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Title: The 13th Apostle

Subtitle: A Novel of a Dublin Family, Michael Collins, and the Irish Uprising

Author: Dermot McEvoy

Narrator: John Keating

Format: Unabridged

Length: 19 hrs and 10 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-14-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 64 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The story - both romantic and terrifying - of how a handful of men, armed with nothing more than handguns and guts, forced the greatest nation in the world from their shores.

On Easter Monday, April 24, 1916, the first great revolution of the twentieth century began as working-class men and women occupied buildings throughout Dublin, Ireland, including the general post office on OConnell Street. Among the commoners in the GPO was a young staff captain of the Irish Volunteers named Michael Collins. He was joined a day later by a fourteen-year-old messenger boy, Eoin Kavanagh. Four days later they would all surrender, but they had struck the match that would burn Great Britain out of Ireland for the first time in seven hundred years.

The 13th Apostle is the reimagined story of how Michael Collins, along with his young acolyte Eoin, transformed Ireland from a colony into a nation. Collinss secret weapon was his intelligence system and his assassination squad, nicknamed The Twelve Apostles. On November 21, 1920, the squad - with its thirteenth member, young Eoin - assassinated the entire British Secret Service in Dublin. Twelve months and sixteen days later, Collins signed the Treaty at 10 Downing Street, which brought into being what is, today, the Republic of Ireland.

An epic novel in the tradition of Thomas Flanagans The Year of the French and Leon Uriss Trinity, The 13th Apostle is a story that will capture the imagination and hearts of freedom-loving readers everywhere.

Members Reviews:

entertaining and informative

The story is fun and engaging. It also describes a very interesting period in Irish history. The narrator does an excellent job.

Enjoyed the history, not the bad sex

What did you love best about The 13th Apostle?

Great view into the "everyday rebel" in 1916-1922

Who was your favorite character and why?

Michael Collins-great personification of a historical figure, showed strengths, flaws and difficult choices before the young revolutionary

What about John Keatings performance did you like?

Great Irish Accent. had a good distinction between characters

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Man enough to admit I was fighting tears at the death of Mic Collins even though I very well knew it was coming

Any additional comments?

Really enjoyed the book, agree with other reviewers that the modern-day story was completely and entirely unnecessary. The author also has no experience or reason to describe sex...my 14 year old self could have done a better job on those parts. I recommend skipping as many "sex" scenes as possible.

Let me know when it's 1919 again

As other reviewers mentioned, the historical element of the book (which is happily the vast majority of it) is great--exciting, accurate as far as I could tell, and with interesting personalities. But I found Johnny and Diane, our modern day narrators, to be insufferable--when not making bizarre non-sequitur sexual innuendos, they're over-explaining what was just read as if it were a Wishbone episode, with inane questions from Diane and smug responses from Johnny.

However, the historical narrative is compelling enough and the reader is engaging enough that I did like it, overall.

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Title: Scales of Gold

Subtitle: The House of Niccolo, Book 4

Author: Dorothy Dunnett

Narrator: Gordon Griffin

Format: Unabridged

Length: 27 hrs and 14 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-06-14

Publisher: Whole Story Audiobooks

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 83 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The year 1464 finds our hero Nicholas in Venice. Plagued by enemies, he sets sail for Africa, legendary location of the Fountain of Youth and the source of gold, where he discovers the charms of the beautiful Gelis - a woman whose passion for Nicholas is rivalled only by her desire to punish him for his role in her sister's death

Critic Reviews:

"A glorious panorama of medieval times ... The historical research is impeccable" (Sunday Express)

Members Reviews:

One of her best, and well performed

Dunnett's books are difficult to narrate with variety, liveliness, and intelligence. This narrator managed it with one of the best books in the series. Dunnett is unmatched in modern literature. if you decide to read her, know that you will be spoiled for the rest of modern fiction. She makes all other novels read like pablum.

now can we get the lymond chronicles whispersynced

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

always.

What other book might you compare Scales of Gold to and why?

the rest of the series, plus the lymond chronicles, because dunnett is the best.

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

of course. 14 books, one wishes never to leave

Any additional comments?

we're getting there, now PLEASE WHISPERSYNC THE LYMOND CHRONICLES! That would be a whole new revenue stream for you, with people gobbling all these books up at 3.99, just like niccolo!

Journey to Timbucktoo to Lopez' home to find gold

If you could sum up Scales of Gold in three words, what would they be?

Exciting, exotic, extreme

Who was your favorite character and why?

Lopez because he was developed and explained. He first appeared in book 1 in the Venetian galleys, and was a devoted slave, given away and retrieved back into Niccolos' service, to the extent that he became a loyal friend deserving loyalty himself. Sad end.

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

The pronounciation of the names, the soporific and gentle tone of his voice. So that I can go to sleep listening to him. (Very useful for an insomniac.)

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

Adventure, travel, triumph of good over evil.

Any additional comments?

I love Dorothy Dunnett's sophisticated writing style. Her wide historical knowledge is evident and well-researched. She evokes sympathy for her hero, Niccolo, despite his many near-death escapades.

Excellent narration

Where does Scales of Gold rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

This is an excellent version of a book I know well from having read it. As with all DD books, the storyline and character portfolio is detailed and convoluted - and Gordon Griffin did a great job of steering the listener through the maze. Although his accents werent as differentiated as other narrators, his emotional handling of the book was far superior

Excellent

A brilliant story, beautifully told. Thank you. I wish the rest of the series had been narrated by the same reader.

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Title: The Spring of the Ram

Subtitle: The House of Niccolo, Book 2

Author: Dorothy Dunnett

Narrator: Gordon Griffin

Format: Unabridged

Length: 26 hrs and 43 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-06-14

Publisher: Whole Story Audiobooks

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 100 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In 1461, the mysterious Nicholas is in Florence. Backed by none other than Cosimo de' Medici, he will sail the Black Sea to Trebizond, last outpost of Byzantium, and the last jewel missing from the crown of the Ottoman Empire.

The Spring of the Ram is a blend of scholarship and narrative shimmering with the scents, sounds, colours and combustible emotions of the 15th century.

Critic Reviews:

"Dorothy Dunnett takes readers with her into a fabulous past, using suspense and high adventure" (Sunday Telegraph)

Members Reviews:

Well done!

I read the series years ago. Happy to relive the life and adventures of Niccolo through the wonderful voice of Mr. Griffin.

Gordon Griffin's accents are such a disaapoinment

Where does The Spring of the Ram rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

Really disappointing

What did you like best about this story?

I love the story - I've read it 3 times, first time listening. First two books of the series were great audiobooks. This one, uck.

How could the performance have been better?

Why does everyone have to have a phony accept? And, what sense does it make having the main character - who is from the same place as many with the phony accepts NOT have his own accent? Nicholas grew up with Mathilde - why does Mathilde have a terribly fake French accent and Nicholas not?? Please - you did a great job in Book 1, why change the game now. So distracting, so disappointing. There are 5 more books. Are you going to be as corny in all of them?

If you could take any character from The Spring of the Ram out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Tobie - to see if he started to sneeze.

Any additional comments?

I wish there were no accents.

Another shot of brilliance!

Having read these books after The Lymond Chronicles a few years ago, they were never to be forgotten, I thought, but now I realise just how much more is to be gained by listening to them by an experienced narrator. It was a revelation!

At first, I thought Gordon Griffin's voice should have been slightly younger but after the first book I realized just how proficient he is and settled in nicely. The knowledge and pleasure I felt was immeasurable and I could not put it down. I even read pieces from my Kindle/Laptop but I could not bring myself to go further on to the location when back on my Tab; the words were far too precious!

On to book 3!

Riveting read

A complex and fascinating story, very well read, will give you many hours of listening pleasure. The growth of the characters, first introduced inNiccolo Rising, the end of an ancient empire, personal rivalries and shifting patterns of trade and politics give the story strength and depth. Listen and become hooked on Dorothy Dunnett's fully researched and realised fifteenth century world. Then move pn to her magical Lympnd books.

Medieval adventure in Trabzon, Turkey

What made the experience of listening to The Spring of the Ram the most enjoyable?

Following the story of Klaas the former dye-worker's apprentice, after his wife's death, his enemies, Simon and de Fleury, wanted to kill him, and he needed to make his fortune.

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Title: Whose Names Are Unknown

Author: Sanora Babb

Narrator: Alyssa Bresnahan

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 45 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-31-14

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 31 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Sanora Babb' s long-hidden novel Whose Names Are Unknown tells an intimate story of the High Plains farmers who fled drought dust storms during the Great Depression. Written with empathy for the farmers' plight, this powerful narrative is based upon the author' s firsthand experience.

This clear-eyed and unsentimental story centers on the fictional Dunne family as they struggle to survive and endure while never losing faith in themselves. In the Oklahoma Panhandle, Milt, Julia, their two little girls, and Milt' s father, Konkie, share a life of cramped circumstances in a one-room dugout with never enough to eat.

Yet buried in the drudgery of their everyday life are aspirations, failed dreams, and fleeting moments of hope. The land is their dream. The Duanne family and the farmers around them fight desperately for the land they love, but the droughts of the thirties force them to abandon their fields. When they join the exodus to the irrigated valleys of California, they discover not the promised land, but an abusive labor system arrayed against destitute immigrants.

The system labels all farmers like them as worthless " Okies" and earmarks them for beatings and worse when hardworking men and women, such as Milt and Julia, object to wages so low they can' t possibly feed their children.

The informal communal relations these dryland farmers knew on the High Plains gradually coalesce into a shared determination to resist. Realizing that a unified community is their best hope for survival, the Dunnes join with their fellow workers and begin the struggle to improve migrant working conditions through democratic organization and collective protest.

Critic Reviews:

"Alyssa Bresnahan grabs attention and never releases it throughout Sanora Babb's deeply felt and deeply human novel.... Bresnahan elicits every nuance from Babb's seemingly simple dialogue while at the same time finding the precise voice and tempo for each of the many remarkable characters. Babb's first-class novel is given a first-class performance." (AudioFile)

Members Reviews:

enlightenment

I have read "Grapes of Wrath". I love the writings of John Steinbeck. This novel is more human than the above.

O, how we judged the victims of the dust bowl.

This book is a masterpiece of americana that should not be missed.. the dailey struggles of the Dunn family and the struggles of so many from this part of the country. It is easy to say that they brought this upon themselves, but I disagree this could be the story of any of us given the right circumstances. I was moved by the stories of desperation and hope this book shared. The writing was beautiful; in spots and very moving.

You also might enjoy the Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan. I am also listening to my Antonia by Willa Cather. I have not listened to Grapes of Wrath yet maybe in the future.

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Title: The Isoms

Subtitle: Book 1

Author: Dusty Rhodes

Narrator: Gene Engene

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 55 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-17-14

Publisher: Books in Motion

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 125 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

After burying their parents, the three young Isom brothers faced starvation. Desperate and penniless, they set out in search of work. Their long, difficult journey forces them to discover themselves, and the harsh reality of life in the late 1800s. With hard work, determination, and a dream, they emerge as one of the greatest success stories of the old west.

Members Reviews:

Engaging

It has been sometime since I read a western so thought it might make a nice change of pace. The story starts off in the late 1800 with a familiar western theme; three young brothers, Frank, Bob, and Jesse have just buried their parents. They face starvation and are desperate, so off they go to find work so they can eat.

Rhodes tells the story of each of the brothers in his usual interesting style. The story tells of how they learned skills and developed into hard working honest men. Rhodes is a great story teller and he can keep my attention throughout the book.

I think the narrator Gene Engene has the perfect voice for narrating a western.

Great Read

If you could sum up The Isoms in three words, what would they be?

Interesting, fast-paced, western

What other book might you compare The Isoms to and why?

the Longhorns, because it's about overcoming odds and the building of a western empire

Which character as performed by Gene Engene was your favorite?

Bob

If you could rename The Isoms, what would you call it?

Love it like it is.

Any additional comments?

Enjoyed this one, keep looking for book 2 .

anything written by Dusty Rhodes & read by Gene Engene is worthy listening.

A very good Western Book

This story is a very good read. The story line is very interesting with a lot of action. This book follows " The Longhorn" series & keeps your interest the same. They both holds your attention to the very in. After reading "The Isoms" books 1 & 2, I would recommend reading "The Longhorn" series.

Manly story

Love the Dusty Rhodes western novels. Enjoy men overcoming adversity. Working hard, fighting hard, living by a sense of right and wrong which is not governed by human laws but by a inner sense of moral right and wrong. Thoroughly enjoyed.

Refreshing read

In a day when evil seems to triumph, it is refreshing to read stories where the good-guys win. Dusty Rhodes writes really good stories that not only entertain, they simply make one feel better about life - even is what you are reading is fiction. I've really enjoyed all his books so far.

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Title: Darcy's Decision

Subtitle: Given Good Principles, Volume 1

Author: Maria Grace

Narrator: Chandler Craig

Format: Unabridged

Length: 3 hrs and 28 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-25-13

Publisher: Maria Grace

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 17 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Six months after his father's passing, Fitzwilliam Darcy still finds solace in his morning reflections at his parents' graves. Only in the quiet solitude of the churchyard does he indulge his grief. None but his unlikely mentor recognize the heartache and insecurity plaguing him as he shoulders the enormous burden of being Master of Pemberley. Not all are pleased with his choice of adviser. Lady Catherine complains Darcy allows him too much influence. Lord Matlock argues, "Who is he to question the God-appointed social order?" But the compassionate wisdom Darcy finds in his counselor keeps him returning for guidance even though it causes him to doubt everything he has been taught. In the midst of his struggles to reinvent himself, his school chum Charles Bingley arrives. Darcy hopes the visit will offer some respite from the uproar in his life. Instead of relief, Darcy discovers his father's darkest secret staring him in the face. Pushed to his limits, Darcy must overcome the issues that ruined his father and, with his friends and mentor at his side, restore his tarnished birthright.

Members Reviews:

Springing and Pressing and Eyebrows, oh my!

Criticism aside, I read all the Given Good Principles books, as well as all the Queen of Rosings books, so they were fun enough a read for me to finish them and wish there were more. :)

That said, I didn't like some of the repeated word choices, for example everyone was always pressing handkerchiefs around. Further, I thought the verb usage was far too active, almost frenetic; people rake their hands all over their persons, they pace relentlessly, and most of all everyone is spring-loaded. What I mean by this is quite often Someone or Another "sprang up" or "sprang forward" or "sprang over". Another sort of funny usage was the animation of Elizabeth's eyebrows; they are always up to her hairline, twitching, or going this way and that; I laughed to imagine it, to be honest.

I just didn't think the over-activity suited the scene, and that it would have been far more appropriate for the characters to be still at certain times.

Having said my piece, I will add to it that I recall reading original Austen and finding it funny that everyone "cried out" this and that; why were they always shouting? Perhaps Ms. Grace was just trying to be faithful in that way. At any rate, I read quite a bit of her books and I liked them enough to continue. Thanks for that!

Background on characters before lovers met with principles being given by a new character, a curate

I counted 61 paperbacks on my shelves and 29 stories in my new Kindle, most having to do with P&P in either "What-if" form or as sequels. There are maybe half a dozen having to do with other of JA's stories and several modern versions of her stories. Having read the third of this series by mistake first I then read the other two before posting this review. I found too many footnotes, as did other reviewers, and in being new to Kindle couldn't not find where the meanings are listed. I did like the addition of the spiritual advisor, Mr. Bradley, and his advice to Darcy. Georgina's extreme change from a shy retiring girl who idolizes her brother, a father-like figure in the original story, into a smart mouthed nave rebellious teenager made me, also, want to slap her face.

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Title: Carpathian

Subtitle: Event Group, Book 8

Author: David L. Golemon

Narrator: Richard Poe

Format: Unabridged

Length: 23 hrs and 4 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-29-13

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 229 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Rumors of the seemingly magical victory that allowed the Exodus of Israelites from Egypt have resonated through the archaeological world for decades. Now evidence has been discovered that explains how the ancient Hebrews destroyed the unstoppable army of Pharaoh - a tribe of warriors who disappeared after the destruction of the City of Jericho, taking with them the most valued treasures of a people without a homeland. Today a treasure of a different kind is unearthed at the lost ruins of Jericho, one that will change the history of Gods Chosen people for all time - the petrified remains of an animal that could not exist. Enter the Event Group. Led by Col. Jack Collins, the Group's brilliant men and women gather to discover the truth behind not only the Exodus, but also the magnificent animals that led the defeat of Pharoahs army. On a whirlwind race to save the most valuable treasure and artifacts in the history of the world from those who would destroy them, the Event Group will come face to face with every myth, legend, and historical truth that has ever unfolded in the mythic and larger-than-life Carpathians - or as the area was once known - Transylvania, the land of Vlad the Impaler.

Members Reviews:

So there really are critters out there!!

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Edit. Edit. Edit.A good iteration of the Event Group series, but goodness it seems so stretched out.

Would you recommend Carpathian to your friends? Why or why not?

You really need to be into The Event Group to get into this series, so that would dramatically limit exposure. That said, I would , given this context.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scenes in the Carpathian Mountains are pretty compelling.

Could you see Carpathian being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No.

Any additional comments?

Good performance of a book that needs ALOT of EDITING. Seems like the author was throwing everything they had into it to stretch it out, for whatever reason.

I tolerated it, but did I mention EDITING?

Still, entertaining, and a good addition to the series.Recommended in context.

what goes up must come down

As usual, this next book in the series didn't disappoint with the many twists and turns in the plot. I also enjoyed the irony of the ending, and the hook for the next book. Really didn't want to put it down when I started listening.

A great mixture of SiFi & old school spooky.

Secret agent science fiction storyline runs head on into ancient Egypt and the Old Testament diaspora with added twist of geopolitics and 1930s golden age Hollywood horror. The narrator , in tone and tambour always creates a an atmosphere that makes you want to leave a light on at night but in the most suspenseful and satisfying way.

Did Not Disappoint!

Addicted to the Event Series I was not disappointed with this book. I didn't give it 5 stars, I thought it was a little drawn out. Action, adventure, mystery and history all in one book, what more could you want.

just too good!!

I have said it before this audio series is just wonderful!! I love all the characters and the story lines

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Title: The Eagles' Brood

Subtitle: Camulod Chronicles, Book 3

Author: Jack Whyte

Narrator: Kevin Pariseau

Format: Unabridged

Length: 27 hrs and 47 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-20-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 226 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The Eagles Brood continues the saga of the Colony known as Camulod, and the tale of the descendants of those brave Romans who forged a new way of life for the Celt and Roman peoples when the Roman legions departed Britain.

Most know the new leader of the Colony as Merlyn; all call him Commander. Cauis Merlyn Britannicus is responsible for their safety, and all look to him for guidance, leadership, justice, and salvation. It is a harsh life but a good community, and Merlyn is dedicated to spreading the influence of Roman culture beyond the Colonys borders.

Uther Pendragon, the man who will father the legendary Arthur, is the cousin Merlyn has known and loved since they were birthed, four hours apart on the same day, the year the legions left Britain. He is the tireless warrior - the red dragon to Merlyns great silver bear - and between the two of them, the Colony knows few enemies.

As different as they can be, they are inseparable: two faces of the same coin. In a world torn apart by warfare and upheaval, each is the others certainty and guarantee of the survival of the Colony...until a vicious crime, one that strikes at the roots of Merlyns life, drives a wedge between them. A wedge that threatens the fate of a nation....

Members Reviews:

Awesome!

The whole series is amazing. By far the best of the Arthurian sagas. Kevin Pariseau has been a favorite narrator since the first time I listened to The Winds of War.

Great King Arthur and Rome series

When I first read these books a decade ago, I thought they were at the top of their game. They're still great for many reasons, but one thing I missed the first time around is the shear amount of exposition. Much of it is necessary, but most not necessarily so. It would be easy to argue that the primary narrative and story of the books are told in exposition. So if this author's previous works weren't enjoyed by you or you thought other works had too much exposition (like, say Pillars of the Earth) you might be wary. But, what the author does to make up for the amount of exposition is posit an entertainingly plausible story of how King Arthur stepped out of the world left by the fall of Rome. And I still enjoyed that story the second time around.

The Eagles brood

Loved every minute of this book all of jack whyte books are amazing could listen to them over and over never getting tired of them

good, but not as first two

didn't hold my attention like first two but still worth listening to. so I do value it

Good story!

If you could sum up The Eagles' Brood in three words, what would they be?

3 words...REALLY? This series is addictive. It is like listening to a master story teller as you get lost in the imagery & characters. When I started listening to the 1st book, I wasn't sure I'd like it... but as I am on book 4 now I'd say I 'm hooked :)

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Title: The Passion of the Purple Plumeria

Author: Lauren Willig

Narrator: Kate Reading

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 33 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-06-13

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 250 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Never before published!

Lauren Willigs Pink Carnation novels have been hailed as "sheer fun" and "charming". Now she takes listeners on an adventure filled with hidden treasure and a devilishly handsome English colonel....

Colonel William Reid has returned home from India to retire near his children, who are safely stowed at an academy in Bath. Upon his return to the Isles, however, he finds that one of his daughters has vanished, along with one of her classmates.

Because she served as second-in-command to the Pink Carnation, one of Englands most intrepid spies, it would be impossible for Gwendolyn Meadows to give up the intrigue of Paris for a quiet life in the English countryside - especially when shes just overheard news of an alliance forming between Napoleon and an Ottoman Sultan. But, when the Pink Carnations little sister goes missing from her English boarding school, Gwen reluctantly returns home to investigate the girls disappearance.

Thrown together by circumstance, Gwen and William must cooperate to track down the young ladies before others with nefarious intent get their hands on them. But Gwens partnership with quick-tongued, roguish William may prove to be even more of an adventure for her than finding the lost girls.

Members Reviews:

Miss Gwen is THE BOMB!

If you could sum up The Passion of the Purple Plumeria in three words, what would they be?

Entertaining, Clever, Original

What does Kate Reading bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

Excellent narration. Her accents and character differentiation are fantastic. She is one of the best.

If you could take any character from The Passion of the Purple Plumeria out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Miss Gwen without a doubt. I like how she always tells it like it is!

Any additional comments?

I was so sad when the book ended. I can't decide if I want to listen to this book again or start from the first book in the series and work my way through them all again. I thought Ms. Willig wrote a wonderful love story for Miss Gwen.

I didn't think that Eloise's story was as strong as it was in some of the previous books, but I was so happy with Gwen's story that I didn't mind the weakness or real lack of a strong storyline for Eloise.

If you've not listened to or read the other books in the series then Miss Gwen's attitude and seemingly harsh manner may not be understood. Beneath her gruff exterior lies a soft-hearted woman.

Lauren's got her groove back!

The previous book in the Pink Carnation series was kind of forgettable (I don't even remember which one it was), but since I have thoroughly enjoyed most of them, I was very excited to get The Passion of the Purple Plumeria. Am I glad I did! It's right back up there with her first books in humour, intrigue, and soppiness, so I had my fill of a terrific romance, lots of spy stuff, and plenty of laughter.

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Title: The Tudor Conspiracy

Subtitle: Spymaster Chronicles, Book 2

Author: C.W. Gortner

Narrator: Steve West

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 21 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-16-13

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 118 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Hunted by a shadowy foe in Bloody Marys court, Brendan Prescott plunges into Londons treacherous underworld to unravel a dark conspiracy that could make Elizabeth queen - or send her to her death.

England, 1553. Harsh winter encroaches upon the realm. Mary Tudor has become queen to popular acclaim, and her enemies are imprisoned in the Tower. But when shes betrothed to Philip, Catholic prince of Spain, putting her Protestant subjects in peril, rumors of a plot to depose her swirl around the one person many consider to be Englands heir and only hope: the queens half-sister, Princess Elizabeth.

Haunted by his past, Brendan Prescott lives far from the intrigues of court. But his time of refuge comes to an end when his foe and mentor, the spymaster Cecil, brings him disquieting news that sends him on a dangerous mission. Elizabeth is held captive at court, the target of the Spanish ambassador, who seeks her demise. Obliged to return to the palace where he almost lost his life, Brendan finds himself working as a double agent for Queen Mary herself, who orders Brendan to secure proof that will be his cherished Elizabeths undoing.

Plunged into a deadly game of cat and mouse with a mysterious opponent who hides a terrifying secret, Brendan races against time to retrieve a cache of the princess private letters, even as he begins to realize that in this dark world of betrayal and deceit, where power is supreme and sister can turn against sister, nothing - and no one - is what it seems.

Members Reviews:

Enjoyed

Very enjoyable, well read. Hope for more from this author. Interesting plot about an interesting time.

Good

Fun read....loved the narration. Solid story. With this second book in series, can see main character growing with experience and look forward to his further adventures protecting Queen Elisabeth.

Series keeps getting better!

Read from August 11 to 24, 2013

I was sooooo not ready for this book to end.

This was a fun, fast-paced story, as expected; however, there were a few things with it that didn't work quite as well for me as the first book.

**************Spoilers below**************

The biggest problem I had with this book was not that Brendan found himself succumbing to Sybilla's seductive ways but that he spent most of the book not remembering Kate---not thinking at all about the woman he's supposedly in love with and wants above all else to marry and spend the rest of his life with. The confrontation between Brendan and Kate when they do finally see each other again did not have the emotional impact or resonance it would have if Kate hadn't been forgotten/not mentioned for three-quarters of the book. It's an "out of sight, out of mind" type of scenario, which gives no weight to Brendan's "betrayal" of her with Sybilla. Yes, I understand that men process emotions differently and can compartmentalize their thoughts and emotions; but it didn't ring true that he wouldn't think about Kate at all once he was separated from her.

Another issue I have is the amount of time that's passed between Book 1 and Book 2. When Scarcliff is telling Brendan about how he and Nan scrimped and saved their money to buy the tavern, this seems as if it would be something that would have taken years and years to accomplish, not just a few months. King Edward VI died July 6, 1553 (an event covered in Book 1).