How To Get Full Audiobook in Fiction, Historical Best Sellers

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Title: Worthy Brown's Daughter

Author: Phillip Margolin

Narrator: Jason Culp

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 59 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-21-14

Publisher: HarperAudio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 45 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Matthew Penny, a young lawyer, arrives on the frontier with nothing but shattered dreams. Unable to face the memories that await back home, he joins the handful of lawyers practicing in Portland, Oregon - which in 1860 is just a riverfront town in a state less than a year old. Worthy Brown, a slave from Georgia, journeys west with his master, Caleb Barbour, who promises to reward Worthy and his daughter, Roxanne, with their freedom if they help him establish a homestead in Oregon. When Barbour reneges on his pledge, Worthy's hope for a fresh start with his child is destroyed.

The fates of these desperate men intertwine in a breathtaking narrative about the extent of evil and the high price of true justice. Matthew and Worthy decide to challenge Barbour in court, but events rapidly spiral out of their control and the stakes become higher than either of them ever could have imagined. And when Matthew crosses paths with Heather Gillette, the beautiful daughter of a wealthy Portland businessman, his grief-stricken existence is turned upside down, and suddenly he has everything to fight for. Worthy Brown's Daughter is a compelling white-knuckle drama about two broken men risking everything for what they believe in.

Critic Reviews:

"The Old West comes alive in heart-wrenching, violent, and wicked racist color. . . . Legal thriller and western fans will stay with it to the last page. . . . Margolins novel offers a compelling portrait of small town justice done right." (Booklist)

"Margolin shines in recreating pioneer life . . . theres legal wrangling, murder and romance, set against the backdrop of race and frontier life . . . his scene-setting, knowledge of the frontier and relating of the hard task of the law make for an appealing read." (Kirkus Reviews)

"[Margolin] allows passions to sway his heroes, and generates empathy toward his crooks. . . . [On] the courtroom floor, where Margolin is clearly at home, [there is] a satisfying, white-knuckle climax." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Based on a true story

I have enjoyed Phillip Margolins legal thriller set in current times but this is a very different book for Margolin. This a historical novel set in 1860 Portland Oregon. Margolin states that he loosely based the story on a true legal case in 1861 Portland. According to Margolin when Oregon wrote its state constitution it did not allow black people to settle in Oregon but those there prior to statehood could stay and own land. The real case had a black family that was slaves to a white man. When statehood passed he freed the parents and one child but kept the other children as servants. The parents sued for their children to be freed and returned to them and they won the case. In this book Margolin has a black man freed after statehood but the slave owner Caleb Barbour an attorney refused to release his 14 year old daughter. Mr. Worthy Brown contacted attorney Mr. Penny to sue for her freedom. There are several plots going on at the same time and they all come together at the end of the book. Margolin has a knack for storytelling. This book is a fast, absorbing read and Margolins law expertise makes the books climax, a courtroom battle very realistic and exciting. The ending of the book is interesting and exciting. Phillip Margolin is a criminal defense attorney who has become a novelist so the legal aspect of the story is realistic.

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Title: The Devil's Fire

Subtitle: A Pirate Adventure Novel

Author: Matt Tomerlin

Narrator: Laurel Schroeder

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 50 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-17-14

Publisher: Matt Tomerlin

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 40 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The waters of the Caribbean run red in this brutal tale of revenge during the Golden Age of Piracy. Katherine Lindsay, the pampered young wife of a wealthy ship captain, has left her leisurely life in London to accompany her husband to America. So far, their journey has been uneventful, even boring. But when ruthless pirates suddenly storm the ship to plunder her husband's riches, Katherine is one of the treasures they steal, sparking a bloody chain of events that will alter the course of piracy in the Caribbean forever.

Pirate and adventure lovers will find no shortage of treachery, cutlass duels, ship battles, buried treasure and much, much more.

Members Reviews:

read and reread, listened and soon to listen again

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

The entire series is a much read for anyone that likes pirates or adventure or strong female leads or an edge of your seat finish in one night because ever chapter ends and you say "just one more"

anxiously awaiting the rest of the series for Audible

not your typical family friendly b.s.

This book was written fore people who love pirate stories and don't want to read or listen to toned down censored whimsical Disney nonsense. It is raw, action packed, vulgar, sexy, ugly and fun. I loved every minute of this book and hope they make audio books of the entire devils fire trilogy. Thank you Matt Tomerlin

F***ing drivel!

Holy crap, this book is awful! One chapter in and I was astounded at the anachronisms! A third way through and the soft core porn is too much to handle! This is a prime example of why self-publishing is never a good option. As an editor, my eyes rolled back in my head every time I read. The characters are thin, the motivations are shallow, and the plot predicable (some say that there's a twist at the end, but I can't justify finishing it). The author has done a cursory amount of historical research, but in that way talks down to his audience (possibly because much shouldn't be expected from readers of pirate romance [which I must disclose that I didn't know I was reading such]). Yet, because he's done that much you'd expect him to forgo such things as an eighteenth century lady sunbathing, or racial inequality on a pirate ship (pirates were known for their egalitarianism and republican governance).

It's possible that I am an outsider to the genre being to harsh, and shouldn't poo-poo on what I don't know. Then again, should pirate romance be considered literature?

Another decent story ruined by a dull narrator

This was an interesting book, and was a refreshing departure from the standard Golden Age of Piracy novels out there, what with the protagonist being a female.

Unfortunately, as with many first time authors who decide to have their work produced into an audiobook, the selection of the narrator was a poor one.

The narrator's voice was monotone at best, which in the positive side did well to put me to sleep each evening I listened to this production. Additionally, the narrator's attempt to use different dialects was feeble at best. She would do better to stick to narrating books about dream psychology, or history textbooks.

As to the story itself, it was a good first attempt for an author, even though the ending was a bit on the ambiguous side. This is the case with many first time authors.

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Title: The Tudor Bride

Author: Joanna Hickson

Narrator: Maggie Mash

Format: Unabridged

Length: 23 hrs and 26 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-02-14

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The thrilling story of Catherine de Valois - the French princess who became an English queen. Perfect for fans of Philippa Gregory.

Even the greatest of queens have rules - to break them would cost her dearly.

King Henry V's new French Queen, Catherine, dazzles the crowds in England but life at court is full of intrigue and her loyal companion, Mette, suspects that the beautiful Eleanor Cobham, protégée of the Duke of Gloucester, is spying for him.

Catherine believes herself invincible as she gives birth to an heir, then tragically King Henry is struck down by fever back in France and a weeping dowager queen follows his coffin back to England, comforted by the music of the King's Harper, Owen Tudor.

Unable to outwit those who seek to remove the new young king from her care, Catherine retires from court. At the secluded manor of Hadham a smouldering ember bursts into flame and Catherine and Owen Tudor become lovers.

But their love cannot remain a secret forever, and when a grab for power is made by Gloucester, Catherine - and those dearest to her - face mortal danger.

Critic Reviews:

"WomanSuperba real find." (The Bookseller)

"Captivating." (Woman's Own)

Members Reviews:

Not as good as I had hoped

What did you like best about The Tudor Bride? What did you like least?

The story seamlessly follows on from the end of "The Agincourt Bride" and continues to tell the story of Catherine of Valois and her companion Mette. The book is written from the perspective of Mette and the story believably captures their relationship and gives you a convincing picture of the time its set in.

If youve listened to books by Joanna Hickson before, how does this one compare?

I loved the "The Agincourt Bride", and as soon I finished it I downloaded "The Tudor Bride". Sadly I was not sucked into the story in the same way. Its hard to say whether this was because the narrator wasn't as good or if the story wasn't as gripping.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

I wasn't entirely happy with the narrator of this book. Her attempts to jump between accents didn't add anything and was sometimes annoying. It made it difficult to stick with the book.

Any additional comments?

After listening to The Agincourt Bride I really wanted to listen to this book so I could continue the story. Sadly I wasn't gripped by this book and the narration was sub parr. It was a difficult to get into this book but I persevered and I am pleased I did. Its a good book but not as good as I had hoped.

A poor choice of narrator

Any additional comments?

After finishing "The Agincourt Bride", which I very much enjoyed, I bought "The Tudor Bride".

That was a mistake!

I could only listen to three chapters before I had to stop in annoyance.

Maggie Mash has a hoarse voice and tries to imitate a French accent, which is a complete contrast to Catherine Harvey's melodious voice and British accent.

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Title: Kissing in the Dark (Grayson Brothers, Book 4)

Author: Wendy Lindstrom

Narrator: Julia Motyka

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 36 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-06-13

Publisher: Rustic Studio Publishing

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 113 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

From New York Times bestselling author Wendy Lindstrom comes a deeply moving story of heartbreak and the courageous journey of learning to trust and to love again.

Desperate circumstances set Faith Wilkins on the run and straight into Sheriff Duke Graysons protective arms. Faith believes they can build a good life togetherbut their friendship is built on lies because the truth could get them killed. Will giving the dutiful lawman her heart lead to more broken dreams if her shocking secrets are revealed? He is the only man who can protect herand the one who can hurt her the most.

Superb. Grayson gold. -Harriet Klausner

Critic Reviews:

An excellent book and series... compelling enough to bring me back to Amazon again and again. -Lorna Allison

Beautifully written. Amazing characters. Heartwarming story... I found myself tearing up over the passionate dialog. -megga reader

Wonderful series... engrossing and really enjoyable. -pjraccoon

Members Reviews:

Do They Make Men Like This Anymore???

This addition to the series was Duke's story. Duke is the sheriff of the town and the last of the Grayson brothers to get married. He meets Faith when she moves into town with her aunts, little brother, and daughter. Their love develops but Faith's past begins to overshadow their future together.

This story (as well as the whole series) has so many poignant moments between the couples and the family members. They are rich stories filled with good old fashioned romances....nothing fancy.....just wonderfully written stories of love, honor, passion, laughter, justice and forgiveness. These rugged Grayson men are not afraid to meet a challenge and definitely aren't afraid to admit when they are wrong. This whole series takes takes you back to when men were gentlemen and chivalry was alive.

This series is a winner.....5 stars!

Another great Grayson Brothers installment!

Would you consider the audio edition of Kissing in the Dark to be better than the print version?

I "read" this book via audio, rather than print, so it is difficult to know if it is better than the print version, however I am certain they are both great!

What did you like best about this story?

I loved this story for a number of reasons. I have loved each of the Grayson brothers uniquely as I have come to know them through Wendy Lindstrom's stories. Duke Grayson's integrity shines throughout this story, the attraction between Duke and Faith, and also Duke's thoughtful actions, such as secreting away the hairbrush (thought to be lost in the quick move) that holds sentimental value to Faith that he finds at her old home and later gives to her, are very touching. He did a number of very thoughtful "just because" things throughout this story that were very moving.

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Title: Liverpool Angels

Author: Lyn Andrews

Narrator: Julie Maisey

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-05-13

Publisher: Headline Digital

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Born at the turn of the 20th century, Mae Strickland is only a few days old when her mother suddenly dies. Her aunt Maggie brings Mae up together with her own children, Eddie and Alice, and the girls become like sisters. In spite of Mae's unhappy start, life feels full of promise. Then, as the First World War looms, everything changes.

While the local men - including young Eddie - leave to fight, Mae and Alice train as field nurses. As they travel to the front line in the wake of family tragedy, nothing can prepare them for the hardship that lies ahead. Yet there is solace to be found amid the wreckage of the war, and for both, romance is on the horizon. But it will take great courage for Mae and Alice to follow their hearts. Can love win out in the end?

Members Reviews:

Tedious and disappointing

Had such high hopes for this book but is the only one I have ever rated so low. it failed to engage the characters were wooden and predictable

Didn't enjoy on any level

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Title: Lord of Fire, Lady of Ice

Author: Michelle M. Pillow

Narrator: Mason Lloyd

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 46 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-14-13

Publisher: The Raven Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 62 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

"She found herself unimpressed with him, having expected more of the legendary man - Brant. Lord Blackwell. Brant the Gladiator. Brant the Vigorous. Brant the Flame. Brant the Viking Hero. Della snorted in unladylike disgust. More like, Brant the Thorn in my Arse!"

Lady Della the Cold-Hearted

Lady Della despises all things Viking. They may rule the land, but they will never rule her. Unfortunately, her father doesn't seem to agree. To prove his continued allegiance to the Viking king, the Ealdorman of Strathfeld betroths his only daughter to a respected Viking Lord - a warrior whose legendary prowess isn't reserved for the battlefield. Fighting the newfound craving in her body and the unwelcome fire in her heart, Della must choose between everything she knows to be true and the one thing she never expected...

Lord Brant of Blackwell, the Fiery One

Lord Blackwell is as fiery on the battlefield as he is in his passions. He has fought valiantly for King Guthrum and has earned the respect of the nobles. When his overlord offers the hand of his beautiful daughter and the right to inherit his lands, Blackwell can hardly refuse. However, he soon discovers that his noble bride is anything but the meek and mild woman he envisioned for his wife. One minute she's kissing him back, the next she's swearing to do whatever it takes to dissuaded him from their marriage. Can his lust for life and his new bride melt the ice that surrounds her heart? Or will Lady Della the Cold be this warrior's undoing?

Members Reviews:

Medieval: emotional and lush

Im a huge fan of those retro bodice-ripper stories: you know- the ones with Fabio on the cover and you can SO not judge me for that. They are escapist, they pull at your emotions and deliver some moments with characters where you wish to be able to reach out and shake them because they are being so contrary. Im also in a huge Historic Romance kick of late, there is something so unique to the world and the conventions that give authors a way to work around those, and further develop some depth in their characters to make up for an often rigid society. Well, Michelle M. Pillow has managed to blend all of the elements and return a story that pleases my need for an emotionally charged escapist read in a world built with lush historical details and a bit of angst as the characters fight traditional conventions.

Brant is a strong leader, competent and capable and well respected by his men. Fiery is his nature, passionate and determined, this is all signified with a shock of red hair that graces his locks. He is truly the Lord of Fire, and it only remains to be seen if he can melt the icy reserve of his wife and lady.

Della is cold, yet that is a shell to protect her heart and express her discomfort with her situation. While she appears to use her lack of emotion and reactions to embarrass Brant in the company of others, her utter dismissal of him during their private moments are akin to throwing ice on a burn.

Yet, the two need to learn to trust one another, and find the keys to share the passion that is buried within. And there is where I had a few moments of repetition in the story: there was often a rehashing of their issues, as if neither wanted to learn from the first time around. Those were moments that made me want to shake them.

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Title: Brother Wind

Subtitle: Ivory Carver Trilogy, Book 3

Author: Sue Harrison

Narrator: Holly Fielding

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 39 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-15-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 45 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In a time before time at the top of the world, in a harsh and unforgiving age of ice, courage will sustain three remarkable souls through trials as bitter as the chill winds of the eternal winter.

Claimed by a brutal, despised enemy, Kiin must sacrifice her love for the sake of her tribe and the safety of her children. Left widowed and helpless among the Whale Hunters, Kukutux now faces the impossible challenge of surviving alone. While Samiq, wounded and a hunter no more, must take up the mantle of leadership and guide a devastated people abandoned by their gods.

At the dawn of humanity, their extraordinary destinies intertwine. And through hardship and adventure, they endure, confronting the cruelty of man, fate and nature with the indomitable strength of heart and spirit.

Members Reviews:

Choppy story line, Insomnia cure

Yes, it had a feel good ending, but this was the most disjointed book of the series. I was wondering for an hour or two on several threads, "but what about? " I wish I hadn't wasted a credit for this series. I kept thinking it would get better, based on reviews, but it never happened. This series moves into my list to cure insomnia. The narrator has no inflection, which makes for good sleeping.

Great Series

I love all three books. I have read a few of books by Sue Harrison and I enjoy them all. I look forward to the next series. Great narrating by Holly Fielding.

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Title: Return of the Bones

Author: Belinda Vasquez Garcia

Narrator: Sarianna Gregg

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 8 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-04-13

Publisher: Belinda Vasquez Garcia

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 15 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

2013 New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards WINNER for BEST HISTORICAL FICTION!

Return of the Bones is a dazzling family epic of love and forgiveness. In 1915, 2,067 skeletons were stolen from the ghost pueblo of Pecos and transported to Harvard University for medical research...In present day and across the miles, the wind carries their cries to Grandfather, who hears the bones longing for home. But worlds collide when his modern granddaughter agrees to drive him across the country to bring home the bones of their Native American ancestors.

Hollow-Woman and Grandfather are the last of the Pecos people, but she is not interested in ancient skeletons. She works at an Indian casino, while Grandfather is a shaman and values tradition. She hopes the road trip will heal their broken hearts.

Grandfather fashions a magical dream catcher to help her "see" her ancestors' lives, and come to love the missing bones, as he does. While driving a ratty old pickup-camper, the cantankerous Grandfather and stubborn Hollow-Woman bicker from New Mexico to the Peabody Museum.

A glowing literary work, with religious undertones of the persecution of Native Americans by the Catholic Church's Spanish Inquisition. Return of the Bones pulses with emotion. The narration by actress, Sarianna Gregg, is filled with the comical way Grandfather looks at the world while embracing the heartbreak and spirituality of the Native American peoples.

You may know these famous bones on which landmark studies proved that exercise prevents osteoporosis!

Did you know that President George W. Bush's grandfather, Prescott Bush, dug up Geronimo's grave and stole his skull for initiation into the Skull and Bones Society at Yale?

Return of the Bones is enhanced with video and pictures through the books website http://magicprose.com .

Members Reviews:

Engaging Story of New Mexico's Pecos Pueblo

Any additional comments?

I wanted to listen to this book because it was based on the true story of the Pecos Pueblo how the bones of their ancestors were removed in the 1920s from their resting place in New Mexico and shipped off to Harvard for study.

The beginning started out slowly for me, but I understand that the author needed to lay the foundation with the necessary history. Thankfully, Belinda Vasquez Garcia didnt get on her soapbox and denounce the evils of our countrys early beginnings by the Spanish and early American settlers.

Rather, the story centers on Hollow-Woman and Grandfather who are the last of their tribe and who travel cross country to retrieve the bones of their ancestors. Grandfather shares with his granddaughter where the bones came from and what they mean to their tribe and descendents. Needless to say, Hollow-Woman is disgruntled at first and reluctant to go on this road trip with the old man.

Sarianna Greggs narration accurately depicted Hollow-Womans transformation during the road trip from a modern non-believer to proud Pecos descendent.

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Title: The Aftermath

Author: Rhidian Brook

Narrator: Leighton Pugh

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 43 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-17-13

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 51 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

1946, post-World War II, Hamburg: While thousands wander the rubble, lost and homeless, Colonel Lewis Morgan, charged with overseeing the rebuilding of this devastated city and the denazification of its defeated people, is stationed in a grand house on the River Elbe. He is awaiting the arrival of his wife, Rachael - still grieving for their eldest son - and their only surviving son, Edmund. But rather than force the owners of the house, a German widower and his rebellious daughter, out onto the streets, Lewis insists that the two families live together. In this charged atmosphere, both parents and children will be forced to confront their true selves as enmity and grief give way to passion and betrayal, to their deepest desires, their fiercest loyalties, and the transforming power of forgiveness.

This courageous new novel from award-winning author Rhidian Brook tells an emotionally riveting story of two families, one house, and love grown from hate.

Critic Reviews:

"Rhidian Brook's arresting novel brings vividly to life a little-told aspect of World War II: its aftermath. His story - energetically and authoritatively told - is unsettling and compelling, suffused with suffering and, mercifully, some hope." (Claire Messud, author of The Woman Upstairs)

"Rhidian Brook takes a piece of history I thought I knew well and breaks it open; The Aftermath is a compelling, surprising, and moving novel." (Sadie Jones, author of The Uninvited Guests)

Members Reviews:

Post WW II Occupied Germany

To me this was slow story with characters that were so flat and undeveloped it was difficult to feel any connection with anyone. Occasionally a minor support character would spark and engage for a bit only to quickly fizzle out and disappear. A dire and dark time is captured but a human face is needed to make this book work for me. Dry, distant, clinical and disappointing

thought provoking novel about morals and war

wow. this story really makes you think. about humanity, and war and nationality and morals..and right and wrong.

the setting is post World War 2 Hamburg...where British soldiers are requisitioning German homes while they attempt to tear down and rebuild the city. a British Colonel sets his family and home up alongside the previous German occupants (and rightful owners of the property) instead of sending them to the camps.

this sets off a series of relationships and events that don't really surprise the reader, but definitely made me think about situations and experiences...wondering how i'd behave in each of the subsequent character's places.

i think the characters were a bit one dimensional...but i honestly liked the story enough that it didn't matter all that much. i think this would make a great film...with all the intrigue and deception and secrets going on inside the house...and all the devastation and disagreement going on outside the house.

the real clincher that makes this story one that i didn't want to stop listening to, of course, was the moral ambiguity going on in both places...in the ranks of the military, in the marriages and familial relationships of the characters, on almost every page of this novel. it was an interesting way to view this time period...not coming from war or peace or good and evil..but from a moral perspective. it's a quick and solid listen.

Yes and No

I gave it 5 stars because I love this genre and era. The narrator was excellent.

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Title: The Drowning Guard

Subtitle: A Novel of the Ottoman Empire

Author: Linda Lafferty

Narrator: Suzanne Cypress

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 45 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-03-13

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 112 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Each morning in the hour before dawn, a silent boat launches on the Bosphorous, moving swiftly into the deepest part of the waters halfway between Europe and Asia, where a man will die....

In a gender reversal of Scheherazade in The Arabian Nights: Tales from a 1,001 Nights, Ottoman princess Esma Sultan seduces a different Christian lover each night, only to have him drowned in the morning. The Sultaness's true passion burns only for the Christian-born soldier charged with carrying out her brutal nightly death sentence: her drowning guard, Ivan Postivich.

The Drowning Guard explores the riddle of Esma - who is at once a murderer and a champion and liberator of women - and the man who loves her in spite of her horrifying crimes. This textured historical novel, set in the opulence and squalor of Istanbul in 1826, is woven with the complexity and consequences of love.

Members Reviews:

Terrible

I forced myself to finish this book all the way to the very end, in the sad hope that at some point the plot/characters would be explained and everything would make sense and come together. It didn't. Even given the low low expectations that I set for 'romance' books this one was bad. I'd say that the plot was lacking, but that implies there was something resembling a plot. It seemed early on that the book was going to be about how Ivan falls in love with Esma as she tells him how she came to murder all her lovers. Nope. Not to spoil things, but nothing is every explained. Why does the sultan murder all Esma's lovers? Why, if she feels as bad as she seems to, does she continue to take lovers knowing they are going to be murdered? The whole premise makes no sense. There is zero chemistry between the two main characters, mostly because they realistic characters in any way shape or form.

Rather than filling up the ten hours with plot, the author has fallen into the historical fiction writing trap of describing irrelevant things that may or may not be interesting but have nothing really to do with the plot that she learned while doing research. Pointless descriptions and odd tangents fill up most of the time in this book.

The only good thing about this book was the narrator, who did as good a job as she could with the material she was given.

Bottom line: don't waste your money, not even if its on sale.

They're on the sale list for a reason...

I did not learn one thing about the Ottoman Empire and it wasn't much of a romance either. The first 10 hours killed me and the last 8 minutes were fair! I am going to stick with authors I know when a sale pops up.

Quite a surprise

I purchased this book on sale and have had it in my library for a while until a few days ago when I finally decided to listen to it. I found the story fascinating. I'm not sure why the two reviews on Audible were poor but the Amazon reviewers seemed to really enjoy the book. Historically accurate to it's time and well developed characters were two strong points about this book. The love story also was very believable and I absolutely loved the giant hero's good and evil sides. He was far from perfect but that is what made him so real especially for his time. The only weak point to the story was, in my opinion, it's ending. Without giving it away, I was hoping for an even better ending. The entire story got built to the end and then I felt a bit let down.