Listen to Your Full Audiobook in Fiction, Historical - Fast, Easy and Legally

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Highland Belle

Author: Patricia Grasso

Narrator: Ruth Urquhart

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 22 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-31-15

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Wed through an arranged marriage to a tyrannical Scot, Brigette Devereux picked up her pride and left. Her hair was red as a fox, her skin smooth as silk. Her pure complexion belied her fiery heart and her turbulent past. Her quest for freedom flung her straight into the embrace of Lord Iain MacArthur. She was rebellious; he was consuming. He was treacherous, and she was no stranger to treachery. She was fair, and he was darkness. Together they would set ablaze the time they had between them. Tossed from one tyrant to another, Brigette could not deny his evil ways, nor could she deny her passion for him.

His sweet-talking lips won her over, and he brought his new bride to Dunridge Castle. But was this really a castle, or would it be a prison? Before Brigette was willing to find out, she fled again. From Scottish countryside through highlands, across lakes, and down-country through England to the shadowy streets of London, Lord Iain MacArthur would chase his prize, and Brigette would flee the man who loved her. She was a free spirit, and he was driven to capture her heart!

Members Reviews:

Sensational

I enjoyed this book so much. The hero was dominant but so in love, and the heroine was beautiful, spunky and a handful. I like Highlander romances, with an English Lady and a Highlander forced to marry. Unfortunately most of these type of books, have a fatal flaw for me: the heroine almost instantly falls in love, while the hero takes forever to do so. But not in this book, that is why I loved this story. The hero and heroine fall in love rather easily and about the same time, for me that was great. The conflicts and suspense in the story did not depend on when the hero was going to finally realize he love the heroine, but on other factors, that kept me interested and turning the pages.

I also loved the adorable fox pet: "Sly"

Disappointed

Poor formatting. There's no punctuation marks whatsoever when the characters are talking. So disappointed that I can't even read the book.

Want more!!

I wish you had more of this story line for Kindle!! I love this book!!! Guess I will have to save my paperbacks still....

sinful

what can you say about a good book. not much , that all i can say . hope who evey buys the book enjoys it

Adventures in 16th Century Scotland

This is one of those books that begins rather well with a heroine betrothed to a man she does not want to wed and the prospect of Scotland was a plus but this heroine was troubling and the story dragged in places. I put it down several times.

First published in 1991, this is the first in the Devereux family series. Set in 1564, when Mary Queen of Scots was engaged in some controversial behavior, this is the story of Brigette Devereux, daughter of an English earl betrothed by Queen Elizabeth to a Scot. (I know, go figure.) When her betrothed sent his brother to wed her by proxy, Brigette (âBrieâ) was disgusted. But being the dutiful daughter, she travels north with the brother to Scotland. Before they reach the castle, she escapes into the arms of a man who is supposedly her husbandâs cousin.

Iain MacArthur thought himself clever, tricking his bride into falling for him, disguised as his cousin, even consummating the marriage with her knowing she had fallen in love with said nonexistent cousin. But when he brought her back to Dunridge Castle, where she learns the truth, she was outraged.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Black Sam

Subtitle: Prince of Pirates

Author: James Lewis

Narrator: R. C. Bray, William Dufris, Scott Brick, Roy Dotrice, Alex Hyde-White, Jayne Entwistle, Stefan Rudnicki, Simon Vance

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 54 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-31-15

Publisher: Smoke N Oakum

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 198 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The War of Spanish Succession is over, many sailors are out of work, and the thriving American colonies are quickly becoming the place of opportunity. For Sam Bellamy it is the opportunity to become the captain of his own ship.

When he falls in love with a rebellious New England debutante, he finds out very quickly that he needs more than a dream to win over her socialite parents. After a failed treasure salvaging expedition, Sam makes one last desperate attempt to change his economic standing and unwittingly becomes the captain of the pirate ship Mary Anne.

As a self-proclaimed "Free Prince", Sam wages war on greedy merchantmen, slave traders, and Mother Nature in a bid not only for the love of his life but for life itself.

The full list of additional narrators includes:

Susan Hanfield, Ian Hart, Dave Fennoy, George Del Hoyo, Chuma Gault, Mae Sally Rouge Pax, Douglas Urbansk, Cleandra Martin-Waldron, Freddy Douglas, Gerry O'Brian, Peter Woodward, Jim Meskimen, Tamra Meskimen, Taylor Meskimen, Zachary Webber, Suzanne Heathcote, JP Gaumont, John Ortiz, Jackson Hyde-White, Elizabeth Swain, John Taylor, Jackson Conor, Brian Monk, Nate Aldrich, Paul Barry, Kevin Haas, Mauro Ron Butler, Austin Ford, Marc Solomon, Nicole Faires, Shelly Bovert, Garrick William, James Wood, James Lewis, Kelly Huddleston, Whitney Webster, Raul Dourado, and Shelby Lewis.

Members Reviews:

A mediocre tween/teen pirate story

I am upset that not one of the reviews shown by Audible mentioned this being a young reader story. Very shallow pirate story with very mixed performances by the ensemble. Absolutely poor production. Just very mediocre all the way around. I can't recommend even for the target audience

An adventure on the High Seas!

Where does Black Sam rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

As stated on the cover, this is a great story to listen to as a family. Adventures, pirates and a little sweet romance.

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

This book is jam packed full of big name narrators including Alex Hyde-White, Scott Brick, Simon Vance, R.C. Bray and William Dufris just to name a few. By using the 'full cast' approach to this book, each narrator is able to give their character their all. There was a little 'humming' or 'background white noise' detected at times but over all it didn't distract from the performances.

Any additional comments?

Black Sam: Prince of Pirates is the story of Sam Bellamy who falls in love with the lovely upper class Maria. As Sam isn't in her 'league' as they say, her family objects to their courtship. Because of this, Sam goes off to sea to go to Florida in hopes of being able to recover some of the gold that has gone down with the Spanish fleet. His first attempt at a recovery mission doesn't go as planned and before you know it, Sam is a pirate.

This story is told in two different story lines, which at first was confusing but as the story played out it made more sense. I would recommend this book to my adventure loving friends and as a book that could be listened and shared by the family. Ages 10+

A fun adventure on the high seas and love awaits

Any additional comments?

Plenty of action and adventure in this quick-paced listen.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: 30 Pieces of Silver

Subtitle: An Extremely Controversial Historical Thriller: Betrayed, Book 1

Author: Carolyn McCray

Narrator: Don Hoeksema

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 30 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-27-15

Publisher: Beacon Audiobooks

Ratings: 2.5 of 5 out of 29 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Warning: Before you purchase this audiobook, please be aware that 30 Pieces of Silver is an extremely controversial religious/historical thriller - too controversial to be published in hardback. Please do not purchase this book if you were at all disturbed by The DaVinci Code or The Passion of Christ's revelations.

However, if you like your fiction to challenge historical events, read on....

A Christian suicide bomber.

John the Baptist's bones inscribed in ancient Greek.

A dark secret carried from the foot of the crucifixion.

Can science solve the world's greatest mystery?

Critic Reviews:

"Carolyn McCray's

30 Pieces of Silver proves that Dan Brown's crown is up for grabs. Part minefield and all roller-coaster ride, here is a story as controversial as it is thriller. Hunker down for a long night because once you start this book you won't be putting it down." (James Rollins,

New York Times best-selling author of

Bloodline)

Members Reviews:

Exciting, non stop action.

Would you consider the audio edition of 30 Pieces of Silver to be better than the print version?

Absolutely, the narrator has a fabulous, deep voice, very enjoyable to listen to. He does a great job on applying different voices, to the different characters. He brings in the excitement, so well, that you feel like you are really there. You can hear the bullets, whizzing by, and the wind blowing through your hair as you speed down the river. This story is not going to be easy to put down.

Who was your favorite character and why?

That would have to be, Brandt, what a sexy, confident guy. So macho and what a hero, every girl needs a man like that in her life.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Brandt and Rebecca were trying to fast talk their way, past the guard, at the vatican. Hilarious!

If you could take any character from 30 Pieces of Silver out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Brandt, he's just so fricken hot.

Any additional comments?

Rebbeca has such a life passion for her work. Anybody that wants to put their life on the line, having an anaconda wrap themselves around your neck, just to get in good with the natives, has got my vote. Waiting for the movie!

I don't like his reading of it.
Boring sounding..

The reader sounds extremely boring. Wish I hadn't bought this! I'm sure story is good.

Terrible narration

I read this book some time ago and loved it, this was a terrible narration that ruined the whole book.

what a ride all the twist and turns.

I can say this is not for the faint of heart..but still good to hear.

Narrator was awful almost ruined this story.

Even though the narrator was terrible, I stuck with it because I really wanted to know where she was going with this thing.Enjoyed most of the characterization but again almost was ruined by the narrator.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: What the Lady Wants

Subtitle: A Novel of Marshall Field and the Gilded Age

Author: Renée Rosen

Narrator: Kirsten Potter

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 2 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-04-14

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 50 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In late 19th-century Chicago, visionary retail tycoon Marshall Field made his fortune wooing women customers with his famous motto, "Give the lady what she wants." His legendary charm also won the heart of socialite Delia Spencer and led to an infamous love affair.

The night of the Great Fire, as seventeen-year-old Delia watches the flames rise and consume what was the pioneer town of Chicago, she can't imagine how much her life, her city, and her whole world are about to change - nor can she guess that the agent of that change will not simply be the fire but more so the man she meets that night.

Leading the way in rebuilding after the fire, Marshall Field reopens his well-known dry goods store and transforms it into something the world has never seen before: a glamorous palace of a department store. He and his powerhouse coterie - including Potter Palmer and George Pullman - usher in the age of robber barons, the American royalty of their generation.

But behind the opulence, their private lives are riddled with scandal and heartbreak. Delia and Marshall first turn to each other out of loneliness, but as their love deepens, they will stand together despite disgrace and ostracism, through an age of devastation and opportunity, when an adolescent Chicago is transformed into the gleaming White City of Chicago's World's Fair of 1893.

Members Reviews:

An average read

I have not read a great deal of historical fiction, but I found this book to be a bit thin ... Neither the characters nor the events comprising the story were well developed. I did not engage emotionally in this book, and so give it 3 stars as an adequate audible selection.

Wasnt expecting that!

Growing up in the Chicago suburbs I grew up going to Marshall Fields. I found this book at a book fair and decided to by the audiobook. This book is what I wanted The Devil in the White City to be, a perfect mix of story telling and history. I was shocked with sex in the book but it made the book more intriguing. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and was in loved and miss shopping at Marshall Fields

What the lady wanted!

Captivating historical fiction about Chicago icon, Marshall Field. Story begins with the Chicago Fire and includes historical happenings during his lifetime. Haymarket Riot is juxtaposed against Fields' Gilded-Age lifestyle. Also reveals Fields' role in attracting the Columbian Exposition to Chicago in 1893. Fascinating personal love story. This Chicagoan enjoyed a glimpse into the life of this legendary City Father

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Elizabeth's Heart - Book Two

Subtitle: The 1929 Series

Author: M. L. Gardner

Narrator: Angel Clark

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 24 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-29-14

Publisher: M.L. Gardner

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 20 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Elizabeth's Heart is the second book in The 1929 Series.

Simon Sinclair, who is institutionalized in 1929 for having prophetic visions, narrates from inside the Massachusetts Asylum for Feeble Minds and Lunatics. There he meets Elizabeth, a young woman with a shadow personality and a dark, secretive past. Someone Simon knows he is destined to love.

As their lives become entwined, they grow so attached to each other that they each begin to believe they are the other's "cure". But from the perspective of outsiders, it appears that each of them are growing more unstable. The harder they try to hold on to each other and their love, the more they are pulled apart.

Realizing freedom will be the only way for them to marry and lead a normal life, Simon plans their escape with help from an unlikely hospital source, hiding secrets of his own, and they must be careful not to alert Elizabeth's other personality, for fear it will expose them.

On a dark and frigid night in January, they run.

But life on the run turns out to be more challenging and less romantic than either of them expected, testing their resolve and love to the limits. Simon continues to have prophetic visions, and Elizabeth's hidden personality becomes angry about not being in control. Through repeated visions he neither understands nor likes, Simon realizes that the only way to have Elizabeth forever is to do the unthinkable. Give her up to someone else. In doing so, he unwittingly places one of the main characters from the novel 1929 - Jonathan's Cross in grave danger.

Members Reviews:

Not a Good Follow Up to Jonathan's Cross

Okay . . . this is the second in the 1929 series . . . first of all, it's not historical fiction . . . Simon Sinclair is in a mental hospital, and he has the power to "see things" . . . second of all, the narrator is a woman, but she is speaking for Simon, she IS Simon . . . thirdly, this does not tie in with Jonathan's cross at all . . . UNTIL THE VERY END . . . and then it makes me mad . . . it makes me think that the third book will also be ruined, by turning it into something like this one . . . NOT an historical novel at all, but one of dead people talking to one another . . . I LOVED Jonathan's Cross . . . not sure the same author REALLY wrote them both.

Story great, but narrator bad

Loved the way this story was woven into the story from Book 1. But the narrator had poor inflection and she mispronounced the names from Book 1. I hope we can go back to the Irish narrator for the rest of the series!!

pronunciation

Small criticism: Jean, French, is pronounced John. Read the 1st book, then you'll know how to pronounce the names for the second.

wow

What made the experience of listening to Elizabeth's Heart - Book Two the most enjoyable?

the voice actor who recorded

What was one of the most memorable moments of Elizabeth's Heart - Book Two?

all in genaral was amazing

What about Angel Clarks performance did you like?

where can i start her voice hooks me into the book and keeps me reeling into it until im caught

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

with angels voice and passion for her work heck yea

Compelling

I went into this book not knowing what to expect. I came out of it having been glad to have given it my time. All of the characters I found likeable, and the story was interesting.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Knight of the Cross

Subtitle: A Knight Hospitaller Novella

Author: Steven A. McKay

Narrator: Nick Ellsworth

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 39 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-20-14

Publisher: Steven A. McKay

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 21 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The Knights Hospitaller battle ancient evil in medieval Rhodes as mysterious disappearances and insane devil-worshippers threaten to turn the entire island into a bloodbath....

When three Hospitallers go missing from a local village outraged Grand Master Foulques de Villaret sends the English knight Sir Richard-at-Lee and his trusted sergeant-at-arms Jacob to discover their fate. Met with resistance from frightened locals and rumours of a blasphemous sect performing unspeakable rites beneath the village Sir Richard must overcome not only the devil-worshippers but the faceless, unstoppable demon that stalks his dreams.

Fans of the best-selling Forest Lord books Wolf's Head and The Wolf and the Raven will enjoy this spin-off novella that sees the much-loved English knight up against a foe that threatens not only his life and his sanity, but God himself!

Members Reviews:

Lovecraftian Horror in the 14th century

Would you consider the audio edition of Knight of the Cross to be better than the print version?

I enjoyed both versions, but the audio edition has an advantage with a good narrator who brings the distinctive voices of the characters come to life.

What other book might you compare Knight of the Cross to and why?

As a medieval mystery tinged with horror elements it comes across a bit Bernard Knight's Crowner John series, Maureen Ash's Templar Knight Mysteries or Paul Doherty's Hugh Corbett mysteries, but crossed with H.P. Lovecraft.

Which character as performed by Nick Ellsworth was your favorite?

Stephen, the Yorkshireman and Hospitaller sergeant-at-arms is very well realized by Nick Ellsworth.

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

I had already read the print version, so my reaction was not extreme, but the experience of listening to a good story performed by a fine performer was satisfying.

Any additional comments?

I have enjoyed Steven McKay's books to date in print and in audio. Nick Ellsworth has proven himself a very capable and engaging narrator.

Great narration, Intense story-telling

I haven't read any other books in the series that this one is a spin-off from. I enjoyed the writing, and the characters. It's an action-packed, emotional story. It works well as an introductory or deeper understanding of some of the characters, but other than that, I didn't really see a purpose to the story. I don't know, maybe I missed something.

It did interest me enough, and I liked Mr. McKay's writing enough, that I may go on and read the other books. I haven't decided yet.

I listened to the audio version of the story, and I will say that narrator, Nick Ellsworth, did a fine job of bringing this story and the characters to life.

Very good

My experience with this book was enjoyable to say the least. The characters were great to get to know. I am definitely going to read more from this author.

A great back story to the Wolf series by McKay

Would you consider the audio edition of Knight of the Cross to be better than the print version?

Yes...

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Lady of Sherwood

Subtitle: Robin Hood & Marian, Book 2

Author: Jennifer Roberson

Narrator: Roger Davis

Format: Unabridged

Length: 16 hrs and 38 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-30-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 20 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Robert of Locksley, the handsome son of a respected earl, has long battled the tyranny of Prince John - a man as weak as he is cruel. Now that power has shifted even more firmly into John's hands, and Robert has no choice but to fight as an outlaw - as Robin Hood.

Lady Marian of Ravenskeep has fled into the depths of Sherwood Forest. There, amid wild woods, she will be transformed from lady to warrior - as Robin Hood's partner in stealing John's gold. But all who breathe know the penalty for such theft is hanging. As the Sheriff's army pursues them, Robin Hood and Marian face danger at every turn. . .and discover a shared passion that will join their hearts forever.

Critic Reviews:

"Roberson's genre-blending novel may be her best yet." (Publishers Weekly )

"Fans of historical fiction and period fantasy should enjoy this rousing story." (Booklist"

Members Reviews:

Good Swquel

Where does Lady of Sherwood rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

It's one of the better books I've listened to recently.

What other book might you compare Lady of Sherwood to, and why?

I would compare it to its predecessor, Lady of The Forest. It had the same good and bad points.

Have you listened to any of Roger Daviss other performances? How does this one compare?

He read the first book, but I actually thought this performance was even better.

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

It made me laugh on occasion.

Any additional comments?

As with Lady of the Forest, this had great characters and the intrigue was done really well. It was from fewer perspectives which I preferred. However, also as with Lady of the Forest, the style was very wordy and at times it felt like the Author was taking forever to tell me something. Also, the ending felt incomplete. I was left with questions and as there's no third book, I'm left feeling a little frustrated. That said, this book was my favourite of the two.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Texas Twilight

Subtitle: McCutcheon Family Series, Book 2

Author: Caroline Fyffe

Narrator: Grant Bolton

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 50 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-19-14

Publisher: Caroline Fyffe

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 289 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Texas Badlands, 1886: Fresh out of medical school, John McCutcheon finds his stagecoach under attack by brutal outlaws. With the help of a feisty acquaintance Lily Anthony, he manages to fend off the assault. Lily is attracted to the charming cowboy-doctor, with his chiseled good looks and teasing ways, then heartbroken to learn he's engaged to be married.

Once settled in Rio Wells, Texas, John tries to ignore the fact that his cousin has taken a shine to Lily. When a bounty hunter shows up looking for a priceless jewel that Lily has found stashed away in her aunt's belongings, Lily fears her dreams of owning her own shop - and of finding true love - are about to go up in flames...or, could that just be the glow of a beautiful...Texas Twilight?

Critic Reviews:

"I laughed. I cried. I didn't want Texas Twilight to end." (Theresa Ragan, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author)

Members Reviews:

John Jake McCutcheon's story.

I really enjoyed listening to this story. The narrator used different voices for each character and it made it easier to tell who was speaking. John Jake McCutcheon has just graduated from medical school and is on his way to begin his career in Rio Wells, Texas, near his Uncle Winston McCutcheon's ranch. John's stage is attacked by Comancheros and he was cut on his face, making a dramatic beginning. When John meets his cousin Dustin there is a tenseness and you know there will be trouble between them. For those that look forward to each book, following the McCutcheon family, you will thoroughly enjoy this story. John's sister, Charity makes an unexpected visit and Brandon follows her, adding to the drama.

Maggis review

Would read it 1000000 times more. Awesome book! Tomorrow is my late husbands birthday and it has really helped. Thank you so much! maybe there are some good Christian men out there.

Loved Caroline Fyffe's Texas Twilight!

Would you consider the audio edition of Texas Twilight to be better than the print version?

I enjoyed the print book so much I was interested in listening to the audio version. I found this form to be delightfully entertaining, especially when my eyes are too tired to read any longer. I really thought Brant Bolton did an excellent job with all the characters especially the men. Although his version of Tante Harriett, Lily's edlerly aunt was delightful!

What other book might you compare Texas Twilight to and why?

I was an avid Max Brand reader years ago and this book reminds me of his style very much.

Which character as performed by Grant Bolton was your favorite?

Dr. John McCutcheon.

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

Definately had me on edge, but overall really brought out warm feelings, and a few tears.

Any additional comments?

I love Fyffe's easy descriptive style and wait for each new release. She knows how to create characters that brandish true grit and deep heart. Her books are uplifting, entertaining and have values that leave you believing in life and love! Thank you Ms. Caroline Fyffe!

Another McCutcheon Hit!!!

If you could sum up Texas Twilight in three words, what would they be?

Exciting, spell-binding and fantastic!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Texas Twilight?

The very beginning when the stage was being attacked with John and Lily fighting off the bad guys.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: The King's Curse

Subtitle: Cousins' War Book 6

Author: Philippa Gregory

Narrator: Bianca Amato

Format: Unabridged

Length: 24 hrs and 10 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-04-14

Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 19 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The riveting story of Margaret Pole, daughter of George, Duke of Clarence, and was one of the few surviving members of the Plantagenet dynasty after the Wars of the Roses. Plantagenet, once carried proudly by Margaret like a crown upon her head, is now, at the end of the 15th century, the most dangerous name in England....

Members Reviews:

Irritating if you're english!

What did you like most about The King's Curse?

Great story, despite the author's penchant for needless superlatives and "oh"s every so often, it's always fascinating to imagine the narrator's viewpoint and I forgive Philippa Gregory because she is foremost an historian!

What aspect of Bianca Amatos performance might you have changed?

Oh please somebody school Bianca Amato in English pronunciations! Mispronouncing things like "Berkshire" is pretty unforgiveable. Also no-one in England says "orf" anymore, not since my grandmother died. Just consult a native. FYI other mis-pronunciations include Magdalen College, and Chapuys (amongst many more). Sorry, pet hate :)

A Fly In the Ointment

Would you listen to The King's Curse again? Why?

I enjoyed the rich and warm tone of Bianca Amato's voice - but there were some jarring pronunciation errors which really interrupted the flow for me. It wouldn't have taken much to check the pronunciation of place names like "Beaulieu", which is pronounced "Bewley", or Cambridgeshire, where the first syllable is "came" and not "camm". It was distracting, too, to keep hearing "courtiers" pronounced as if it rhymed with "more tears" rather than the British pronunciation which rhymes more with "haughtier". Such a shame, as otherwise the reading was excellent.

The King's Curse

If you could sum up The King's Curse in three words, what would they be?

Interesting. Overlong. Okay.

What other book might you compare The King's Curse to, and why?

Any other Philippa Gregory.

What didnt you like about Bianca Amatos performance?

The weird swooping onto the occasional word for no apparent reason; the absolute launch she took every time she had to say the name 'Plantagenet'. Just a very strange performance all round.

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

I am a huge Wars of the Roses buff and a massive Richard III fan, so I will always feel slightly negative to the Tudors. The other problem with it is that of course we know how it ends - one of the problems with any historical novel, of course, and perhaps one of the reasons why it annoys me when people suddenly get a 'feeling' as they gaze at the Boy King Harry that All Will Not Be Well. There was no sign of that when Henry VIII took the throne. But people Got Feelings. I also feel that as this is part of a series there was no real need to constantly explain who everybody was in relation to everybody else - if you've read the series you will know and if you have even a modicum of interest in the subject then you will still know. A lot of it felt like padding.

Any additional comments?

This is perhaps a little bit negative-sounding, and that's not really what I mean. It's a perfectly enjoyable book with flaws, but all books have flaws.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Age of Iron

Subtitle: Iron Age Trilogy, Book 1

Author: Angus Watson

Narrator: Sean Barrett

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 15 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-02-14

Publisher: Hachette Audio UK

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 22 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Legends aren't born. They're forged.

Dug Sealskinner is a down-on-his-luck mercenary travelling south to join up with King Zadar's army. But he keeps rescuing the wrong people. First, Spring, a child he finds scavenging on the battlefield, and then Lowa, one of Zadar's most fearsome warriors, who's vowed revenge on the king for her sister's execution.

Now Dug's on the wrong side of that thousands-strong army he hoped to join - and worse, Zadar has bloodthirsty druid magic on his side. All Dug has is his war hammer, one rescued child, and one unpredictable, highly-trained warrior with a lust for revenge that's going to get them all killed.... It's a glorious day to die.

Members Reviews:

caught me up, could not stop listening until end

Would you listen to Age of Iron again? Why?

yes, very gripping

What other book might you compare Age of Iron to, and why?

not so much another book as another author/ books, it has the feel and style of D Gemmell... but stands out on its own, very good

Which scene did you most enjoy?

all the book

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

I enjoyed it all

Any additional comments?

fantastic listen

a good yarn

Sean Barrett is without doubt a fabulous narrator so I feel most books he reads will usually be enjoyable. The story is good and I will definitely get part two when it is out. Dug is a fine character and there is an equally good supporting cast of characters. it's a typical road movie of revenge and mishap that chugs along at a comfortable pace. The historical notes have been kept in at the end which is helpful for me as like that sort of thing--if you tend to enjoy Bernard Cornwells Saxon or Arthur books, or a bit of Game of Thrones fantasy and are looking for a new tale, I reckon you will like this too-if you don't just send it back

Refreshing take on fantasy.

Would you consider the audio edition of Age of Iron to be better than the print version?

I'm a great lover of audible and thought the narration by Sean Barrett really good. I haven't read the printed version but generally i find if the narrator paired with the book is good then i feel it adds extra enjoyment over any printed book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Dug was a brilliant character and to me instantly likable. I found him to be funny and although a lot of the time he tried to stay out of trouble invariably he became the heroic savior....also I've never heard so much Badger related profanity in my life! Brilliant stuff!

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Without giving too much away probably the inn scene when Dug meets Lowa.

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

Again not trying to give too much away probably Dugs love life and his attachment to spring.

Any additional comments?

I loved the setting of Iron age Britain and the way Angus Watson managed to combine real history with fantasy fiction. This gave the story a rich and believable feel. Can't wait for the next book.

I found it difficult after listening to the first two Raven's Shadow books to find something that held my attention. I am please to say this certainly did.