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Title: City of Masks

Author: S D Sykes

Narrator: Ewan Goddard

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 20 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-13-17

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

It's 1358. Oswald de Lacy, Lord Somershill, is in Venice awaiting a pilgrim galley to the Holy Land. While the city is under siege from the Hungarians, Oswald lodges with an English merchant and soon comes under the dangerous spell of the decadent and dazzling island state that sits on the hinge of Europe, where East meets West. Oswald is trying to flee the chilling shadow of something in his past, but when he finds a dead man on the night of the carnival, he is dragged into a murder investigation that takes him deep into the intrigues of this mysterious, paranoid city. Coming up against the feared Signori di Notte, the secret police, Oswald learns that he is not the only one with something to hide. Everybody is watching somebody else, and nobody in Venice is what he or she seems. The masks are not just for the carnival.

Members Reviews:

... you a sense of what the Middles Ages were like but the hero

Well written and really gives you a sense of what the Middles Ages were like but the hero. Is consistently depressing throughout the series

Two Stars

Just okay. An uneasy blend of history

And mystery.

not great.

First time I've read SD Sykes. It was ok, not great.

An Older, Somewhat Wiser Oswald

An older, somewhat wiser Oswald de Lacy, Lord Somershill, is stranded with his mother in Venice in this third in Sykes' medieval mystery series.

A war between the Venetians and Hungarians has delayed a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and they have taken refuge with merchant John Bearpark, an old family friend. Their journey was intended to help assuage Oswald's melancholy, though we aren't privy to the cause of his despair until well into the narrative. Despite his depression, our hero can't help being attracted/distracted by the beauty of Bearpark's young and pregnant wife, Filomena.

When Bearpark's grandson Enrico is murdered, Oswald agrees to put his investigative skills to work and find the killer. Though the young man had befriended and tried to cheer him, Oswald's reluctant acceptance of the task is motivated by a need for cash to settle gambling debts he's incurred. Initially the motive for the murder appears to be Enrico's homosexuality, a persuasion punishable by death in the republic, but things are never so simple in Oswald's world.

Oswald has the assistance of Giovanni, Bearpark's clerk, a pious fop, in his investigation. Giovanni, along with Oswald's peculiar mother, offer a bit of comic relief in the novel. Speaking of peculiar, Bearpark's other guests include Bernard and Margery, brother and sister pilgrims who've also been stranded by the war.

Sykes provides plenty of twists and turns in her plot, but I was able to unravel the mystery early on and I didn't find this older Oswald as engaging as the fumbling youth in the previous novels. Still, I enjoyed the story enough to say I'll look forward to more of his adventures.

Intrigue and deception in Medieval Venice

I was keen to get my hands on number three of the Somershill Manor series as soon as I heard that it would take us to medieval Venice.

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Title: Honour

Author: Matthew Lewis

Narrator: Rory Barnett

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 58 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-01-17

Publisher: Matthew Lewis

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In this sequel to Loyalty, Hans Holbein returns to London in search of royal patronage, a secret from his past will define his future in a new, terrifying way.

The story that he knows did not end at Bosworth. In the aftermath, Henry Tudor must try to secure his dynasty against unending, unseen threats. From the ashes of all that they knew, those who cannot accept King Henry's rule must find a place in the new world being forced upon them.

Francis, Lord Lovell has survived the battle. Now he must survive the peace. He must protect King Richard III's greatest secret or doom England to more years of bitter conflict.

Who does the truth belong to?

Members Reviews:

I would recommend buying "Loyalty" as well

so that you can continue the saga without having to re-read to refresh your memory. Taken together, an interesting theory on the two royal brothers who disappeared from the Tower.

Would it be wrong of me to suggest that budding authors have a professional proofreader review their work? At least perform a spell and grammar check, if nothing else.

Pleasantly Surprised

I used to belonged to the legions that believed that Richard III was a monster, reading this book made me wonder. Besides I love the language the author uses, the development of the characters, the story in itself is so good that keeps you wondering throughout the day. In enjoyed it immensely and planning to re-read it (both books Honour and Loyalty) some time in the future.

This book was so easy to read

This book was so easy to read. I love how the author took a theory and made it seem like it could have actually happen. And what if it did? Those Tudors certainly bore some secrets, I'm sure, especially Henry Vii. The characters were very vivid, descriptions were accurate to contemporary evidence. Extremely good read.

Honour was every bit as good, What

Loyalty was a must read, Honour was every bit as good, What, Where & When for the conclusion?? Only small critique, Hans & the author's explanation of the painting was so enthusiastic, that I think they forgot that the reader had no sketch to follow. Can't wait for the final chapter.

I highly recommend this book.

I find any books based on the The House of York fascinating. This book delved deeply into the conflicts between the House of York and the House of Lancaster, and proved further that the Tudors were not entitled to the throne of England.

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Titre: Le cri de la terre (Trilogie Sarah Lark 3)

Auteur: Sarah Lark

Narrateur: Marine Royer

Format: Unabridged

Durée: 23 hrs and 44 mins

Langue: Français

Date de publication: 05-11-17

Éditeur: Audible Studios

Evaluation: 5 sur 5 sur 4 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Résumé de l'éditeur:

Gloria, l'arrière-petite-fille de Gwyneira McKenzie (la jeune Anglaise qui débarquait sur les côtes de la Nouvelle-Zélande dans Le Pays du Nuage blanc), a joui d'une enfance et d'une adolescence idylliques à Kiward Station, la ferme familiale. Mais tout s'effondre quand ses parents - pourtant absents car pris par la carrière de cantatrice de sa mère - lui font savoir qu'il est temps pour elle de devenir une véritable lady. Gloria doit alors tout quitter et faire ses adieux à ceux qui l'entourent, en particulier son cousin Jack, dont elle est très proche. Destination l'Angleterre et un austère pensionnat ! Contrainte de se plier aux règles strictes de l'établissement, incapable de s'intégrer, Gloria se retrouve plus seule et démunie que jamais. Aussi décide-t-elle de rentrer coûte que coûte dans son pays, celui du nuage blanc, et, qui sait, d'y retrouver Jack...

>> Ce livre audio en version intégrale vous est proposé en exclusivité par Audible et est uniquement disponible en téléchargement.

©2015 L'Archipel (P)2017 Audible Studios

Avis des membres:

Beautiful, touching story

Would you consider the audio edition of Le cri de la terre (Trilogie Sarah Lark 3) to be better than the print version?

Narrator voice is sweet and pleasant, a wonderful way of practicing my French.

What did you like best about this story?

It takes us on a journey back in time and to a different place, it is beautifully told and we're able to picture everything in our minds.

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Title: The Wolf Trial

Author: Neil Mackay

Narrator: Toby Longworth

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs

Language: English

Release date: 05-09-17

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 5 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose meets Bret Easton Ellis's American Psycho. This brilliant historical epic is inspired by the true story of a man whose crimes were so great he was thought to be a werewolf.

In 1563 Paulus Melchior, lawyer, academic and enlightened rationalist, travels with his young assistant Willy Lessinger to the isolated German town of Bideburg where local landowner, Peter Stumpf, is accused of brutally murdering dozens of people. A society still trapped in a medieval mind set, the townsfolk clamour for the killer to be tried as a werewolf. If their demands are met his blameless wife and children will also be executed in the most barbaric way imaginable as agents of Satan and creatures contaminated by wolf blood.

Paulus and Willy must fight superstition, the cruelty of those who fear what they don't understand, and a zealous church determined to retain its grip on the souls of Bideburg, in this compelling, utterly unforgettable, shocking tour de force.

Neil Mackay is a multi-award winning investigative journalist, newspaper executive, nonfiction author, radio broadcaster and film-maker. His last film, an investigation into the rise of the far right in Europe and America, was nominated for a BAFTA. His book, The War on Truth, which investigated the roots of the invasion of Iraq, was published in the UK and USA. He has written for the Sunday Herald, The Observer, Scotland on Sunday, Ireland's Sunday Tribune, Australia's The Age and most newspapers in Northern Ireland. His first novel, All the Little Guns Went Bang, Bang, Bang was published to great acclaim in 2013.

Members Reviews:

deeply atmospheric

Yes, reminiscent of Name of the Rose, but original in its own right. Literary. Troubling in its unflinching historical accuracy (or at least, highly persuasive) of the time of the Inquisition. Beautifully written and narrated. A brooding psychological thriller. I could not put it down despite some tough spots, but I like to imagine what prior times were like.

Not for readers who want quick and frequent action. If you are squeamish I would recommend the written version instead, as the narrator's brilliant performance heightened every nuance. Well worth the time and credit. Under-valued in my opinion.

Dreadful

This book sounded really interesting when I bought it. I enjoy historic novels, but this is so boring. I kept waiting for it to begin but it is too long winded and it couldn't keep my attention. Too much silly detail. The narrators monotone made me feel irritated. I didn't want to give it one star.

A gruesomely diabolically boring read

Really did not like the story or the performance of the narrator. The way the narrator acts out some of the main characters voices is really irritating and unfortunately it takes up a huge part of the book. the idea for the story sounded interesting but took a really long time to get to the point.

I never usually feel like giving up on a book but I found this more like chore and not something that was entertaining. Also I wouldn't say this book is for the faint of heart, expect gruesome and depressing content.

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Titolo: Invictus

Sottotitolo: Costantino, l'imperatore guerriero

Autore: Simone Sarasso

Narratore: Federico Scribani

Formato: Unabridged

Durata: 20 hrs and 31 mins

Lingua: Italiano

Data di pubblicazione: 03-17-17

Editore: Audible Studios

Valutazioni: 1 su 5 su 1 voti

Categoria: Fiction, Historical

Riepilogo Editore:

Elmi e corazze di legionari si specchiano nel Tevere. L'Aquila e la Croce sulle insegne romane svettano al richiamo della battaglia. In prima fila, l'imperatore Costantino guida l'assalto dei suoi uomini, devastante. Il nemico è in fuga, ma il fragile ponte di legno non ne regge il peso. Non c'è via di scampo: le acque del fiume si tingono di rosso, chiudendosi su migliaia di cadaveri.

È così che Costantino entra a Roma da trionfatore, con la testa del suo avversario Massenzio su una lancia. Ha realizzato l'ambizioso sogno di unificare il maledetto Impero. Ma a tenere tutto il mondo nelle proprie mani - mani che hanno impugnato la spada, mani sporche di sangue - si sta soli. E Costantino lo sa bene. La sua sete di potere lo ha spinto a calpestare chiunque, anche chi lo ama, dalla bellissima moglie Fausta al suo mentore Diocleziano, pagando un prezzo altissimo: la sua libertà. Perché nei palazzi del potere e sui campi di battaglia ogni alleanza può rivelarsi fatale e ogni combattimento essere l'ultimo.

>> Questo audiobook in edizione integrale vi è offerto in esclusiva per Audible ed è disponibile solamente in formato audio digitale.

©2012 Piergiorgio Nicolazzini Literary Agency (P)2017 Audible GmbH

Recensioni critiche:

Il Costantino di questo libro resterà nella memoria.

-- Valerio Evangelisti

La storia di ieri raccontata con gli strumenti narrativi di oggi.

-- Giancarlo De Cataldo

Recensioni dei membri:

Crap

This stupid book is not in English!

I want my money back

Crap

Crap

Crap

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Title: Bourbon Creams and Tattered Dreams

Author: Mary Gibson

Narrator: Anne Dover

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 47 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-16-17

Publisher: Whole Story Audiobooks

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Handsome Frank Rossi took Matty Gilbie away from her working class roots in East London, promising her fame and fortune. As his wife, she would be half of a power couple. But the Wall Street Crash puts paid to all that, and as Frank becomes more violent, Matty flees in the dead of night. Once home in Bermondsey, she goes into hiding, but Frank is on the move, determined to find her and get her back.

Critic Reviews:

"Mary Gibson is going to go a long way [...] a really good read." (Dee Williams)

Members Reviews:

Another great Mary Gibson story

Have read the previous Mary Gibson books so def had to get this, esp as Anne Dover narrating is superb - and I warmed to the familiar characters and liked the depth of the storyline - there were some twists interspersed throughout & I learnt alot about the history and health side of London in the 30's. The setting was different to some books of Mary's and I liked the authenticity of it all. It rang true both in stories and characterisation.

It was a change from a war time setting but still had the warmth of people pulling together. 5 stars

Loved this story

Listened to this book over a weekend , loved the story and of course the narrator she brings this book to life

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me fully engaged from the beginning to the end and I loved it.

Lovely Story

I really enjoyed this book, twists & turns with a lovely ending. Always like a book more when read by Ann Dover

Brilliant

Brilliant story hard to put down listened all day. Would love to have more on my Kindle

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Titre: Le chant des esprits (Trilogie Sarah Lark 2)

Auteur: Sarah Lark

Narrateur: Marine Royer

Format: Unabridged

Durée: 22 hrs and 24 mins

Langue: Français

Date de publication: 02-16-17

Éditeur: Audible Studios

Evaluation: 4.5 sur 5 sur 2 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Résumé de l'éditeur:

Gwyneira (l'une des deux héroïnes du Pays du nuage blanc) élève sa petite-fille Kura et s'inquiète pour elle. La jeune métis de quinze ans, surnommée la reine maorie, possède un physique et une voix magnifiques qui suscitent l'admiration. Mais, capricieuse et uniquement intéressée par la musique, Kura refuse d'assumer son rôle d'héritière de Kiward Station, le domaine familial. Gwyneira décide alors de l'envoyer en pensionnat pour lui donner une éducation stricte.

C'est alors que Kura rencontre William Martyn (le fiancé de sa cousine, la petite-fille d'Hélène) autre héroïne du Pays du nuage blanc... Le coup de foudre est réciproque. Kura et William décident de se marier, au grand dam de tous. Kura pourra-t-elle cependant se contenter d'un rôle d'épouse alors qu'une grande carrière musicale lui est promise ?Portée par un puissant souffle romanesque, ce roman confirme le talent d'une auteure découverte avec Le Pays du nuage blanc...

>> Ce livre audio en version intégrale vous est proposé en exclusivité par Audible et est uniquement disponible en téléchargement.

©2014 L'Archipel. Traduit de l'allemand par Jean-Marie Argelès (P)2017 Audible Studios

Avis des membres:

Five Stars

Vite... il me faut le 3 ème Tom

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Titel: Königsblut (Krieg der Rosen 2)

Autor:: Toby Clements

Erzähler: Detlef Bierstedt

Format: Unabridged

Spieldauer: 17 hrs and 34 mins

Sprache: Deutsch

Veröffentlichungsdatum: 02-09-17

Herausgeber: Audible Studios

Kategorien: Fiction, Historical

Zusammenfassung des Herausgebers:

England, 1462. Über ein Jahr liegt die Schlacht von Towton zurück, bei der 20.000 Yorkisten und Lancastrianer starben. So auch Thomas, Bogenschütze und Weggefährte von Katherine, die ihn schmerzlich vermisst. Doch als Katherine zu Unrecht des Mordes angeklagt wird und flüchtet, passiert das Unglaubliche: Sie trifft auf den Totgeglaubten! Thomas leidet unter Gedächtnisverlust, erkennt Katherine aber wieder. Gemeinsam machen sie sich auf den gefährlichen Weg nach Cornford Castle, wo sie sich Hilfe erhoffen. Was beide noch nicht wissen: In ihrem Besitz befindet sich ein Gegenstand, der die Rosenkriege ein für alle Mal beenden könnte.

>> Diese ungekürzte Hörbuch-Fassung wird Ihnen exklusiv von Audible präsentiert und ist ausschließlich im Download erhältlich.

©2016 Bastei Lübbe AG (P)2017 Audible GmbH

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Titre: Une jeunesse dans le tumulte

Auteur: Michelle Pannetier-Alabert

Narrateur: Michelle Pannetier-Alabert

Format: Unabridged

Durée: 4 hrs and 12 mins

Langue: Français

Date de publication: 02-03-17

Éditeur: Michelle Pannetier-Alabert

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Résumé de l'éditeur:

En 1940, le Maroc, sous protectorat français, est administré par le régime de Vichy. Le débarquement des Alliés en 1942 va bouleverser la vie des Casablancais. Les soldats américains et l'Armée d'Afrique se mobiliseront pour libérer l'Europe. La jeunesse et l'amour triompheront de cette période troublée.

©2016 Michelle Pannetier-Alabert (P)2017 Michelle Pannetier-Alabert

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Title: The Leopard Unleashed

Author: Elizabeth Chadwick

Narrator: Charlotte Strevens

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 32 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-01-17

Publisher: Soundings

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Renard, heir to Ravenstow, is a crusader in Antioch. Summoned home to his ailing father, Renard brings Olwen with him, an exotic dancing girl whose sensuous beauty has ensnared him. Yet Renard is already betrothed to the innocent Elene.

Torn between Olwen and Elene, Renard's personal dilemma is set against a background of increasing civil strife as Ranulf of Chester, his greedy neighbour, strives to snatch his lands. When Renard is taken prisoner at the Battle of Lincoln, his fate is placed in the hands of the two women - his former mistress, now in the bed of his deadliest enemy, and his determined yet inexperienced wife, protecting his lands against terrible odds....

Members Reviews:

Five Stars

Well researched and a very interesting plot. Most enjoyable.

Five Stars

Good

Excellent

I have (I think) read everything I can get my hands on from her. She soon will be coming out with a trilogy of Elenor of Acquataine. I can't get enough of her books.

A Remastered Winner!

I love Elizabeth Chadwick's historicals. I read The Leopard Unleashed years ago. I enjoyed it then--I love it now. I just got off a plane after flying from the West Coast, found the book in my stack of mail, and couldn't resist peeking inside. I read for an hour when I could barely keep my eyes open. Chadwick is spot on. She brings the past to life. If you love English history, vivid characters, and compelling plots, don't miss The Leopard Unleashed. I think she is the finest author writing historical English fiction currently publishing. She is historically accurate and never dry, and she always gives the reader a good mix of political information without losing the thread of her plots. Five stars!

Good Read

This is not on a par with the William Marshal and family books by Chadwick, but a good and engaging story nonetheless.