In a mid-book climax where Tomoe and her companions battle the 55 samurai who took the life of Okio she discovers the one of her new friends is actually Kiso Yoshinaka, to whom she was promised as bride, and who invites her to join him as a full equal instead of a subservient child bearer. Tomoe accepts, and joins in Lord Kiso's conquests as he gradually builds the strength he will need to challenge his cousin.

In the process of this struggle Tomoe is granted the use of the Golden Naginata, a weapon that will blind anyone who see is unless it has been coated with the blood of the magical kirin that is its guardian. While the weapon often grants victory it seems to collect a toll on its wielder, not in strength, but in anger and self-doubt. Thus this isn't just an adventure story but a tale of Tomoe's efforts to find herself in a culture that always seems to limit her choices.

Aside from an overly long battle scene that seems to be more concerned with its emulation of Japanese convention than stimulating interest, this is a better book than it's predecessor.