Download the Top 100 Audiobooks in Fiction, Historical

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Title: In the Shadow of the Banyan

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Vaddey Ratner

Narrator: Greta Lee

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 19 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-07-12

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 377 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Told from the tender perspective of a young girl who comes of age amid the Cambodian killing fields, this searing first novel - based on the authors personal story - has been hailed by Little Bee author Chris Cleave as a masterpiece utterly heartbreaking and impossibly beautiful.

For seven-year-old Raami, the shattering end of childhood begins with the footsteps of her father returning home in the early dawn hours bringing details of the civil war that has overwhelmed the streets of Phnom Penh, Cambodias capital. Soon the familys world of carefully guarded royal privilege is swept up in the chaos of revolution and forced exodus.

Over the next four years, as she endures the deaths of family members, starvation, and brutal forced labor, Raami clings to the only remaining vestige of childhood - the mythical legends and poems told to her by her father. In a climate of systematic violence where memory is sickness and justification for execution, Raami fights for her improbable survival. Displaying the authors extraordinary gift for language, In the Shadow of the Banyan is testament to the transcendent power of narrative and a brilliantly wrought tale of human resilience.

Critic Reviews:

"This stunning memorial expresses not just the terrors ofthe Khmer Rouge but also the beauty of what was lost. A hauntingly powerful novel imbued with the richness of old Cambodian lore, the devastation of monumental loss, and the spirit of survival." (Publishers Weekly)

"Vaddey Ratner's novel is ravishing in its ability to humanize and personalize the Cambodian genocide of the 1970s. She makes us look unflinchingly at the evil that humankind is capable of, but she gives us a child to hold our hand - an achingly believable child - so that we won't be overwhelmed. As we have passed from one century of horrors and been plunged into a new century giving us more of the same, In the Shadow of the Banyan is a truly important literary event." (Robert Olen Butler, author of A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain)

"Often lyrical, sometimes a bit ponderous: a painful,personal record of Cambodia's holocaust." (Kirkus Reviews)

Members Reviews:

A Terrible Tale from A Beautiful Storywriter

Different approach to telling the horror story of the Communist take over of Cambodia between 1975-'79, and the merciless slaughter of nearly 1/3 of the population (about 3 million) by the Khmer Rouge. The author relies on her own experiences as a child observing the atrocities, but chooses to use a fictional approach, telling the story through the eyes of a 7 yr. old female character named Raami, instead of exclusively using her personal memories to create the story. Ratner's style is poetic and artistic, and she tells much of the story through metaphors and similies--using the folklore, mythology, Buddhist poetry and fables, and the stories of her caretakers and poetic father to make any sense of what is happening, as observed by a child that has never known fear, pain, or monsters other than mythical dragons.

Ratner doesn't go into great detail compared with other books I've read about Phnom Penh and the Khmer Rouge, but the overall barbarism and senseless chaos recounted through the eyes of a child whose childhood has turned into a nightmare, ratchets the violence and fear up to another level that is heartbreaking and sickening.

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Title: The Chaperone

Author: Laura Moriarty

Narrator: Elizabeth McGovern

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 18 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-05-12

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 3068 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The Chaperone is a captivating novel about the woman who chaperoned an irreverent Louise Brooks to New York City in 1922, and the summer that would change them both.

Only a few years before becoming a famous actress and an icon for her generation, a 15-year-old Louise Brooks leaves Wichita to make it big in New York. Much to her annoyance, she is accompanied by a thirty-six-year-old chaperone who is neither mother nor friend. Cora Carlisle is a complicated but traditional woman with her own reasons for making the trip. She has no idea what shes in for: Young Louise, already stunningly beautiful and sporting her famous blunt bangs and black bob, is known for her arrogance and her lack of respect for convention. Ultimately, the five weeks they spend together will change their lives forever.

For Cora, New York holds the promise of discovery that might prove an answer to the question at the center of her being, and even as she does her best to watch over Louise in a strange and bustling city, she embarks on her own mission. And while what she finds isnt what she anticipated, it liberates her in a way she could not have imagined. Over the course of the summer, Coras eyes are opened to the promise of the 20th century and a new understanding of the possibilities for being fully alive.

Members Reviews:

Perfection.

Its been a long time since Ive felt a book was as lovely and touching as The Chaperone turned out to be. I was unable to put down this engaging story once started; so much so that when my ipod fell to the floor and gasped its final breath last night, I found myself rushing to reach the store prior to its closing so I could grudgingly replace the traitorous device.

While (in reality) Louise Brooks may have been the star, in this novel its Cora Carlisle that captures our hearts. We join Cora in 1922, during the summer of her 36th year. For reasons that will soon be reveled, she has decided to chaperone a then 15 year old Louise from Wichita Kansas to New York City, so Louise may participate in a dancing program she has been accepted to. I was amazed at how complete and authentic Cora was; reminding me of my mother, or the stories she tells me of my grandmother, at every turn. It would be so easy for an author to sell a character like this short; representing her strength but not her fear, or her fear without the background that caused it, or highlighting her open mind without bothering to first show us the searching or struggle gone through in order to open that mind. What makes us honorable in life is not what comes easily, but rather that which has been hard fought. As we look back on Coras first 36 years, and follow her through the rest of her life, we are presented with a picture of a complete, strong, and kind woman that I will miss now that the story is over.

Ive always been a fan of Elizabeth McGovern, and the narration was superb, treating Cora with the grace and dignity she deserved.

I really dont know how I'll be able to move from this special story to any other book. It leaves all other options looking a bit lackluster.

The Bee's Knees and So Much More

The Chaperone simultaneously depicts the changing social culture during the 1920's, as well as the feminist self-awakening of small town Wichitan, Cora Carlisle.

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Title: Retreat, Hell!

Subtitle: Book Ten in The Corps Series

Author: W. E. B. Griffin

Narrator: Dick Hill

Format: Unabridged

Length: 17 hrs and 52 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-05-12

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 701 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

It is the fall of 1950. The Marines have made a pivotal breakthrough at Inchon, but a roller coaster awaits them. The bit in his teeth, Douglas MacArthur is intent on surging across the 38th parallel toward the Yalu River, where he is certain no Chinese are waiting for him, while Major Ken McCoy, operating undercover, hears a different story entirely, and is just as intent on nailing down the truth before it is too late. Meanwhile, Brigadier General Fleming Pickering, shuttling between two continents, works desperately to mediate the escalating battle between MacArthur and President Harry Truman, while trying to keep his mind from the cold fact that somewhere out there, his own daredevil pilot son, Pick, is lost behind enemy lines - and may be lost forever.

Before Retreat, Hell! is finished, all their fates will be determined - and for some of them, it will be a bitter pill indeed.

Members Reviews:

Griffin makes war history fun

Retreat includes characters introduced in 2 previous Marine corp books by griffin. We experience the start of the Korean war, with all the intrigue and politics of the day served up with humor, sex and Marine dialog that keeps you listening. I could listen to Dick Hill read the phone Book. He is terrific.

Kudos!

The Corps Series is superb! I didnt want to put it down (figuratively, actually I didnt want to remove the earphones). The next book in the Corps series was being purchased before the one prior ended and I even had to go to the library & actually read the 2 books that were missing from audible (I got absolutely nothing done for 4 days while I was consumed in the pages).

This series inserts several fictional characters in the middle of historical events & people. My dad & his brother participated in the Pacific during WWII and it was fun to hear some of the quotes & sayings/proverbs dad has made throughout the years in this series along with the background as to why that saying or quote originated.

I really wanted to strangle MacArthurs Bataan at several points in the book for withholding information from MacArthur. President Truman really had his hands full but at least knew enough to find knowledgeable people to tell it like it really was and not what they thought he wanted to hear.

I thoroughly enjoyed the character of Ken McCoy who while only being a Major had those of higher rank following his directions in short order. A sign that gave me hope that the idiots of this world will not rule in the end.

This had the feel of the last book in the series and if so, WOW what an end to the tale.

Good story.

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

Yes. I'm a big fan of W.E.B. Griffin.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Retreat, Hell!?

When Pick found the Army.

What does Dick Hill bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

Not much.

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

Ooh ra.

Any additional comments?

None.

Well-wrought Finale

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

Yes.

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Title: 1633

Author: David Weber, Eric Flint

Narrator: George Guidall

Format: Unabridged

Length: 22 hrs and 15 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-25-12

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 892 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

New York Times best-selling author Eric Flints 1632 presented listeners with a fascinating alternate history of the Thirty Years War, through the eyes of a West Virginia community tossed back in time to 17th-century Germany. Here, Flint teams up with acclaimed science fiction author David Weber to continue his epic tale. In 1633, the West Virginians attempt to use their modern-day knowledge to build a resistance against the forces of France, Spain, and England.

Members Reviews:

Audible Get the Rest of This Series Online!

I really have gotten hooked on following the storylines of these characters. The first two books have been great. I really enjoy the mixing in of historical events and the interaction that Flint and his co-writers create between these famous historical figures and the Grantville "Uptimers". I am having to READ the next book 1634 since I can't get it on audible :-(. Please get the rest of this series online ASAP.

BUY "1632" Then Buy "1633" UNBELIEVABLY Good

Vince Flynn is my favorite author.

These to guys are my number two and three.

I am now in desperate need of the next novel.

Wonderfully written, great audio performance, ( I would listen to George Guidall narrate the directions on a bottle of soap).

Just buy, you will love these books.

He's Back!!

Eric Flint returns with his second book in the Ring of Fire series and this time he brings his #1 collaborator David Weber. Anyone that follows Sci-Fi knows that these two are some of the biggest hitters in the genre. They have teamed up for multiple best sellers and their books get some of the best reviews in the business. Eric Flint brings his knowledge of history and his graphic imagery, while David Weber brings his no nonsense writing of churning out great fiction to create this masterpiece. If 1632 was Flint's solo masterpiece, 1633 is his collaborative masterpiece. By this time we have travelled far afield from the actual events of history, but Flint and Weber stay true to the time period and nature of the real life characters to bring us a truly epic tale of historical science fiction. Try and keep up as we travel the world of the 30 years war in all of it's facets. Political intrigue, diplomatic foibles, battlefield strategy, and human ingenuity make this work a truly pleasurable read for sci-fi fans and history buffs alike.

George Guidall is back and brings his A game. In this continuing adventure of the Ring of Fire the cast expands and Guidall answers with his trademark vocal thespianism. He brings the work of Flint and Weber to life.

When is the next book coming out????

The book is really good and i know you will like it.

But since there are many more books in the series already out, i dont see the reason why we have to wait so long for the next books, it has been months. Audible really needs a way to update us on target dates for these books.

Since audible is owned by Amazon, I see no reason why they cant link audible books to the reviews to the books in Amazon. This would really help where there are few or no reviews here. It would also give us an idea about the number and order of the books in a series. I've mentioned this a couple years ago and there appears to be little action. I apologize to all of you expecting a book review, I just felt like venting a little to audible.

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Title: Beach House Memories

Author: Mary Alice Monroe

Narrator: Mary Alice Monroe

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 44 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-08-12

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 155 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Autumn brings its own haunting beauty to the sun-soaked beaches and dunes on Isle of Palms, where Olivia Lovie Rutledge lives in her beloved Primrose Cottage with her daughter, Cara. Looking back as summer fades, Lovie can remember many island summers, but especially one. . . .

In 1974, America was changing, but Charleston remained eternally the same. Lovie had always done what was expected - marrying the son of a historic Charleston family, Stratton Rutledge, and turning over her fortune and fate to his control. But one thing she steadfastly refuses to relinquish: her familys old seaside cottage. The precious summers spent on the barrier island are Lovies refuge. Here, she can escape with her children from the social expectations of her traditional Southern mother, and her overbearing husbands ambition and philandering. Here, she indulges her lifelong vocation as a Turtle Lady, tending the loggerhead sea turtles that lay their eggs in the warm night sand and then slip back into the sea.

This summer, however, is different. Visiting biologist Russell Bennett arrives on the island to research the loggerheads. What begins as a shared passion for the turtles changes to a love far more passionate and profound than Lovie has ever known - but one that forces her to face the most agonizing decision of her life.

For Charlestons elite, divorce is an unforgivable scandal, and Strattons influence is far-reaching. If Lovie dares to dream beyond a summer affair, she risks losing everything: her reputation, her wealth, even her precious children.

Beach House Memories - a poignant and emotional tale of a strong, passionate woman torn between duty and desire, between the traditions of the old South and the social changes sweeping America - will capture your heart. For Lovie, it is an empowering journey of seasons of self-discovery. Until this autumn, this time of changing tides, of holding on and letting go. . . .

Critic Reviews:

This luminous tale - set in the South Carolina Lowcountry that we both love so deeply - was hard to put down. Fans of The Beach House will at last discover what happened during the summer of 1974. But readers new to Mary Alice Monroe need not worry, for this emotional story of love and loss stands alone. (New York Times best-selling author Dorothea Benton Frank)

Members Reviews:

REALLY GREAT STORY

12 hours of listening, the author is the narrator, she was perfect for telling her story of Lovie and her life.... I learned alot about the turtles and their eggs!! Could not put the story down. The story was so real. I would re listen to this book again and will search out other books by this autor. Beautiful story.

Good listen and prequel to Beach House

Would you listen to Beach House Memories again? Why?

Narrator pleasant and easy listen. Interesting prequel to the awesome original book, Beach House. The original Beach House is one of my favorites and 5 star in my opinion. Memories Again is informative to Lovie's earlier life. I recommend, especially if you loved Beach House.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Beach House Memories?

Russell's reaction to Lovie's late night arrival from the beach formulating a guess of what she has been up to and with whom. Pivotal plot point.

What about Mary Alice Monroes performance did you like?

Her ability to vary her voice giving the characters distinction.

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Title: The Captains

Subtitle: The Brotherhood of War Series, Book 2

Author: W. E. B. Griffin

Narrator: Eric G. Dove

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 1 min

Language: English

Release date: 03-07-12

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 805 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

It was more than an incident: It was a deadly assault across the 38th parallel. It was the Korean War. In the fear and the frenzy of battle, those who had served with heroism before were called again by America to man the trenches and sandbag bunkers. From Pusan to the Yalu, they drove forward with commands too new and tanks too old, brothers in war, bonded together in battle as they had never been in peace....

Members Reviews:

Excellent second book

I had not expected to write this review. I had already reviewed the first book in this series, The Lieutenants, and the rest of the volumes in the series, in print at least, were every bit as great as that volume when I first read them. There seemed to be nothing I could add about this volume that would contribute anything new.

The characters are vivid and interesting, their life stories seem both real and representative of people I knew when I served in the military and the environment they live and work in feels real enough to me to almost touch. I am alternating one book of this series with one other book although is hard to force myself not to read through all 9 volumes in a row. So why did I write this review?

I realized, after completing my review of The Lieutenants, that I had not made clear that these books are not books about war. They are stories about the lives of a group of soldiers from their entry into the US Army through the remainder of their careers. While there are incidents where people are shot and where other violence occurs, the books are not primarily about that violence but rather about their individual lives as they progress through their careers and about the special relationships that exist between soldiers who may, at any time, have to go into hazardous duty and their wives and fellow soldiers and it is the story of the military environment in which they live and work.

There is no gratuitous violence in any of the books and I felt it was important to point that out to those who may not have yet had the pleasure of reading a book of the series. This review is probably a little late to mention it since most people who are thinking about buying The Captains have probably already read The Lieutenants, but I did want to make this point.

The Captains

I like it. I can't wait till Audible has the rest of the books in this series available. I just love this type of series.

Does the Narrator Get Paid?

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Good Story

What did you like best about this story?

The Story

What three words best describe Eric G. Doves performance?

LAME LAME LAME

This guy has no business narrating military stories.

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Title: The House at Tyneford

Author: Natasha Solomons

Narrator: Justine Eyre

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 11 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-27-11

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 643 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

An irresistible World War II story of a forbidden upstairs-downstairs romance in a great English country house.

Its the spring of 1938 and no longer safe to be a Jew in Vienna. Nineteen-year-old Elise Landau is forced to leave her glittering life of parties and champagne to become a parlor maid in England. She arrives at Tyneford, the great house on the bay, where servants polish silver and serve drinks on the lawn. But war is coming, and the world is changing. When Kit, the son of Tynefords master, returns home, he and Elise strike up an unlikely friendship that will transform Tyneford - and Elise - forever.

A pageturning tale of family, love, loss, and the power of the human spirit set against the perennially popular backdrop of World War II England, Natasha Solomons The House at Tyneford is upmarket romantic fiction at its best.

Natasha Solomons is a screenwriter and the internationally bestselling author of Mr. Rosenblum Dreams in English and Mr. Rosenblums List. She lives with her husband in Dorset, England.

Critic Reviews:

Natasha Solomons has writtena lovely, atmospheric novel full of charming characters and good, oldfashioned storytelling. (Kristin Hannah, New York Times best-selling author)

Members Reviews:

Highly Recommend This Book

I know I've just read a good book when I can't wait to share it with my friends.

The publisher's summary makes it seem like a typically-formulaic romance novel. IT IS NOT. For one thing, it's pretty clean. No bodice-ripping scenes involved, but there is some "colorful dialog" just to keep things "realistic". Normally, I don't dig romance novels, but my daughter raved about it, so I gave it a listen. It is the first book by Natasha Solomons that I have listened to, but it won't be the last. She is such a gifted writer. Her style is descriptive without being verbose which, as I'm sure any writer knows, can be a challenge. I would compare her writing to that of Susanna Kearsley because it has that same overall sense of elegant melancholy. She made me feel such compassion for Elise, who just didn't fit in anywhere. I was able to sense her loneliness and profound loss without pitying her. This is one of those books that I wanted to stretch on into eternity. The characters are well-developed, but not overly so. The author did her job well, leaving me wanting more.

Now, about the narrator: she usually grates on my nerves. I forgot that I had promised myself never to listen to anything she narrates ever again, but I decided that I wasn't going to let her ruin the book for me. To give credit where it is due, she didn't do a bad job with this book, aside from not voicing men very well (it IS difficult for a woman to read masculine dialog). In fact, there are some scenes that just would not have had the proper pathos had I just read the book. The scene where Elise first meets Kit (while she's trying to expres her frustration by shouting at the sea, using all of the English swear words she knows) would not have been nearly as funny either if I hadn't listened to the audiobook.

Without giving away any of the plotlines, I'd like to add that you should have a box of tissues handy before you listen. I wish someone would have warned me ahead of time.

Mixed Opinion

I didnt realize I even liked this book until I got to the end and found myself sobbing in the car on the way to work. Clearly it affected me.

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Title: Lionheart

Author: Sharon Kay Penman

Narrator: Emily Gray

Format: Unabridged

Length: 27 hrs and 53 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-30-11

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 378 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

From New York Times best-selling novelist Sharon Kay Penman comes the stunning story of a great medieval warrior-king, the accomplished and controversial son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine: Richard the Lionheart. A powerful tale of intrigue, war, and diplomacy, Lionheart plays out against the roiling conflicts of love and loyalty, passion and treachery, all set against the rich textures of the Holy Land.

Members Reviews:

Finally Sharon Penman on Audio!

Lionheart the review

I have read Lionheart twice and have just had the extreme pleasure of listening to it. Yes finally a Penman novel on audio. The Narrator Emily Grey does a fine job and one of the things I like most about listening to an audio book is for the pronunciation of languages I am unfamiliar with.

Ms. Penmens works are dense and take concentration, the world often fades away as I read or in this case listen to her work, and when I am interrupted it takes time for me to come back to myself.

Lionheart is the 4th book in the Angevin saga which will end up spanning 5 books. The 5th book is also a bridge to her earlier work: Here be Dragons and the accompanying books collectively known as the Welsh trilogy. But all of Ms. Penmans books can stand alone. I am a devotee of Penmans work and have read and reread all of her books. She never ceases to amaze me with her skill; her writing is as close to perfection as one could ask. She is a novelist true but she offers characters so fully etched that at times you have to remember to tell yourself that besides the thorough research, the rest is supposition. She gets the psychology of the characters right, and their reactions to situations are so real that it is uncanny. She knows the history, customs, morals, the religion and the political climate of the time period, I feel very comfortable with her conclusions.

OK but could have been so much better.

Year's ago I read several Penman books and loved them. Many years later I read a comment by her on her website. She was asked why none of her books had been produced as audio books. She said she thought her books were too long and complex to be successfully transferred to audio. At the time I thought that was ridiculous. Other BIG books were huge audio book hits.

I was excited when I found that one of her books was to be released as an audiobook. I read it and realized she was right. For some reason this book was dry, dull and difficult to finish. There were moments when it shone. And some of the supporting characters were fascinatingly portrayed, especially Richard's mother and sister. But they were fascinating in real life too. History tells us that Richard was larger than life, charismatic, a born leader and dead before his time. He should have been an amazingly interesting character in this novel. Instead he was one dimensional and boring.

I don't know why this book did not translate well into audio format. Perhaps the novel itself was not up to par with her earlier work. I would still be thrilled if her trilogy Here Be Dragons, Falls the Shadow and The Reckoning ever made it to audio. But now I am worried they might disappoint.

It took a while to grow on me...

Would you listen to Lionheart again? Why?

...but I'll relisten to it in a few years. This narrative is more events driven like a history than character driven like fiction.

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Title: Where Shadows Dance

Author: C. S. Harris

Narrator: Davina Porter

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 25 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-06-11

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 744 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Drawing upon her background in ancient history and her experiences on archaeological digs, author C.S. Harris crafts authentic, compelling novels that appear regularly on best-seller lists and have won numerous awards. In 1812, surgeon Paul Gibson discovers a stiletto wound in the base of a corpses skull and immediately contacts Sebastian St. Cyr. And when another body turns up with the same injury, the lives of St. Cyrs family are threatened if he doesnt back off. Now, the pressures on to find the culprit before anyone else gets killed.

Members Reviews:

Mystery with a little romance

I love this series. It combines great plot lines and mysteries that keep you guessing with some wonderful characters that I have grown quite attached to. Sebastian St. Cyr, the lead man, not only solves murder mysteries, but has many of his own mysteries to untangle in his own life. The characters have taken on a life of their own and I can't wait for the next installment in the series. The narrator has a wonderful English accent that blends well with the storyline and characters as well. Highly recommend - but try to read the first books in the series prior to this one.

Mystery with a little romance

I love this series. It combines great plot lines and mysteries that keep you guessing with some wonderful characters that I have grown quite attached to. Sebastian St. Cyr, the lead man, not only solves murder mysteries, but has many of his own mysteries to untangle in his own life. The characters have taken on a life of their own and I can't wait for the next installment in the series. The narrator has a wonderful English accent that blends well with the storyline and characters as well. Highly recommend - but try to read the first books in the series prior to this one.

Warning: Starts towards the end of a series

I really liked this book. I started it, heard something really intriguing which was a spoiler alert for previous books, and I decided to set it aside and start with the first book in the series. Unfortunately Audible only offers the last three in the series of eight books. I downloaded the first 5 books to Kindle and read them in order before going back to listen to this book. And I am so glad I did. I love this series. It has interesting individual mysteries, which are completed within each book while gradually unraveling the personal history of St. Cyr across the series. Davina Porter reads well, as always. She has particular musical quirks of intonation that don't work for every book, but I didn't find them off-putting. St. Cyr is an engaging and likable main character and I'm certainly hooked on the series. I'll definitely order the other two titles offered by Audible and hope someday the previous books will be available.

the series continues to entertain

What did you love best about Where Shadows Dance?

The consistency of characters.

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Title: Becoming Marie Antoinette

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Juliet Grey

Narrator: Juliet Grey

Format: Unabridged

Length: 16 hrs and 27 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-09-11

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 113 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

This enthralling confection of a novel, the first in a new trilogy, follows the transformation of a coddled Austrian archduchess into the reckless, powerful, beautiful queen Marie Antoinette.

"Why must it be me?" I wondered. "When I am so clearly inadequate to my destiny?"

Raised alongside her numerous brothers and sisters by the formidable empress of Austria, ten-year-old Maria Antonia knew that her idyllic existence would one day be sacrificed to her mothers political ambitions. What she never anticipated was that the day in question would come so soon.

Before she can journey from sunlit picnics with her sisters in Vienna to the glitter, glamour, and gossip of Versailles, Antonia must change everything about herself in order to be accepted as dauphine of France and the wife of the awkward teenage boy who will one day be Louis XVI. Yet nothing can prepare her for the ingenuity and influence it will take to become queen.

Filled with smart history, treacherous rivalries, lavish clothes, and sparkling jewels, Becoming Marie Antoinette will utterly captivate fiction and history lovers alike.

From the Trade Paperback edition.

Critic Reviews:

A thoroughly enjoyable novel, brimming with delightful details. Grey writes eloquently and with charming humor, bringing Toinette vividly to life as she is schooled and groomed - molded, quite literally - for a future as Queen of France, an innocent pawn in a deadly political game.(Sandra Gulland, bestselling author of Mistress of the Sun and the Josephine Bonaparte trilogy)

"In her richly imagined novel, Juliet Grey meticulously recreates the sumptuous court of France's most tragic queen. Beautifully written, with attention paid to even the smallest detail, Becoming Marie Antoinette will leave readers wanting more!" (Michelle Moran, bestselling author of Madame Tussaud)

A lively and sensitive portrait of a young princess in a hostile court, and one of the most sympathetic portrayals of the doomed queen. (Lauren Willig, bestselling author of the Pink Carnation series)

Members Reviews:

Absolutely the best narration from an author!

If you could sum up Becoming Marie Antoinette in three words, what would they be?

Enchanting, engrossing and delightful

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the narrator. I am not very excited when authors read their own books but this is an exception. Juliet Grey IS Marie Antoinette. She says the French and Austrian words flawlessly. I really felt like I was hearing Marie Antoinette speaking. The voice for Antoinette's mother was even perfect. This really came alive for me and my daughter who now adores the book. Sadly, the other two are not available as audio books. I hope that changes and I would love to hear the author narrate other royal nonfiction!

Which character as performed by Juliet Grey was your favorite?

Marie Antoinette.

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

I was shocked by how I was drawn into the book. I am not personally a fan of the historical fiction genre but this changed my mind. The narration is the best I have heard.

Any additional comments?

I wrote the author about this book and the other two books are not audio books. Anyone who enjoys the book should write the author on goodreads and the publisher.