Download the Top 100 Audiobooks in Fiction, Historical

The Serpent of Venice Audiobook by Christopher Moore

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Christopher Moore) — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 14:58:18 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Serpent of Venice Subtitle: A Novel Author: Christopher Moore Narrator: Euan Morton Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 35 mins Language: English Release date: 04-22-14 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2180 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: New York Times best-selling author Christopher Moore channels William Shakespeare and Edgar Allan Poe in this satiric Venetian gothic featuring the irresistibly mischievous Pocket, the eponymous hero of Fool. Venice, a really long time ago: Three prominent Venetians await their most loathsome and foul dinner guest, the erstwhile envoy from Britain who also happens to be a favorite of the Doge: The rascal-Fool Pocket. This trio of cunning plotters have lured Pocket to a dark dungeon, promising a spirited evening. Their invitation is, of course, bogus. These scoundrels have something far less amusing planned for the man who has consistently foiled their quest for power and wealth. But this Fool is no fool. Once again, Christopher Moore delivers a rousing literary satire: A dramedy mash-up rich with delights, including (but not limited to): Foul plots; counterplots; true love; jealousy; murder; betrayal; revenge; codpieces; a pound of flesh; occasional debauchery; and water (lots of water). Not to mention a cast Shakespeare himself would be proud of: Shylock; Iago; Othello; a bunch of other guys whose names end in o; a trio of comely wenches; the brilliant Fool; his large sidekick, Drool; Jeff, the pet monkey; a lovesick sea serpent; and a ghost (yes, theres always a bloody ghost). Wickedly witty and outrageously inventive, The Serpent of Venice pays cheeky homage to the Bard and illuminates the absurdity of the human condition as only Christopher Moore can. Members Reviews: Shakespear, E.A. Poe, and Pocket the Fool Combining plot points and characters from The Cask of Amontillado by Poe, Othello and The Merchant of Venice by Shakespeare, Moore sends Pocket the Fool off on another adventure, this time in medieval Venice. Pocket, nicknamed Fortunato by the Doge starts at a very low point in his life. He is the intended victim of a conspiracy between some merchants of Venice and Iago who want to start a crusade in order to increase their wealth. The last one had worked so well for them. Pocket is so low that he little cares for his life-- until he discovers that this conspiracy is the cause of his misfortunes! Most Heinous F___ery, as he says. And the story takes off-- ribald, bawdy and very, very clever as Moore combines characters from all the stories into a fun listen. Christopher Moore is funny when read by oneself, but when Euan Morton does the narrating it is rib splitting and laugh out loud-- if you like Christopher Moore's brand of humor. HIs satire about recent world events is spot on. So why not 5 stars across the board? I thought that there were a couple of places where it moved a little slow. Also there were so references back to events and characters in Fool that probably would have confused a new reader. I just took it as an opportunity to listen to Fool again. In fact, if you thinking about buying this listen and have not heard Fool you would do yourself a great favor if you listen to Fool first. Both books have entertaining Author Notes read at the end by Christopher Moore himself explaining why he made the choices he did in terms of characters and time periods. Fool's Gold What made the experience of listening to The Serpent of Venice the most enjoyable? I am in a small minority of people who seriously dislike Shakespeare and are not abashed to admit it. I just never got it. But one thing I've always loved are alternative interpretations of Shakespeare.

Sharpe's Rifles Audiobook by Bernard Cornwell

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Bernard Cornwell) — Thu, 24 May 2001 10:37:56 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Sharpe's Rifles Subtitle: Book VI of the Sharpe Series Author: Bernard Cornwell Narrator: Frederick Davidson Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 32 mins Language: English Release date: 05-24-01 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 648 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: It's 1809 and the powerful French juggernaut is sweeping across Spain. Lieutenant Sharpe is newly in command of the demoralized, distrustful men of the 95th Rifles. He must lead them to safety - and the only means of escape is a treacherous trek through the enemy-infested mountains of Spain. Blas Vivar and his band of intrepid Spanish soldiers may prove to be their salvation. But Vivar is transporting a mysterious chest that he claims can shift the tides of war, and the French are determined to get it - no matter what the cost. Don't forget to check out the rest of Bernard Cornwell's series. ©1988 by Rifleman Productions; (P)1995 by Blackstone Audiobooks Critic Reviews: "Consistently exciting....These are wonderful novels!" (Stephen King) Members Reviews: Historical Fiction at it's best. I had never read (or listened to) a novel by Cornwell before purchasing and hearing this one. I was instantly hooked and I'm planning to purchase and listen to all of the others offered on Audible. The book was superb, the character development was rich and plausible, and the story telling was excellent. My only disappointment is that not all of the "Sharpe" novels are yet available on Audible (a situation I hope they rectify quickly). I might add that the narration by Frederick Davidson is absolutely fantastic. His ability to mimic almost any voice and accent only adds to the richness of the story. I heartily recommend this book to all. Lots of adventure. Great fun, lots of adventure, some history. I liked all of Bernard Cornwell Sharpe's books so much that I was deeply depressed when I finished the last one available at audible. More Please! Great book, great narration Wonderful story with a very good plot. I'm really enjoying these Sharpe novels. And Davidson does an a very good narration--I wanted to fight along with Spanish as Davidson was reading the last dramatic chapters. A GREAT Historical Novel This was my first of the "Sharpe" series and it was thouroughly enjoyable as well as giving me a great perspective of Spanish history. As an American living tempoarily in Spain I found it accurate and a rip-roaring adventure. I look forward to listening to more books in this series. Sharpe's Rifles A rip roaring historical adventure novel, the first in a long series. Sword battering bone, blood & honor, AArrrr... Recommended for guys only, it's lot of fun and you learn some excellent history to boot!

Love and War: Volume Two of the North and South Trilogy Audiobook by John Jakes

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (John Jakes) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 13:09:01 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Love and War: Volume Two of the North and South Trilogy Author: John Jakes Narrator: Grover Gardner Format: Unabridged Length: 42 hrs and 30 mins Language: English Release date: 01-22-13 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1232 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: The Main and Hazard families clash on and off the Civil Wars battlefields as they grapple with the violent realities of a divided nation. America's master storyteller continues his reign with Love and War, a story steeped in passion and betrayal. With the Confederate and Union armies furiously fighting, the once-steadfast bond between the Main and Hazard families continues to be tested. From opposite sides of the conflict, they face heartache and triumph on the frontlines as they fight for the future of the nation and their loved ones. With his impeccable research and unfailing devotion to the historical record, John Jakes offers his most enthralling and enduring tale yet. Members Reviews: Can't believe I haven't read this before... Others have criticized book 2 in this series as not as good as the first. I disagree, and found the story a natural extension of the first. It is, however a fairly dark story, but entertaining and captivating nonetheless. The story was very well done. Well researched, it is what I would consider as accurate as far as can be in a work of fiction. Be forewarned, however, that this also means that terminology and attitudes of that era are also presented the same way. For those with a thin skin, this could be somewhat shocking. Although my favourite narrators tend to be Brits, Mr. Gardner is well matched to this series. I thoroughly enjoyed his pace, inflections, and interpretations of characters. So, keeping things short, if you have any interest in the Civil War era, and perhaps a glimpse into how the US has evolved into what it is today with regards to politics, this series may be of interest to you while simultaneously providing a darned good story. Fantastic Would you consider the audio edition of Love and War to be better than the print version? The American civil war and its many component intrigues me. I have listened to many books about this era however John Jakes has done a splendid job in his books North and South, Love and War. Apart from just enjoying the books, I also learned something about the North and South that I never knew. I love the story lines- mixing history with some make belief. You feel as if you were there. Both books (since they are connected) as a whole have left a deep impression in my heart about valuing relationships. I am glad a few characters in the book got what they deserved and also very sorry that one of the main characters died. I guess the story will not be realistic if this did not happen. I have already pre-ordered the last book Heaven and Hell. I would like to see the three books made into a movie :) The narrator - Grover Gardner could not have done better - good job What was one of the most memorable moments of Love and War? When Orie died or when Charles found his son What about Grover Gardners performance did you like? I loved every part of his performance. Loved the way he could switch from one character to the other Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? Yes Any additional comments? movie - perhaps? The second is as good as the first!!! Let me start off by saying this is a great book!! The book is better than the mini series!! John Jakes does a great job with the civil war and the family events!! I hated to lose some of the main characters but all great things have to come to an end..

The Known World Audiobook by Edward P. Jones

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Edward P. Jones) — Thu, 15 Jul 2004 13:38:23 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Known World Author: Edward P. Jones Narrator: Kevin Free Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 13 mins Language: English Release date: 07-15-04 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 617 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Pulitzer Prize, Fiction, 2004 National Book Critics Circle Award, Fiction, 2004 Henry Townsend, a black farmer, bootmaker, and former slave, has a fondness for Paradise Lost and an unusual mentor, William Robbins, perhaps the most powerful white man in antebellum Virginia's Manchester County. Under Robbins's tutelage, Henry becomes proprietor of his own plantation, as well as of his own slaves. When he dies, his widow Caldonia succumbs to profound grief; and things begin to fall apart: slaves take to escaping under the cover of night, and families who had once found love beneath the weight of slavery begin to betray one another. Beyond the Townsend estate, the known world also unravels: low-paid white patrollers stand watch as slave "speculators" sell free black people into slavery; and rumor of slave rebellions set white families against slaves who have served them for years. An ambitious, luminously written novel that ranges seamlessly between the past and future and back again to the present, The Known World weaves together the lives of freed and enslaved blacks, whites, and Indians, and allows all of us a deeper understanding of the enduring multidimensional world created by the institution of slavery. Critic Reviews: "A masterpiece that deserves a place in the American literary canon." (Time) "Flawless rendition....He gives each character color, personality, and heft, without ever vamping or straining for effect." (AudioFile) "A complex, often startling picture of life in the region....[Jones'] narrative achieves crushing momentum through sheer accumulation of detail, unusual historical insight, and generous character writing." (Publishers Weekly) "Jones has written a book of tremendous moral intricacy." (The New Yorker) Members Reviews: wonderful and highly recommended i am fairly new to audiobooks but very glad that i listened to this at the begining of my journey - it was a wonderful early introduction. The story is not a straightforward journey from A to B, rather a journey around a whole community, every individual and every incident in it. There is an enourmous amout of detail which does mean that you need to pay close attention to it, but the depth of character which it creates is well worth the effort. When I finished listening I was still wondering about these characters. The book is inspired by the concept of free black people who owned slaves in Virginia, an aspect of American history I had not known anything about. I loved this 'read' and hope that you do too. A soft-spoken treasure This book is a real pleasure to listen to. It's not a plot-driven book, so be forewarned, if that's what you're in the market for. Instead, it's an empathetic, nuanced, and often poetic look at a certain historical time and place. Jones is just an extraordinarily humane writer; every character is painted in painstaking detail and with unusual sympathy. This is one of my favorites of the audiobooks I've listened to. Will be a classic of African American literature Reminded me of Toni Morrison's "Paradise." Much more readable than Faulkner. The first time you read it for the plot. Then read it again for the way everything links together. There are so many different and opposing types of characters whose inner lives are convincingly conveyed.

1633 Audiobook by David Weber, Eric Flint

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (David Weber) — Fri, 25 May 2012 03:04:04 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. 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.

Down and Out in Paris and London Audiobook by George Orwell

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (George Orwell) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:43:50 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Down and Out in Paris and London Author: George Orwell Narrator: Frederick Davidson Format: Unabridged Length: 6 hrs and 32 mins Language: English Release date: 04-23-09 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 198 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: A socialist who believed that the lower classes were the wellspring of world reform, Orwell actually went to live among them in England and on the continent. His novel draws on his experiences of this world, from the bottom of the echelon in the kitchens of posh French restaurants to the free lodging houses, tramps, and street people of London. In the tales of both cities, we learn some sobering truths about poverty and society. Critic Reviews: "Genuine, unexaggerated, and intelligent." - (New Republic) "The most lucid portrait of poverty in the English language...combines good narrative with wit, humor, and honest realism." (The Nation) "Excellent...a model of the realistic approach." (New York Times Book Review) Members Reviews: The King of Boldness, Clearness, and Audacity George Orwell is one of those writers who you THINK you know when you read his couple, well known, books in your adolescence. Later, when older, you discover that 9/10 of his writing was submerged and hidden from your younger, more innocent self. The more of Orwell's nonfiction I read, the more I love his boldness, clearness, and audacity. Orwell's confidence in his writing is apparent even in his earlier works. Down and Out doesn't make me want to tramp, but it did teach me a couple tricks just incase. Colorful and desperate. Humouros and tragic. Would you listen to Down and Out in Paris and London again? Why? Yes. I have read the book a few times and I like the first part read in a french accent from french characters. It really brings the characters to life. What did you like best about this story? The characters in the Hotels and the French Quarter the protagonist lives and works among. Madame F the landlord, Boris's optimism and friendship to the protagonist, Charlie's drunken speeches, Rocolle the cat eating miser, the snobby waiters that enjoy spending their customer's money on their food and drink by proxy, the lazy Siberian waiter that insults his boss in order to get fired half way thru the day at every job because they have to pay him him for the entire day (he has so much cheek), Mario (George's boss) that is more like a machine at work than a man, but fair minded. The height of meal rushes everyone is "swearing oaths" to one another, floors covered with garbage, employees stealing food and liquor--so well described how a hotel restaurant is ran. England: The Spike where the spinster in blue is giving the homeless men tea and a bun and she asks one man when was the last time he talked to his Lord Jesus. The man was over come with shame. A red nosed man jumped up and cried out the Lords name to draw attention away from the embarrassed man. The red nosed man had this act down, likely from prison. The spinster won't let the men leave until hymns are sung. The red nose man passes out the hymn books like from a deck of cards and spouts off the names of lucky hands only the men can hear as they each get a book--bringing something bearable to this contempt every christian charity makes these men go thru to get a few pieces of bread and a cup of tea. Reminds me of the old saying "sing for your supper." The filthy and crowded lodges that make the insect infested hotel rooms in Paris seem like luxury. What about Frederick Davidsons performance did you like? He was a bit stuffy as the protagonist.

The Other Alcott Audiobook by Elise Hooper

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Elise Hooper) — Tue, 05 Sep 2017 08:18:54 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Other Alcott Subtitle: A Novel Author: Elise Hooper Narrator: Cassandra Campbell Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 39 mins Language: English Release date: 09-05-17 Publisher: Harper Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 28 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Elise Hooper's debut novel conjures the fascinating untold story of May Alcott - Louisa's youngest sister and an artist in her own right. We all know the story of the March sisters, heroines of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. But while everyone cheers on Jo March, based on Louisa herself, Amy March is often the least favorite sister. Now it's time to learn the truth about the real Amy, Louisa's sister, May. Stylish, outgoing, creative, May Alcott grows up longing to experience the wide world beyond Concord, Massachusetts. While her sister Louisa crafts stories, May herself is a talented and dedicated artist, taking lessons in Boston, turning down a marriage proposal from a well-off suitor, and facing scorn for entering what is very much a man's profession. Life for the Alcott family has never been easy, so when Louisa's Little Women is published, its success eases the financial burdens they've faced for so many years. Everyone agrees the novel is charming, but May is struck to the core by the portrayal of selfish, spoiled Amy March. Is this what her beloved sister really thinks of her? So May embarks on a quest to discover her own true identity, as an artist and a woman. From Boston to Rome, London, and Paris, this brave, talented, and determined woman forges an amazing life of her own, making her so much more than merely The Other Alcott. Members Reviews: Must read if you loved Little Women This is a great novel relying on a lot of historical facts about the famous Alcott sisters. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The narrator is wonderful. You learn a lot about young women artists in 19th century America who went abroad to develop their skills.

Silent in the Grave Audiobook by Deanna Raybourn

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Deanna Raybourn) — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 20:24:48 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Silent in the Grave Author: Deanna Raybourn Narrator: Ellen Archer Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 2 mins Language: English Release date: 01-05-07 Publisher: Harlequin Books S.A. Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1443 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: These ominous words, slashed from the pages of a book of Psalms, are the last threat that the darling of London society, Sir Edward Grey, receives from his killer. Before he can show them to Nicholas Brisbane, the private inquiry agent he has retained for his protection, Sir Edward collapses and dies at his London home, in the presence of his wife, Julia, and a roomful of dinner guests. Prepared to accept that Edward's death was due to a long-standing physical infirmity, Julia is outraged when Brisbane visits and suggests that Sir Edward has been murdered. It is a reaction she comes to regret when she discovers the damning paper for herself, and realizes the truth. Determined to bring her husband's murderer to justice, Julia engages the enigmatic Brisbane to help her investigate Edward's demise. Dismissing his warnings that the investigation will be difficult, if not impossible, Julia presses forward, following a trail of clues that lead her to even more unpleasant truths, and ever closer to a killer who waits expectantly for her arrival. Critic Reviews: "Riveting." (Bookreporter.com) "Fans of British historical thrillers will welcome Raybourn's perfectly executed debut." (Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: Happily surprised In the 12 years I have been an Audible member I have only purchased two or three romance novels. I can't recall what prompted me to use a credit for SILENT IN THE GRAVE, but I am glad I did. The great period detail shows Raybourne did her research. Be sure to listen closely because the author sprinkles quite a few clues throught this clever story. The narration by Ellen Archer is spot on, not sure why some reviewers disliked her. If you want to listen to a riveting mystery laced with humor, romance and cleverness then SILENT IN THE GRAVE is a great choice. Adequate story, but hard to listen to. I bought this book as a mystery, not as a romance, so I was happy to have the story pretty light on the romance side -- more a tantalizingly slow build up of romantic tension. The period detail was good, and the plot was interesting, although the author did sometimes telegraph what was going to happen next. I liked the characters, minor ones as well as major. I had a little trouble getting into it at the beginning, but I think that was because it started out sounding a lot like many a Victorian or Regency romance. Thank god it never developed into the bodice-ripper I was dreading. All in all, it turned out to be a satisfying story with an interesting ending. My problem with this book was the narrator. At first, the voice itself bothered me because of a rather saccharine tone, but I got used to that and it fitted the story fairly well. This narrator did a fairly good job with different voices, but different accents did not come out well. One of the servants was supposed to be Scottish, but the accent used sounded so artificial, with words really stretched out of shape, that it was hard to listen to. Another character, said to be Italian, sounded more like a Scotsman. Also, in the course of delivering lines of dialogue being spoken by the upperclass British characters, every once in a while something slipped and a word or two came out not in the right accent because the pronunciation of the vowels had shifted. But finally, the part of the performance that drove me wild and greatly detracted from my enjoyment of the story was the mispronunciations.

Dark Star Audiobook by Alan Furst

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Alan Furst) — Thu, 27 May 2004 09:42:12 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Dark Star Author: Alan Furst Narrator: George Guidall Format: Unabridged Length: 17 hrs and 49 mins Language: English Release date: 05-27-04 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 748 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Acclaimed author Alan Furst has written several historical fiction novels. In Dark Star, Andre Szara, a Polish journalist who becomes a spy for the Soviet Union in the late 1930s, is ordered to complete many tasks of espionage in Paris. Through Szara's character, the beginnings of World War II are revealed. George Guidall's gripping narration complements this suspenseful tale. Listen to Alan Furst discuss his craft with fellow writers Walter Mosley and Scott Turow at (P)Recorded Books Critic Reviews: "Intelligent, provocative, and gripping novel....Beautifully and compellingly told." (Publishers Weekly) "A rich, deeply moving novel of suspense that is equal parts espionage thriller, European history, and love story." (The New York Times) "Captures the murky allegiances and moral ambiguity of Europe on the brink of war....Nothing can be like watching Casablanca for the first time. But Furst comes closer than anyone has in years." (Time) Members Reviews: Bright Star I really enjoyed this book. It?s a story of espionage set in pre -WII Europe. Although its a work of fiction, the story is filled with accurate and detailed historical facts. In this sense, it reminded me of a good James Michner novel. If I could have, I would have given the story a 4.5 star rating. There are a lot of details in it and it is NOT a book you can casually listen to. What makes it more challenging is the abundance of Polish, German, and Russian names and places? I had to listen to parts of the book a couple times to make sure I of my facts. At times, the book may seem to lack direction, but things are tied together nicely near the end. The narrator is excellent and I?ll look for more by both the author and the narrator. Prewar Luftmensch examines Loyalty, Truth & Love Alan Furst's great historical espionage novel, Dark Star is a prewar epic of Europe's moral ambiguities and shifting loyalties. Told through the eyes of Pravda journalist and Luftmensch (and sometimes NKVD spy) André Szara, the story stretches from Paris to Berlin, Warsaw, and even down to Izmir. In this novel Furst examines ideas of trust and suspicion, love and hate, magnetism and repulsion. It is a novel about the compromises good men make to survive, the power that a few evil men have over millions, and the sacrifices a few Luftmenschen make to save thousands. Ultimately, Dark Star is a story of the Russian and German nonaggression pact (MolotovRibbentrop Pact) at the beginning of WWII and how the Jewish members of Stalin's spy network were forced to make huge compromises to survive (most didn't survive) and how some were pushed into heroics because decency and the times demanded it. The magic of this novel is that Furst is able to unweave the complicated nature of the prewar spy alliances and show all the different threads and colors and never lose the reader. His prose is amazing. His characters are nearly perfect. One of my favorite historical spy novels of all time. Dasvydanya, Tovarich Furst spins a great yarn about a Jewish Soviet journalist who, in the years before WWII, becomes a spy for the Russians in Germany and France. The threat from his own spymasters in Moscow worries him almost as much as threat from the Nazis. He makes love to several women during his travels through Europe, but not in the half-comical James Bond/Don Juan way. He really falls in love with them.

Her Majesty's Necromancer Audiobook by C. J. Archer

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (C. J. Archer) — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 15:11:48 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Her Majesty's Necromancer Subtitle: The Ministry of Curiosities, Book 2 Author: C. J. Archer Narrator: Shiromi Arserio Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins Language: English Release date: 12-08-16 Publisher: Spoken Realms Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 111 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: When bodies go missing from the cemetery, Lincoln and the Ministry of Curiosities investigate. But not Charlie. As a housemaid at Lichfield Towers, she doesn't get involved in ministry business. Instead, she conducts investigations of her own. She searches for details about her real mother and makes inquiries into Lincoln's background. What she learns has the power to destroy the fragile trust they've built or bring them closer together. As secrets are revealed and investigations don't go as planned, Charlie finds her necromancy sucking her into a whirlpool filled with betrayal, lies, and danger that could jeopardize her friendships and her home. Members Reviews: broken sections there were parts that were inaudible. but otherwise great listen. I would definitely recommend it

Doc Audiobook by Mary Doria Russell

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Mary Doria Russell) — Tue, 03 May 2011 10:55:55 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Doc Subtitle: A Novel Author: Mary Doria Russell Narrator: Mark Bramhall Format: Unabridged Length: 16 hrs and 38 mins Language: English Release date: 05-03-11 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 883 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: The year is 1878, peak of the Texas cattle trade. The place is Dodge City, Kansas, a saloon-filled cow town jammed with liquored-up adolescent cowboys and young Irish hookers. Violence is random and routine, but when the burned body of a mixed-blood boy named Johnnie Sanders is discovered, his death shocks a part-time policeman named Wyatt Earp. And it is a matter of strangely personal importance to Doc Holliday, the frail 26-year-old dentist who has just opened an office at No. 24, Dodge House. Beautifully educated, born to the life of a Southern gentleman, Dr. John Henry Holliday is given an awful choice at the age of 22: die within months in Atlanta or leave everyone and everything he loves in the hope that the dry air and sunshine of the West will restore him to health. Young, scared, lonely, and sick, he arrives on the rawest edge of the Texas frontier just as an economic crash wrecks the dreams of a nation. Soon, with few alternatives open to him, Doc Holliday is gambling professionally; he is also living with Mária Katarina Harony, a high-strung Hungarian whore with dazzling turquoise eyes, who can quote Latin classics right back at him. Kate makes it her business to find Doc the high-stakes poker games that will support them both in high style. It is Kate who insists that the couple travel to Dodge City, because Thats where the money is. And that is where the unlikely friendship of Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp really begins - before Wyatt Earp is the prototype of the square-jawed, fearless lawman; before Doc Holliday is the quintessential frontier gambler; before the gunfight at the O.K. Corral links their names forever in American frontier mythology - when neither man wanted fame or deserved notoriety. Editorial Reviews: Mary Doria Russell's last two novels have been works of historical fiction, and Doc demonstrates that she's clearly found her groove in the genre. The premise of the book is at once both iconic and imaginative, treating the beginnings of friendship between Doc Holliday and the Earp clan several years before all the fuss at the O.K. Corral. These are not hardened lawmen, but struggling young men with simple dreams of financial stability and good health. Mark Bramhall does an impeccable job with the voice work, taking on these enormously well known characters and adding a sensitive depth of uncertainty. After all, at this moment in history, John Henry Holliday is just a dentist who plays a bit of poker, and Wyatt Earp is merely a part-time officer of the peace who is hoping to breed racehorses. They are thrown together out of concern for a mutual acquaintance, John Horse Sanders, a mixed-race man who died in a fire but who may have been murdered before the fire got started. It's a straightforward Western mystery with a surprising amount of intricate narration. Mark Bramhall is a prize when it comes to character acting, so he handles the various Southern accents, from Georgia to Texas to Kansas, without even breaking a sweat. But everyone knows Doc Holliday died of consumption at a young age. Doc's dialogue is riddled with hacking, coughing, spluttering and spitting. Bramhall manages to insert all of these credibly, yet without disrupting the flow of the story or ruining Doc's many profound punch lines. It's particularly a treat to hear him voicing Doc's fiery gypsy whore, Kate.

The Savage Tales of Solomon Kane Audiobook by Robert E. Howard

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Robert E. Howard) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 09:10:43 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Savage Tales of Solomon Kane Author: Robert E. Howard Narrator: Paul Boehmer Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 41 mins Language: English Release date: 01-13-10 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 274 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: With Conan the Cimmerian, Robert E. Howard created more than the greatest action hero of the twentieth century---he also launched a genre that came to be known as sword and sorcery. But Conan was not the first archetypal adventurer to spring from Howard's fertile imagination. He was...a strange blending of Puritan and Cavalier, with a touch of the ancient philosopher, and more than a touch of the pagan.... A hunger in his soul drove him on and on, an urge to right all wrongs, protect all weaker things.... Wayward and restless as the wind, he was consistent in only one respect---he was true to his ideals of justice and right. Such was Solomon Kane. Collected in this volume are all of the stories that make up the thrilling saga of the dour and deadly Puritan: "Skulls in the Stars," "The Right Hand of Doom," "Red Shadows," "Rattle of Bones," "The Castle of the Devil," "Death's Black Riders," "The Moon of Skulls," "The One Black Stain," "The Blue Flame of Vengeance," "The Hills of the Dead," "Hawk of Basti," "The Return of Sir Richard Grenville," "Wings in the Night," "The Footfalls Within," "The Children of Asshur," and "Solomon Kane's Homecoming." Members Reviews: Well Done The savage tales of Solomon Kane is, in my humble opinion, Robert E. Howards' best work. The reading by Paul Boehmer is excellent and does not diminish the work in any way. Just as real and absorbing as I remember. This is just a very preliminary review. I have only immersed myself in the first couple of stories. I just wanted to mention right away how fantastic these stories are. I first met Solomon Kane when I was young by reading comic versions of some of his adventures. I also read some of the original stories, but never close to all of them. Through all these years, he has stuck in my mind as a striking, powerful and steadfast person. He made much more of an impression on me than Conan. The new movie was much, much better than I thought it would be (they really got Solomon Kane right) so I wanted to get to know him again. So, these stories are fantastic like always. Very well written and so real that to experience them is like watching it happening. They are very supernatural, of course, but in a real way and Solomon is always looking for real solutions and not just the latest stone or cryptic potion to deal with what is going on. The morality is Christian based (he is a Puritan after all), in a universal truth way. Solomon's strength is derived from his courage, and adherence to the right as much as it is his physical strength and prowess. While there might be some talk of god, so far, no preachy stuff about salvation and so on. I also want to mention the narrator. He is fantastic. He makes me feel like he is as excited by the stories as we are. He has a dramatic, clear way of speaking that really draws you into what is going on.

The Fortune Hunter Audiobook by Daisy Goodwin

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Daisy Goodwin) — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 00:55:19 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Fortune Hunter Subtitle: A Novel Author: Daisy Goodwin Narrator: Clare Corbett Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 21 mins Language: English Release date: 07-29-14 Publisher: Macmillan Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 271 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Empress Elizabeth of Austria, known as "Sisi", is the Princess Diana of 19th-century Europe. Famously beautiful, as captured in a portrait with diamond stars in her hair, she is unfulfilled in her marriage to the older Emperor Franz Joseph. Sisi has spent years evading the stifling formality of royal life on her private train or yacht or, whenever she can, on the back of a horse. Captain Bay Middleton is dashing, young, and the finest horseman in England. He is also impoverished, with no hope of buying the horse needed to win the Grand National - until he meets Charlotte Baird. A clever, plainspoken heiress whose money gives her a choice among suitors, Charlotte falls in love with Bay, the first man to really notice her, for his vulnerability as well as his glamour. When Sisi joins the legendary hunt organized by Earl Spencer in England, Bay is asked to guide her on the treacherous course. Their shared passion for riding leads to an infatuation that threatens the growing bond between Bay and Charlotte, and all of their futures. The Fortune Hunter, the brilliant new novel by Daisy Goodwin, is a lush, irresistible story of the public lives and private longings of grand historical figures. Members Reviews: Excellent narration but... If you could sum up The Fortune Hunter in three words, what would they be? It was just an okay story nothing extraordinary really. I have doubt that Empress Elizabeth was an adulteress. The historical facts are not accurate at all and for most is quite fictional. Nonetheless, the story remained descent but with so many inconsistencies in relation to the whereabouts of the main characters. The book was relating a lot promiscuity and indecency and shed light on a glorious aristocracy with their many flaws. Unfortunately, Charlotte Baird naive side was very much annoying and she looked foolish throughout the book. Would you recommend The Fortune Hunter to your friends? Why or why not? Well, that I would say yes and no...it all depends on the person's view of adulterous romance and mainly based on deceit and lies. Which scene was your favorite? The entrance of the Empress at Melton to observe the naive Charlotte and how she confronted both protagonists (Bay Middleton) in a daring way. Also the confrontation with Queen Victoria...Well, they are Empresses after all! Who was the most memorable character of The Fortune Hunter and why? None really but Augusta was quite something. I think each character had their moments. I would say the Empress as well who is very much willing to break all conventions to live her forbidden love. Also the fact that Sissy really raised her voice no matter the circumstances which requires requires great control of oneself... Any additional comments? The narration was quite superb and theatrical, the very way a narration should be. I congratulate the narrator for their achievement, I don't think the book would have that much enjoyable without it. I had quite a laugh too several times throughout the book. Listen to this one I started out reading the print edition but couldn't find the time to just sit and read so I used a credit. So glad I did as the narration increased my enjoyment of this surprisingly quiet historical novel. For me it seemed the pace picked up a bit in the second half of the novel and I was quite happy to listen for large chunks of time. Especially appreciated is the author interview at the end.

The Quiet American Audiobook by Graham Greene

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Graham Greene) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 23:47:42 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Quiet American Author: Graham Greene Narrator: Joseph Porter Format: Unabridged Length: 6 hrs and 41 mins Language: English Release date: 04-03-09 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 311 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Fowler's mistress, a beautiful native girl, creates a catalyst for jealousy and competition between the men and a cultural clash resulting in bloodshed and deep misgivings. Written in 1955, prior to the Vietnam conflict, The Quiet American foreshadows the events leading up to the Vietnam War. Questions surrounding the moral ambiguity of the involvement of the United States in foreign countries are as relevant today as they were 50 years ago. Critic Reviews: "There has been no novel of any political scope about Vietnam since Graham Greene wrote The Quiet American." (Harper's) "Greene is a superb storyteller. He evokes the most actual streets, the most vivid skies, and individuals who can have a lacerating reality as they search the labyrinth of their lives." (Newsweek) Members Reviews: Terrible narrator nearly derails Greene novel. Because Audible asks us about performance, I feel that I should bring it up. But first, because of a recent trip to Viet Nam, I decided to get and listen to this book. The story, itself, is remarkable and very prescient regarding American impending tragic and misguided involvement into Southeast Asia. But at it's heart, "The Quiet American" is a tale of two dissimilar men and their love for a beautiful Vietnamese woman. One man is an older British newspaperman saddled with a wife back in England. The other is a young, naive, low level, diplomat from Boston. The bonds, these two forge in friendship and rivalry, whether in a Saigon dance club or in the heat of battle, takes up the majority of this book. Unfortunately, Joseph Porter, fails miserably on all accounts in his narrating. Aside from his stilted readings of prose that is both beautiful and exciting, his accents, age and sex differentiation's are atrocious. His Englishmen seem to all come from some strange middle-class. Fowler, the stories narrator, is a mid-fifties hard drinking and smoking Londoner and yet he sounds like bland radio personality. Pyle his rival and friend is even worse, sounding like a late forties mid-westerner with an sixth grade reading level. All the other characters just sound canned-spaggetti versions of real people. Seriously, forget listening and read the book. Audilble please redo this classic and terrific story with a much better voice. I just could not listen to this narrator with his silly attempts at an American accent and overly stilted British one. The story is a good one. unbearable This reader is unbearable, could only stand it for an hour. Listen to a sample before you buy this one. Bostonian With a Southern Twang...kinda While the story was intriguing enough, the narration was a great distraction. The attempt at an American accent (that should have been Bostonian but came across as a bad Southern accent) was poor to be generous. If you want to know what the American accent sounded like, watch Young Frankenstein and listen to the character "Inspector Kemp." It was to say the least very distracting, bordering on annoying. Bad Narrator I had to read this book for a U.S. History course in college. I got through a good portion of the book by reading - but decided to buy the audiobook as listening is much more convienent. After 5 minutes of listening I had to turn it off. The narrator is so unlively and boring that it made the book unbearable.

The Dark Enquiry Audiobook by Deanna Raybourn

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Deanna Raybourn) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 11:07:21 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Dark Enquiry Subtitle: A Lady Julia Grey Novel Author: Deanna Raybourn Narrator: Ellen Archer Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 5 mins Language: English Release date: 06-21-11 Publisher: Harlequin Books S.A. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 539 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Partners now in marriage and in trade, Lady Julia and Nicholas Brisbane have finally returned from abroad to set up housekeeping in London. But merging their respective collections of gadgets, pets, and servants leaves little room for the harried newlyweds themselves, let alone Brisbane's private enquiry business. Among the more unlikely clients: Julia's very proper brother, Lord Bellmont, who swears Brisbane to secrecy about his case. Not about to be left out of anything concerning her beloved - if eccentric - family, spirited Julia soon picks up the trail of the investigation. It leads to the exclusive Ghost Club, where the alluring Madame Sraphine holds evening séances - and not a few powerful gentlemen in thrall. From this eerie enclave unfolds a lurid tangle of dark deeds, whose tendrils crush reputations and throttle trust. Shocked to find their investigation spun into salacious newspaper headlines, bristling at the tension it causes between them, the Brisbanes find they must unite or fall. For Bellmont's sake and more, they'll face myriad dangers born of dark secrets, the kind men kill to keep. Members Reviews: I think this series is getting better and better! I have become so tremendously fond of these characters that I want to continue right away to accompany them on their next adventure. I'm sorry to have reached the point in this series that I must wait for the next book! I am so glad that Deanna Raybourn is not letting these books dissolve into bodice-ripping romance! I was concerned that when Lady Julia and Brisbane finally had a book in which they were both in the same room together most of the time that the romantic scenes would outweigh the mystery. Raybourn is maintaining an excellent balance of allowing her readers to know the depth of the feelings between our protagonists, but not getting graphic about it. Hurrah! Great fun! I thoroughly enjoyed the story with its twists and turns and an excellent wrapup at the end. Highly recommended for a lighter weight mystery read. The late Victorian setting adds to the charm. Reading the series in order is best, but I think that this one could be enjoyed as a stand alone. Another Great Lady Julia Gray Novel This is the fifth book in the Lady Julia Gray series by Deanna Raybourn and it very much lives up to the quality of the rest of the series. I bought the first audiobook in the series on the recommendation of my fabulous local librarian. She was right! It is a marvelous series with one book after the other continuing to capture and hold my interest. I listened to the first five books in the series over an eight day period. I can't say I have a favorite out of this series as they have all been equally great stories and fun listens. I very much enjoy the reader Ellen Archer. She has a great cadence and vocally interprets the characters very well. I can hardly wait for book 6. Don't hesitate to try any book in this series! Yes! Lady Julia is back and I'm loving it! I love this series! If you have never read the first book, go read it first. This is book #5, so to truly enjoy it you need to read the others. Ok for the fans of Lady Julia. I know she can sound whiney and act so so stubbornly, but she does act a little more mature in this one. (I love her whining and stubbornness, she is a great character) The story is outstanding! I was actually surprised in the end by this one.

River God Audiobook by Wilbur Smith

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Wilbur Smith) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 03:53:48 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: River God Subtitle: A Novel of Ancient Egypt Author: Wilbur Smith Narrator: Dick Hill Format: Unabridged Length: 24 hrs and 39 mins Language: English Release date: 09-17-08 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1267 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Now the Valley of Kings lies ravaged by war, drained of its lifeblood, as weak men inherit the cherished crown. On the eve of the festival of Osiris, the loyal subjects of the Pharaoh gather in Thebes to pay tribute to their leader. Exploding with all the passion and rage of a bygone time, River God is a masterpiece of historical writing. Critic Reviews: "A grand tale of intrigue, deception, true love and exile." (Denver Post) "Smith knows his subject: his graphic depiction of lust, bloodletting, politics, and, in Taita's case, honor is firmly grounded in rich details that evoke the period." (Booklist) "Reader Dick Hill does an excellent job building tension and excitement, as well as keeping interest for twenty-four hours of listening." (AudioFile) Members Reviews: Highly recommended I read River God years ago. I lost sleep. I missed college classes. I'm not sure, but I may have referred to my self as "Tiata" for a few weeks. The story was full of interesting characters, wit, potty humor, fascinating story, and information about one of my favorite ancient civilizations. It was as if it had been written just for me. When I finished I was reluctant to set it aside, so, in desperation, I read the authors note. I was amazed to discover that, according to the note, the story was not written by Wilbur Smith. He claimed It was written by a slave thousands of years ago and sealed in a tomb, and that the archeologists who discovered it had given him the task of rewriting the story as a novel for modern readers. He worked from a translation, adding only some modern terminology. Cool beans. Dick Hill was the perfect reader. His performance became the standard by which I judge all others. Give this book a chance. River God review After trying, then failing, to read (I just couldn't get into it) River God, I decided to "give it another go" by listening to it. What a transformation a good reader makes! I listen to my Audible books in the car and there were times I couldn't wait to take a ride. Dick Hill brings this book to life as though I were watching an enthralling play. One of the best "reads" ever. Great Book I really liked this book. A nice insight into life in ancient Egypt. I was hesitant because the story was rather long (over 20 hours) but the plot kept moving and the characters were very interesting. Narration was very good. I look for for books read by Dick Hill. If you like historical novels please read this one. Looking forward to more Wilbur Smith books. One of the best . . . Highly recommend this series of books (4) for anyone with even a hint of an imagination. The tapestry this author creates before your mind's eye in is nothing less than fascinating! As the story is woven from one CD to the next one can see the characters and the world they live in develop and unfold in living detail as the narrator adds one more row of threads to the story. For days after listening to a section of the book I can see the scene described almost as though I was one of the major players in the story.

La luz que no puedes ver [All the Light We Cannot See] Audio Libro por Anthony Doerr

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Anthony Doerr) — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 17:04:44 GMT

Escuche este audio libro completo gratis en https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> Título: La luz que no puedes ver [All the Light We Cannot See] Autor: Anthony Doerr Narrador: Miguel Ángel Jenerr Formato: Unabridged Duración: 15 hrs and 43 mins Idioma: Español Fecha de publicación: 03-29-16 Editor: Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial Calificaciones: 4.5 de 5 de 169 votos Categorías: Fiction, Historical Resumen del editor: Premio Pulitzer de Ficción 2015. Un corazón puro puede brillar aun en la noche más oscura. Y en el más terrible de los tiempos. Marie-Laure vive con su padre en París, cerca del Museo de Historia Natural, donde él trabaja como responsable de sus mil cerraduras. Cuando, siendo muy niña, Marie-Laure se queda ciega, su padre le construye una perfecta miniatura de su barrio para que pueda memorizarla gracias al tacto y encontrar el camino a casa. A sus doce años, los nazis ocupan París y padre e hija tienen que huir a la ciudad amurallada de Saint-Malo. Con ellos se llevan la que podría ser la más preciada y peligrosa joya del museo. En una ciudad minera de Alemania, el joven huérfano Werner crece junto a su hermana pequeña, cautivado por una rudimentaria radio que ambos encuentran. Werner se convierte en un experto en construir y reparar estos aparatos cruciales para los nuevos tiempos, untalento que no pasa desapercibido a las Juventudes Hitlerianas. Siguiendo al ejército alemán, Werner deberá atravesar el corazón en guerra de Europa. Hasta que en la última noche antes de la liberación de Saint-Malo los caminos de Werner y Marie-Laure por fin se crucen. Y sus vidas cambien para siempre. N. 1 en las listas debest sellers en Estados Unidos. Finalista del National Book Award. Mejor novela de 2014 en iTunes. Entre los mejores diez libros del año para The New York Times. N. 1 de ficción histórica de 2014 en Goodreads. Premio 2015 Andrew Carnegie Medal de novela de la American Library Association. "Estoy leyendo un libro maravilloso. Solo llevo la mitad así que no puedo hablar hasta el final, pero es un verdadero placer. Quería contároslo. Estilo impecable, personajes maravillosos y una vívida recreación de la Segunda Guerra Mundial. ¿Qué más se puede pedir?... ¿Y no es preciosa la cubierta?" Kate Morton Please note: This audiobook is in Spanish. Crítica Comentarios: "Inolvidablemente hermoso." (The New York Times) "No creo que este año vaya a leer un libro mejor que La luz que no puedes ver." (Washington Post) "Una hermosa, valiente, desgarradora y extrañamente alegre novela." (The Seattle Times) Opiniones de los miembros: Buena historia pero no muy buen narrador El narrador es muy monótono y no actúa ninguno de los personajes, no muestra ninguna emoción, la narración es completamente plana. Valentía o es que acaso tenía alguna otra opción La historia me atrapó desde un principio. Es muy original y el modo en que está escrita le da un muy buen ritmo. La evolución de los personajes es muy interesante así como su desenlace. El escenario: Saint Malo en la segunda guerra mundial (1944) le da un gran dramatismo histórico. La narración es muy aceptable. Hermosa historia Muy buen libro. Linda historia, bellamente narrada. Personajes entrañables y reales.

The Truelove Audiobook by Patrick O'Brian

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Patrick O'Brian) — Thu, 26 Feb 2004 05:25:52 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Truelove Subtitle: Aubrey/Maturin Series, Book 15 Author: Patrick O'Brian Narrator: Patrick Tull Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 12 mins Language: English Release date: 02-26-04 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 706 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: The fifteenth installment of Patrick O'Brian's hugely successful Aubrey/Maturin series. Critic Reviews: "The best historical novels ever written." (The New York Times Book Review) Members Reviews: AKA Clarissa Oakes I am in favour of leaving people alone, however imperfect their polity may seem. It appears to me that you must not tell other nations how to set their house in order; nor must you compel them to be happy. - Patrick O'Brian, the Truelove When originally published, O'Brian's 15th installment in his Aubrey-Maturin series was originally titled Clarissa Oakes. I'm not sure why the title was changed, but perhaps it is because the focus of this novel is less about Clarissa (Harvill) Oakes (the convict stowaway from New South Wales who marries Oakes, one of Captain Aubrey's Midshipman) than the events that surround her introduction onto the Surprise. Clarissa on the Surprise allows O'Brian to wax on a bit about sexual mores in the Navy and in England in the early 19th century. She also carries forward the series plot a bit. It isn't the most exciting book in the series, but it is fascinating to watch the discipline aboard the Surprise deteriorate and Captain Aubrey's efforts to regain control. It is also provides O'Brian the space, with the introduction of Clarissa Oakes, to discuss sex (both gender and the act) in the early 19th century. We all seek Truelove, some find some not If you could sum up The Truelove in three words, what would they be? Action, Suffering, Enlightenment What did you like best about this story? The character of Mrs Oakes, she was a breath of fresh air to a structured world What does Patrick Tull bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book? I enjoy his charactors different emotions and he does a great job Who was the most memorable character of The Truelove and why? Liked Jimmy Ducks and the two little girls Any additional comments? Good book great story and look forward to the next one Another Hit Those familiar with this series will not be disappointed with this book and as always the characters and story are brought to life by Patrick Tull's wonderful narration. Declining Quality This book seems more like filler when compared to the others. The later books in the series are not as good as those written before. Audio needs editing the audio needs editing, too many gaps with no sound then abruptly cutting back in. at least fill the gaps with the same background noise as the rest of the reading, (Patrick Tull breathing, other narrators narrating, etc.) I thought the book left too much hanging. Steven was too indiscreet giving up the name of Sir Joseph to who could very easily have been planted by the French or Americans to get that very information. and there was something in the air about Clarissa that I feel wasn't fully explained by her story. perhaps we haven't heard the last of her.

Harlequin Audiobook by Bernard Cornwell

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Bernard Cornwell) — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 11:50:27 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Harlequin Subtitle: The Grail Quest, Book 1 Author: Bernard Cornwell Narrator: Andrew Cullum Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 49 mins Language: English Release date: 11-25-14 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 719 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: The first book in Bernard Cornwell's best-selling Grail Quest series, in a bright and bold repackage. The year is 1342. The English, led by Edward III, are laying waste to the French countryside. The army may be led by the King, but it is the archers, the common men, who are England's secret weapon. The French know them as Harlequins. Thomas of Hookton is one of these archers. But he is also on a personal mission: To avenge his father's death and retrieve a stolen relic. Thomas begins a quest that will lead him through fields smeared with the smoke of fires set by the rampaging English, until at last the two armies face each other on a hillside near the village of Crécy. Members Reviews: A Masterful Tale Told by a Truly Gifted Narrator Where does The Archer's Tale rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? I love Bernard Cornwell and have read this story a few times before, although it has been some years. I needed a book for a road trip and was delighted to find this title in unabridged form for the first time. It is magnificent. Cornwell is unequaled in medieval historical fiction, and this narrator pays it the honor it deserves with an amazing performance. I rate this as one of the top five audio books I've ever listened to. What other book might you compare The Archer's Tale to and why? Agincourt and 1356 by Bernard Cornwell. One of the greatest pleasures as a book lover is listening to a great book performed by an able narrator who can convey nuance and feeling, and through whom the listener can differentiate characters simply from the unique, consistent voices affected by the performer. All of these books are of this sort. I would also compare to The Martian by Andy Weir or Daemon by Daniel Suarez. Each is a great story, great adventure, great narrator. Which character as performed by Andrew Cullum was your favorite? Too many to say. All are good, but a few that stand out because they are such fun characters are Will Skeet, Sam, Jake, Father Hobb, Jeanette, the Earl and, of course, Thomas of Hookton. If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be? The Grail. A Quest. And a War. Simply outstanding Occasionally I come across a book that is so good that I have a hard time deciding if I want to continue reading it or put it down to extend the pleasure of reading it for another day. Bernard Cornwell's Agincourt was such a book and so is this. The Archer's Tale tells the story of Thomas of Hookton, an Englishman who is driven from his small town by its destruction by a group of men looking for some hidden religious relics. He ends up as an archer in the Army of King Edward and most of the story tells the tale of the army's fight in what is now France trying to recover the English King's lands during what we know as the Hundred Years War. Thomas loves his life as an archer and must wrestle with his love of the army and his vow to recover The Lance of Saint George which was stolen from Hooton during the raid that drove him from the village. Mr Cornwell is a master at character and story development and I found all of the main characters, both good and evil, to be interesting and believable and his description of life during the 1300s fascinating. The story leads to the battle of Crecy and the description of the battle, one of the most famous battles in history, is outstanding, even if a bit bloody.

The Fields of Death Audiobook by Simon Scarrow

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Simon Scarrow) — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 03:51:58 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Fields of Death Subtitle: Wellington and Napoleon, Book 4 Author: Simon Scarrow Narrator: Jonathan Keeble Format: Unabridged Length: 23 hrs and 19 mins Language: English Release date: 11-21-17 Publisher: Headline Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 56 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: The Fields of Death is the epic final novel in Simon Scarrow's best-selling Wellington and Napoleon Quartet. Essential listening for fans of Bernard Cornwell. 1809. Viscount Wellington and Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte have made their mark as military commanders. Lifelong enemies, they both believe their armies are strong enough to destroy any rival. But in war victory can never be certain. While Wellington's success continues in Spain, Napoleon feels the sting of failure. Yet despite a disastrous Russian campaign and humiliating defeat at Leipzig, he persists in fighting on. With Napoleon's power waning, the newly titled Duke of Wellington is perfectly placed to crush the tyrant. But his enemy refuses to surrender, and so the two giants must face a final reckoning on the bloody battlefield of Waterloo.... Members Reviews: Outstanding This is the fourth and final book of Scarrows Revolution Quartet. This book follows Napoleons battles with Austria and Russia and Wellingtons peninsular campaigns to the Battle of Waterloo. Scarrow is a master at writing historical fiction. He is such an easy writer to read as the prose flows so beautifully. His depictions of scenes and battles are historically accurate and hold my attention. I found these four books fascinating. I have been obsessed with this period in history since I was a child. Needless to say, I have read everything I can about the Napoleonic period. These four books cover so much detail they would be great to read many times. The book is well written and researched. Scarrow does an excellent job of placing the reader into the time frame of the story. Most of the story is historically accurate except for one item. Scarrow has taken his creative prerogative and has Napoleon and Wellington meeting a day or so after the Battle of Waterloo. That meeting never took place. I used my iPad to google maps and battle maps of the various battles in the book. That made it easier to follow the story. The book is fairly long at twenty-three and a half hours. Jonathan Keeble does an excellent job narrating the book. Keeble narrated all four books. I have listened to him narrate many books over the years. He has a comfortable voice to listen to. Outstanding! This whole series has been well written and engaging! It covers historical events which have always interested me and about which I have read widely. Instead of a catalogue of facts we have been treated to an insight to the private lives of the two key players, Napoleon and Wellington. I am almost saddened to reach the end despite the necessity. Jonathan Keeble is a new narrator for me and will now be among the few that "sell the book" as far as my choices are concerned. So engaging I could not help but be caught up in the excitement he conveyed. Bravo that man!! Thank you to both Simon Scarrow and Jonathan Keeble, now I must find more gripping audio books to fill the void Napoleon and Wellington will leave. Great conclusion to a well done series! Simon Scarrow shines in this rendering of the end of the Napolonic wars. Well constructed from both sides (Napoleon and Duke of Wellington) this book was long but I seriously couldnt stop listening til the conclusion of the Waterloo campaign. Plus Jonathan Keebles voice and incredible diction could make the ingredients on a soup can riveting. History brought to Life I really enjoyed this 4 book series .

The Uncertain Season Audiobook by Ann Howard Creel

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Ann Howard Creel) — Tue, 22 Aug 2017 22:55:52 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Uncertain Season Author: Ann Howard Creel Narrator: Brittany Pressley Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 20 mins Language: English Release date: 08-22-17 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 74 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: In hurricane-ravaged Galveston, a storm of betrayal is brewing. Nineteen-year-old Grace's golden age is just beginning. She and her mother live a privileged life. Beautiful and talented, Grace is looking forward to a pleasant summer celebrating her engagement to a wealthy young gentleman. But when her lovely, charming, and disgraced cousin Etta arrives, Grace finds her place in society - and in her mother's heart - threatened. Etta enchants everyone as she maneuvers to secure a station in Galveston's upper echelons. Grace, in a reckless moment, reveals Etta's scandalous past, and as punishment, she's sent to work in Galveston's back alleys, helping the poor. There, a silent waif known only as Miss Girl opens Grace's eyes to new love and purpose. She's determined to save this girl who lost her entire family in the hurricane and now slips along the shadows of the unfinished seawall with a mysterious resolve. Soon, the lives of the three young women will converge as betrayal, mistaken identity, and a family secret that sweeps them toward a future that defies all expectations. Members Reviews: Lovely simply lovely I loved this story! Beautifully written. The narration is phenomenal. Simply lovely. Deep sigh. That's all. Brave women This book brought the reality of a long ago tragedy. I was unaware of this tragic hurricane in our history until listening to this story. This book was a great source of insight of what happened that tragic day in 1900 and the effects it had on the people it effected. How I wish so many things could have been different for the young girl it follows, it shadows nothing, only her reality and the reality of another young girl. This book has stayed with me...making me feel very thankful for what I have and whom I have in my life. Delightful blending of socioeconomic cultures Would have liked this story to last longer, characters well developed with still some mystery. Primary character displayed personal growth through new found humanity to become a helper. amazing well thought out. beautiful characters fill of life. descriptions that take the reader to the location. I love this book. all it says. every meaning. every finality. it is the best book I have read this year and will stay my favorite forever!!!!!!!!!

Genghis Lords of The Bow Audiobook by Conn Iggulden

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Conn Iggulden) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:36:44 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Genghis Lords of The Bow Author: Conn Iggulden Narrator: Richard Ferrone Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 17 mins Language: English Release date: 10-31-08 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 745 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Escaping the Gobi Desert, he faces his greatest challenge, overtaking the empire of the Chin - a land protected by a massive, impenetrable wall. Members Reviews: Really liked the story, but not the reader After listening to the first Genghis story by Conn Iggulden, and getting used to how that book's reader pronounced names, including "Khan" pronounced as "Hon", stipulated by Conn as historically correct for the period in which Genghis lived, and "Bertay", instead of "Berta", for the name of Genghis' wife, I found myself distracted by Richard Ferrone's narration. He was excellent in the "Left Behind" series, but I wish he had listened to the first book, before narrating the second and third. Beyond narration, the story line is as solid as the first book, and more "civilized", because Genghis has aged, and his family is no longer living like abandoned animals. GREAT SERIES to follow. I'm impressed with the depth of Conn's research on the Mongol warriors. Unfortunate choice of reader I really enjoyed listening to the first book. I just started on the second. How disappointing - as other reviewers have noted, the reader is terrible. And, I'm sorry to say, I also purchased the third book at the same time, and it's the same reader. We'll see how it goes - hopefully I can filter out the voice and just listen to the words... or buy the hardcopy. Terrible narrator So tell me why, if you are the narrator of the second book in the series obviously intended to be listened to sequentially, and for some reason they hired you to narrate the second and third books, after using another guy for the first book (what, the first guy was busy or something?), WHY WHY WHY would you change the pronunciation of the names of the major characters? Hassar becomes Haaassssser, Eluk (pronounced Ay-Luke), becomes pronounced Eee-Luck all of a sudden? (etc). Bleh. And, why would you give the main character, who is (or was, at the end of the last book), presented sympathetically, a nasal, evil sounding voice? I only made it a half hour in. Going to go buy the paper version of the book instead. And will be avoiding Richard Ferrone in the future. Overly dramatic to the point of annoying, in addition to the changed names. reader not nearly as good as 1st book I got this book because I loved the 1st one - Genghis Birth of an Empire. The person who read the 1st book was excellent. This one is really bad. The voices sound whiny and the pronunciation of the names is terrible. It is obvious the reader did not listen to the 1st book. I am about 1 hr into it and I'm not sure if I can go on. Maybe I'll have to buy the book. The story is an exciting page turner. Watch out for a new narrator This is a great book. But they changed the narrator from book 1. It is a huge change. It took perhaps 1/2 of the book until I adapted to the new narration style, voices, etc. It is a massive turnoff and I almost stopped listening.

The Scarlet Letter Audiobook by Nathaniel Hawthorne

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Nathaniel Hawthorne) — Thu, 16 Dec 1999 07:47:04 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Scarlet Letter Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne Narrator: Flo Gibson Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 38 mins Language: English Release date: 12-16-99 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 169 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: This powerful story of passion, adultery, honor, and repression caused a tremendous controversy in 1850 when it was published, because of its provocative subject matter. Set in Puritan New England, the novel begins with Hester Prynne, a young woman with an illegitimate baby daughter, leaving prison to face her scornful townsfolk. Forced to wear a scarlet letter "A" to remind people of her adultery, Hester obstinately holds her head high and refuses to reveal the father of her child. In the process she cuts herself off from society - and her lover. Why won't Hester reveal her secret? The answer has much to do with guilt, passion, and repentance - timeless themes within a splendid story that has remained a literary classic for over a century. Editorial Reviews: Flo Gibson, the grande dame of audiobook performance, lends her renowned voice to Nathaniel Hawthornes masterful treatise on sin, knowledge, and consequence. Gibson, known for her fluid diction and deep, soothing timbre, is regarded by many as the most versatile voice in audiobook history. Here Gibson whisks listeners away to a 17th-century New England Puritan village. Gibson plays Hester Prynne - the ignoble adulteress shunned by her community - and her secret lover, the sickly Reverend Dimmesdale, besot by guilt from his carnal transgression. Prynne is forsaken by her former husband, a jealous doctor, and left alone to raise her mischievous child, the impish Pearl. As Prynne and Dimmesdale reckon with knowledge of their sin, the puritanical villagers rigid morality is called into question. Critic Reviews: "A masterpiece." (Henry James) Members Reviews: Unbearable quality recording This is by far the worst audible program I have purchased. It is a wonderful story; however, this production is utterly unintelligible. I listened to the sample before purchasing the title and thought it was tolerable. It was nearly impossible to understand the narrator much of the time due to the horrible quality. I have purchased other books such as this (originally recorded in 1 and upgraded to 2) and have been able to understand them fine. The story is wonderful, but utterly not worth trying to wade through this awful recording. At the time I purchased it this was the only unabridged version. I urge you to skip this one and try the other. Unintelligible This book is so ridiculously hard to understand in my car that I couldn't listen to it. The reading of the Scarlet Letter The story was read thoroughly. The change in the readers voice to signify the different characters was a bit of a distraction. not the right book was using this to help me understand and used this one and realized was a totally different book from mine Great book; narration a challenge How could the performance have been better? The narrator puts too much effort into the voices of the characters, and makes them either pathetic (Hester and Dimmesdale), laughable (Chillingsworth), or cloying (Pearl). I don't believe any of it is supported by the text. Any additional comments? The narrator's talents were well suited, I thought, to the long introduction concerning the custom house. It's a chapter first-time readers might do well to skip, although, once worked through, it's a wonderful piece of writing, and the narrator does a good job capturing its humor, which is possible to miss on the page.

In the Shadow of the Banyan Audiobook by Vaddey Ratner

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Vaddey Ratner) — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 17:13:57 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. 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.

Waves of Mercy Audiobook by Lynn Austin

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Lynn Austin) — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 23:06:59 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Waves of Mercy Author: Lynn Austin Narrator: Rachel Dulude, Margaret Strom Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 15 mins Language: English Release date: 10-04-16 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 275 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: In 1897, Geesje de Jonge is asked to write a memoir about her experience emigrating from the Netherlands to the Michigan wilderness in honor of her town's 50th anniversary. As Geesje recalls the events of the past, a young visitor, Anna Nicholson, mourns a broken engagement. Over the course of one summer, the lives of both women will change forever. Lynn Austin returns with a multi-generational historical novel. Geesje de Jonge crossed the ocean at age 17 with her parents and a small group of immigrants from the Netherlands to settle in the Michigan wilderness. Fifty years later, in 1897, she's asked to write a memoir of her early experiences as the town celebrates its anniversary. Reluctant at first, she soon uncovers memories and emotions hidden all these years, including the story of her one true love. At the nearby Hotel Ottawa Resort on the shore of Lake Michigan, 23-year-old Anna Nicholson is trying to ease the pain of a broken engagement to a wealthy Chicago banker. But her time of introspection is disturbed after a violent storm aboard a steamship stirs up memories of a childhood nightmare. As more memories and dreams surface, Anna begins to question who she is and whether she wants to return to her wealthy life in Chicago. When she befriends a young seminary student who is working at the hotel for the summer, she finds herself asking him all the questions that have been troubling her. Neither Geesje nor Anna, who are different in every possible way, can foresee the life-altering surprises awaiting them before the summer ends. Members Reviews: Lynn Austin is amazing! Narration stinks If you could sum up Waves of Mercy in three words, what would they be? Captivating, Heartbreaking, Triumphant What other book might you compare Waves of Mercy to and why? I'm not sure I can compare it to another story. The 'rags to riches' for an abandoned orphan has been done, but not in this fashion. The 'tragedy to triumph' has also been done before, but this book pulled me in like very few have. What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike? This is where it gets disappointing. Lynn Austin's previous narrators have set the bar quite high and I'm sad to say that these ladies did not meet expectations. The female voices were just okay, but the male voices were plodding and uninspired. They made me want to quit the book on more than one occasion. It was PAINFUL to listen to the men speak. I would definitely hesitate if I saw any one of these ladies on another recording. Any additional comments? I've listened to nearly every one of Lynn Austin's books and I was not disappointed by this book. Well, at least not by the writing. The narration leaves much to be desired. Also, the book did not have the ending I was expecting. I'm hoping there will be a sequel! Disappointing for Lynn Austin, Poor Performance Lynn Austin is my favorite author. I love all of her books with this one exception. It was a engaging story but very tragic. So many trials and unfortunate circumstances. However, I could have gotten past the depressing nature of the book if it was not for the narration. There were two narrators and one was terrible. I have never thought that narration alone could ruin a book for me, but I was wrong.

The Samurai's Garden Audiobook by Gail Tsukiyama

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Gail Tsukiyama) — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 15:10:37 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Samurai's Garden Subtitle: A Novel Author: Gail Tsukiyama Narrator: David Shih Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins Language: English Release date: 03-07-17 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 84 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: The daughter of a Chinese mother and a Japanese father, Gail Tsukiyama uses the Japanese invasion of China during the late 1930s as a somber backdrop for her unusual story about a 20-year-old Chinese painter named Stephen who is sent to his family's summer home in a Japanese coastal village to recover from a bout with tuberculosis. Here he is cared for by Matsu, a reticent housekeeper and a master gardener. Over the course of a remarkable year, Stephen learns Matsu's secret and gains not only physical strength, but also profound spiritual insight. Matsu is a samurai of the soul, a man devoted to doing good and finding beauty in a cruel and arbitrary world, and Stephen is a noble student, learning to appreciate Matsu's generous and nurturing way of life and to love Matsu's soulmate, gentle Sachi, a woman afflicted with leprosy. Critic Reviews: "An extraordinarily graceful and moving novel about goodness and beauty...Tsukiyama is a wise and spellbinding storyteller." ( Booklist) Members Reviews: Love this book! I first read this book years ago and was excited to see it was available as an audiobook because the story is so beautiful. I think it is one of only a handful of books I have reread again and again. I will definitely be listening to it again! Extremely Pleasant I purchased this book solely on the basis of the reviews for it. And they were right! This is a lovely, melodic, touching enjoyable book. One of my favorites. Historical and spiritual fiction, pulls you in... Leaves the reader with much to think about. Well developed characters, engaging storyline, human character studies in a very readable work of fiction. Outstanding Story First of all I love her writing this book was no exception to others I have read great story and great performance from the reader ! Unusual story line I enjoyed this book because of the unusual 'zen-like' story line. Well researched historical data about Japan's invasion of China in the '30's. Good, not great.

The Final Storm Audiobook by Jeff Shaara

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Jeff Shaara) — Tue, 17 May 2011 16:20:15 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Final Storm Subtitle: A Novel of the War in the Pacific Author: Jeff Shaara Narrator: Paul Michael Format: Unabridged Length: 20 hrs and 30 mins Language: English Release date: 05-17-11 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 434 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: The Final Storm opens a new front in Jeff Shaaras gripping chronicle of World War II as soldiers, sailors, and marines sacrifice all for one final push toward decisive victory in the fierce maelstrom of the Pacific theater. As the war in Europe winds down in the wake of the Normandy invasion, the United States has turned its vast military resources toward an all-out effort against the Japanese. In the spring of 1945, Japans empire has been pressed slowly back toward its home islands, and the Americans mount a furious assault on the last great stepping-stone to Japan itself - the heavily fortified island of Okinawa. The three-month battle will feature some of the most vicious combat of the entire war, as American troops confront an enemy that would rather be slaughtered than experience the shame of surrender. With a narrative dexterity befitting his status as a master storyteller, Shaara relates the story of the struggle for Okinawa through the eyes of combatants on both sides: Private Clay Adams, a young marine whose brother Jesse has already earned his share of glory as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne in Europe; Admiral Chester Nimitz, who must unite rival army and marine commanders into a cooperative effort; General Simon Bolivar Buckner, Jr., the American ground commander trying to live up to the legacy of his father, who led Confederate troops during the Civil War; and General Mitsura Ushijima, the Japanese general in charge of defending the island, who understands what Tokyo will not believe: that his own fight to the death will only delay the inevitable - as the Americans continue their advance toward the home islands and ultimate victory. With the fights raging across the Pacific, a different kind of campaign is being waged in extraordinary secrecy: the development of a weapon so powerful, not even the scientists who build it know just what they are about to unleash. Colonel Paul Tibbets, one of the finest bomber pilots in the U.S. Army Air Corps, is selected to lead the mission to drop the horrific new weapon on a Japanese city. As the new president, Harry S Truman, mulls his options, and a Japanese physician named Okiro Hamishita cares for patients at a clinic near the city of Hiroshima, citizens on the home front await the day of reckoning that everyone knows is coming. A fitting conclusion to one of the most riveting sagas in military fiction, The Final Storm illuminates the heroism and sacrifice that defined the war in the Pacific, bringing the conflict to life as only Jeff Shaara can. Members Reviews: too restrictive A good read for sure on a very limited segment of the war in the Pacific. It is disappointing however that the author is not devoting more time to a more sweeping narrative of the war in the Pacific. I may be spoiled by Jeff Shaara's more thorough series, particularly in his account of the Civil War. How can he keep it up This book is an exiting "conclusion" of Jeff Shaara's World War 2 trilogy, making it, in fact, a quadrilogy. Just as exiting and horrifying as his other books, this tells a story of a different kind of war then the trilogy. The japanese are fare more death-defying then the germans, so the battle in the pacific are so much more brutal and terrifying, then in Europe. Seeing women sacrificing their lives to kill the marines, suicide-attacks and other horrible tactics, truly is different then the other books.

The Library at the Edge of the World Audiobook by Felicity Hayes-McCoy

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Felicity Hayes-McCoy) — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 11:57:46 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Library at the Edge of the World Author: Felicity Hayes-McCoy Narrator: Emma Lowe Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins Language: English Release date: 11-14-17 Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 13 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: As she drives her mobile-library van between the villages of Ireland's West Coast, Hanna Casey tries not to think about a lot of things. Like the sophisticated lifestyle she abandoned after finding her English barrister husband in bed with another woman. Or that she's back in the rural Irish town she walked away from in her teens, living in the back bedroom of her overbearing mother's retirement bungalow. Or, worse yet, her nagging fear that, as the local librarian and a prominent figure in the community, her failed marriage and ignominious return have made her the focus of gossip. But now that her teenage daughter is off traveling the world and her relationship with her own mother is growing increasingly tense, Hanna is determined to reclaim her independence by restoring a derelict cottage left to her by her great-aunt. But then the threatened closure of the Lissbeg Library puts her personal plans in jeopardy, and Hanna finds herself leading a battle to restore the heart and soul of her fragmented community. And she's about to discover that the neighbors she'd always kept at a distance have come to mean more to her than she ever could have imagined. Members Reviews: Charming Absolutely perfect characters, setting, and story. It is one of those books that makes you want to climb in the pages and live. Great story! This was a great story about finding oneself amidst he turmoils of life, love, and family. Very authentic to human nature - not too dreamy eyed but hope enough sprinkled throughout twists and turns to want to know more. I hope this is the beginning of a series!

The English Patient Audiobook by Michael Ondaatje

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Michael Ondaatje) — Wed, 02 May 2007 10:45:51 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The English Patient Author: Michael Ondaatje Narrator: Christopher Cazenove Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 27 mins Language: English Release date: 05-02-07 Publisher: Books on Tape Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 344 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: With ravishing beauty and unsettling intelligence, Michael Ondaatje's Booker Prize-winning novel traces the intersection of four damaged lives in an Italian villa at the end of World War II. Hana, the exhausted nurse; the maimed thief, Caravaggio; the wary sapper, Kip: each is haunted by the riddle of the English patient, the nameless, burned man who lies in an upstairs room and whose memories of passion, betrayal, and rescue illuminates this audiobook like flashes of heat lightening. ©1992 Michael Ondaatje; (P)2007 Books on Tape Critic Reviews: "The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje wears the triple crown: it is profound, beautiful and heart-quickening." (Toni Morrison) "There are books that change the shape of literature. The English Patient is such a book." (Books in Canada) "A magic carpet ride of a novel that soars across worlds and times....A rare and spellbinding net of dreams." (Time) Members Reviews: 4 lives in the aftermath of WWII This is a wonderfully written book that brings together the lives of 4 people affected differently by the war. It is touching and profound as well as insightful. For those that saw the movie....it is completely different in approach. Whereas the movie focused on the plots of individual lives, the book examines their "interior" world. Highly recommended. Both Book and Narrator excellent I wasn't sure about the book due to earlier reviews, but I want to assure you that the narrator is excellent. I also happen to like the book better than the movie made of it. Gorgeous and heartbreaking The writing is gorgeous, that goes without saying. Every turn of phrase was a visual feast for the eyes --and ears in this case. In more than one spot I stopped, went back, and listened again, and again, just because it was so beautifully written. I came to the story first from the movie. The movie was done so well in every way, as evidenced by how many awards it was given, but it didn't quite seem enough for me to fully understand the relationships between these people. And, it was so well cast that the visual images of each of the characters carried over into the book. As I suspected, as good as the movie was, this book dove into the heart and soul of each character. Even if they did something that was surprising, I understood it for the simple human frailty that the each revealed. Every frailty was also what was celebrated in each in gentle and elegant ways. There were certain minor things that confused me about the movie, or that didn't quite ring true and that was because there was only a short time to offer a glimpse of each character without benefit of full history. That was why I wanted to read the book. It was so beautiful and so compelling that I needed to understand more fully what motivated these characters, until they ceased being characters and started being people. I believe this is one of those rare books that could be picked up again and again, and every time something else will be revealed and I will have a deeper understanding. If only there was a pause between chapters This would easily have been 5-star except for the soulless lack of spacing between chapters. Jarring and upsetting the beautiful flow of the prose. The author and the narrator worked so hard to produce this jewel only to be let down by the techs.

The Nutmeg of Consolation Audiobook by Patrick O'Brian

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Patrick O'Brian) — Thu, 12 Feb 2004 16:33:19 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Nutmeg of Consolation Subtitle: Aubrey/Maturin Series, Book 14 Author: Patrick O'Brian Narrator: Patrick Tull Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 28 mins Language: English Release date: 02-12-04 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 767 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: When last seen, Jack and Stephen had been shipwrecked on a desert island in the glittering South China Sea. The Nutmeg of Consolation opens as the castaways fashion a makeshift vessel from the wreckage, only to have it destroyed in a fiery attack by Malay pirates. Only the wondrous ingenuity of Stephen, along with the unexpected appearance of one of Jack's oldest allies, leads them to escape, and to dubious safety in a penal colony at New South Wales.The fourteenth installment of Patrick O'Brian's hugely successful Aubrey/Maturin series. Don't miss the rest of the series. ©1991 Patrick O'Brian; (P)2003 Recorded Books, LLC Critic Reviews: "What Mr. O'Brian has created is no less than a tapestry of English life in the early 19th century that is almost Dickensian in its scope." (New York Observer) Members Reviews: The Nutmeg Patrick Tull does his usual great job in narrating this story. This book picks up where the last one left off on a deserted island building a boat to escape. I love the description of Stephen and Martin on their naturalist wanderings. I found the description of the Nutmeg as a sweet smelling ship interesting and then how they had to "sweeten" the Surprise when returning to her. Great sea stories and battles in the exotic Malay seas. Disappointed This was my least favorite of the series, and I'm a big fan. The plot was just not there. outstanding treasure Brilliant weave of historical content, amazing botanical encounters and naval culture and times. Patrick Tull is the BEST reader/actor. Far better than anyone else. This series is something to treasure...on to Book 15. A great book in a magnificent series! Patrick Hull is definitely the narrator that you want for this series. The other guy is simply unacceptably poor in comparison. Another great Aubrey and Maturin tale. The opposing strengths and weaknesses of both characters makes this my favorite "Best Buddy" series.

An Unseemly Wife Audiobook by E. B. Moore

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (E. B. Moore) — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 22:04:08 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: An Unseemly Wife Author: E. B. Moore Narrator: Natalie Gold Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 5 mins Language: English Release date: 10-07-14 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 29 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Not all journeys come to an end.... 1867: Ruth Holtz has more blessings than she can count - a loving husband, an abundant farm, beautiful children, and the warm embrace of the Amish community. Then, the English arrive, spreading incredible stories of free land in the West and inspiring her husband to dream of a new life in Idaho. Breaking the rules of their Order, Ruths husband packs up his pregnant wife and their four children and joins a wagon train heading west. Though Ruth is determined to keep separate from the English, as stricture demands, the harrowing journey soon compels her to accept help from two unlikely allies: Hortence, the preachers wife, and the tomboyish, teasing Sadie. But as these new friendships lead to betrayal, what started as a quest for a brighter future ends with Ruth making unthinkable sacrifices, risking faith and family, and transforming into a woman she never imagined shed become. Members Reviews: good book Loved it just wondering if there is a follow-up book that continues the story. Beautifully written Absolutely beautiful book. I could listen to Natalie Gold read all day. The only reason I didnt give it 5 stars is because the ending fell short for me. It left me wishing there were a sequel or at the very least a few more chapters. This book is a gift, wrapped up with a story inside. Mysteries are often rated as page turners but this story captures your heart with phrases that open worlds different from my own. Ruth is an amazingly strong woman, "Simple" like steel. I will listen to this book again and share it with as many people as I can find. It is a story of hope and love, dedication and guidance. Life is not fair and we make of it as best we can. The words of this author draw you into a worldof complexity and ultimately simplicity. The narration is exquisite and enhances the words of the author in many ways. I will find her again. I have a strong need to find other works of this author. Treat yourself and listen. I love Natalie Gold Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not? The first part up until the ending is all right. I cared about these folks like I'd care about my own siblings. Too much time was spend reminiscing for Ruth-- I understand that the past made her the person she was and it was the only way she could make sense of the world, but still... I would gift it to a woman on bedrest if I knew she could handle the complications that happen... What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!) I want to banish whomever came up with the ending to an island. Have you listened to any of Natalie Golds other performances before? How does this one compare? Natalie Gold is a phenomenal speaker and reader. I listened to her read the Magnus Flyte books-- she was great then, too, but I liked the Magnus Flyte books better. Did An Unseemly Wife inspire you to do anything? I wanted to hop in a covered wagon and tour the country. No, I wanted to become Amish... not really. It gave me greater compassion for a lady in my church who left the Amish. I didn't realize what she did when she left the fold, leaving her family, getting shunned, and perhaps treated poorly. I'm going to make sure to send one of my kids over when she gives birth to take care of her garden for her as her own family is actively shunning her. Any additional comments? The ending annoyed me. The author had me until the end. I was hoping that there would be more.

The Steel Wave Audiobook by Jeff Shaara

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Jeff Shaara) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:56:55 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Steel Wave Subtitle: A Novel of World War II Author: Jeff Shaara Narrator: Paul Michael Format: Unabridged Length: 20 hrs and 48 mins Language: English Release date: 08-28-08 Publisher: Books on Tape Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 650 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: General Dwight Eisenhower once again commands a diverse army that must find its single purpose in the destruction of Hitler's European fortress. His primary subordinates, Omar Bradley and Bernard Montgomery, must prove that this unique blend of Allied armies can successfully confront the might of Adolf Hitler's forces, who have already conquered Western Europe. On the coast of France, German commander Erwin Rommel fortifies and prepares for the coming invasion, acutely aware that he must bring all his skills to bear on a fight his side must win. But Rommel's greatest challenge is to strike the Allies on his front, while struggling behind the lines with the growing insanity of Adolf Hitler, who thwarts the strategies Rommel knows will succeed. Meanwhile, Sergeant Jesse Adams, a no-nonsense veteran of the 82nd Airborne, parachutes with his men behind German lines into a chaotic and desperate struggle. And as the invasion force surges toward the beaches of Normandy, Private Tom Thorne of the 29th Infantry Division faces the horrifying prospects of fighting his way ashore on a stretch of coast more heavily defended than the Allied commanders anticipate - Omaha Beach. From G.I. to general, this story carries the reader through the war's most crucial juncture, the invasion that altered the flow of the war, and, ultimately, changed history. Members Reviews: The best kind of WWII history book Any additional comments? The Steel Wave is the second in a trilogy (which ended up being 4 books) Shaara wrote about WWII, the first three about the war in Europe and the fourth covering the latter end of the war in the pacific. The Steel Wave picks up right where The Rising Tide left off - with the Normandy invasion and Patton's sweep across Europe. These books have been some of the best resources I have come across for learning WWII battles, major players, and timelines. The book effectively conveys the horror of these key battles through the eyes of several main characters. And unlike many war novels, Shaara is fairly clean in his writing. He doesn't go over the top trying to mimic soldier-speak or the language any one of us might use if under fire. In other words, the books are a great way for teens or young adults to learn history. That's not to say the books are too polished or boring - they're exciting and well written. Highly recommended. The Steel Wave This book should be required High School reading. You feel the emotions, the stress, the pain of war from both sides. Generals - Yes ... Average Soldiers - No Shaara does a great job with Generals and statesmen. But when the story jumps away to tell a soldiers story, it just doesn't have the same impact as the dialog the Generals speak. The soldier parts are almost forgettable, where the Generals seem to have better lines. Entertaining way to learn history I like this format of "history telling". It makes it easier to listen to and retain. I am ready to get the last part of this trilogy of WWII history. Superb Another great work by Shaara. For historians and non-historians alike it is a great read. These books, while simplifying some of the more complex aspects of WWII (for obvious reasons)provide a vibrant tableaux that enhances anyones understanding of these monumental events.

Under Fire Audiobook by W. E. B. Griffin

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (W. E. B. Griffin) — Fri, 04 Oct 2013 09:11:00 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Under Fire Subtitle: The Corps Series, 9 Author: W. E. B. Griffin Narrator: Dick Hill Format: Unabridged Length: 24 hrs and 48 mins Language: English Release date: 10-04-13 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 664 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Korea, June 1, 1950. Captain Ken McCoy's report on probable North Korean hostilities meets with so much bureaucratic displeasure that not only is it promptly suppressed, but McCoy himself is kicked out of the Corps. At least two outfits, however, are not impressed by such infighting: the fledgling CIA, which promptly hires McCoy; and the North Koreans, who on June 25th invade across the 38th parallel. Immediately, veterans scattered throughout military and civilian life are called up, many with only seventy-two hours' notice. For Fleming Pickering and Pick, his daredevil son, and Ed Banning, George Hart, Jack Stecker, Jake Dillon, Ernie Zimmerman - and for the women who love them - names such as Inchon and Pusan will acquire a new, bloody reality, and Korea will become not only a new battlefield - but their greatest challenge of all.... Members Reviews: OK - Big gaps between Book and this one Would you consider the audio edition of Under Fire to be better than the print version? no What was one of the most memorable moments of Under Fire? That we started in 1950'ish no account of what haapened from 1943 until then. Have you listened to any of Dick Hills other performances before? How does this one compare? Yes - Dick Hill reads an amazing stroy Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? No Any additional comments? I wanted to know what happened from the Gobi Desert to the end of the war that should have been book IX. And the hits keep rolling. Great books!!! As a former military member, I loved this series and the Army series. I would love to hear a series about the Army air corps/ Air Force. Awesome story. Historical and entertaining. Loved the book. One more in the marines series. WEB Griffin is by far my favorite author Fast Forward for repeat performance What made the experience of listening to Under Fire the most enjoyable? I really like WEB Griffin's stories of military fiction. The Corps is an excellent series of books in both text and audio. What was one of the most memorable moments of Under Fire? No particular moment. It is an all around good strory. What does Dick Hill bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book? Yes.. Dick Hill does an excellent job of narration. Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? Yes, but it like the others, is long. You cannot complete this book in one sitting. But, I keep sneaking back for more. I have already read the texts. Any additional comments? There is a timeline gap from from 1943 until 1950. I think Griffin could have, or intended to, use it for another book. He had plenty of material to work with. Also, the story line in this book and the next (continuation) of McCoy's work is based on a mission of a Lt who worked behind the lines at Inchon. That book, in non-fiction, is a great read -- not available in audio. Great is an understatement Each book of the Series better than the last. Looking forward to the next.

These Old Shades Audiobook by Georgette Heyer

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Georgette Heyer) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 02:54:25 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: These Old Shades Author: Georgette Heyer Narrator: Cornelius Garrett Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 3 mins Language: English Release date: 02-18-09 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 721 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Society believes the worst of Justin Alastair, the notorious Duke of Avon who is clearly proud of his Sobriquet, Satanas. It is he who buys Leon body and soul from a scoundrel in a Paris backstreet. ©2002 Georgette Heyer; (P)2014 Audible, Inc. Members Reviews: The epitome of romance Set before the French Revolution, an English duke rescues a French "guttersnipe", with murky plans for his(?) future, but the brat turns the duke's plans on him -- Cinderella with a touch of Romeo and Juliet. This has always been my favorite Georgette Heyer book, and I love them all. "Devil's Cub" is the sequel, set in the next generation. LOVE Georgette Heyer...but the reader...! Having discovered Georgette Heyer's books more than 30 years ago and enjoyed reading and rereading many of them since then; I was thrilled to discover them in audio. So far I have listened to three Heyer books from Audible and...well, it has been a mixed bag. These Old Shades has been a difficult listen. Perhaps it is because my own imagination has developed a strong vocal idea of what certain characters should sound like. So I found myself gritting my teeth to get through this audio. As an example, the main character Justin is shrill, grating, and very "old" sounding. As if Justin was a man of 60 rather than a man of 40. Accents were a strange mish mash which didn't match the locations of the characters. For example, the story opens in France and characters have British accents. Leon the waif rescued by Justin, has a French accent but her brother sounds like a working class Brit. Details like this can really make or break a audio rendering. So while I still love Georgette Heyer, I really wish that this story had a different reader. great story, stylized narration The narration for this book and for Devil's Cub, with a different narrator but the same style, is very stylized and "mannered." It does suit the books but it takes a little getting used to. The narration is imitating the speech of a 1700s fop. It's nasal and drawling. I think it lends atmosphere, but even though I really enjoyed the listen, I couldn't listen for hours and hours as I can for more natural narrators. Loved it!!!!! I love Georgette Heyer books and this is one of her best. I hope audible continues adding more of her books. Disappointing characterisation I have enjoyed other books read by Cornelius Garrett, so what possessed him to provide the Hero with the voice of a deaf, very elderly man in this one. Quite spoilt the story for me, and put me off buying any other books narrated by him.

Manuscript Found in Accra Audiobook by Paulo Coelho, Margaret Jull Costa (translator)

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Paulo Coelho) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 04:59:60 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Manuscript Found in Accra Author: Paulo Coelho, Margaret Jull Costa (translator) Narrator: Jeremy Irons Format: Unabridged Length: 2 hrs and 28 mins Language: English Release date: 04-02-13 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 420 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: The latest novel from number-one internationally best-selling author Paulo Coelho is a classic of inspiration and reflection, a meditation on life, love, and the significance of change. A novel of philosophical reflection set in Jerusalem during the time of the Crusades. Here a community of Christians, Arabs, and Jews who have long lived together harmoniously have been warned of an imminent attack and certain destruction. Contemplating their demise, the community assembles to seek the wise counsel of a Greek Copt, who imparts comforting and guiding wisdom on the enduring attributes of human character. The novel unfolds as a sequence of parables on love, faith, sex, friendship, beauty, bravery, loyalty, and success. Members Reviews: Manuscript Found in Accra Would you listen to Manuscript Found in Accra again? Why? Read by Jeremy Irons makes this book so easy to absorb. I truly love this book. I think everyone should read it. It will help you to see things in your life better, to live better and to be better. Who was your favorite character and why? All What does Jeremy Irons bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book? His accent along with his sensitivity bring the book to life. Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? Yes most definitely. Any additional comments? I will listen to this one over and over again........ Perhaps the most significant book I've ever read What made the experience of listening to Manuscript Found in Accra the most enjoyable? Hard to put into words, when a book and the passages just speak to you. Maybe it's timing in terms of your life's journey. Outstanding story and performance Would you consider the audio edition of Manuscript Found in Accra to be better than the print version? The richness of the narration by Jeremy Irons makes this story mesmerizing - he has the incredible ability to speak as though he were multiple actors - each with their own unique personality and "voice" - it's hard to believe that anyone could do this. Because the story is so rich with wisdom, I have now listened to this many times - and each time I hear new things and discover nuances that I missed previously. I suppose the print version would be good if I were to just study the wisdom in the book, but listening to the narration puts the book on steroids. What did you like best about this story? There is a tremendous amount of wisdom in this book - it is presented as a series of distinct themes ranging from the meaning of victory and defeat, what love means, what success is, the importance of gratitude and mindfulness is daily living, the spiritual meaning of sex, and exploration of the 4 cardinal virtues, the meaning of "beauty", and many, many more. If I were to stop the narration after every chapter, I could write an essay on the application of the ideas to my own life. Which scene was your favorite? The prayer of the "Copt" that echoes the Lord's prayer in the Bible. It uses the same sentence construction and flow, yet expands the ideas with such poetic elegance and symmetry of phrasing when narrated by Jeremy Irons that you feel compelled to stop the narration and just let the richness of the words reverberate in your mind.

Under Heaven Audiobook by Guy Gavriel Kay

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Guy Gavriel Kay) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 00:60:57 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Under Heaven Author: Guy Gavriel Kay Narrator: Simon Vance Format: Unabridged Length: 19 hrs and 32 mins Language: English Release date: 06-03-10 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 758 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: In his latest innovative novel, the award-winning author evokes the dazzling Tang Dynasty of 8th-century China in a story of honor and power. Inspired by the glory and power of Tang dynasty China, Guy Gavriel Kay has created a masterpiece. It begins simply. Shen Tai, son of an illustrious general serving the Emperor of Kitai, has spent two years honoring the memory of his late father by burying the bones of the dead from both armies at the site of one of his father's last great battles. In recognition of his labors and his filial piety, an unlikely source has sent him a dangerous gift: 250 Sardian horses.You give a man one of the famed Sardian horses to reward him greatly. You give him four or five to exalt him above his fellows, propel him towards rank, and earn him jealousy, possibly mortal jealousy. Two hundred and fifty is an unthinkable gift, a gift to overwhelm an emperor. Wisely, the gift comes with the stipulation that Tai must claim the horses in person. Otherwise he would probably be dead already. Critic Reviews: "Kay writes deftly of women who are sexually suborned by their societies, neither minimizing their constraints nor denying their agency, and the complex intrigues of poets, prostitutes, ministers, and soldiers evolve into a fascinating, sometimes bloody, and entirely believable tale." (Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: Impressive! The author uses luminous description and knowledge of ancient China to weave a rich, textured story with some supernatural twists. You feel like you have a small window focused on the scene at hand, say in a sedan chair, but widening out from that focal point is a world full of intertwining background activity. The characters are for the most part varied and interesting, in a few cases a little flat. The plot offers its share of surprises, yet I found myself a little annoyed at times by some improbable or awkward scenes. Still, this book merits 5 stars just for the poetic beauty of the writing. A fabulous, sweeping epic Although this novel is set in an imaginary country, that country is VERY closely based on Tang dynasty China. It's an elegant, refined but also often heartless world, with a strong code of honor. The hero is given the insanely generous gift of 250 perfect horses by a foreign princess, and this propels him into court life and the very complex and unpredictable political world around the emperor. There's a little bit of the supernatural in this, but not a lot. People who like George RR Martin and Jacqueline Carey will mostly like love it. The writing is sublime, very much capturing the deceptively simple, melancholy poetry of the era. One of Kay's best Highly recommended. For fans of Kay, a must read. For those who haven't read him before, he writes highly literary fantasy that is usually modeled on and highly influenced by real places and cultures. Here, Tang dynasty China is the model. For someone who minored in Chinese and Chinese culture and history, I have to say he nailed so many aspects. The poetry, culture, rituals, and general outlook feel real, and though obviously Chinese-influenced, as always Kay does more than just copies the culture in question; it's more about the feel than the details. It is fantasy after all. The story is excellent, though it does take a while to get going, so stick with it.

The Commodore Audiobook by Patrick O'Brian

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Patrick O'Brian) — Fri, 16 Jan 2004 07:41:45 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Commodore Subtitle: Aubrey/Maturin Series, Book 17 Author: Patrick O'Brian Narrator: Patrick Tull Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 47 mins Language: English Release date: 01-16-04 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 683 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: After a dangerous tour of duty in the Great South Sea, Jack and Stephen finally return to their families in England. For Jack, the return is joyful, but for Stephen, it is heartbreaking. His wife, Diana, has left for parts unknown; his young daughter has all the symptoms of autism. To escape these painful circumstances, Stephen joins Jack on a bizarre decoy mission to the lagoons of the Gulf of Guinea. Don't miss the rest of the series. ©1995 Patrick O'Brian; (P)2003 Recorded Books, LLC Members Reviews: Patrick Tull is a master I love the entire series as books. I didn't really get how wonderful audiobooks can be, though, until I heard these readings by Patrick Tull. They are superb -- the variety of voices and accents -- and he captures Jack Aubrey and especially Stephen Maturin to perfection. If you love the series, do yourself a favor and get the version read by Patrick Tull. I tried the Simon Vance version, and in my opinion it doesn't compare. Another Classic A little more historical fact in this one, but has a blast of good news for Jack. See a side of Stephen re his daughter that make for a very warming read. Slave trade, One of the best of the series in its description of British efforts to stop the slave trade and to prevent the French plans to invade Ireland. This one also has a description of the treatment of mild autism of Stephen's daughter. One of the ships in the convoy is captained by an overt homosexual leading to a long discussion of "buggery" in the British Navy. And, of course, romance and sailing! One of the more enjoyable. In some of the books in this series nothing good happens till the very end; whereas this one, similiar to some of the early books, has a mix of good & bad experiences. The story moves along quite quickly too, but this is probably due to it being a shorter audio book (i.e., <11 hrs compared with 20-30 hrs of some of the other books). Great series A great series of books well written and performed. Surprises even after listening to more than once - by far my favorite!

Lady Osbaldestones Christmas Goose Audiobook by Stephanie Laurens

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Stephanie Laurens) — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 08:43:41 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Lady Osbaldestones Christmas Goose Subtitle: Lady Osbaldestones Christmas Chronicles, Book 1 Author: Stephanie Laurens Narrator: Helen Lloyd Format: Unabridged Length: 7 hrs Language: English Release date: 10-19-17 Publisher: Stephanie Laurens Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 47 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: It's December 1810, and Lady Therese Osbaldestone is looking forward to her usual Christmas with her family at Winslow Abbey, her youngest daughter Celia's home. But then a carriage rolls up and disgorges Celia's three oldest children. Their father has contracted mumps, and their mother has sent the three - Jamie, George, and Lottie - to spend this Christmas with their grandmama in Little Moseley. Therese has never had to manage small children, not even her own. She assumes the children will keep themselves amused but quickly learns that what amuses three inquisitive, curious, and confident youngsters isn't compatible with village peace. Just when it seems she will have to set her mind to inventing something, she and the children learn that with only 12 days to go before Christmas, the village flock of geese has vanished. The children are as mystified and as curious as Therese - and she seizes on the mystery as the perfect distraction for the three children as well as herself. Members Reviews: Love Stephanie's books Great read. Stephanie's writing always holds your interest and keeps you right in the story. This is interesting to finally find out more about Lady Osbaldestone. She has always been a great character in all the Cynster books, now she is on her own. I wan not sure I would enjoy this as much as I did, but I was hooked from the start.

El invierno en tu rostro [The Winter in Your Face] Audio Libro por Carla Montero

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Carla Montero) — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 02:60:18 GMT

Escuche este audio libro completo gratis en https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> Título: El invierno en tu rostro [The Winter in Your Face] Autor: Carla Montero Narrador: Lara Ullod Formato: Unabridged Duración: 27 hrs and 17 mins Idioma: Español Fecha de publicación: 08-08-17 Editor: Audible Studios para Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial Calificaciones: 4.5 de 5 de 16 votos Categorías: Fiction, Historical Resumen del editor: Aventura, amor y guerra en el tablero de ajedrez del cruento siglo XX: la novela más personal de la autora de La Tabla Esmeralda. En un pueblo de montaña, los hermanastros Lena y Guillén viven una existencia sencilla y tranquila. Ambos están muy unidos y apenas conciben la vida el uno sin el otro. Sin embargo, algo tan inesperado como extraordinario sucede y se ven obligados a separarse. Con los años y la distancia aquella complicidad infantil se convierte en amor juvenil alimentado con un encuentro esporádico y cientos de cartas. El estallido de la Guerra Civil sorprende a Lena en Oviedo y a Guillén en Francia, quien, angustiado por la suerte de la mujer que ama, inicia un arriesgado viaje a través de un país asolado por la contienda para reunirse con ella. Sin embargo, la guerra pone a prueba su amor: Lena se ha convertido en enfermera voluntaria del bando sublevado y resiste en una ciudad sitiada por las fuerzas republicanas; Guillén forma parte de esas fuerzas que estrangulan a la ciudad. Más tarde, Lena y Guillén vivirán de primera mano los acontecimientos de la Segunda Guerra Mundial y seguirán en bandos opuestos: él en la resistencia contra el nazismo y ella como enfermera de la División Azul. Y aunque sus destinos volverán a cruzarse tanto en la Varsovia aplastada por los nazis como en la exuberante Tánger de los años cuarentas o en el dramático escenario de la posguerra española, siempre estarán condenados a enfrentarse al mismo dilema: ¿Cómo pueden amarse cuando sus voluntades políticas y sus trayectorias vitales han tomado caminos tan distintos? Please note: This audiobook is in Spanish. Opiniones de los miembros: ¡Novela historica maravillosa! Esta es una novela histórica de las mejores, de hecho ¡un libro maravilloso! Estoy bien entrado en años, soy naval jubilado luego de 30 años de vida militar...pero aprendí hechos de La Segunda Guerra Mundial que nunca supe. Esta autora merece halagos por su obra; lo digo por leer tres de sus libros, todos buenísimos que me captaron hasta las páginas finales. ¡Nunca olvidaré a los protagonistas Lena y Guillén! Considero Carla Montera una joya de la literatura contemporánea de España. Quieres seguir leyendo Muy entretenido y un gran repaso a la historia del siglo pasado. Como asturiana, ha sido muy interesante leer como se desarrolló la guerra civil en Asturias desde los dos puntos de vista. Spain civil war and nazi regiment The novel could have been completed with less amount of pages. Good history facts but the story of Lena and Guillen dragged for too long. Me encanto los personajes, la historia contada y vivida ... Me encanto los personajes, la historia contada y vivida por ellos, en base en una historia de amor se relata una historia verdadera y disfrute leyéndola!

Manhattan Beach Audiobook by Jennifer Egan

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Jennifer Egan) — Tue, 03 Oct 2017 03:56:59 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Manhattan Beach Author: Jennifer Egan Narrator: Heather Lind, Norbert Leo Butz, Vincent Piazza Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 16 mins Language: English Release date: 10-03-17 Publisher: Hachette Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 8 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: The long-awaited novel from the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of A Visit from the Goon Squad, Manhattan Beach opens in Brooklyn during the Great Depression. Anna Kerrigan, nearly 12 years old, accompanies her father to the house of a man who, she gleans, is crucial to the survival of her father and her family. Anna observes the uniformed servants, the lavishing of toys on the children and some secret pact between her father and Dexter Styles. Years later her father has disappeared, and the country is at war. Anna works at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, where women are allowed to hold jobs that had always belonged to men. She becomes the first female diver, the most dangerous and exclusive of occupations, repairing the ships that will help America win the war. She is the sole provider for her mother, a farm girl who had a brief and glamorous career as a Ziegfield folly, and her lovely, severely disabled sister. At a nightclub she chances to meet Styles, the man she visited with her father before he vanished, and she begins to understand the complexity of her father's life, the reasons he might have been murdered. Mesmerising, hauntingly beautiful, with the pace and atmosphere of a noir thriller and a wealth of detail about organised crime, the merchant marine and the clash of classes in New York, Egan's first historical novel is a masterpiece, a deft, startling, intimate exploration of a transformative moment in the lives of women and men, America and the world. Manhattan Beach is a magnificent novel by one of the greatest writers of our time. Members Reviews: The New York Novel Great work, joins the pantheon of classic New York novels. Anna is a searing character, nuanced and interesting. Plot throws in some light twists but I read it more as literature of the period and the city than a conventional mystery. Recommended. Mixed and varied - but interesting Quite an unusual subject and one which has been well captured by the author. It was well narrated and a pleasure to listen to. Entertaining, but doesn't hit the mark. Found the narrative rolled along well and kept me listening, but the sum of the whole story was fairly weak. Enjoyed the diving detail. Stunning. After a slightly slow start, this book had me on the edge of my seat. The story and characters were original and fully rounded. I emphasised with them all so cared what happened next. Often I thought I knew what was about to happen. Sometimes I was right. But always there were twists and shocks that stunned and surprised me. The narration was excellent with different actors taking over as the narration moved between the key characters. I always knew who was who. Highly recommended. Gripping and beautifully written Another great novel from Jennifer Egan. Gripping and beautifully written - with a strong evocation of wartime New York and some fantastic set piece scenes. It's more linear and careful than 'A Visit From The Goon Squad' - if that novel was 'Pulp Fiction' this one is 'Jackie Brown' but highly recommended.

Mexico Audiobook by James A. Michener

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (James A. Michener) — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 13:24:00 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Mexico Subtitle: A Novel Author: James A. Michener Narrator: Alexander Adams Format: Unabridged Length: 23 hrs and 29 mins Language: English Release date: 08-04-15 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 155 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Pulitzer Prize-winning author James A. Michener, whose novels hurtle from the far reaches of history to the dark corners of the world, paints an intoxicating portrait of a land whose past and present are as turbulent, fascinating, and colorful as any other on Earth. When an American journalist travels to report on the upcoming duel between two great matadors, he is ultimately swept up in the dramatic story of his own Mexican ancestry - from the brilliance and brutality of the ancients to the iron fist of the invading Spaniards to modern Mexico, fighting through dust and bloodshed to build a nation upon the ashes of revolution. Architectural splendors, frenzied bullfights, horrific human sacrifice: Michener weaves them all into an epic human story that ranks with the best of his beloved best-selling novels. Critic Reviews: "Michener the storyteller at his finest.... There are splendid and authentic scenes in the plaza de toros that are as dramatic as any written by Ernest Hemingway or Barnaby Conrad." ( The New York Times Book Review) "Astounding...fast-moving, intriguing.... Michener is back in huge, familiar form with Mexico." (Los Angeles Daily News) "An enthralling story.... Michener artfully combines the history of Mexico with the art of bullfighting, teaching the reader about both and telling a grand story at the same time." ( St. Louis Post-Dispatch) Members Reviews: I wanted to learn more about Mexican history and culture... This fit the bill very well. Reader is excellent. Great historical facts presented in a vivid narrative. Characters are a bit trite but fitting fit the time period. Long Overdue Overview of the Nation to our South Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why? Absolutely because it brings a knowledge of the history (struggles, successes and people) to a nation which is hardly known to most of us, even in border states. What was one of the most memorable moments of Mexico? The book is chock-full of "moments" so I would have to say the details about bullfighting and how it is created brought some understanding to me of how anyone could find pleasure in watching an animal tortured and killed before a huge audience. Educational. What does Alexander Adams bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book? His voice intonation brought a needed variety to the many characters. If he were not so adept, the book could have been muddled and confusing. Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you? Too many to describe. Any additional comments? Books by Michener are a real time-machine that carries us to places we could never go with today's technology. The color and spirit of his writing bring to life things and places that most of our imaginations could not. I am well into my next Michener book from Audible and am enjoying the journey very much. Must read For all of us in North America to better understand our neighbors to the south. Enjoyed it and recommend I will admit it was difficult to get into at first and I got a little confused when the author jumped around in history and characters. However, after a few rewinds, since my confusion was likely more because of my lack of focus, I loved it. Great tale of a family and their history by a family member reflecting his past, sent home by his employers.

The Secret Chord Audiobook by Geraldine Brooks

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Geraldine Brooks) — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 03:31:10 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Secret Chord Subtitle: A Novel Author: Geraldine Brooks Narrator: Paul Boehmer Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 6 mins Language: English Release date: 10-06-15 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 527 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: A rich and utterly absorbing novel about the life of King David, from the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of People of the Book and March. With more than two million copies of her novels sold, New York Times best-selling author Geraldine Brooks has achieved both popular and critical acclaim. Now, Brooks takes on one of literature's richest and most enigmatic figures: a man who shimmers between history and legend. Peeling away the myth to bring David to life in Second Iron Age Israel, Brooks traces the arc of his journey from obscurity to fame, from shepherd to soldier, from hero to traitor, from beloved king to murderous despot and into his remorseful and diminished dotage. The Secret Chord provides new context for some of the best-known episodes of David's life while also focusing on others, even more remarkable and emotionally intense, that have been neglected. We see David through the eyes of those who love him or fear him - from the prophet Natan, voice of his conscience; to his wives, Mikal, Avigail, and Batsheva; and finally to Solomon, the late-born son who redeems his Lear-like old age. Brooks has an uncanny ability to hear and transform characters from history, and this beautifully written, unvarnished saga of faith, desire, family, ambition, betrayal, and power will enthrall her many fans. Critic Reviews: "Narrator Paul Boehmer delivers a superb performance of Geraldine Brooks's reimagining of the life of King David. Boehmer's characters live through his vocal magic." (AudioFile) Members Reviews: Flawed Perfection Rare is the book that can take an historic personage and incarnate it with realistic flesh and blood. Brooks is a master of this art. As a clergyman I thought I knew the biblical David even with his ever so public flaws. Brooks has introduced a very human David...a man who can and does still inspire because he truly is a biblical 'Everyman'. Disappointing I have always found David a fascinating character, so I was looking forward to this book. Listening to it makes me wish I had the King James Bible instead. The performance is terribly over done, so perhaps the novel would be better in print. But I don't feel I've learned anything from it, and writing sometimes reminds me of fan fiction. Brooks at her best Loved this book. Am a history buff and very interested in Biblical characters especially David. It is told by Nathan, David,s prophet. I know it is partially fiction but Brooks has a remarkable gift of filling in the blanks l.e.the thoughts and feelings of the characters and what could so logically could have happened. The narrator is fabulous. He uses the Hebrew pronunciation of all the names which can be confusing I went to 1&2 Samuel when I couldn't figure out the character I have a different attitude toward David now that I have read Brooks' insightful story. Another excellent novel While March remains my favorite by this author, she never disappoints in the way she writes or knits a story together. loved it good read mostly true to scripture , followed Davids life very well and added alot of emotion to the Bible narrative . I understand it's hard to stay100% true to scripture in a novel as there's alot of blanks to fill in .Hence it's fiction .

The Jealous Kind Audiobook by James Lee Burke

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (James Lee Burke) — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 20:44:52 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Jealous Kind Author: James Lee Burke Narrator: Will Patton Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 47 mins Language: English Release date: 08-30-16 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1129 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: From award-winning New York Times best-selling author James Lee Burke - an atmospheric, powerful coming-of-age story set in 1950s Texas, as the specter of the Korean War looms. On its surface, life in Houston in the 1950s is as you'd expect: stoic fathers, restless teens, drive-in movies, and souped-up Cadillacs. But underneath lies a world shifting under high school junior Aaron Broussard's feet. There's a class war between the "haves" and the "have-nots" as well as a real war, Korea, happening on the other side of the world. It is against this backdrop that Aaron comes of age, trying to understand how first loves, friendship, violence, and power can alter what "traditional America" means for the people trying to find their way in a changing world. When Aaron spots the beautiful Valerie Epstein fighting with her boyfriend, Grady Harrelson, at a drive-in, he steps in. Aaron and Valerie begin dating, but Grady presents a looming problem - as does Grady's father, who has troubling criminal connections. In the middle of it all is Aaron, who seemingly takes care of one threat only to see multiple ones manifest in its stead. In The Jealous Kind, "modern master" (Publishers Weekly) James Lee Burke creates a singular bittersweet experience that mirrors a larger world on the precipice of great change. As Aaron undergoes his harrowing evolution from boy to man, we can't help but recall the inspirational power of first love and how far we would go to protect the world we know. Critic Reviews: "James Lee Burke's exquisite story about a teenager caught up in a 1950s class war, narrated by Will Patton, grabs listeners from the get-go. His portrayal of the novel's young narrator, Aaron Holland Broussard, is fully believable.... On a deeper level, Patton's compassion resonates as the boy struggles to prevent his best friend from self-destructing...this is a stellar production, not to be missed." (AudioFile) Members Reviews: An engaging , well written book , but..... James Lee Burke is an exceptional story teller and a great writer. His characters are chiselled with a powerful style and gusto and move in an evocative southern atmosphere. The plot is around a young man coming of age in '50's Houston when he encounters romantic love, unrestricted violence and the continue dilemma of choices between evil and good. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, but, admittedly, there is too much ; the story is too intense for high schoolers who speak like John Wayne in the good old western movies of the 60s. Eventually it doesn't ring true. Will Patton is outstanding and his reading performance is a pleasure by itself. The magic combination of Burke and Patton The Jealous Kind, a novel of over eleven hours, could just as easily have been a short story: the narrative takes place among divergent small groups of teenagers and adults over a few summer weeks in early 1950s Houston. Instead, James Lee Burke has graced us with this beautifully constructed and worded full-length work. Because Burke is one of my two favorite authors (the other, not coincidentally, being Larry McMurtry), I have to admit to bias, but all I can say is that this is not only Burke at his best, but novel-writing itself at its best.

The Golden Son Audiobook by Shilpi Somaya Gowda

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Shilpi Somaya Gowda) — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 23:19:17 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Golden Son Subtitle: A Novel Author: Shilpi Somaya Gowda Narrator: Sunil Malhotra Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 59 mins Language: English Release date: 01-26-16 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 166 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: The New York Times and number-one internationally best-selling author of Secret Daughter returns with an unforgettable story of family, responsibility, love, honor, tradition, and identity, in which two childhood friends - a young doctor and a newly married bride - must balance the expectations of their culture and their families with the desires of their own hearts. The first of his family to go to college, Anil Patel, the golden son, carries the weight of tradition and his family's expectations when he leaves his tiny Indian village to begin a medical residency in Dallas, Texas, at one of the busiest and most competitive hospitals in America. When his father dies, Anil becomes the de facto head of the Patel household and inherits the mantle of arbiter for all of the village's disputes. But he is uneasy with the custom, uncertain that he has the wisdom and courage demonstrated by his father and grandfather. His doubts are compounded by the difficulties he discovers in adjusting to a new culture and a new job - challenges that will shake his confidence in himself and his abilities. Back home in India, Anil's closest childhood friend, Leena, struggles to adapt to her demanding new husband and relatives. Arranged by her parents, the marriage shatters Leena's romantic hopes and eventually forces her to make a desperate choice that will hold drastic repercussions for herself and her family. Though Anil and Leena struggle to come to terms with their identities thousands of miles apart, their lives eventually intersect once more - changing them both and the people they love forever. Tender and bittersweet, The Golden Son illuminates the ambivalence of people caught between past and present, tradition and modernity, duty and choice; the push and pull of living in two cultures; and the painful decisions we must make to find our true selves. Members Reviews: 4-Stars, But I'm Rounding Up... I liked this book,liked it enough to listen to it 'cover-to-cover,' hence, the 4-stars. It has great characters, Gowda threw conflict after conflict in every chapter to keep you listening, and there was a neat sorta quirkiness and humor in it that added to its humanity. Still, there was a certain intensity that was lacking that really only turned up in Leena, and quite honestly, only turned up toward the end. The characters, though given much to strive toward (Gowda is an expert plotter), don't have much passion, neither do they have many flaws. There are a few times when things turn dour for Anil, and he berates himself as he's "f*'d up," but I had to go back and re-listen to what happened only to wonder, "Really? Where? What?" It seems that the author wanted his characters to be likable so much so that he really didn't allow them to be human. And there's this one other glitch, and I mention it only because it was an obvious turning point, that was an unevenly written bit of racially motivated violence that comes off as a total device of convenience that leaves the reader wondering: Now? But they've been together 14 months, and it's happening now?!? Okay, I'll shut up. Off to the good things; The characters ARE likable, I love the way their formative experiences and relationships are written as children. The descriptive settings are great.

The Colonels Audiobook by W. E. B. Griffin

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (W. E. B. Griffin) — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 14:03:48 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Colonels Subtitle: Brotherhood of War Series, Book 4 Author: W. E. B. Griffin Narrator: Eric G. Dove Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 50 mins Language: English Release date: 09-24-12 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 645 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: They were the professionals, the men who had been toughened by combat in the mine-laden fields of Europe, in Korea, in Greece, in Indochina. Now, in the twilight of a dying decade, they must return to the United States to forge a new type of American soldier - one to be tested on the beaches of Cuba and in a new war yet to come.... Critic Reviews: "[Griffins] writing enriched by new, fully developed characters... renders an intricately layered, epic novel of international politics... ( Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: A Great Series! Any additional comments? Can't wait for the other books in this series is put out by Audible, please hurry up :) Soap opera for men I have really enjoyed this series by W. E. B. Griffin. The character development is great and the narrator, Eric G Dove is very good. This entire series has been like a soap opera for men. I find myself getting attached to some characters and not liking others. There is plenty of military action but there is also some of the day to day stuff that happens in life. The descriptions of the day to day life in the military is very accurate and the details are spot on. The narrator gets most of his terminology right and keeps his characters in their unique style of voice throughout the series. If you're a military history buff or just looking for a good series to start give this one a try. Pleasant experience What did you love best about The Colonels? Glad that they are finally producing the BoW series and hopefully the publishers will finish out the series and TC also. What about Eric G. Doves performance did you like? While his voice is pleasant and much less aggravating than Dick Hill, Dove has no idea (and obviously neither does the editor) about the military or the language. It is the simple things like misstating military time (one=thousand hours, not ten=hundred hours on a 24 hour military clock). But Dove does know it is a [M Nineteen-eleven A one] pistol not a [M one nine one one A one] pistol. Significant improvement over listening to Dick Hill in the other books. Enjoyable listen and recommend it to other W E B G fans. Any additional comments? Pick it up, its a worthy listen but you need to start with the Lieutenants. the book QUIT on me just like Majors book ???????? What did you like best about The Colonels? What did you like least? I would like a credit on the book I am very disapointed Any additional comments? what is going on with these books going silent in the middle of a story I want a refund Absolutely wonderful again! My only possible dislike of this book or series is that I am getting close to the end of it, and I hate to think of coming to the end because it is so genuinely enjoyable.

In the Field of Grace Audiobook by Tessa Afshar

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Tessa Afshar) — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 17:24:04 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: In the Field of Grace Author: Tessa Afshar Narrator: Laural Merlington Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 45 mins Language: English Release date: 10-02-14 Publisher: Oasis Audio Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 354 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Love resurrected from lifeless arms happens in the arms of a loving God. Without wealth or family, the widow Ruth left her people and followed Naomi, her beloved Hebrew mother-in-law, to rebuild Naomis home in Israel. Provisions gone and starvation at the door, Ruth used all that she had left - a strong back and a willing heart - to gather grain in a field, abandoned after the harvest. Tormented by others, Ruth is shocked to find the owner of the field watching her. Talking to her. Bringing food to her and Naomi. Boaz tells himself his kindness toward Ruth is repayment for the love she has shown to his cousin Naomi. But his heart knows better. Members Reviews: New insights about Old Testament Ruth Have you ever wondered why Ruth, from the Old Testament story, left her homeland of Moab to go to a new home in Israel? Did she know what was in store for her there? The scriptures imply that Ruth's decision came from her virtuous character; her loyalty to Naomi. After listening to this book, I would add that it is likely Ruth's decision also came from courage that rested on a foundation of faith in God. This book extended and enhanced my understanding of Ruth, adding fictional details that helped me consider all that she really would have had to face... including the challenges that could have come her way. In watching Ruth face those fictional challenges, this book emphasizes a truth, and gives a strong message of hope to the listener: that God can transform tragedy into triumph! Also, He can use any one of us to bless the lives of others. All He requires is a willing and trusting heart. I very much enjoyed the author's take on the story; it is very much in keeping with the impression I get about Ruth when I read the Bible. Absolutely Totally Beautiful What made the experience of listening to In the Field of Grace the most enjoyable? Everything. A book worthy of its title, for it is full of grace and beauty. What was one of the most memorable moments of In the Field of Grace? There were many such moments. The wisdom and the prayers are seamlessly woven into the reality of every day life in a way that felt like blessings my soul soaked up like parched soil. Which character as performed by Laural Merlington was your favorite? Ruth, of course, but she did a wonderful job with all of them. Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? Yes. I wept. I was there. I feel like I truly met Ruth, and Boaz, and Naomi, they felt like kin, and I miss them. Any additional comments? This is an absolutely beautiful novel. As a novelist myself, I feel humbled, at a loss for words. At first I felt the Epilogue was an intrusion, but I came to love Ruth so much, it all fell into place and I cried, again, this time because the Book of Ruth, so passionately and gracefully told by Tessa Afshar, had ended. Field of Grace Would you listen to In the Field of Grace again? Why? I really enjoyed the book, however there were placed in the story that was to long and drawn out. What other book might you compare In the Field of Grace to and why? It was similar to the story Rahab, but the book on Rahab was far better. What does Laural Merlington bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book? She's an excellent narrator. Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you? The care that Boaz took to keep Ruth safe all the way through his marriage to her.

All She Left Behind Audiobook by Jane Kirkpatrick

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Jane Kirkpatrick) — Tue, 05 Sep 2017 16:09:12 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: All She Left Behind Author: Jane Kirkpatrick Narrator: Tavia Gilbert Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 43 mins Language: English Release date: 09-05-17 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 12 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Already well-versed in the natural healing properties of herbs and oils, Jennie Pickett longs to become a doctor. But the Oregon frontier of the 1870s doesn't approve of such innovations as women attending medical school. To leave grief and guilt behind, as well as support herself and her challenging young son, Jennie cares for an elderly woman using skills she's developed on her own. When her patient dies, Jennie discovers that her heart has become entangled with the woman's widowed husband, a man many years her senior. Their unlikely romance may lead her to her ultimate goal - but the road will be winding and the way forward will not always be clear. Will Jennie find shelter in life's storms? Will she discover where healing truly lives? Through her award-winning, layered storytelling, New York Times best-selling author Jane Kirkpatrick invites listeners to leave behind their preconceived notions about love and life as they, along with Jennie, discover that dreams may be deferred - but they never really die. Based on a true story. Members Reviews: All she left behind This story is depressing all the way through. Not up to her other works. Not inspiring.

Einstein's Dreams Audiobook by Alan Lightman

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Alan Lightman) — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 15:09:23 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Einstein's Dreams Author: Alan Lightman Narrator: Grover Gardner Format: Unabridged Length: 2 hrs and 32 mins Language: English Release date: 04-21-15 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 98 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: A modern classic, Einstein's Dreams is a fictional collage of stories dreamed by Albert Einstein in 1905, when he worked in a patent office in Switzerland. As the defiant but sensitive young genius is creating his theory of relativity, a new conception of time, he imagines many possible worlds. In one, time is circular, and people are fated to repeat their triumphs and failures over and over. In another, there is a place where time stands still, visited by lovers and parents clinging to their children. In another, time is a nightingale, sometimes trapped by a bell jar. Translated into 30 languages, Einstein's Dreams has inspired playwrights, dancers, musicians, and painters all over the world. In poetic vignettes it explores the connections between science and art, the process of creativity, and ultimately the fragility of human existence. Members Reviews: Inspirational A story that brought about deep thoughts and new perspectives that I never would have thought of. Bore... Droning repetitive hysterianically narrated story. Going into infinitesimal details of unimportant sceneries and events and emotions. Very disappointed. This covers it. Spectacular These ideas and the way they are written, is a spectacular dance of literary brilliance.

Villa in Italy Audiobook by Elizabeth Edmondson

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Elizabeth Edmondson) — Tue, 19 May 2015 02:40:33 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Villa in Italy Author: Elizabeth Edmondson Narrator: Nicolette McKenzie Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 16 mins Language: English Release date: 05-19-15 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 758 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Marvellously atmospheric tale of strangers summoned to a grand but neglected villa on the Italian coast. Each of them has been named in a will, but nobody knows their benefactress.... Four very different people are named in a will. Delia, an opera singer robbed of her voice by illness; George, an idealistic scientist who cannot face what his skills have created; Marjorie, desperately poor and unable to dislodge her writers block; and Lucius, ostensibly in control but whose personal life is in chaos. All are summoned to the Villa Dante, home of the late Beatrice Malaspina. But who was she? While they wait to find out, the villa begins to work its seductive magic. With its faded frescoes, overgrown garden, and magnificent mediaeval tower, it is unlike anywhere they have been before. Slowly four characters who have gone to great lengths to hide their troubles find that change - and even hope - is possible after all. But the mysterious Beatrice has a devastating secret to reveal that will affect them all.... A beautiful evocation of Italy in the aftermath of World War Two and the personal consequences of living through such a time and a celebration of humankinds ability to heal and learn to love again, this most absorbing novel will win Elizabeth Edmondson a host of new fans. Members Reviews: A gentle mystery. I was having a bad week. I listened to this book and, as corny as it sounds, it lifted my spirits. This book is not what I'd consider 'high art' or a classic but it's wonderfully evocative and a good escape. If I had to pick one word it would be 'soothing' and I'll be listening to it again. This is a slow building story with the first 2/3 of the book fleshing out the characters, their backstories and the villa itself. The main characters are very likable, even the often irritating Marjorie, and you really get a sense of their burdens and how the villa and its inhabitants help them 'come alive' again. The visitors are mostly unlikable and come off as shallow and selfish, which is a nice contrast to the main players. However, on getting to know them a little better as the story unfolds they're actually OK (Theo & Felicity)... except Richie; he's a jerk. The last 1/3 has the reveals coming thick and fast (but it's not hard to guess them). Relationships are revealed, mended, ended and cemented and everything is wrapped up nicely. I came away from this book feeling a lighter and happier. Excellent narration. With so many characters, it would be easy for the listener to become confused but Nicolette McKenzie has given them each a unique voice. I think I'll try one of the other Elizabeth Edmondson books she's narrated, maybe Villa on the Riviera. Everything I look for in a book I loved everything about this book: plot, characters, setting, time period, and references. It was completely engrossing and a wonderful mystery that kept me guessing through most of the book.

The Last Woman Standing Audiobook by Thelma Adams

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Thelma Adams) — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 17:31:24 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Last Woman Standing Subtitle: A Novel Author: Thelma Adams Narrator: Emily Foster Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 20 mins Language: English Release date: 07-01-16 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 512 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Two decades after the Civil War, Josephine Marcus, the teenage daughter of Jewish immigrants, is lured west with the promise of marriage to Johnny Behan, one of Arizona's famous lawmen. She leaves her San Francisco home to join Behan in Tombstone, Arizona, a magnet for miners (and outlaws) attracted by the silver boom. Though united by the glint of metal, Tombstone is plagued by divided loyalties: between Confederates and Unionists, Lincoln Republicans and Democrats. But when the silver-tongued Behan proves unreliable, it is legendary frontiersman Wyatt Earp who emerges as Josephine's match. As the couple's romance sparks, Behan's jealousy ignites a rivalry destined for the history books.... At once an epic account of an improbable romance and a retelling of an iconic American tale, The Last Woman Standing recalls the famed gunfight at the O.K. Corral through the eyes of a spunky heroine who sought her happy ending in a lawless outpost - with a fierce will and an unflagging spirit. Members Reviews: Disappointed... What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you? Keeping closer to the true facts about the character who was no goodie two-shoes. What was most disappointing about Thelma Adamss story? The sophomoric writing. Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Emily Foster? I don't think it would matter. It pained me to listen but I did suffer the entire story. If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from The Last Woman Standing? i have no idea. Any additional comments? This could have been a great book if the author followed what appears to be the true story of the main character and made her more real. I felt like she wrote the book to appeal to a fifth grade girl. Good historic fictional account of the woman who loved, and was loved by, Wyatt Earp It's a story of love, but not a romance novel. Wyatt's story has been told and retold for generations, but Josie's has been left to speculation. Although this is fiction, it seems to have been well researched and stands up to most of the facts as we know them. I fact checked as I listened, and found a treasure trove of photographs, most captured by C.S. Fly the photographer and his wife Mollie, a photographer in her own right, in Tombstone. Interesting story of the woman behind the man. great story blunt and exciting. this story was captivating from the opening line. interesting story line for a frontier woman Fantastic! We loved this book. We were laughing and chatting about it so much that we hit rewind a few times. It's a zero Horrible all the way around. Boring, and vulgar. Poor language. Deserves a zero.

The Game of Kings Audiobook by Dorothy Dunnett

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Dorothy Dunnett) — Thu, 07 Nov 2013 13:47:34 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Game of Kings Author: Dorothy Dunnett Narrator: Samuel Gillies Format: Unabridged Length: 24 hrs and 47 mins Language: English Release date: 11-07-13 Publisher: Whole Story Audiobooks Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 166 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: The Game of Kings: First in The Lymond Saga. It's August 1547, and unrest in Europe is rife. Scotland, nominally ruled by 4 year old Queen Mary, is heaving with intrigue - and hot gossip. The notorious rebel, Crawford of Lymond, is rumoured to be back in Edinburgh. The city is sealed, but such things never worry 'Lymond'. As usual, he leaves a characteristic trail of hue and cry, vanished contraband, and a drunken sow.Infamous for his ingenuity, Lymond has his own plan, starting with setting fire to his brother's castle and purloining his mother's silver. Stories about him abound, agreeing only that he's not a man to sit idle. With Europe recently unbalanced by royal deaths, he'll take a hand in The Game Of Kings. Members Reviews: At Last, the best in historical fiction! I'm a fan of the Game of Thrones series (assuming it will one day be finished). But Dunnett's "Lymond Chronicles" has everything GoT has, squared. To begin this book is to step into another universe. The first time I read the series--this is my third time through--when I closed the cover at the end of Book 6 I felt like Adam or Eve, unwillingly leaving Eden behind. Francis Crawford of Lymond is a hero you will never, ever forget. The story begins in Scotland in 1547. The series takes you across Europe and Asia and back. The characters become a part of your world. The settings are exquisite, or barren, or squalid, or magnificent. The research is impeccable. The humor can be dry, droll, or outrageously slapstick. The danger is breath-taking. The background story--of the little girl, Mary Queen of Scots--is a compelling scaffold for the drama of the Crawford family. Disappointing I've loved the Lymond Chronicles since I discovered them in the 80s and have reread them so many times my books are literally falling apart. I just couldn't take this production and gave up on it after about an hour. Samuel Gillies read this as if it were a stage play with an almost vaudeville cadence; it was painful to hear. Definitely wish Andrew Napier had done the narration. The rest of the recorded books in the series are SO much better. Best historical series ever! But awful narration! Would you listen to The Game of Kings again? Why? I can't bring myself to listen to the narration again. If I didn't want to have the entire series in my library I would return it. I'll have to just read the ebook when I want to enjoy this wonderful series again and again. What other book might you compare The Game of Kings to and why? It can only compare to the other five books in the series. It's so rich, complex, mature, and also frequently hysterically funny! What didnt you like about Samuel Gilliess performance? He's way too mature for the main characters, especially Francis Crawford of Lymond. This is supposed to be a young man with a voice that's described as light, mellow, extremely witty and clever, sometimes cutting and sarcastic. Mr. Gillies sounds like an over-aged and over-dramatic stage actor, and is completely wrong for this series. My dearest hope is that someday Andrew Napier, the narrator of the rest of the series, will redo this volume. Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? I frequently laughed and cried when reading this book multiple times.

Where Shadows Dance Audiobook by C. S. Harris

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (C. S. Harris) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 05:25:02 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. 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.

Gates of Fire Audiobook by Steven Pressfield

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Steven Pressfield) — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 13:38:06 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Gates of Fire Subtitle: An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae Author: Steven Pressfield Narrator: Derek Jacobi Format: Abridged Length: 6 hrs and 19 mins Language: English Release date: 03-22-07 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 566 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Inspired by this stone and intrigued by the lore of Sparta, author Steven Pressfield has brilliantly combined scholarship with storytelling. Narrated by the sole survivor of the epic battle, a squire in the Spartan heavy infantry, Gates of Fire is a mesmerizing depiction of one man's indoctrination into the Spartan way of life and death, and of the legendary men and women who gave the culture an immortal gravity. Culminating in the electrifying and horrifying epic battle, Gates of Fire weaves history, mystery, and heartbreaking romance into a literary tale that brings the Homeric tradition into the 21st century. Critic Reviews: "Reading this fine novel, it is not hard to understand why warfare has proved to be one of the most enduring subjects of literature." (The New York Times Book Review) "Derek Jacobi is brilliant: his soldiers are terrifyingly gruff, and his breathless account of the fighting is so vivid that one can almost smell the blood." (Audiofile) "An incredibly gripping, moving, and literate work of art. Rarely does an author manage to re-create a moment in history with such mastery, authority, and psychological insight." (Nelson DeMille) Members Reviews: Excellent, but very sad it's abridged Gates of Fire is a superb book. It is historical fiction at it's very best. I believe this is the best of Pressfield's works, so it is nice to finally see this book in audio. The reading is terrific. In fact, I have only one minor quibble, in that the voice adopted for Polynikes sounds like a 40 year old man rather than a 23 year old. Narrator should have used that voice for Dienekes. But truly a quibble. A wonderful book and a superb story of the bond between men and between men and women. I give it 4 stars vs. five merely because it is abridged, and there are some truly wonderful insights about characters (especially Suicide, Arete, and Dienekes) that are in the book that are not in this abridged volume. Still, if you like this era of history and you like stories of courage, valor, and frienship, you cannot do better. This book has some of the best quotes I am aware of for sacrifice and friendship. It is a literary achievement. Excellent! Absolutely the best fiction written on the Battle of Thermopylae. Beautifully performed narration by Derek Jacobi. I requested this audiobook a year ago, and finally, with the release of 300, we got it. 300, while a fun popcorn movie, and equally fun graphic novel, does not compare to the thrilling, well researched and most historically accurate account of what occured at the Hot Gates. If you want politics, intrigue, romance and action, mesmerizingly narrated, you will find it here. Who wants abridged? I truly enjoy reading Steven Pressfield. This particular book is probably one of my favorites of all the books I've read. It would definitely have gotten 5 stars if they'd only left it unabridged... Better than 300 This book shares many similarities to the recent movie "300"; however, it is better. Covering the same battle at the hot gates of Thermopylae, this version is told by the sole surviving Spartan, Xeo. When Xerxes presses him to tell the story of how 300 Spartans and their allies could hold off his troop numbering over 100,000, Xeo starts at his beginning.

The Wicked Day Audiobook by Mary Stewart

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Mary Stewart) — Tue, 31 Oct 2017 13:02:37 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Wicked Day Subtitle: The Arthurian Saga, Book 4 Author: Mary Stewart Narrator: Derek Perkins Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 47 mins Language: English Release date: 10-31-17 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 5 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Mary Stewart's stunning Arthurian saga that began with The Crystal Cave, The Hollow Hills, and The Last Enchantment continues with The Wicked Day, the story of the clash between King Arthur and his bastard son, Mordred. Born of an incestuous relationship between King Arthur and his half-sister, and prophesied by Merlin to kill Arthur, Mordred is stolen away from his mother and raised in secrecy by a kind couple on an isolated Orkney island in the hopes that he will defy his fate. Mordred, known to history as a traitor and a murderer, is no villain, but a quick-witted young man, with hopes and dreams of his own. But try as he might, Mordred cannot escape Merlin's prophecy. His mother, the evil sorceress Morgause, tracks her son down and takes him back, then feeds the flames of Mordred's ambition, setting into motion a chain of events that will go down in history - and legend - as father and son are finally forced to confront each other one last time: on the wicked day of destiny, when Arthur's final battle will be fought. Members Reviews: Arthur's tale completed I love Mary Stewart's version of the Arthurian Legend. This final segment is my least favorite, since it ends in tragedy, but Mary Stewart, like many other re-tellers of this overall story managed to bring hope into the ending in spite of all. And Derek Perkins, as he did in the previous three, does a WONDERFUL job of bringing the characters, time period and Legend/Saga to life. If some other narrator had been chosen to complete the series, I might well have been content to let my personal series end with The Last Enchantment. Those new to the series, I strongly suggest that you start with the beginning, The Crystal Cave. And I envy you, you have many hours of enjoyment to look forward to, as you work your way through the series.

The Vengeance of Mothers Audiobook by Jim Fergus

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Jim Fergus) — Tue, 12 Sep 2017 18:30:07 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Vengeance of Mothers Subtitle: The Journals of Margaret Kelly & Molly McGill: A Novel Author: Jim Fergus Narrator: Laura Hicks, Erik Steele Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 35 mins Language: English Release date: 09-12-17 Publisher: Macmillan Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 51 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: "Laura Hicks renders this imaginative work splendidly. She is vivacious and expressive as May Dodd...Her vocal characterizations, especially of the various immigrant women Dodd encounters, are lively. A work this unusual needs a performance that is versatile and out of the ordinary, both of which have been achieved." - AudioFile on One Thousand White Women. The stunning sequel to Jim Fergus' award-winning One Thousand White Women. 9 March 1876 My name is Meggie Kelly and I take up this pencil with my twin sister, Susie. We have nothing left, less than nothing. The village of our People has been destroyed, all our possessions burned, our friends butchered by the soldiers, our baby daughters gone, frozen to death on an ungodly trek across these rocky mountains. Empty of human feeling, half-dead ourselves, all that remains of us intact are hearts turned to stone. We curse the U.S. government, we curse the Army, we curse the savagery of mankind, white and Indian alike. We curse God in his heaven. Do not underestimate the power of a mother's vengeance.... So begins the journal of Margaret Kelly, a woman who participated in the government's "Brides for Indians" program in 1873, a program whose conceit was that the way to peace between the United States and the Cheyenne Nation was for one thousand white women to be given as brides in exchange for 300 horses. These "brides" were mostly fallen women; women in prison, prostitutes, the occasional adventurer, or those incarcerated in asylums. No one expected this program to work. The brides themselves thought it was simply a chance at freedom. But many of them fell in love with the Cheyenne's spouses and had children with them...and became Cheyenne themselves. The Vengeance of Mothers is an audiobook that explores what happens to the bonds between wives and husbands, children and mothers, when society sees them as "unspeakable". What does it mean to be white, to be Cheyenne, and how far will these women go to avenge the ones they love? As he did in One Thousand White Women, Jim Fergus brings to light a time and place in American history and fills it with unforgettable characters who live and breathe with a passion we can relate to even today. Members Reviews: A truer history of the USA! This is a story you may never forget and likely to be a history closer to the truth than anything you learned from a high school curriculum. If ever I am asked why I lack any hint of patriotism towards the country in which I live, I will simply recommend this book along with 1000 White Women by the same author. Jim Fergus writes with a refreshingly realistic view of the often white-washed history of the USA. This story captures a time that many Americans wish had ended differently than it did. I for one have always been one to wish for victory to go to the underdogs and I do so in this story too. To bad history is so sad in reality! Love! Love! Looooove this book! Such a wonderful sequel to the first. I can't wait to dive into the 3rd book.

Becoming Marie Antoinette Audiobook by Juliet Grey

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Juliet Grey) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 14:33:08 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. 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.

War Cry Audiobook by Wilbur Smith, David Churchill

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Wilbur Smith) — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 13:41:34 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: War Cry Subtitle: A Courtney Family Novel Author: Wilbur Smith, David Churchill Narrator: Sean Barrett Format: Unabridged Length: 17 hrs Language: English Release date: 04-04-17 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 77 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: The saga of the legendary Courtney family continues in this 14th installment in Wilbur Smith's best-selling series - the sequel to 2009's Assegai - a thrilling tale of espionage, adventure, and danger, set in Africa and spanning from the Great War's end to the dark days of World War II. As a member of the remarkable Courtney family, Leon Courtney knows how quickly fortunes can be won and lost. Over the course of more than two centuries, generations of his family have risen and fallen with the tides of history. Leon, too, has experienced his own share of triumph and pain. In the wake of his beloved wife's death, the renowned big-game hunter is raising his young daughter, Saffron, alone in colonial Kenya. In the 1920s the continent of Africa is a dangerous place. As Leon attempts to navigate the murky political waters of this most exquisitely beautiful and wildest of lands, his daughter grows into an independent and headstrong young woman bound for a far different life in Britain, as a student at Oxford. But over the course of more than two decades, spies, traitors, and adventurers will dog their every step. As the fitful years of peace lead to the outbreak of the Second World War - involving Africa once more - Leon and Saffron must fight for their survival...and that of their illustrious family. Wilbur Smith masterfully captures the tensions that will spark a war across continents - and the uncertainty and hopes of a father and daughter caught in its grips - in this engrossing novel that delivers the fast-paced action and vivid history that have made him a living legend. Members Reviews: War Cry One of the best of the Courtney Famly stories. Left me hanging at the end...now to find the next in the series. he has returned I do not have much to say except thank you Wilbur Smith for returning to your roots & giving us the well written story I had come to expect years ago Ended too abruptly I was expecting some kind of conclusion to this novel. The abrupt ending was a terrible let down. It was in very poor taste and uncharacteristic of Smith's style. I have come to understand that he has forfeited his current works to ghost writers and he simply puts his name on the cover. It was like the power went out in the theatre halfway through the movie. Very disappointing. Wilbur Smith does it again A fine ,well written book.it continues the Courtney family and blends in with three other book seamlessly.Wilbur Smith is on of the all time great writers,storytellers and historians. Another classic! Smith has an incredible talent! Wilbur Smith has a real talent totally capturing history and telling a story really makes me miss Africa

To the Bright Edge of the World Audiobook by Eowyn Ivey

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Eowyn Ivey) — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 22:47:20 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: To the Bright Edge of the World Subtitle: A Novel Author: Eowyn Ivey Narrator: John Glouchevitch, Christine Lakin, Kiff Vandenheuvel Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 28 mins Language: English Release date: 08-02-16 Publisher: Hachette Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 211 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: From the best-selling author of The Snow Child, a thrilling tale of historical adventure set in the Alaskan wilderness. In the winter of 1885, Lieutenant Colonel Allen Forrester sets out with his men on an expedition into the newly acquired territory of Alaska. Their objective: to travel up the ferocious Wolverine River, mapping the interior and gathering information on the region's potentially dangerous native tribes. With a young and newly pregnant wife at home, Forrester is anxious to complete the journey with all possible speed and return to her. But once the crew passes beyond the edge of the known world, there's no telling what awaits them. With gorgeous descriptions of the Alaskan wilds and a vivid cast of characters - including Forrester; his wife, Sophie; a mysterious Eyak guide; and a Native American woman who joins the expedition - To the Bright Edge of the World is an epic tale of one of America's last frontiers, combining myth, history, romance, and adventure. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio. Members Reviews: A Jumble For me this book was too heavy on the myth, the romance and the supernatural. The letters and journal entries were confusing and nonlinear. If you decide on giving the book a try it is imperative to pay close attention to the dates announced with each narrator change. If you don't you will find the whole thing hard to follow as the story jumps around through time. I would have liked more history and a tighter story line. For example, things like the lack of attention and detail about the actualities of the "row boat" the men used on the exploration of the river weakened the story. The fact that the men in reality would have portaged thousands of pounds of gear, lined (dragged by ropes) what was most likely a Columbia boat along miles of icy river banks and then did not freeze to death when submerged "to the neck" in the "frozen" water--just to mention three things missing from the story--was disappointing. I understand that Columbia boats--used during the time of this story--in the Pacific Northwest were lighter and easier to portage than the York boats of central and eastern Canada--but still they weighed thousands of pounds loaded. This would have been a terrible job--but all we hear is that the men carried their packs??? For me, there were too many missed opportunities for accuracy and historic detail that mattered to the story being told. Only for readers who love epistolary romance novels heavy on supernatural myths. Excellent Narrators! LOVED IT. Expository novel in alternating voices: The journals of Colonel Allen Forrester, on an expedition to explore an uncharted region in Alaska in the late 1800's, and his wife Sophie, who wishes to be with him but remains behind in the army barracks of Vancouver, Washington, pregnant; in between these alternating journal entries are the modern day letters between Forrester's descendent and a museum curator in Alaska. Expository novel + magical realism (Ivey incorporates many Alaskan Native myths into the narrative) probably makes it something not everyone will like, but I loved it. The audiobook was a good production, each character having their own narrator.

The Spy Audiobook by Paulo Coelho

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Paulo Coelho) — Tue, 22 Nov 2016 09:38:29 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Spy Subtitle: A Novel Author: Paulo Coelho Narrator: Hillary Huber, Paul Boehmer Format: Unabridged Length: 3 hrs and 50 mins Language: English Release date: 11-22-16 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 216 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: In his new novel, Paulo Coelho, best-selling author of The Alchemist and Adultery, brings to life one of history's most enigmatic women: Mata Hari. The story of her celebrated yet mysterious life as an exotic dancer and courtesan, and her controversial execution as a spy during the First World War, unfolds as a fascinating first-person narrative of self-creation and bravery. Her only crime was to be an independent woman: "I do not know if the future will remember me, but if it should, may no one ever view me as a victim but as someone who moved forward with courage and paid the price she had to pay." On the occasion of the centenary of Mata Hari's execution for espionage in 1917, Paulo Coelho reconsiders her life and character in a fictional memoir. In a series of letters written from prison on the eve of her death, Mata Hari reflects on the choices she has made to always pursue her own truth - from her childhood in a small Dutch town to unhappy years as the wife of an alcoholic diplomat in Java to her calculated and self-fashioned rise to celebrity in Paris and across Europe as an exotic dancer and confidante to the most powerful men of the time. Though there was little evidence to incriminate her, Mata Hari was unable to escape persecution and prosecution by French military intelligence, and at the novel's end Coelho re-creates a final letter, written by Mata Hari's lawyer, Edouard Clunet, that offers a captivating view of Europe at war and the fatal price of suspicion. Members Reviews: Strong woman versus the patriarchy The strong woman wins, of course, by living her life on her terms. The story is told in two voices: first the woman herself and then her male (and only) ally. I found the the woman character and her first-person narrative engaging (and a refutation to anyone who would say that a male novelist should not write as a woman). The historical setting is well rendered as a time of cataclysmic change, dangerous for everyone. Our heroine does not flinch. Not what I thought the story would be. the story was sad and depressing to hear about a woman having to use her body to get her freedom. But she was never free, she ended up being smited by the same men that desired her. Lets pray that this type of story will soon be historical info instead of fodder for a new screenplay. Not what I expect from Paulo Coellho Any additional comments? One of my least favorite books by the author and I'm a huge fan of his. Though it was a nice entertaining book, it was not as though provoking as his other works. Highly recommended Great narration. Meticulous detailing of facts and documents and final, just exoneration of a wrongly-accused. Heartbreaking and very timely. Loved the Alchemist but this falls short I just never could get into the main character enough to care about her retelling of her life

EMPEROR: The Gods of War, Book 4 (Unabridged) Audiobook by Conn Iggulden

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Conn Iggulden) — Fri, 15 May 2009 22:48:38 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: EMPEROR: The Gods of War, Book 4 (Unabridged) Author: Conn Iggulden Narrator: Paul Blake Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 21 mins Language: English Release date: 05-15-09 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 284 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: The fourth volume in the acclaimed Emperor series, in which Conn Iggulden interweaves history and adventure to recreate the astonishing life of Julius Caesar - an epic tale of ambition and rivalry, bravery and betrayal. ©2006 Conn Iggulden; (P)2014 Audible, Inc. Members Reviews: Good story, fair story teller Caesar's story is compelling. The narrator is a little stiff, the pronunciation of names sounds contrived. So brilliant, that it saddened Would you listen to EMPEROR: The Gods of War, Book 4 (Unabridged) again? Why? No Who was your favorite character and why? Marcus, Julius,octavian What does Paul Blake bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book? His accent was much different from the previous narrator and his prounciation gave me a new different perspective to the names like Cabrera Gaditicus If you could take any character from EMPEROR: The Gods of War, Book 4 (Unabridged) out to dinner, who would it be and why? Marcus, I was sad to realize that he will betray Julius and try talk him out of it...Julius could have achieved much more if he was on the side...or may take Julius to talk him to treat and appease Marcus as much he swayed the people. Any additional comments? Looking forward to get my credits renewed tomorrow to get the next book... Deeply satisfying A satisfying end to a marvelous series. While one knows, of course, how Caesar meets his end, the story as told here was so believable and compelling it doesn't disappoint. Emperor Series Easy and exciting listening. Five years ago I read the series and now find myself listening to the story with the same level of interest. The reader's outstanding performance adds an additional dimension to the overall experience. Awesome I have enjoyed this series of books tremendously. The author is one of a kind! I recommend everybody to check it out.

The Romanov Cross Audiobook by Robert Masello

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Robert Masello) — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 00:51:46 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Romanov Cross Author: Robert Masello Narrator: Paul Boehmer Format: Unabridged Length: 18 hrs and 16 mins Language: English Release date: 01-05-16 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 286 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Army epidemiologist Frank Slater is facing a court-martial, but after his punishment is mysteriously lifted, he is offered a job no one else wants - to travel to a small island off the coast of Alaska and investigate a potentially lethal phenomenon. The permafrost has begun to melt, exposing bodies from a colony that was wiped out by the dreaded Spanish flu of 1918. Frank must determine if the thawed remains still carry the deadly virus in their frozen flesh and, if so, ensure that it doesn't come back to life. Frank and his handpicked team arrive by helicopter, prepared to exhume history. The colony, it transpires, was once settled by a sect devoted to the mad Russian monk Rasputin, but there is even more hiding in the past than Frank's team is aware of. Any hope of success hinges on their willingness to accept the fact that even their cutting-edge science has its limits and that the ancient wisdom of the Inuit people who once inhabited this eerie land is as essential as any serum. Frank soon finds himself in a brutal race against time. With a young, strong-willed Inuit woman by his side, he must put a deadly genie back in the bottle before all of humanity pays the price. Critic Reviews: "Tense, taut and impossible to put down." (Kirkus Reviews) Members Reviews: Meh The plot is intriguing and interesting and how I wish It had been better handled by the publisher! PROS: The basic plot idea is excellent. Expert epidemiologist is recruited to go to Alaska to see what is happening to the graves on a remote island where everyone died from the Spanish Flu in 1918. The Romanovs of Russia are involved and the Inuit Indians. And the US Military. And lots of mystical, magical events. And why all this good stuff was necessary is an intriguing part of the story so - no spoilers. The principal characters start out with engaging and/or interesting and/or compelling stories. Then it derails, ever so slowly. Various side plots were potentially SO interesting and engaging and they could have added SO much to the narrative. But they were all unfortunately read by a bad narrator and buried in detail and more detail and still more detail until I began to wonder if the author had been paid by the word. So, while this is a pro, its also a con. Cons: 1. The narration is mostly overdone and, while not always terrible, it was just mostly terrible. For starters, Paul Boehmer is a scenery chewer. Everything that happens is delivered in florid tones so that no one ever speaks like normal humans speak. I cant convey it with the written word, but try to imagine if you were ordering a burger and fries in the same tone and with the same passion you would use if you were defending yourself against a charge of murder. Nobody in this story just talks. They all gush and declaim and ooze passion. I blame this on the narrator AND on the director. 1.a. Also about the narration he has about 3 voices - all male - and 2 accents (American and Russian). And thats pretty much it. 2. Too, too, too, too, too, too, too, too much detail. Way too much detail. An ocean of irrelevant unnecessary detail. Details that s . l . o . w . the pace of the story to an absolute crawl in some places or... more precisely in many places. Overall: Its a pretty OK book that could have been a really good book with the help of a good editor.

The Road to Bittersweet Audiobook by Donna Everhart

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Donna Everhart) — Tue, 26 Dec 2017 18:31:19 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Road to Bittersweet Author: Donna Everhart Narrator: Amy Melissa Bentley Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 45 mins Language: English Release date: 12-26-17 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 7 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: For 14-year-old Wallis Ann Stamper and her family, life in the Appalachian Mountains is simple and satisfying, though not for the tenderhearted. While her older sister, Laci - a mute, musically gifted savant - is constantly watched over and protected, Wallis Ann is as practical and sturdy as her name. When the Tuckasegee River bursts its banks, forcing them to flee in the middle of the night, those qualities save her life. But though her family is eventually reunited, the tragedy opens Wallis Ann's eyes to a world beyond the creek that's borne their name for generations. Carrying what's left of their possessions, the Stampers begin another perilous journey from their ruined home to the hill country of South Carolina. Wallis Ann's blossoming friendship with Clayton, a high diving performer for a traveling show, sparks a new opportunity, and the family joins as a singing group. But Clayton's attention to Laci drives a wedge between the two sisters. As jealousy and betrayal threaten to accomplish what hardship never could - divide the family for good - Wallis Ann makes a decision that will transform them all in unforeseeable ways.... Members Reviews: Beautifully written, poignant Beautifully written, poignant, heart wrenching and ultimately life affirming- I loved this novel. It will stay with me for a very long time. Loved it! A beautifully written novel about a family's road of hardships and their strength and love to endure. A definite page turner for me. Fabulous Booj! I am reading this for my book club. Quick read and it is a greT book, keeps my interest. Life in the 40âs and what it was like for a family surviving s flood and it almost washed away this beautiful area in the Appalachian Mountains. I would highly recommend this book. What an amazing story This story had me from the opening ...... talk about keeping you on the edge, this will do it.....read it in 2 days.....had to see what happened to each character! Five Stars A book hard to put down. Make time for it.

The Proving Trail Audiobook by Louis L'Amour

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Louis L'Amour) — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 14:54:34 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Proving Trail Subtitle: A Novel Author: Louis L'Amour Narrator: Michael Crouch Format: Unabridged Length: 7 hrs and 56 mins Language: English Release date: 03-04-14 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 292 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: They tried to tell him that his father had killed himself, but Kearney McRaven knew better. No matter what life had dealt him, his father would go down fighting. And as he delved deeper into the mystery, he learned that just before his father died, the elder McRaven had experienced a remarkable run of luck: hed won nearly ten thousand dollars and the deed to a cattle ranch. Not yet eighteen, Kearney was determined enough to track down his fathers murderer and claim what was rightfully his. Now, followed every step of the way by a shadowy figure, Kearney must solve the mystery of his fathers hidden past - a past that concealed a cold-blooded killer who would stop at nothing to keep a chilling secret. Members Reviews: The entire family liked it Great book for driving through Colorado on a family road trip. I would highly recommend. Excellent Narration Michael Crouch is one of the best narrators of Louis Lamour fiction in my humble opinion. The story is a typical Louis Lamour western fiction but I'm yet to read a Louis Lamour fiction that I haven't fully enjoyed. If you're a fan of Louis Lamour this narration will not dissapoint. great book loved it. made me want more and looked forward to listening to it. great book. One of LL's best! I love stories of boys becoming men of character under duress and this is a good one for that. Loved every minute! Unique story line. Very good story! Surprising twists and tuns. You are missing out if you havn'r read this one.

The Confusion Audiobook by Neal Stephenson

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Neal Stephenson) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:15:15 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Confusion Subtitle: Books Four & Five of The Baroque Cycle Author: Neal Stephenson Narrator: Simon Prebble, Katherine Kellgren, Kevin Pariseau, Neal Stephenson (introduction) Format: Unabridged Length: 34 hrs and 30 mins Language: English Release date: 08-10-10 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1056 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: In the year 1689, a cabal of Barbary galley slaves, including one Half-Cocked Jack Shaftoe, devises a daring plan to win freedom and fortune. A great adventure ensues that will place the intrepid band at odds with the mighty and the mad, with alchemists, Jesuits, great navies, pirate queens, and vengeful despots across vast oceans and around the globe. Back in Europe, the exquisite and resourceful Eliza, Countess de la Zeur, master of markets, pawn and confidante of enemy kings, onetime Turkish harem virgin, is stripped of her immense personal fortune by Frances most dashing privateer. Penniless and at risk from those who desire either her or her head (or both), she is caught up in a web of international intrigue, even as she desperately seeks the return of her most precious possession -- her child.Meanwhile, Newton and Leibniz continue to propound their grand theories as their infamous rivalry intensifies. And Daniel Waterhouse seeks passage to the Massachusetts colony in hopes of escaping the madness into which his world has descended. The Baroque Cycle, Neal Stephensons award-winning series, spans the late 17th and early 18th centuries, combining history, adventure, science, invention, piracy, and alchemy into one sweeping tale. It is a gloriously rich, entertaining, and endlessly inventive historical epic populated by the likes of Isaac Newton, William of Orange, Benjamin Franklin, and King Louis XIV, along with some of the most inventive literary characters in modern fiction. Audibles complete and unabridged presentation of The Baroque Cycle was produced in cooperation with Neal Stephenson. Each volume includes an exclusive introduction read by the author. Critic Reviews: [Stephenson] might just have created the definitive historical-sci-fi-epic-pirate-comedy-punk-love story. (Entertainment Weekly) Monumental combines adventure with Big Ideas and lots of intrigue. (Locus) Vast, splendid, and absorbing. (Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: The Confusion This is really a pirate adventure with a lot of historical fact, speculation, liberty and down-right fiction thrown in. It's very well written and read. A bit overlong in some of the description and detail, but the reading really makes an excellent job of hiding that. I would strongly recommend that the listerner begins at the beginning of the Baroque Cycle and sees it through to the end, as most of the plot lines begin before, and finish well after, this book. Although it could be argued that this is a standalone listen I do not believe you would be doing the story any justice be stopping at the end of this book. The reading and production of this is excellent. The characterisations are broad and consistent, with lots of emotion and humour conveyed. Maybe a bit too aptly named I really enjoyed Quicksilver, originally the first of a trilogy of which this is meant to be the second book. Perhaps there were some warning signs in the fact that it was difficult to make out which book this was and how it fitted in the cycle. To say it is a sprawling novel would be an understatement. It is at times almost infuriatingly pleased with its own cleverness and it could easily have been half the length. And yet the whole thing just carries you along.

Tindr Audiobook by Octavia Randolph

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Octavia Randolph) — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 04:07:04 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Tindr Subtitle: Book Five of The Circle of Ceridwen Saga Author: Octavia Randolph Narrator: Nano Nagle Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 30 mins Language: English Release date: 07-28-17 Publisher: Octavia Randolph Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 79 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Tindr: Book Five of the Circle of Ceridwen Saga: The Lady of the Forest, Freyja, the Goddess of all woodland beasts, appears here on Midgard as a white hind. So great is her love for her deer that she herself comes in their guise. None has ever seen her, but if she permitted to give man but a glance, that is what they would see.. Tindr is handsome, kind, and the best hunter in 9th century Gotland. He possesses a deep empathy with animals, which powers his reverence towards the game he takes to survive. But he is also deaf, which closes him off from the society that surrounds him - and seemingly, from finding love. Devoted parents and friends can't protect young Tindr from the bully who taunts him, from jealousy that turns murderous, or from the threat of surrender to the allure of the Lady of the Forest, who might destroy him. Tindr's haven is the greenwood. It is home not only to the rabbits he snares, and the stags and boars he takes with bow and arrow, but to a rare creature of unusual beauty, a source of deepening fascination and wonder in Tindr's life. His silent world alters dramatically at the arrival of two strangers on the island - the Welsh-Saxon Ceridwen, and the Danish warrior Sidroc. He finds a new and fulfilling life with them at Tyrsborg. But will he ever find a woman to love him? Tindr tells the story of this strange and haunting young hunter, living amidst a landscape of wild, wind-swept island beauty. Tindr's magic woods await you. Members Reviews: IF YOU YEARN FOR THE SCOTS, YOU LOVE THE DANES!!! Where does Tindr rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? For those of you who have been trying to find a story as well written as OUTLANDER, here it is!!! This series is set in the 800s and is fully described so as to put you there. Each of the characters are well-described and their personalities made known. While the books are not as long as Diana Gabaldon's OUTLANDER, they are just as historically accurate and Octavia Randolph seems to write one a year, which keeps you waiting not as long...a real plus in my opinion. There is no time travel, but gives the reader an accurate sense of how peoples of the varying nations moved from land-to-land, settling, intermingling, inter-marrying to educate the reader on where we came from... This is a high-quality, well-narrated series that, if you enjoy reading about the Danes, will keep you "in the story". It will only be a matter of time before Hollywood gets its hands on it! : ) Real Disappointment I've slogged through about half this book hoping to get something to peak my interest. The reader bores the hell out of me. 5th book mot the best Loved all of the first 4 books, but this last one, the first half was bad. The 2nd half got better, but never up to the first 4 books standards. Amazing Oh my, the story of Tindr was sooo good. Love it. Going to listen again! Another great book
When I first started this audiobook I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. At first, to me , it didn't seem like it fit in the Saga. but as the story developed it became one of my favorite of the books so far. Octavia has done a wonderful job and telling the lives of her characters and portraying their culture and their feelings. Nano Nagle has done another great job at portraying all the many voices in the books.

Retreat, Hell! Audiobook by W. E. B. Griffin

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (W. E. B. Griffin) — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 02:39:52 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. 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.

The Chaperone Audiobook by Laura Moriarty

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Laura Moriarty) — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 17:02:33 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. 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.

The Hall of Tyr Audiobook by Octavia Randolph

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Octavia Randolph) — Tue, 02 May 2017 21:27:34 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Hall of Tyr Subtitle: Book Four of The Circle of Ceridwen Saga Author: Octavia Randolph Narrator: Nano Nagle Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 26 mins Language: English Release date: 05-02-17 Publisher: Octavia Randolph Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 133 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: The year is 881. Ten years have passed since fifteen year old Ceridwen set out from her Priory home to make her own life. She has known love and loss, triumph and heartbreak. Yet the Circle which has moved about her is largely intact, although the counterpoint has changed, bringing with it the hope of renewed love. Ceridwen and Sidroc build their new lives together on the Baltic island of Gotland, where they are free and unknown. The bond between them, always strong even when years and wars separated them, deepens quickly into the profound and exquisite love that Sidroc had always claimed was their shared Fate. Their new island home is a place of peace and beauty. They make fast friends of the brew-house keeper Rannveig and her deaf son, Tindr, a young man who is both an expert hunter and deeply dedicated to the service of the Goddess Freyja. They work and plan for next year's sailing season, when they hope to send a shipment of rich goods to trade. They feel protected and safe -- until the shattering arrival of the one person they fear most in the world... PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio. Members Reviews: THERE WAS OUTLANDER-NOW THERE IS OCTAVIA RANDOLPH! Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why? For those of you who have been trying to find a story as well written as OUTLANDER, here it is!!! This series is set in the 800s and is fully described so as to put you there. Each of the characters are well-described and their personalities made known. While the books are not as long as Diana Gabaldon's OUTLANDER, they are just as historically accurate and Octavia Randolph seems to write one a year, which keeps you waiting not as long...a real plus in my opinion. There is no time travel, but gives the reader an accurate sense of how peoples of the varying nations moved from land-to-land, settling, intermingling, inter-marrying to educate the reader on where we came from... This is a high-quality, well-narrated series that, if you enjoy reading about the Danes, will keep you "in the story". It will only be a matter of time before Hollywood gets its hands on it! : ) Totally absorbed in the 9th century Reading well-written and well-researched Historical Fiction, I get the sense that I am solidly standing in the shoulders of my ancestors, able to better appreciate my humanity, to see from whence we have come and perhaps to know where we should be heading. I have loved each of the books in this series for many reasons; the characters, especially Ceridwen, the minute details of daily life in the past, the beautiful descriptions of the natural world...they have carried me away as only great literature can. Best Best book on the saga to date. In my opinion anyway. No other words needed but here are some more words just to get my review to submit. As you were. LOVE this series!!! This is one of my favorite series. I have fallen in love with many of the characters. Series just gets better and better Would you listen to The Hall of Tyr again? Why? I loved this continuation of the saga. Ceridwen and Sidroc at last find a place to settle. Wonderful story telling!

Gods and Generals Audiobook by Jeff Shaara

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Jeff Shaara) — Fri, 24 Jan 2003 01:50:31 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Gods and Generals Subtitle: A Novel of the Civil War Author: Jeff Shaara Narrator: Stephen Lang Format: Abridged Length: 3 hrs and 46 mins Language: English Release date: 01-24-03 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 261 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Here is Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, a hopelessly by-the-book military instructor and devout Christian who becomes the greatest commander of the Civil War. We also find Winfield Scott Hancock, one of the finest leaders in the Union army, and Joshua Chamberlain, who gives up a promising academic career to become one of the most heroic soldiers in American history. And here too is the complex, aristocratic Robert E. Lee, faced with the agonizing decision of resigning from a distinguished, 30-year army career in order to defend his home, not believing until too late that a civil war would ever truly come to pass. From the Battle of Fredericksburg, where, for the first time, all four men meet on the same field, to the Battle of Chancellorsville, when Jackson is mortally wounded by his own men, Gods and Generals paints a brilliant portrait of the lives of these great leaders during the tumultuous, bloody decade leading up to the Battle of Gettysburg. Beautifully told, compelling in its vivid portrayal of the battlefield, and profound in its insights into the minds and hearts of those who fought, Gods and Generals is truly a worthy companion to the timeless The Killer Angels. Critic Reviews: "Brilliant does not even begin to describe the Shaara gift. Thank Gods and Generals that it was passed from father to son." (Atlanta Journal-Constitution) Members Reviews: Hold out for unabridged version I too was disappointed by this abridgement. The narration was excellent, but too much material was obviously cut out, leaving the story jumpy and disjointed. Gods and Generals. How can you continue to give us great history books in abridged format. This is to great a book to abridge. The can is true for the Morris books and many other historys. Please offer these in unabridged version. Gods and Generals I was very disappointed with the abridgement. At least two major battles are completely skipped and I found it choppy and hard to follow with so much cut. good but short This is a book to be read/heard. but not here. The book is to complex and to good to get it here. Even though the book has a certain entertainment value in this form, it is not even close to the picture the author wanted to paint. The only desent thing to do is get it as a real book, or wait until it is released in the unabridget version. This is an insult to the men of the time and to all ohnest readers of civil war history. Not up to par Disappointing narration and inconsistent/fluctuating volume level throughout. Also, I thought it was poorly edited. Glad I had read the book first (which I enjoyed), otherwise it would have been difficult to understand what was going on.

When the Lion Feeds Audiobook by Wilbur Smith

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Wilbur Smith) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 11:58:26 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: When the Lion Feeds Subtitle: Courtneys, Book 1 Author: Wilbur Smith Narrator: John Lee Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 34 mins Language: English Release date: 01-29-13 Publisher: Macmillan Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 260 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: He began life at his twin brothers side, soon running wild on his fathers ranch on the edge of Africa. But violence, desire, and fate sent Sean Courtney into exile - where he would fight and love his way to extraordinary success and heartbreaking failure.... In a place called The Ridge of White Waters, Sean made a life-long friendship, mined a fortune of gold, and met his own demons. Then an act of cunning betrayal struck - and ignited a new adventure to a new frontier. From facing the murderous charge of a towering bull elephant to watching men die unspeakable deaths, Sean fought new enemies, forged new allies - and dreamed of establishing a family on a farm of his own. But in Wilbur Smith's When the Lion Feeds, the young man who had lived by his courage, sweat, and blood discovers that the past still has its claws in him. Members Reviews: Great Writer. Great Story. This was quite an historical learning experience besides being an intriguing storyline. Loved the characters and learning what life was like in Africa in the late 1800's. When the lion Feeds. Outstanding my first audible Wilver Smith book although I've read many. Narration puts you right there in the bush. Takes nothing away from the joy of reading. The best historical African fiction out there Listening to this on trial. It's better than I expected. Easy app to use. Wilbur Smith is unbelievably talented. No books have drawn me in as much as his work. His accounts of Africa are firsthand. He has lived there his entire life and is intimately familiar with the native people and their cultures. If you've never read anything by him, give it a shot if you enjoy action and adventure. Thank you Mr. Smith! What a ride From the highest highs to lowest lows, Sean lives a life to the fullest. I've yet to find a Wilbur Smith book that I can put down. African saga, worth the read I was captivated by this story of a white man's adventures in South Africa. The protagonists ability to overcome tragedy speaks to the triumph of a the human spirit. I look forward to the continuing adventures of this dynasty.

Mademoiselle Chanel Audiobook by C. W. Gortner

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (C. W. Gortner) — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 03:27:58 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Mademoiselle Chanel Author: C. W. Gortner Narrator: Rebecca Gibel Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 57 mins Language: English Release date: 03-17-15 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 286 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: For readers of The Paris Wife and Z comes this vivid novel full of drama, passion, tragedy, and beauty that stunningly imagines the life of iconic fashion designer Coco Chanel - the ambitious, gifted laundrywoman's daughter who revolutionized fashion, built an international empire, and became one of the most influential and controversial figures of the twentieth century. Born into rural poverty, Gabrielle Chanel and her siblings are sent to an orphanage after their mother's death. The sisters nurture Gabrielle's exceptional sewing skills, a talent that will propel the willful young woman into a life far removed from the drudgery of her childhood. Transforming herself into Coco, a seamstress and sometime torch singer, the petite brunette burns with ambition, an incandescence that draws a wealthy gentleman who will become the love of her life. She immerses herself in his world of money and luxury, discovering a freedom that sparks her creativity. But it is only when her lover takes her to Paris that Coco discovers her destiny. Rejecting the frilly, corseted silhouette of the past, her sleek, minimalist styles reflect the youthful ease and confidence of the 1920s modern woman. As Coco's reputation spreads, her couturier business explodes, taking her into rarefied society circles and bohemian salons. But her fame and fortune cannot save her from heartbreak as the years pass. And when Paris falls to the Nazis, Coco is forced to make choices that will haunt her. An enthralling novel of an extraordinary woman who created the life she desired, Mademoiselle Chanel explores the inner world of a woman of staggering ambition whose strength, passion, and artistic vision would become her trademarks. Members Reviews: Fiction Not Biography I love a good biography and was so pleased when I found this title about Coco Chanel. I started listening and realized too late that I had made a mistake--this was not a biography. It is instead a fictionalized novel based on the life of Chanel. The story felt overly romanticized and too clean and neat to be the actual telling of a real life. I was left wondering--as I tried to progress with the book--what was true and what was fiction. I am trying not to review books that I hate and award only one or two stars because it seems so negative and not always helpful. However, in this case I thought it best to point out that this is a work of fiction. To me, reality, history and facts all matter a great deal. What's more, truth is often far more engaging and compelling than fiction. So, if you are looking for the "real" Coco Chanel I would keep searching. Can't recommend. Felt too much like chick-lit for my liking Overall, I can't say I was very excited by Mademoiselle Chanel: A Novel. Unlike another reviewer, I was indeed entirely clear when I got this book that it was a work of fiction and could expect plenty of free interpretation, but there could have been many ways to tell her story without making it sound like a Hollywood Romance. Only taking part in France, with French people, who are presumably speaking French to each other. I bring that part up because I am not American and found it very difficult to get into the spirit of things with a narrator who was so emphatically American in her delivery that it made the whole thing slightly surreal to me. I think in retrospect I would have been better served with a straight biography of Gabrielle aka Coco Chanel.

The Foundling Audiobook by Georgette Heyer

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Georgette Heyer) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 06:04:55 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Foundling Author: Georgette Heyer Narrator: Phyllida Nash Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 26 mins Language: English Release date: 12-01-09 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 426 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: The shy young Duke of Sale has never known his parents. Instead, his Grace Adolphus Gillespie Vernon Ware, or Gilly for short, has endured 24 years of rigorous mollycoddling from his uncle and his valet. But his natural diffidence conceals a rebellious spirit. So when Gilly hears of Belinda, the beautiful foundling who appears to be blackmailing his cousin, he absconds with glee. Only he has no sooner entered his new and dangerous world than he is plunged into a frenzy of intrigue, kidnap, and adventure. Members Reviews: Excellent fun!!!!!!!!!!! One of my very favorite recordings of a Heyer book! The central characters are sweet and capable, the many side characters are totally engaging, their dialog is sharp, and the situations they face become more and more knotted until all unravels completely in a delightful ending. Great fun, and Phyllida Nash is simply the best reader of Heyer books there is. Rollicking Adventure Phylida Nash is such a skilled reader who colours every character so brilliantly that it is a pleasure to listen to her. This particular Georgette Heyer is a very funny adventure with a delightfully ditzy 'blonde', a young man learning to be bold and independent, without losing his gentle character, and a budding unexpected romance. I highly enjoyed the twists and turns of the plot and the calm saneness of the not so beautiful romantic heroine. Vintage Heyer Deliciously silly with a few extra twists that help the characters come alive - with a lot more class distinction than usual, as the Hero becomes a Man, and everyone else adjusts. Narrated well. a joy to listen to, great narration One of the things I love about books by Georgette Heyer is the different types of heroes and heroines. This book has that, with the very shy duke who would never be the lead character in any typical romance. Her books make you believe in the average person. I love this plot, the scrapes that he gets into, the incredibly ditzy foundling, the transformation of the duke and therefore of his romance. Loved it from start to finish. And I have yet to hear narration by this author that was not first rate. Always love her work. Highly recommend this one. A Unique Story for Heyer I love G. Heyer's historical romances and mysteries. She is a good writer and her historical fiction is very accurate since she was an amateur historian. Many of the publications she refers to in her books, she actually owned. She could read Middle English and Middle French (I do good just reading modern English - Chaucer had to be translated for me to understand it.) Readers who prefer the cotton candy of modern authors most likely will be bored with the meat & potatoes of an older style of writing. The idioms and phrases of the time period will seem awkward and foreign at first, but hang in there, by the third chapter you will be thoroughly enjoying it and incorporating some of the lingo into your own vocabulary. Delightfully no porn! I highly recommend this book to those with college level or higher reading skills.

The Throwaway Children Audiobook by Diney Costeloe

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Diney Costeloe) — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 05:45:51 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Throwaway Children Author: Diney Costeloe Narrator: Anne Dover Format: Unabridged Length: 17 hrs and 54 mins Language: English Release date: 12-06-16 Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 67 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Rita and Rosie Stevens are only nine and five years old when their widowed mother marries a violent bully called Jimmy Randall and has a baby boy by him. Under pressure from her new husband, she is persuaded to send the girls to an orphanage, not knowing that the papers she has signed will entitle them to do what they like with the children. And it is not long before the powers that be decide to send a consignment of orphans to their sister institution in Australia. Among them - without their family's consent or knowledge - are Rita and Rosie, the throwaway children. Members Reviews: Long, But So Worth The Journey! Really loved this one! At times, it was difficult to hear, due to the subject matter, such as physical and sexual abuse, but the story drew me in and wouldn't let go. The seventeen plus hours spent listening were hours well occupied. The story is without a doubt, a real tear jerker, and I made sure to have tissues handy while absorbing each and every word. Ann Dover was an excellent choice for narrating the audiobook. She managed to bring all of the characters to life, and it was very clear which person was speaking, based on the change in her voice and pronunciation of words. Although the novel is a solid read for sure, Ms. Dover's performance puts reading the text as second choice. I will now look for other books by the author, and will definitely download audiobooks by the same narrator as well. Don't miss purchasing this! It's sad and powerful, but beautifully written and grabs at the heart. Depression Era Story So much poverty created hard times for everyone. the desperate decision many parents faced , to give up their children, is beyond our comprehension. The narrator did an awesome job of creating the personalities of all characters in the story. it was a very enlightening and interesting read. Emotional story This book and the performance take you all of your emotions. It really makes you think. So sad that some children were/are treated so poorly and what a difference 1 person can make in a child's life. Heart wrenching I could not stop listening... loved the story and cried more than once. Would highly recommend Well written but SO SAD The narrator was amazing! The book is well written and the story is engaging. You just can't imagine how much goes wrong! 14 hours of tragedy gets to you even if it's based on true events.

Fin Gall - A Novel of Viking Age Ireland Audiobook by James L. Nelson

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (James L. Nelson) — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 17:37:36 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Fin Gall - A Novel of Viking Age Ireland Subtitle: Norsemen Saga Series #1 Author: James L. Nelson Narrator: Shaun Grindell Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 3 mins Language: English Release date: 11-10-15 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 289 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: AD 852. For centuries the Vikings have swept out of the Norse countries and fallen on whatever lands they could reach aboard their longships, and few could resist the power of their violent onslaught. They came at first to plunder and then to settle, an encroachment fiercely resisted wherever they went. Such was the case in the southern lands of Ireland. En route to the Viking longphort there, known as Dubh-linn, Thorgrim Night Wolf and Ornolf the Restless stumble across an Irish ship that carries aboard it a single item: a crown. The Vikings eagerly snatch the prize, unaware of its significance to the people of Ireland and the power granted to the king who wears it. Soon the Norsemen are plunged into the violence and intrigue of Medieval Ireland, where local kings fight with each other and with the invaders from the north for rule of the island nation. With enemies at every hand and loyalties as fickle as the weather, Thorgrim must lead his men, the white invaders, the Fin Gall, in the fight of their lives, with both Irish and Dane eager to see them dead. Members Reviews: Tolerable with this trick The story is good, not great, but good enough that I've bought the second in series. Narrator is intolerably slow however, not bad, just slow---so I used a trick I read in another audible review and upped the narration speed to 1.25 and it's great! Historically interesting about the Vikings in Ireland as well as Irish history. Hard to hear Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not? I didn't listen to the entire book. The narration was really bad. So no the short time I spend listening to this was not time well spent. What was most disappointing about James L. Nelsons story? Couldn't get thru the book b/c of the performance. How could the performance have been better? I'm sure the narrator thought he was channeling HBO's Peter Balish, but really he sounded like Ben Affleck's Batman loudly whispering If this book were a movie would you go see it? When I read my physical copy I'll let you know. Any additional comments? The story seems interesting. I think I'll use my eyes to enjoy it however. Not bad Overall not a bad book and well researched but the narrator has the Vikings as cockneys and his Irish accents are diabolical... And his pronunciation of Irish names is even worse, they're so badly done that even as an Irish-speaker I can't recognize them! Great Story Would you listen to Fin Gall - A Novel of Viking Age Ireland again? Why? Maybe What do you think the narrator could have done better? I didn't much care for the narration. It was done in almost a whisper and did not seem to change with the action. It is a good thing the story itself was exciting. Otherwise, I would have stopped listening in the first 10 minutes. Any additional comments? I am a huge fan of Bernard Cornwell's Saxon Tales. When I first saw this book I wondered how it would stack up against Cornwell. I can tell you that, while it does stand on its own, if you love Saxon Tales, you will love this book. Well done historical period piece- lots of twists Good book...seemed to be accurate and the plot was well thought out. Almost like a mystery novel, in some respects.

The Orchardist Audiobook by Amanda Coplin

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Amanda Coplin) — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 02:53:05 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Orchardist Author: Amanda Coplin Narrator: Mark Bramhall Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 29 mins Language: English Release date: 08-21-12 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1251 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: At the turn of the 20th century, in a rural stretch of the Pacific Northwest, a reclusive orchardist, William Talmadge, tends to apples and apricots as if they were loved ones. A gentle man, he's found solace in the sweetness of the fruit he grows and the quiet, beating heart of the land he cultivates. One day, two teenage girls appear and steal his fruit from the market; they later return to the outskirts of his orchard to see the man who gave them no chase. Feral, scared, and very pregnant, the girls take up on Talmadge's land and indulge in his deep reservoir of compassion. Just as the girls begin to trust him, men arrive in the orchard with guns, and the shattering tragedy that follows will set Talmadge on an irrevocable course not only to save and protect but also to reconcile the ghosts of his own troubled past. Transcribing America as it once was before railways and roads connected its corners, Amanda Coplin weaves a tapestry of solitary souls who come together in the wake of unspeakable cruelty and misfortune. She writes with breathtaking precision and empathy, and in The Orchardist she crafts an astonishing debut novel about a man who disrupts the lonely harmony of an ordered life when he opens his heart and lets the world in. Members Reviews: Beautiful, rich, sweeping tale, not a fairy tale. If you are able to get lost in a story, sink into the lull and cadence of Mark Bamhall's voice , you will love this story. I listen to books constantly and often think the narrator tells the story far better than any 'voice inside my head' and this is yet another example. This is my first listen to Bramhall and I will look for his others. I found the story refreshingly ambiguous regarding the darker aspects of human nature. If you enjoy the likes of Faulkner or Steinbeck, or Norman Maclean, you will love this one. Bravo Amanda Coplin, your sentences are poetry and your characters memorable. I haven't read anything nearly as elegant or absorbing since David Guterson's Snow Falling on Cedars. An impressive first novel, compassionately written, and thankfully bereft of the modern temptation of wrapping up perfectly to make sure everyone gets what they deserve. "Somebody tell a joke!" Any additional comments? Spoiler alert - my favorite movie of all time was "Moonstruck." And it was so because of lines like this told by a crotchety old man in a very awkward moment. I'm a shmuck for characters and stories like this. No apologies. But I also tread fearlessly into the darker narratives in life (Hell, I'm a military psychologist!) and this book was almost unbearable towards the end. I kept hoping for some denouement; some event or epiphany that would make the suffering and plodding despair worth the hours of listening. Didn't happen. Give us something to ponder, to hold in our hearts, to be rocked off course by. Don't just keep putting heavier rocks in the backpack. OK, Ok, OK. The setting was starkly gorgeous; the storyline complex and compelling. But the lives of almost every single character in this too long saga were about human ugliness, loss, disconnection, alienation, failures, and final yielding to the detached hopelessness of it all. For crying out loud, the only poignancy we were offerred was in the form of a final trite image of whatever life lies beyond because we sure weren't getting any in this life from Ms. Coplin.

Sharpe's Trafalgar Audiobook by Bernard Cornwell

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Bernard Cornwell) — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 23:31:38 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Sharpe's Trafalgar Author: Bernard Cornwell Narrator: Patrick Tull Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 13 mins Language: English Release date: 11-05-07 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 656 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: A guttersnipe who has risen through the ranks of the British army, Ensign Sharpe is sailing home to England from his latest campaign against Napoleon. Anticipating an uneventful voyage, the dashing young maverick discovers the intriguing and very married Lady Grace Hale on board the Calliope. But just as he wins his way into her heart, the ship is fired upon and, suddenly, he finds himself in the thick of one of history's most spectacular incidents: the Battle of Trafalgar. Patrick Tull's vibrant narration bedazzles listeners with this breathtaking retelling of one of Europe's most ferocious sea battles. Members Reviews: Missing parts restored. I bought the download of "Sharpe's Trafalgar" and the death of the lord's secretary was present in all its explicit glory. Apparently someone fixed the problem mentioned in other reviews. The audio was also very clear. I did not have a problem with the narrator's accent but then I watch a lot of PBS and so I am used to British accents. Part 2 is incomplete (otherwise 5 stars) I loved this book. Patrick Tull (who narrates many of the famous Patrick O'Brian Aubrey-Maturin series). WARNING - As others have stated this version (on Audible) of the audiobook is lacking a considerable amount of the book. I went through the book 3 times trying to figure out if I missed the part where an important plot member is killed. Alas it's simply missing. Thanks to the other readers who compared this version to Local Library copies and noticed the error. This needs to be fixed as the book shouldn't be sold as "Unabridged" with missing content. Sharpe at Sea, and read by Patrick Tull! Bernard Cornwell manages to get Richard Sharpe into every major battle or war possible, and now even has him at the Battle of Trafalgar aboard a British 74. With the obligatory female interest, of course. Sharpe is headed to Englad from India to join the Rifles, but meanwhile he manages to get his goods stolen and recovered, be captured by the French and recaptured by the British. All everyday events for our intrepid Ensign Richard Sharpe. The history is sound, even if this particular 74 gun man o'war didn't actually participate in the Battle of Trafalgar, and the story well told, as always with Cornwell. As one would expect, Patrick Tull's narration is superb. Simply superb. 36 Pages missing from the start of Part 2 As was mentioned by Mark, the start of Part 2 is missing a considerable section of the story. I found an eBook version from our county library and filled in the part where the Lord's secretary is killed by Sharpe (pages 172 to 208). I recommend this audiobook, but get a readable version to fill in this gap. Good Book, bad version Though I love the Sharpe series and enjoyed this novel, I found the recording to be abomidably low in quality and the reader's accent to be very difficult to understand, especially given the low level of audio throughout. I had to push my Ipod to the limit, and then there was still a great deal I missed while listening. Also, the reader feeling that he missed an important part concerning a character's death did not miss it, it is done off-camera, as it were, and amply described by those involved.

The Generals: Brotherhood of War, Book 6 Audiobook by W. E. B. Griffin

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (W. E. B. Griffin) — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 23:08:01 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Generals: Brotherhood of War, Book 6 Author: W. E. B. Griffin Narrator: Eric G. Dove Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 51 mins Language: English Release date: 11-15-12 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 561 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: They were the leaders, the men who made the decisions that change the outcome of battles... and the fate of continents. From the awesome landing at Normandy to the torturous campaigns of the South Pacific, from the frozen hills of Korea to the devastated wastes of Dien Bien Phu, they had earned their stars. Now they led Americas finest against her most relentless enemy deep in the jungles of Southeast Asia. It was a new kind of war, but the Generals led a new kind of army, ready for battle - and glory.... Critic Reviews: A major work... magnificent... powerful. If books about warriors and the women who love them were given medals for authenticity, insight and honesty, The Brotherhood of War would be covered with them. (William Bradford Hule) Members Reviews: Soap opera for men I have really enjoyed this series by W. E. B. Griffin. The character development is great and the narrator, Eric G Dove is very good. This entire series has been like a soap opera for men. I find myself getting attached to some characters and not liking others. There is plenty of military action but there is also some of the day to day stuff that happens in life. The descriptions of the day to day life in the military is very accurate and the details are spot on. The narrator gets most of his terminology right and keeps his characters in their unique style of voice throughout the series. If you're a military history buff or just looking for a good series to start give this one a try. Excellent, though the ending felt abrupt I have adored listening to this series, following the various characters introduced in book 1, and also enjoying those brought in at different points and even with this 6th book in the series. The vivid characters and suspenseful stories and plots woven throughout kept me constantly wanting to listen. I am disappointed, though, that this book which seems to lead into a transition of characters in the Brotherhood of War, gives minimal insights into how their stories end and none about their collective ties to one another. I sincerely hope I am wrong and that some characters will bridge into the remaining books of the series, but the character summaries in the epilogue suggest otherwise. Great book Awesome series, well produced. I would suggest a great read g ir anyone with military service. foul language What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you? The author used foul and vile language when it was totally not necesssary What could W. E. B. Griffin have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you? Not using vile language when it was not at all necessary Have you listened to any of Eric G. Doves other performances before? How does this one compare? good What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment? disappointment at such poor choice of words Any additional comments? Having served in the US Army and service in Vietnam conflict, no one talked as vile as this writer would have one believe. It was so bad, when he did not know what to write he wrote foul lines. Great story, selfish ending Where does The Generals: Brotherhood of War, Book 6 rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? Well written. I always thought Lowel was just selfish but caring guy. He had so many friends. But, in the end he thought of himself. He lost all his friends and The POW wife lost everything! She lost her good name, family and her children.

Last Train to Istanbul Audiobook by Ayse Kulin

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Ayse Kulin) — Tue, 08 Oct 2013 15:50:21 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Last Train to Istanbul Subtitle: A Novel Author: Ayse Kulin Narrator: Sanjiv Jhaveri Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 9 mins Language: English Release date: 10-08-13 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 320 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Born into privilege to one of the last Ottoman pashas, beautiful, spirited Selva is the brightest jewel in her fathers household - until she falls in love with Rafael Alfandari. Though Turkey has long been a safe haven for Jews, marriage between a high-ranking Muslim girl and a Jewish boy is strictly forbidden. Yet young love will not be denied, and Selva and Rafael defy their parents and marry, fleeing to Paris in hopes of a better life - only to find themselves trapped in the path of the invading Nazis. But in the midst of darkness shines a beacon of hope: A handful of courageous Turkish diplomats, protected only by the tenuous neutrality of their homeland, hatch a daring plot to spirit the exiled lovers and hundreds of innocent Jews to safety. Together, they will traverse a war-torn continent, crossing enemy lines and risking everything in one last, desperate bid for freedom. Critic Reviews: "Aye Kulin is a clever writer. She draws the reader into the story of the life and loves of a Turkish family in wartime, and by the time the reader realizes that she has also cranked up the tension with a rescue plot, it is too late to put the book down unfinished. For aficionados of wartime novels, as well as for anyone glued to his or her seat watching the film Argo, this is a must read." (Helen Bryan, best-selling author of War Brides and The Sisterhood) Members Reviews: A disorganized mess. 2 1/2 stars. This book sounded so good. Unfortunately the result is an uncohesive compilation of POVs of more than 14 characters. Many of the vignettes are barely related to the storyline. Most of the characters aren't even likeable. I listened to this book on audiobook and most of the voices are annoying as well. The husbands are all verbally abusive to their wives. One man even rapes his wife. The psyciatrist is especially loathesome. He seduces his patient while psychoanalyzing her. Let me undress you as you tell me about your relationship with your 8 year old daughter. Creepy! Near the end there was suddenly an erotic semi-public scene between two random characters. It was unexpected and made me uncomfortable. I didn't even know these characters so I skipped ahead. Then I discovered it was actually a rape by a random german soldier. Next we had a minor character die in his sleep. Neither of these scenes or characters were really plot pertinate. Finally we come to the finale we have all beeen waiting for. The relief of safety and the long awaited reuniting of estranged families. Except it cuts off before you get reuniting of estranged families. Except it cuts off before you get closure. A book full of background details of minor characters fails to provide details of the resolution of the main plot and characters. It was unsatisfying. 3-Stars Last Train To Istanbul is a beautiful work of historical fiction about two privileged Muslim Turkish sistersSelva and Sabiha. Sabiha marries a prominent Turkish diplomat, and Selva falls in love and marries a Turkish JewRafael Alfandari. Selva and Rafael are shunned by her family, and move to Paris shortly before the Nazi German invasion in World War II. What I really appreciated about this novel was Ayse Kulins extensive research about that period of history, and I loved to learn about WWII from a Turkish perspective. Its a beautiful story of hope and courage.

Innocent Traitor Audiobook by Alison Weir

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Alison Weir) — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 18:25:29 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Innocent Traitor Subtitle: A Novel of Lady Jane Grey Author: Alison Weir Narrator: Stina Nielsen, Davina Porter, Bianca Amato Format: Unabridged Length: 18 hrs and 14 mins Language: English Release date: 02-14-07 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1865 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: The child of a scheming father and ruthless mother, Jane is born during a time when ambition dictates action. Cousin to Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I, she is merely a pawn in a political and religious game in which one false step means a certain demise. But Lady Jane has remarkable qualities that help her to withstand the constant pressures of the royal machinery far better than most expect. Weir's striking novel sweeps readers back through the centuries to witness firsthand one of the most poignant tales from a time of constant scheming and power brokering. Critic Reviews: "Weir proves herself deft as ever." (Publishers Weekly) "Complex yet completely absorbing....A brilliantly vivid and psychologically astute novel." (Booklist) Members Reviews: Superior listen! This is one of the best audiobooks I have encountered. Not only is Alison Wiers writing wonderful, but the structure of the book, (narrative entries by various people in Jane's life), lends itself to the multiple narrator format perfectly. This is a powerful, engaging retelling of Lady Jane Gray's life, and if you enjoy historical fiction, you will delight in this work. Outstanding historical novel I've been a fan of Alison Weir's non-fiction historical works for many years. This, her first venture into fiction, it every bit as satisfying. The input from so many sources, slowly building an unwanted web around Jane Grey, is addictive. It's a truly well-researched and compellingly written version of a tragic story. The voicing in the audiobook makes it easy to keep track of the many narrators. It could easily be a confusing book but the multiple voices prevent that. The final voice, unheard until that time, brings the story to a hearbreaking end. This book is so like Arthurian legend - you already know the end of the story, but somehow keep hoping this time it be different. Marvelous! Fantastic recount of the life of Lady Jane Gray and those around her. It is told in the first person by Jane Gray and several others in a loose sort of diary-entry format. The charcters are wonderfully developed and offer a unique perspective of many well known historical figures of the Tudor Dynasty. I learned a great deal and enjoyed the story immensely. Icing on the cake: Narration is excellent as well!! Top notch. I will definately add the narrators and author of this book to my list of favorites. An Engaging Gem "Innocent Traitor" was a beautiful story performed by skilled and desirable voice actors. Particularly engaging was the voice actress who portrayed Lady Jane Grey. For someone who has listened to hundreds of voice over demos, she was exquisite with regard to her interpretation, demeanor, vocal tonality and transitions in voice ages from that of a child to a teenager to a newly established queen. The ensemble cast of "Innocent Traitor" was complementary, captivating and deserving of highest admiration. Brilliant I am dumb-struck by this book. It is brilliant. There are no words to adequately describe its magnificence. To say it is well written, well performed and tells a complex story in exceptional way, does not tell the half of it. It is a breathtaking story and faultless in the telling.

Year of Wonders Audiobook by Geraldine Brooks

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Geraldine Brooks) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 21:50:50 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Year of Wonders Author: Geraldine Brooks Narrator: Geraldine Brooks Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins Language: English Release date: 08-06-10 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 887 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: When an infected bolt of cloth carries plague from London to an isolated village, a housemaid named Anna Frith emerges as an unlikely heroine and healer. Through Anna's eyes we follow the story of the fateful year of 1666, as she and her fellow villagers confront the spread of disease and superstition. As death reaches into every household and villagers turn from prayers to murderous witch-hunting, Anna must find the strength to confront the disintegration of her community and the lure of illicit love. As she struggles to survive and grow, a year of catastrophe becomes instead annus mirabilis, a "year of wonders." Inspired by the true story of Eyam, a village in the rugged hill country of England, Year of Wonders is a richly detailed evocation of a singular moment in history. Written with stunning emotional intelligence and introducing "an inspiring heroine" (The Wall Street Journal), Brooks blends love and learning, loss and renewal into a spellbinding and unforgettable read. Members Reviews: Narration suicide! Year of Wonders is a gripping tale & was well written. But,....and this is a BIG but, as many have stated previously, a writer should never read their own work. Well, OK, if Will Patton ever decides to write a book, please, let him read it too. But in this case, with all due respect to Miss Brooks, someone else should have narrated this important, powerful story. Her voice is thin & watery for starters. She has no ability to change her voice to even hint that another was speaking. At times she sounded like a bored school kid doing an oral report, sometimes trailing off at the end of sentences. There were moments when I felt she might just as well have said 'Yada, yada, yada' or 'blah. blah, blah' for all the enthusiasm she showed. Truly, it was the worst narration I've chosen to sit through. If the story hadn't been as good I'd have given up an hour in. I thought about giving up many times. The fact that I didn't testifies to the strength of the book itself. I know not everyone can read like Davina Porter of 'Outlander' fame, but come on! This was weak & uninspired despite a story that should have fanned at least a little heat. I wish I could say more about what I liked about the story itself, but the reading of it totally overshadowed everything else for me. Great Story- Awful Narrator Would you try another book from Geraldine Brooks and/or Geraldine Brooks? I believe I would have loved this story if the reader had not been a nasal laconic reader. Although I finished the entire book, it was difficult because of the reader. I know it was read by the author so that is her portrayal of what she imagined the characters to be, but it prohibited me from fully appreciating the story. She is a talented author, but should have left the reading to someone else. Extraordinary, Deeply Felt Historical Fiction Any additional comments? Brooks puts the reader right into the middle of a 17th century English village that has been struck by the plague. Based on real events, the story recounts the village's decision to seal itself off from the surrounding countryside in order to contain the sickness. The first person point of view is from an intelligent, thoughtful young widow who keeps sheep and works as a maid to the Rector and his wife.

The Autobiography of Henry VIII Audiobook by Margaret George

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Margaret George) — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:43:23 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Autobiography of Henry VIII Author: Margaret George Narrator: David Case Format: Unabridged Length: 41 hrs and 20 mins Language: English Release date: 01-17-07 Publisher: Books on Tape Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 480 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Margaret George's novel brings into focus the larger-than-life King Henry VIII, monarch of prodigious appetites for wine, women, and song. ©1986 Margaret George; (P)1998 Books on Tape Critic Reviews: "A remarkable achievement....Magnificently researched and admirably written." (Mary Stewart) "It doth brim with lust, violence, cruelty, and living conservation....Margaret George has found a new and fresh way to tell the story." (Detroit Free Press) "Her novel is a...banquet feast for most readers...astonishing. There's rousing drama, robust atmosphere, and consistently solid characterization; and finally, Margaret George's triumph is anchored in the urgent rhythm her writing attains." (Forth Worth Star Telegram) Members Reviews: Perfection! The book, as hefty as the king it brings to life, is arguably Margaret George's finest book. Bringing to life Henry's reign, from the splendid promise of its beginnings to its sordid and dangerous conclusion, the lush detail makes the reader/listener feel as if we are actually there, so vivid are the descriptions. The narrator's voice conjures up a haughty richness eerily reminiscent of Peter O'Toole's Henry II from 'The Lion in Winter'; it made for an immensely enjoyable listen; Henry's larger-than-life ego simply explodes through this voice! (If you like your audiobooks read in dry monotone, skip this one!) The narration of Henry VIII is augmented by side notes written as if in the diary's margins by his court fool, and his dry, rapier-sharp wit is the perfect foil for the king's own viewpoint. This is one of my very favorite audiobooks and I heartily recommend it to any historical fiction fan who is looking for a substantial and riveting 'read'. Retraction I would like to take back my earlier review. Once I became used to the voice inflection that the narrator chose to use for King Henry the book became very enjoyable. I found that it suited King Henry's personality very well after awhile. King Henry was protrayed as a conceited, self-centered, egocentric narcissist in the book. Also, I think that it must be very difficult to narrate several voices in a book and the narrator did an excellent job. If you like historical fiction . . . . . . you will LOVE this book. The reader is lead to believe that it is more fact than fiction because of the amount of research Margaret George did in preparing this book for publication. She read and studied many books and period accounts (check out the bibliography), as well as having visited England more than once for the express purpose of researching the life and personality of Henry VIII. No one had ever thought to try to get into the mind of Henry to see what was really going on there until Ms. George did her homework for this book. I believe it is very revealing. She does not try to make him into something that he is not. We still see him as the king we love to hate - an overweight king who suffered from dementia, felt things very deeply, acted on impulse, loved women, and had people around him put to death if they didn't agree with him. But what it does show is how he came to feel and do the things that he did. One can come close to understanding him, and perhaps even empathizing with him through this book. It is very well and beautifully written. I loved the associated history that I learned along the way.

A Proper Pursuit Audiobook by Lynn Austin

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Lynn Austin) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:51:09 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: A Proper Pursuit Author: Lynn Austin Narrator: Jennifer Ikeda Format: Unabridged Length: 16 hrs and 10 mins Language: English Release date: 03-26-08 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 619 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Fresh from finishing school, Violet receives a double shock. Her dad announces his upcoming wedding and then confesses an old lie - her mom didn't really leave for a sanitarium 11 years ago. But why then did she leave? Under cover of visiting the World's Fair, Violet travels to the stately Chicago home of her saintly grandmother and three eccentric great aunts. In her quest for her mother, Violet soon discovers much about faith, life, and love as she marches for women's rights, feeds slum dwellers, hob-knobs with the highfalutin, plays piano for evangelistic meetings, and ponders various marriage proposals. Lynn Austin, multiple Christy Award-winning author of A Woman's Place, creates vivid historical settings with vibrant characters. Critic Reviews: "This sure winner will please readers....Highly recommended." (Library Journal) Members Reviews: Just simply entertaining and FUNNY! If you are in the mood for just a fun book, this is the one. Warning however... if you listen to this book in public, you might find yourself laughing out loud. I did that while waiting in a doctors office, ackward! LOL Wonderful narrating Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why? YES-- this audiobook is fun to listen to and the story is nice and uplifting. Any additional comments? I had read this book previously. When I listen to audiobooks I love to listen to lighthearted stories that are fun. I also like a good voice actor to narrate. This narrator was FANTASTIC. She made the story SO fun to listen to. This is not the typical deep Lynn Austin story. It is humorous and lighthearted vs deep and heart-wrenching. It is in first person-- which is my favorite type of audiobook to listen to. This is one I could listen to over and over again. Can't go wrong with a Lynn Austin book! Awesome story, awesome characters, awesome writing and narration. Reader gets a great sense of the time period and setting. Very inspirational as well. A very good read! Good story, good mystery - it kept me guessing until the end. I enjoyed the description of the customs of the times. AWESOME I just loved this book. I couldn't wait until I could get back in my car to listen to it. I was sorry when it ended. Llynn Austin is such an awesome spellbounding writer. I am trying to read all her books. Highly recommend. KMitchell - Louisiana

The Color of Lightning Audiobook by Paulette Jiles

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Paulette Jiles) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 19:00:34 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Color of Lightning Author: Paulette Jiles Narrator: Jack Garrett Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 33 mins Language: English Release date: 03-31-09 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 157 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Samuel Hammond follows a different road west. A Quaker whose fortune is destroyed by a capricious act of an inscrutable God, he has resigned himself to the role the Deity has chosen for him. As a new agent for the Office of Indian Affairs, it is Hammond's goal to ferret out corruption and win justice for the noble natives now in his charge. But the proud, stubborn people refuse to cease their raids, free their prisoners, and accept the farming implements and lifestyle the white man would foist upon them, adding fuel to smoldering tensions that threaten to turn a man of peace, faith, and reason onto a course of terrible retribution. A soaring work of the imagination based on oral histories of the post - Civil War years in North Texas, Paulette Jiles's The Color of Lightning is at once an intimate look into the hearts and hopes of tragically flawed human beings and a courageous reexamination of a dark American ... Editorial Reviews: Is anyone not fascinated by cases of captives who lived among Indians and escaped to tell about it? This novel opens with a Kiowa raid on settlers in northern Texas in the 1870s. So convincingly does Jiles imagine her characters - Indian, white, and black - and compellingly tell their stories that it comes as a surprise that much here is based on real people and events. Jack Garrett's performance is stellar. Three different races - men, women, and children - come vividly to life, their personalities distinct even though their stories are separated from ours by more than a century. It's a sweeping tale, never dry or fact-bound, and Garrett's sympathetic attention and unflagging skill are a perfect match for Jiles's marvelous invention. Members Reviews: Not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach. Would you consider the audio edition of The Color of Lightning to be better than the print version? Did not read the print. Learned to enjoy audio books when I drove an 18 wheeler. Still use them to multitask. Who was your favorite character and why? Britt Johnson. Oh to have someone love me that much/ Which character as performed by Jack Garrett was your favorite? Britt Johnson. Any additional comments? Do not read at the dinner table. A DIFFERENT "COWBOYS AND INDIANS WESTERN" This is not a typical tale of cowboys and Indians, but a well written look at at the period of the great American expansion into the west. When major social shifts occur, a period of of time between the ending of one era and the start of the next is created. These periods of tension and unrest often raise hard questions about the changes intended to solve problems. Jiles raises some questions about the goals of the Civil War and of the countrys western expansion. Her characters are well developed. Britt, a legally free Black man whose wife Mary and children are taken during a Commanche and Kiowa Indian raid and an Agent of the Indian Affairs Agency, Samuel, from an old Quaker family Back East. When free Coloreds, Indians who are required to live on reservations, Comancheros from New Mexico and south of the Rio Grande, and mixed race people from the interbreeding among captives and captors of all races are thrown together in a time of unrest, strong ethnic, religious and political emotions, Jiles gives us a bit of the history of North Texas. Samuel devoutly defends and tries to live his Quaker faith in non-violence.

The House at Tyneford Audiobook by Natasha Solomons

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Natasha Solomons) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:09:23 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. 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.

The Bedlam Stacks Audiobook by Natasha Pulley

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Natasha Pulley) — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 09:22:26 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Bedlam Stacks Author: Natasha Pulley Narrator: David Thorpe Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 26 mins Language: English Release date: 07-13-17 Publisher: Audible Studios for Bloomsbury Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 58 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: An astonishing historical novel set in the shadowy, magical forests of South America, which draws on the captivating world of the international best seller The Watchmaker of Filigree Street. Deep in uncharted Peru, the holy town of Bedlam stands at the edge of a forest. The shrine statues move, and anyone who crosses the border dies. But somewhere inside are cinchona trees, whose bark yields quinine: the only known treatment for malaria. On the other side of the Pacific, it is 1859, and India is ravaged by the disease. The hunt for a reliable source of quinine is critical, and in its desperation the India Office searches out its last qualified expeditionary. Struggling with a terrible injury from his last mission and the strange occurrences at his family's ruined estate, Merrick Tremayne finds himself under orders to bring back cinchona cuttings at any cost and dispatched, against his own better judgment, to Bedlam. There he meets Raphael, a priest around whom the villagers spin unsettlingly familiar stories of impossible disappearances and living stone. Gradually Tremayne realises that Raphael is the key to a legacy left by two generations of Tremayne explorers before him, one which will prove more dangerous and valuable than the India Office could ever have imagined. Critic Reviews: "Assured and absorbing...immensely pleasurable reading. Pulley's prose is strong and energetic, with a wry edge, and even the most minor characters are drawn precisely.... Intricate, charming and altogether surprising." (The New York Times book review on The Watchmaker of Filigree Street) Members Reviews: Just enough magic here! This is the second book I've listened to by Natasha Pulley. I love this book. There is a fantasy element, but it is brought out slowly, almost as a mystery of its own. She's very good at world building here, with just enough reality to keep the whole story cohesive. I'm eagerly awaiting her next book! More please!! I am thoroughly hooked by Ms Pulley's writing style! I'm addicted to her characters and the quirky nature they all have! I've read both of her books and can't wait to see what her future books hold! I am restarting Filigree Street now and will redo Bedlam as soon as I'm done!! Terrific read! Unusual storyline, engaging and occasionally funny interactions; a truly unique and magical reading experience! You won't regret using your credits on this one. delightful book looking forward to the third book. many delightful surprises. Natasha Pulleys story's are like nothing I've ever read before. Wonderful story and took me back to my travels in Peru Great story, unusual and original . I have travelled throughout south america and spent time in Peru. The description of the landscape and architecture/historic ruins are very accurate and written by someone who had travelled there, I am sure. The story itself is a beautifully balanced cocktail of history , local spirituality and beliefs , reminders of old fashioned prejudice and our historic influence on the world , as well as being a story about human compassion , friendship and at times a look at how we could act in desperation . A story of history, friendship, judgment, magic and spiritual beliefs..... listen and you will be enthralled and sad when it ends !!!

Outlaw Audiobook by Ted Dekker

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Ted Dekker) — Tue, 22 Oct 2013 12:15:48 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Outlaw Author: Ted Dekker Narrator: Nicola Barber Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 57 mins Language: English Release date: 10-22-13 Publisher: Hachette Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 303 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: The story of how I, Julian Carter, and my precious two-year old son, Stephen, left Atlanta Georgia and found ourselves on a white sailboat, tossed about like a cork on a raging sea off of Australia's northern tip in 1963, is harrowing. But it pales in comparison to what happened deep in the jungle where I was taken as a slave by a savage tribe unknown to the world. Some places dwell in darkness so deep that even God seems to stay away. There, my mind was torn in two by the gods of the earth. There, one life ended so another could begin. Some will say I was a fool for making the choices I made. But they would have done the same. They, too, would have embraced death if they knew what I knew, and saw through my eyes. Members Reviews: More Than A Great Story Would you consider the audio edition of Outlaw to be better than the print version? This is the type of story that draws you into the scenes. Hearing it as an audio book was like being a part of the action. What was one of the most memorable moments of Outlaw? I was on that island with that tribe learning about myself just as much as the characters were. This was truly a journey of self-discovery. Excellent book It took me a little bit to get into this book because I thought that it was just going to be a book about a woman held prisoner by a tribe. I'm so glad that I continued to listen because it was so much more than I thought it would be. Listen and you'll see! Outlaw AWESOME!!! This is my 4th book I've read by Mr. Dekker. This one, changed my life. It is my prayer that God bless and increase him with even greater revelation. My words to Mr. Dekker: Thank You. outlaw is an amazing story of love and redemption. I loved this story by author Ted Dekker. It is expertly written, causing the reader to look at all of life through different eyes. Through its tale of love and forgiveness it will broaden your mind as to what God's love really looks like. Don't miss experiencing Outlaw. Deep Truth, what a blessing Ted Dekker has an incredible God-given talent to weave truth into deep plots and stories. Indeed, this life is so short in comparison with eternity and I believe our on reason for staying here is to bring other people into the Kingdom of God, or should I say, be the vessels for God to bring other people to know Him. The narrator was brilliant, she completely pulled you into the story. So thank you to you both, and may God continue to bless you with anointed stories!

Unspoken: Bathsheba Audiobook by Francine Rivers

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Francine Rivers) — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 16:32:42 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Unspoken: Bathsheba Author: Francine Rivers Narrator: Barbara Rosenblat Format: Unabridged Length: 5 hrs and 55 mins Language: English Release date: 12-30-13 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 184 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: The compelling story of Bathsheba and David as told by award-winning author Francine Rivers. Listeners will see the familiar biblical account unfold in a whole new light through the eyes of Bathsheba. This timeless story has contemporary meaning for today's listeners. A study on the biblical text is included for personal or group study. Members Reviews: Beautiful love story! Would you listen to Unspoken: Bathsheba again? Why? Francine Rivers fills in the gaps of the Biblical story while stiring in an imaginative never told love story. What did you like best about this story? I appreciated the depths of honesty that Rivers expresses in the human flaw of not being able to forgive oneself. What about Barbara Rosenblats performance did you like? The narration was good. If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be? The Heart of Bathsheba Wonderful! The only word I can think of The only word I can think of to describe this narration. The Arthur masterfully takes you into the life of This amazing woman. It is with new eyes I see David and much more importantly device in which I see the Lord God Almighty. Thank you so much for making this a record book. His Mercy, His Grace Be encouraged.... Amazing book. Recommend to all who feel never good enough and are beyond thankful for His mercy, grace, and love. He is faithful. Beauty and forgiveness Francine Rivers weaves scripture into beautiful novel of truth and intrigue. You learn to feel what it was like in the days of King David. Bathsheba Where does Unspoken: Bathsheba rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? This book ranks high for many, many reasons. What did you like best about this story? God's love and forgiveness. Have you listened to any of Barbara Rosenblats other performances before? How does this one compare? Yes. This book ranks as well as the other two I've listened to. If you could take any character from Unspoken: Bathsheba out to dinner, who would it be and why? Nathan. Because he was an unwavering prophet. Any additional comments? Another first for Francine Rivers. I would love to meet this great, GREAT writer. :)

Beach House Memories Audiobook by Mary Alice Monroe

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Mary Alice Monroe) — Tue, 08 May 2012 07:56:56 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. 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.

Sharpe's Enemy Audiobook by Bernard Cornwell

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Bernard Cornwell) — Fri, 31 Jan 2003 18:12:27 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Sharpe's Enemy Subtitle: Book XV of the Sharpe Series Author: Bernard Cornwell Narrator: Frederick Davidson Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 11 mins Language: English Release date: 01-31-03 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 364 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: A band of renegades led by Sharpe's vicious mortal enemy, Obadiah Hakeswill, holds a group of British and French women hostage in a strategic mountain pass. On the other side of the pass, Napoleon's Grande Armie seeks to smash through and crash the British army in Portugal. Outnumbered and attacked from two sides, Sharpe must hold his ground or die in the attempt. Don't forget to check out the rest of Bernard Cornwell's series. ©1984 Rifleman Productions; (P)1995 Blackstone Audiobooks Critic Reviews: "Frederick Davidson performs superbly. The hardness and hauteur of his syllable - precise delivery render well the rigid hierarchies and varied personalities of military life. For fans of the series, Davidson's readings may be definitive." (AudioFile Magazine) Members Reviews: All around terrific Wonderful story [but make sure you read this series in order] with lots of good characters, action and plot. The reader [F. Davidson] is perfect for the story and takes the listener along with him. Definitely worth it. Battle for Portugal This is book 15 in the Richard Sharpe series. Frederick Davidson does a superb job narrating the story. In this book Cornwell applied a bit more fiction to events than in the other books in the series. The overall battles between Wellesley and Napoleon's army are true but the battle in this story is fiction as was the rescue of the hostages. The band of deserters made up of all the armies in the area was true. Cornwell is the master of battle scene and keeps you on the edge of your seat listening to the book. Great story. Joy of Loss I have read all of Bernard Cornwells novels. Of them all this is my favorite. Where the proverbial literary hero is humbled and humanized by loss. Outside of Derfel, Richard and Patrick create the most real of people in this amazing fictional tale. Best yet Would you listen to Sharpe's Enemy again? Why? No. It is not practice to ever read a book for a second time. This not school work. Which scene was your favorite? I am hard pressed to answer as many were terrific. If you could rename Sharpe's Enemy, what would you call it? Loss and Revenge. Any additional comments? I have read several in the Sharpe series and found only two not up to par. This was in my view the best yet. While I have skipped around some, I do recommend reading the series in sequence. But, the author does not retell all as filler and so repetition is avoided skillfully. I will do Sword next and cant' wait, especially if it is 1/2 as captivating as Enemy. Four battles in one great story Where does Sharpe's Enemy rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe series is simply the best historical action fiction you will find. Sharpe is a British soldier fighting with the Duke of Wellngton's army in Spain against the French. As with all the other books in this series, the story is fast paced, engaging, and a true page turner. Cornwell does his homework, and his books are factually sound and his plots very exciting.

The Girl from Venice Audiobook by Martin Cruz Smith

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Martin Cruz Smith) — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 00:54:53 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Girl from Venice Author: Martin Cruz Smith Narrator: Zach Appelman Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins Language: English Release date: 10-18-16 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 183 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: A beautiful, heart-wrenching novel from the New York Times best-selling author of Tatiana and Gorky Park, set against the dangers of Italy in World War II as a young couple must outrun the Nazis to protect their forbidden love. Venice, 1944. The war may be waning, but the city is still occupied and people all over Europe fear the power of the Third Reich. One night, under a sky of brilliant stars, a poor fisherman named Cenzo comes across a girl's body floating in the lagoon. He carries her into his boat and soon discovers that she is very much alive and very much in trouble: Born to a wealthy Jewish family who has been captured and deported by the Nazis, Guilia is on the run after she was found hiding in a local hospital. Cenzo decides it's the right thing to do to help her escape, never anticipating an innocent act of chivalry would quickly turn to love as the two grow closer. Set against the beauty, mystery, and danger of World War II, The Girl from Venice is a sweeping and romantic love story from one of our most celebrated contemporary suspense writers. Members Reviews: I miss Arkady Renko. What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you? Nothing. Every book in the Renko series, from Gorky Park to Wolves Eat Dogs, was brilliant, IMHO. I felt like I knew Renko as a human being. I think that Polar Star may be the best audiobook ever written, and listening to Frank Muller was one of life's purest pleasures. In addition to the character of Renko, the books were all so thoroughly researched that it was truly impossible to tell fact from fiction. And so forth. This book is so far away from that level of creativity that it is almost not credible that Mr. Smith has written it. The narrator was irritating. The pace of the book is jerky. I didn't find Cenzo to be particularly appealing, and, as other reviewers have commented, it doesn't seem likely that a "simple fisherman" could also be a brilliant artist. I also found it hard to believe that the Nazis would devote all those resources to the chase after one eighteen-year-old Jewish woman, particularly at a time when they were getting beaten on every side of the war. Certainly the little fishing village was quaint, and the affection among the people was touching. The hatred between Cenzo and his brother, I thought, was well drawn, but almost nothing made me want to keep reading. Has The Girl from Venice turned you off from other books in this genre? No. I have probably heard enough about WWII, as I have said in other places, but mysteries and thrillers are still my favorite genre. One book will not change that. What didnt you like about Zach Appelmans performance? I didn't like his voice at all. It is harsh and not pleasant to listen to. He certainly has a fine ear for how other languages are spoken, which is quite a useful talent here. What character would you cut from The Girl from Venice? There are so many characters that I couldn't begin to keep them all straight. There are so many political/national divisions, so many narrative paths to follow and keep track of, that I gave up trying after a while. Any additional comments? It is possible that Mr. Smith has set such a fantastically high standard for novel writing that he may never approach it again. This is sad. I will read whatever he writes, but I don't think that Renko will reappear. This is much sadder.

Orphan Number Eight Audiobook by Kim van Alkemade

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Kim van Alkemade) — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 06:09:34 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Orphan Number Eight Subtitle: A Novel Author: Kim van Alkemade Narrator: Ginny Auer, Andi Arndt Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 1 min Language: English Release date: 08-04-15 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 248 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: A stunning debut novel in the vein of Sarah Waters' historical fiction and inspired by true events, it tells the fascinating story of a woman who must choose between revenge and mercy when she encounters the doctor who subjected her to dangerous medical experiments in a New York City Jewish orphanage. In 1919, Rachel Rabinowitz is a vivacious four-year-old living with her family in a crowded tenement on New York City's Lower East Side. When tragedy strikes, Rachel is separated from her brother, Sam, and sent to a Jewish orphanage where Dr. Mildred Solomon is conducting medical research. Subjected to X-ray treatments that leave her disfigured, Rachel suffers years of cruel harassment from the other orphans. But when she turns 15, she runs away to Colorado, hoping to find the brother she lost, and discovers a family she never knew she had. Though Rachel believes she's shut out her painful childhood memories, years later she is confronted with her dark past when she becomes a nurse at Manhattan's Old Hebrews Home, and her patient is none other than the elderly, cancer-stricken Dr. Solomon. Rachel becomes obsessed with making Dr. Solomon acknowledge and pay for her wrongdoing. But each passing hour Rachel spends with the old doctor reveals to Rachel the complexities of her own nature. She realizes that a person's fate - to be one who inflicts harm or one who heals - is not always set in stone. Lush in historical detail, rich in atmosphere, and based on true events, Orphan Number 8 is a powerful, affecting novel of the unexpected choices we are compelled to make that can shape our destinies. Members Reviews: Characters not fleshed out enough I didnt feel like either the current or past storyline was fleshed out enough, at times it felt disjointed and I think it was because of not knowing enough about the characters. However I did find the story fascinating I never knew anything about these test done at orphanages also after reading some stories on the authors website I really wish she would have went deeper into these characters I feel like she just brushed the surface and I wish I knew more. I hated the romance aspect of this book every time she grabbed someones face and pulled them into a kiss I was no longer in the story and Rachels sexual orientation had absolutely nothing to do with it , if she had been grabbing mens faces I would have felt exactly the same. To me there was no reason for these it added nothing to the story and in fact detracted from it. I cant put my finger on what it is I dont like about the narration, Im not sure if its the tone, cadence or accent that I dont like but there were times when the narration really annoyed me and other times I didnt mind it. I am not sure who narrated what either so it may be that I like one narrator over the other but I am just not sure. This book was okay; I liked the storyline about the Orphans Home even though I wish I knew more. I guess in the end this book just fell flat for me. 2 Stars Good Story, Needs Fact Checking Beginning is rather slow, but the story picks up nicely, knowing that the conflict will arrive eventually. I enjoyed the main premise, but as a Colorado native who knows just about everything there is to know about its history, there are some glaring errors in the research. Baby Doe Tabor is referred to as "Baby Jane", the trolley cars along Colfax were not called "streetcars".

Cherished Mercy Audiobook by Tracie Peterson

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Tracie Peterson) — Tue, 05 Sep 2017 11:25:23 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Cherished Mercy Subtitle: Heart of the Frontier, Book 3 Author: Tracie Peterson Narrator: Stephanie Cozart Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 58 mins Language: English Release date: 09-05-17 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 60 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: After surviving the Whitman Massacre as a child, Mercy still prays for peace between the native peoples and the white settlers of Oregon Territory. Longing for purpose, she travels to another mission to help a friend. There, she meets Adam, a handsome young minister. When tragedy strikes yet again, Mercy and Adam must rely on their faith to make it out alive. The inspiring conclusion to Tracie Peterson's Heart of the Frontier series Mercy Flanagan survived the Whitman Massacre as a child, and now her heart's cry is for peace between the native peoples and the white settlers inhabiting Oregon Territory. Unfortunately, most of the settlers would rather the tribes be removed from the land completely, one way or the other, and tensions are rising. Mercy has grown tired of Oregon City and feels that she has a larger purpose in life, so when she learns that family friend Eletta Browning is pregnant, she travels south to the Rogue River Valley to help. At the Rogue River Mission, Mercy meets Eletta's brother-in-law, Adam, who has suffered a broken engagement. Mercy finds him attractive, but Adam seems determined to focus on ministering to the local tribes and keeps Mercy at arm's length. When tragedy strikes and tensions in the territory reach the boiling point, Mercy is pushed to the limit of her strength. She and Adam must rely on their firm faith in God in order to make it out alive. Members Reviews: wonderful Christian book! this is a fantastic book. I was biting my fingernails all the way through. I had to call a couple friends to recommend this book. It takes place in the 1800's. It kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through. When you think there is no way their lives could get any worse it does. Lots of twists and turns that keeps you wondering how it will turn out. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!! Wonderful series! Each one of the three books we're so well-written, drawing the reader into the the lives of the characters. These are books i couldn't stop listening to until they were completed. I almost never read books more than once, but this would be a series I would go back and read again.

Peony in Love Audiobook by Lisa See

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Lisa See) — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 06:42:05 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Peony in Love Subtitle: A Novel Author: Lisa See Narrator: Janet Song Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 13 mins Language: English Release date: 06-15-07 Publisher: Books on Tape Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 479 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: For young Peony, betrothed to a suitor she has never met, these lyrics from The Peony Pavilion mirror her own longings. In the garden of the Chen Family Villa, amid the scent of ginger, green tea, and jasmine, a small theatrical troupe is performing scenes from this epic opera, a live spectacle few females have ever seen. Like the heroine in the drama, Peony is the cloistered daughter of a wealthy family, trapped like a good-luck cricket in a bamboo-and-lacquer cage. Though raised to be obedient, Peony has dreams of her own. Peony's mother is against her daughter's attending the production: "Unmarried girls should not be seen in public". But Peony's father assures his wife that proprieties will be maintained, and that the women will watch the opera from behind a screen. Yet through its cracks, Peony catches sight of an elegant, handsome man with hair as black as a cave and is immediately overcome with emotion. So begins Peony's unforgettable journey of love and destiny, desire and sorrow as Lisa See's haunting novel, based on actual historical events, takes readers back to 17th-century China, after the Manchus seize power and the Ming dynasty is crushed. Steeped in traditions and ritual, this story brings to life another time and place, and even the intricate realm of the afterworld, with its protocols, pathways, and stages of existence, a vividly imagined place where one's soul is divided into three, ancestors offer guidance, misdeeds are punished, and hungry ghosts wander the earth. Immersed in the richness and magic of the Chinese vision of the afterlife, transcending even death, Peony in Love explores, beautifully, the many manifestations of love. Ultimately, Lisa See's new novel addresses universal themes: the bonds of friendship, the power of words, and the age-old desire of women to be heard. Critic Reviews: "Peony's vibrant voice, perfectly pitched between the novel's historical and passionate depths, carries her story beautifully." (Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: Unusual and excellent book It actually began a little slowly with a focus on a love story which I typically find boring but then about an hour into the book it got very very interesting. I was spellbound and disappointed when it ended. It was a wonderful foray into the customs and spiritual world of early china. Eloquently written and read Eloquently written and read I couldn't put this book down. Publishers Weekly sums the book up wonderfully: "Set in 17th-century China, See's fifth novel is a coming-of-age story, a ghost story, a family saga and a work of musical and social history." It is rich in history, tradition and superstition. A friend of mine went home to China for a funeral several years back and I didn't fully understand (until now) all the things Chinese tradition believes you must to do to ensure your loved ones a safe and peaceful passage in death. A very interesting listen! As impacting, eye opening and enjoyable as Memoirs of a Geisha. Intimate peek into Chinese culture I had heard that this book was a bit slow and not as good as Lisa See's other writings, so I started reading Peony In Love expecting to be bored for the first half. I was surprised to find out that I loved the book from beginning to end. Peony in Love provides an intimate peek into the lives of Chinese women during the 17th century.

Pope Joan Audiobook by Donna Woolfolk Cross

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Donna Woolfolk Cross) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:07:17 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Pope Joan Author: Donna Woolfolk Cross Narrator: Barbara Rosenblat Format: Unabridged Length: 19 hrs and 24 mins Language: English Release date: 09-24-09 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 503 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Now in this riveting novel, Donna Woolfolk Cross paints a sweeping portrait of an unforgettable heroine who struggles against restrictions her soul cannot accept. Brilliant and talented, young Joan rebels against medieval social strictures forbidding women to learn. When her brother is brutally killed during a Viking attack, Joan takes up his cloak - and his identity - and enters the monastery of Fulda. As Brother John Anglicus, Joan distinguishes herself as a great scholar and healer. Eventually, she is drawn to Rome, where she becomes enmeshed in a dangerous web of love, passion, and politics. Triumphing over appalling odds, she finally attains the highest office in Christendom - wielding a power greater than any woman before or since. But such power always comes at a price.... Critic Reviews: "Whether or not one believes in Joan as Pope, this is a compelling story, filled with all kinds of lore: the brutishness of the Dark Ages, Vatican intrigue, politics and favoritism and most of all, the place of women in the Church and in the world." (Amazon.com review)"In this colorful, richly imagined novel, Cross ably inspires a suspension of disbelief, pulling off the improbable feat of writing a romance starring a pregnant pope." ( Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: WOW!!! This book is wonderfully written. The performance was just so great. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Lady Pope Pope Joan is a very good book. I couldn't stop listening to it, and after I finished- I thought more about the carichtors. After a very shocking trauma, Joan chose to live in 2 worlds: One in which she is almost a man, a priest who does many almost unbelievable things. In the other, she is a woman who does the most womanly things. The only link between her 2 worlds is her love to Jerald. If you are in the search for a provoking and enjoyable listening, I recommend you to buy this book. Silly Woman! Donna Cross leaves no cliche uncoined in this overlong and faintly ridiculous attempt at the legend of a medieval female pope. There are numerous anachronisms, and the turgid prose, predictable plot make it very difficult for Barbara Rosenblat to give it a convincing reading. After her exceptional reading of the Amelia Peabody novels, I had hoped for much more from her. The yawn factor was very high for me with this book. I'm being generous with 3 stars. exceptional in historical content and storyline
this author was exceptional in historical content accuracy and storyline. It was clear to see that much investigation and historical background had been researched in order to complete this entertaining and well-written book. Fabulous and interesting story Could she have been pope. Most certainly! This is very thought provoking. The Catholic Church offers much good....except in the treatment of women at the top: it is time to let reason rule tradition. I can see this book as great mini series....Netflix take note. This would be a winner! By the way, I loved the readers voice. I could sit for hours letter her tell me stories.

The Heart Mender Audiobook by Andy Andrews

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Andy Andrews) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 01:50:12 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Heart Mender Subtitle: A Story of Second Chances Author: Andy Andrews Narrator: Andy Andrews Format: Unabridged Length: 6 hrs and 24 mins Language: English Release date: 01-22-13 Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publishers Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 334 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: A unique blend of historical fact and engaging fiction showing the power of forgiveness. In 1942, German subs are dispatched to the Gulf of Mexico to sink U.S. vessels carrying goods and fuel. While taking a late-night walk, Helen Mason - widowed by war - discovers the near-lifeless body of a German sailor. Enraged at the site of Josef Landermann's uniform, Helen is prepared to leave him to die when an unusual phrase, faintly uttered, changes her mind. In The Heart Mender, a small town must prepare itself for the worst the world has to offer, and Josef and Helen must reconcile their pasts to create a future. Previously released as Island of Saints, this new edition includes a reader's guide and a "Where Are They Now?" update on the real-life characters. Members Reviews: Amazing book Absolutely loved this book. it's extremely well written. It reads like a fictional story but is true. Andy Does it again! I always find myself completely engulfed in Andy's stories. Truthfully it is hard to believe that this is a true story, but if it's coming from Andy, then I'm a believer! What a great story! I read this book years ago when it was named "Island of Saints". I enjoyed it then and bought several copies to give as gifts. I downloaded it on Audible this time and was delighted that Andy Andrews, himself, was the reader. I loved it even more and realized I had actually forgotten so much from my previous reading. The book is wholesome and dear and makes me long for a simpler time in our history. The plot is interesting and the characters were great and full of personality. I will continue to buy this book as gifts. We all need to understand the principle of forgiveness and this book teaches it in a practical non-preachy manner. You cant go wrong with a book by Andy Andrews! Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why? Most definitely! Andy Andrews has yet to publish a book that was anything less than stellar! His perspective on life is something everyone could benefit from hearing about! What does Andy Andrews bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book? Andy reading the book himself brings tremendous value. The highs and lows, and various voice inflections really adds to the listening experience! Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? If an Andy Andews book does make you both laugh and cry, then you may not be human! Best book I've ever listened to TWICE The story is so detailed it will feel as though you are living it. Several chapters brought me to tears it was so well told and so moving. I'll listen to this again & again.

Hornblower and the "Hotspur" Audiobook by C. S. Forester

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (C. S. Forester) — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 09:25:60 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Hornblower and the "Hotspur" Subtitle: The Third Horatio Hornblower Tale of the Sea Author: C. S. Forester Narrator: Nicolas Coster Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 12 mins Language: English Release date: 11-28-17 Publisher: Phoenix Books Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 8 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Napoleon is about to invade England, and it falls to young Horatio Hornblower to stop him. This is the third in C. S. Forester's 11 volume series about one of the Royal Navy's most daring and resourceful officers. Members Reviews: Great book! Wonderful book. Great narrator, but the audio isnt edited at all for volume. At times too quiet, and at time way too loud.

The Girls of Ennismore Audiobook by Patricia Falvey

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Patricia Falvey) — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 04:04:42 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Girls of Ennismore Author: Patricia Falvey Narrator: Alana Kerr Collins Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 11 mins Language: English Release date: 03-28-17 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 47 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Set in Ireland during the turbulent early 20th century, Patricia Falvey's sweeping novel explores an unlikely friendship between two girls of vastly different backgrounds, as each tries to overcome the barriers set by class and birthright... On a June morning in 1900, Rosie Killeen crosses the road that divides her family's County Mayo farm from the estate of Lord and Lady Ennis, and makes her way to the "big house" for the first time. Barely eight years old, Rosie joins the throng of servants preparing for the arrival of Queen Victoria. But while the royal visit is a coup for Ennismore, a chance meeting on the grounds proves even more momentous for Rosie. Victoria Bell, Lord and Lady Ennis's young daughter, is desperately lonely. Though the children of the gentry seldom fraternize with locals, Lord Ennis arranges for Rosie to join in Victoria's school lessons. For Rosie, the opportunity is exhilarating yet isolating. Victoria's governess and aunt, Lady Louisa, objects to teaching a peasant girl. The other servants resent Rosie's escape from the drudgery of life below stairs. Bright, strong-willed Rosie finds herself caught between her own people and the rarefied air of Ennismore - especially as she grows closer to Victoria's older brother, Valentine. As they near womanhood, the girls' friendship is interrupted. Victoria is bound for a coming out season in Dublin, and Rosie must find a way to support her family. But Ireland is changing too. The country's struggle for Home Rule, the outbreak of the Great War, and a looming Easter rebellion in Dublin all herald a new era. Not even Ennismore can escape unscathed. And for Rosie, family loyalty, love, friendship and patriotism will collide in life-changing ways, leading her through heartbreak and loss in search of her own triumphant independence. Members Reviews: Captivating The narrator was very good at distinguishing characters with her voice. it seemed her voice inflection helped Ireland come alive. This was much easier to imagine then reading the book; I did not want the story to end. great one of the best books I have listed to. Not usual story. the reader's voice was the only negative I found. Irish version of dowton Abbey
historical fiction of the turn of the century in Ireland. not really suspensful but entertaining and realistic portral of struggles Slow, predictable, dumbed-down. The story moves slowly in the beginning. Downtown Abbey with fewer likable characters. It gets better toward the end if you can hang in there. Emotional I love all British and Irish books! Maybe because I was born in England & lived in Ireland? Anyway a quick review. The narrator had a great accent on both sides, so it was great listening. I loved the characters but I had one problem in particular, at times I was trying to remember who was who, were they a serve to, or not. That sort of threw me off. And because I don't give spoilers I still won't here..you'll have to trust me on this one. It was full of love, hate, anger, betrayal yet at the same time I couldn't put it down! One thing...I wish I could of kicked a few "arsses" because their were plenty to be kicked!

When Jesus Wept Audiobook by Bodie Thoene, Brock Thoene

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Bodie Thoene) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 05:35:23 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: When Jesus Wept Subtitle: The Jerusalem Chronicles, Book 1 Author: Bodie Thoene, Brock Thoene Narrator: D. J. Canaday Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs Language: English Release date: 03-19-13 Publisher: Zondervan Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 564 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Lazarus occupies a surprising position in the Gospel accounts. Widely known as the man Jesus raised from the dead, his story is actually much broader and richer than that. Living as he did at Bethany, near Jerusalem, Lazarus was uniquely placed to witness the swirl of events around Jesus. When Jesus Wept, the first novel in The Jerusalem Chronicles series by best-selling authors Bodie and Brock Thoene, unfolds the turbulent times in Judea during Jesus' ministry, centering on the friendship between Jesus and Lazarus. With rich insights from vineyard owners and vine dressers, the Thoenes explore the metaphor of Jesus as the True Vine, harvesting the ancient secrets found in the Old Testament. Weaving the life of Lazarus, who owned a vineyard, into the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ will help you understand it is the hand of Love Divine that holds the knife, that cuts and breaks with such tender and loving touch, and that we who have borne some fruit, after the pruning, can bear much more. Members Reviews: Wow! What a story. I was expecting a good story that is well researched and biblically sound. What the story offered was so much more than just the story of Lazarus being raised from the dead. There was intrigue, suspense, emotion, laughter and pain all within a historical, albeit fictious backdrop. This story by my account could very well be true. What makes the plot believable is that it encompasses many parables, stories and actual details that are relatable to the events of the story. If you are a Bodie and Brock Thoene fan, you know the detail and attention to historical facts are well researched and add to the build-up of the characters. They mixed in some of our old friends from the AD Chronicle series that will warm your heart remembering their unique personalities. This was my first time hearing DJ Canaday he did a fabulous job narrating this book and his voices where very distinguishable between men and women of various ages. I marveled how well he transitioned between all the characters. Loved his narration ability when not in character. I look forward to hearing more from this rising talent. I have read and listened to numerous Thoene books. I love many of them I would rank this one right up there with First Light, Vienna Prelude and Second Touch. The storytelling by Bodie is always a treat and this endeavor she is marvelous. There is so much rich content that makes biblical passages come to life. I'm already looking forward to listening to this one again! It was that good. Loved it! When Jesus Wept was a masterpiece with every passing word. The story of Lazarus comes alive from the very first words, sending chills through me. The Bible clearly tells us that Lazarus was much loved by Jesus and this book shows that. Yes I understand that this is fiction but it is very believable fiction where a lot of the 'whys' in the Bible are given possible answers. There are pictures that swept through my heart like the part where Jesus turned the water in to wine. The part I loved best was of course where we are given a glimpse of what Lazarus might have exprienced when he died, it was painted in vivid words that made me long for heaven. I look forward to the next book in the series. Magnificent Would you listen to When Jesus Wept again? Why? I would absolutely listen to Jesus Wept again.

The Rebels of Ireland Audiobook by Edward Rutherfurd

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Edward Rutherfurd) — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 23:02:52 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Rebels of Ireland Author: Edward Rutherfurd Narrator: Richard Matthews Format: Unabridged Length: 29 hrs and 51 mins Language: English Release date: 12-20-06 Publisher: Books on Tape Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 413 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: From the time of the plantations and Elizabeth's ascendancy, Rutherfurd moves into the grand moments of Irish history: the early-17th-century "Flight of the Earls", when the last of the Irish aristocracy fled the island; Oliver Cromwell's brutal oppression and confiscation of lands a half-century later; and the romantic, doomed effort of "The Wild Geese" to throw off Protestant oppression at the Battle of the Boyne. The reader sees through the eyes of the victims and the perpetrators alike the painful realities of the anti-Catholic penal laws, the catastrophic famine and the massive migration to North America, the rise of the great nationalists O'Connell and the tragic Parnell, the glorious Irish cultural renaissance of Joyce and Yeats, and finally, the triumphant founding of the Irish Republic in 1922. Written with all the drama and sweep that has made Rutherfurd the best-selling historical novelist of his generation, The Rebels of Ireland is both a necessary companion to The Princes of Ireland and a magnificent achievement in its own right. Critic Reviews: "Ambitious in scope, teeming with a huge cast of finely drawn and realized characters, and dripping with authentic historical detail, this lengthy but eminently readable narrative will satisfy the appetites of discerning historical fiction aficionados." (Booklist) Members Reviews: A Wonderful Story This is an excellent follow-up to the first book - The Princes of Ireland. The introduction is Very helpful as it gives a brief review of the first book and refreshes the memory as to family names. The narrator is again Excellent and the stories unfold at a good pace -- most moving to me was the horrible description of death and disease from the Famine - very moving. One also comes to better understand the age-old religous problems that continue today. Even the last story - which moves a bit too quickly over the last 40 years of the book - has a very moving ending. Highly recommend - But read this after the first one An Irish Must Read This book offers the historical insight into the deep long history of the religious conflicts in Ireland. The story is well written, characters believeable and the book moves along. Do not be scared away by the book's length, it does not drag. excellent work and terrific follow-up to the original Dublin saga. Good but not great I really enjoyed Edward Rutherford's other books the Princes of Ireland and Sarum. This book was an informative history review. It wasn't nearly as engaging as the Princes book. Having said that, I am glad to have heard it. I don't feel like I wasted my time, but I do feel it wasn't worth two credits. In his other works, he developed the characters so well that you found yourself following them with a passion. Here he tells us who they are well enough to recognize them but not so we feel for them. Educational, entertaining, engrossing I learned a lot about the roots of Catholic/Protestant issues from this series - a FAR more complex confrontation than I'd imagined, with roots dating back to the 12th century. Carrying the family lines from "Princes of Ireland" helps tie it all together. The results of the inevitable intermarriages are at times heartbreaking. But there are incidents that made me chuckle as well.

On Chesil Beach Audiobook by Ian McEwan

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Ian McEwan) — Wed, 02 May 2007 12:00:34 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: On Chesil Beach Author: Ian McEwan Narrator: Ian McEwan Format: Unabridged Length: 4 hrs and 29 mins Language: English Release date: 05-02-07 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 301 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: At dinner in their rooms they struggle to suppress their worries about the wedding night to come. Edward, eager for rapture, frets over Florence's response to his advances and nurses a private fear of failure, while Florence's anxieties run deeper: she is overcome by sheer disgust at the idea of physical contact, but dreads disappointing her husband when they finally lie down together in the honeymoon suite. Ian McEwan has caught with understanding and compassion the innocence of Edward and Florence at a time when marriage was presumed to be the outward sign of maturity and independence. On Chesil Beach is another masterwork from McEwan: a story of lives transformed by a gesture not made or a word not spoken. Critic Reviews: "Masterful." (Publishers Weekly) "Conventional in construction and realistic in its representation of addled psychology, the novel is ingenious for its limited but deeply resonant focus." (Booklist) Members Reviews: One of the best new novels in recent years NcEwan has crafted a compelling and tightly woven novel of two lives that are changed by one night and the things not said. To say much more about the story could spoil it for the next reader. I found it difficult to stop listening to it. A perfect audio book for a long car trip when you can listen nonstop. As a literary work this will remain a significant work of this century. The author reads this shot novel with a level of feeling and drama that would be difficult for anyone else to match. Thoroughly enjoyable. More than I Expected The description of this book didn't sound too promising, even though I'm a big McEwan fan . . . how can one write an entire book about a few hours on a wedding night? But McEwan deftly creates two engaging characters who generate the reader's empathy. I found the interview with the author particularly insightful, especially on the question of why he summed up Edward's life in the end but not Florence's. Not all authors are good readers, but McEwan does a fine job. Don't be put off by reviews which make it sound as if the book is about nothing but sex. It's so much more. Another phenomenal book Ian McEwan is a master; this short book was riveting and revelatory. If you've read him before you know that his depiction of the inner experience of women is astute and often astonishing. In the interview at the end (we're so lucky to have Audible!) he talks about limiting actual depicted conversation between the two main characters until the ultimate confrontation at the end. This is a fascinating narrative tool in the hands of an artist like McEwan. Next download: everything else by McEwan. Short One, But Decent This does not approach "Atonement" (one of my all-time favorite books) in quality, but is quite worth reading. The situation is infuriating, and the ending a bit bland compared to the heart of the story, but it certainly is a compelling portrait of the clashing mores of its time (early sixties). The author interview after the book is a significant value-added feature that makes the audio version preferable to the print. disappointed I was disappointed in this book. I bought it because the other reviews were great. It was very descriptive and slow moving. If you like books filled with emotional descriptions, then you'll probably love this book. If you like books with action and excitement, you might be bored like I was.

The Two-Family House Audiobook by Linda Cohen Loigman

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Linda Cohen Loigman) — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 08:52:11 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Two-Family House Subtitle: A Novel Author: Linda Cohen Loigman Narrator: Barrie Kreinik Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 54 mins Language: English Release date: 03-08-16 Publisher: Macmillan Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 606 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Brooklyn, 1947: In the midst of a blizzard, in a two-family brownstone, two babies are born minutes apart to two women. They are sisters by marriage, with an impenetrable bond forged before and during that dramatic night; but as the years progress, small cracks start to appear, and their once deep friendship begins to unravel. No one knows why, and no one can stop it. One misguided choice; one moment of tragedy. Heartbreak wars with happiness and almost but not quite wins. From debut novelist Lynda Cohen Loigman comes The Two-Family House, a moving family saga filled with heart, emotion, longing, love, and mystery. Critic Reviews: "Two families, both living in one house, drive an exquisitely written novel of love, alliances, the messiness of life and long buried secrets. Loigman's debut is just shatteringly wonderful and I can't wait to see what she does next." (Caroline Leavitt, New York Times best-selling author of Is This Tomorrow and Pictures of You) "No good deed goes unpunished. In a single, intensely charged moment, two women come to a private agreement meant to assure each other's happiness. But as Lynda Cohen Loigman deftly reveals, life is not so simple, especially when it involves two families, tightly intertwined. The Two-Family House is sympathetically observed and surely plotted all the way through to its deeply satisfying conclusion." [Christina Schwarz, author of Drowning Ruth (an Oprah's Book Club pick) and national best seller The Edge of the Earth] Members Reviews: A Two Family Saga This book is set in late 1940s Brooklyn and focuses on a close-knit large extended family who live and work together in the family box factory. The story clips along at an engaging speed with lots of dialogue, well developed characters and several convoluted family secrets. The storytelling really shines in its ability to make the characters believable people you can care about. Even better, gradually and subtly the story becomes a mirror the author, Loigman, holds up to the reader. The listener may even be able to recognize people, behaviors, and choices from their own lives and family in these characters. In doing this, the author shows the often inept and unaware power family members have over one another. This, at times, makes the book thought provoking and insightful. At other times, the writing had some clunkiness to it and I'm hoping this will disappear with experience. The narration was a bit wooden in spots but over all Kreinik did a good job capturing the feeling and tone of the time. If you enjoy multi-character complex family dramas set in distinct historic locations you might just like this book. I really enjoyed it. P.S. I agree with another reviewer -- I hope we hear more about Judith -- maybe book 2? Excellent for your book club This was an fabulous story about the intricate tangled relationships that evolve when 2 brothers, with very different temperaments, marry after WWII and their young families grow up in a two family house in Brooklyn.The brothers also own a family business. This book provided my book club with hours of great discussion. There was so much to ponder. We all highly recommend it. The only downside to me was that the narrators voice was a bit grating. It didn't ruin the story! Family (melo)drama Initially, I wasn't sure about this one.

The Splendour Falls Audiobook by Susanna Kearsley

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Susanna Kearsley) — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 13:52:09 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Splendour Falls Author: Susanna Kearsley Narrator: Barbara Rosenblat Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 5 mins Language: English Release date: 01-14-14 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 684 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: An ancient castle, a tragic love, and a web of secrets begins to unravel.... Emily Braden has stopped believing in fairy tales and happy endings. When her fascinating but unreliable cousin Harry invites her on a holiday to explore the legendary town of Chinon, and promptly disappears - well, that's Harry for you. As Emily makes the acquaintance of Chinon and its people, she begins to uncover dark secrets beneath the charm. Legend has it that during a 13th-century siege of the castle that looms over the city, Queen Isabelle, child bride of King John, hid a "treasure of great price". And in the last days of the German occupation during World War II, there was another Isabelle living in Chinon, a girl whose love for an enemy soldier went tragically awry. As the dangers of the past become disastrously real, Emily is drawn ever more deeply into a labyrinth of mystery as twisted as the streets and tunnels of the ancient town itself. Critic Reviews: "Award-winning narrator Barbara Rosenblat handles the great variety of accents with aplomb - from Emily's British accent to the locals' French accents and the intonations of global tourists. While Rosenblat sounds too old and a bit stiff for the 28-year-old Emily, among her strengths are rock-solid characterizations and believable male voices, both of which will keep listeners invested in this romantic mystery. (AudioFile) Members Reviews: Wrong narrator Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not? It was a really interesting book although the end unraveled a bit too quickly like "ooops, need to wrap now!" I really like Suzanne Kearsley books but they become too formulaic if you read them all at once so it was really nice not to have the time travel aspect for once. Although I do love the time travel in the other books, it just gets too repetitive. What was one of the most memorable moments of The Splendour Falls? I really liked how you were placed in the city of Chinon How did the narrator detract from the book? Her voice was all wrong, much too old Did The Splendour Falls inspire you to do anything? Return to Chinon adventure, mystery an a touch of the supernatural If you have picked up The Splendour Falls by Susanna Kearsley expecting it to be one of her charming time travel romances novels you are in for a surprise. The story revolves around 28 year old Emily Braden who is convinced by her errant cousin Harry to go on holiday to the French town of Chinon, France where a young and beautiful Queen Isabella once rumored to have hidden a great treasure. Ahh but there is another story of a lost treasure and another beautiful Isabella hidden in a medieval chateau or in the maze of ancient tunnels underneath the streets of Chinon and Harry has gone missing Emily begins to fear that Harry might be more than just delayed. As Emily tries to find her cousin, she becomes more aware of some strange tension, old hostilities, new friend and loves among her fellow guest. I found it took a bit to get into the story but once the web of secrets started to disentangle I found the story compelling and unpredictable. The Splendour Falls I felt one of Ms. Kearsleys best The Winter Sea being my favorite. This was an audio book that was narrated by Barbara Rosenblat. While I felt she did a decent job narrating the book I felt her voice was too old for the main character it was too gruffy.

Letters from Rifka Audiobook by Karen Hesse

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Karen Hesse) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:02:54 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Letters from Rifka Author: Karen Hesse Narrator: Angela Dawe Format: Unabridged Length: 3 hrs and 3 mins Language: English Release date: 08-20-10 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 49 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Rifka knows nothing about America when she flees from Russia with her family in 1919. But she dreams that in the new country she will at last be safe from the Russian soldiers and their harsh treatment of the Jews. Throughout her journey, Rifka carries with her a cherished volume of poetry by Alexander Pushkin. In it, she records her observations and experiences in the form of letters to Tovah, the beloved cousin she has left behind. Strong-hearted and determined, Rifka must endure a great deal: humiliating examinations by doctors and soldiers, deadly typhus, separation from all she has ever known and loved, murderous storms at sea, detainment on Ellis Island - and is if this is not enough, the loss of her glorious golden hair. Based on a true story from the author's family, Letters from Rifka presents a real-life heroine with an uncommon courage and unsinkable spirit. Members Reviews: Not my favorite but worth the read. Quick read, good story about immigration. Not my typical choice of genre, I read it for assignment. Great Story Great use of words and emotion. Very good book. Gives you a great perspective of what it was like back then

Tabula Rasa Audiobook by Ruth Downie

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Ruth Downie) — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 00:32:32 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Tabula Rasa Subtitle: Roman Empire Series, Book 6 Author: Ruth Downie Narrator: Simon Vance Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins Language: English Release date: 08-05-14 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 393 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: The medicus Ruso and his wife, Tilla, are back in the borderlands of Britannia, this time helping to tend the builders of Hadrian's Great Wall. Having been forced to move off their land, the Britons are distinctly on edge. Then Ruso's recently arrived clerk, Candidus, goes missing. A native boy thinks he sees a body being hidden inside the wall's half-finished stonework, and a worrying rumor begins to spread. When soldiers ransack the nearby farms looking for Candidus, Tilla's tentative friendship with a local family turns to anger and disappointment. Tensions only increase when Branan, the family's youngest son, also vanishes. As Ruso and Tilla try to solve the mystery of the two disappearances - while at the same time struggling to keep the peace between the Britons and the Romans - an intricate scheme involving slavery, changed identities, and fur trappers emerges, and it becomes imperative that Ruso find Branan before it's too late. Critic Reviews: "Like the other titles in the series, Downie's latest mixes an engaging story line, provocative characters, and a satisfying evocation of time and place." (Library Journal) Members Reviews: A Pleasure to Read This is book six in the Gaius Ruso series. This historical fiction series is best if it is read in order. Ruso is a medical officer in the Roman Legion stationed in Briton. He married a native Briton, Tila. In this story Ruso and Tila are caught in a conflict between the Romans and Britons. There is a rumor a body is buried in the Hadrians Wall. Rusos medical clerk is missing. A Briton boy is missing and the family is related to Tila. With the Britons teetering on the edge of rebellion, Ruso and Tila attempt to discover who took the boy. The book is well written and meticulously researched. The plot spirals and bends enough to keep the readers attention. Downie continues to develop the key characters. Russos relationship with Tila matures. Russo evolves with each installment rather than remaining a static character. I appreciate Downies attention to detail both historical and human. I also enjoyed the dry British humor. Simon Vance does a superb job narrating the book. Vance is a stage, film and TV actor who is also an award winning audiobook narrator. I always enjoy a book narrated by Vance. Not my favorite book in the series I have really enjoyed this series, but this one lacked the medical aspect that in enjoy. Love Downie as usual, but ANGRY with Vance What did you love best about Tabula Rasa? Ruth Downie hasn't lost her touch. What do you think the narrator could have done better? I've loved the entire series, but for some reason Simon Vance apparently decided not to review what his character voices sounded like before doing this book. 2/3 of the way through the book, Albanus (a recurring character in all of the books) shows up and suddenly has a heavy accent?! It is the most distracting thing I've ever heard, and I actually stopped listening to write this complaint. Albanus is one of my favorite characters, and I've been waiting most of the book for him to arrive, and now I just want to throw something every time he talks. Seriously, Simon Vance is generally better than this, and I don't understand it.

Beloved Hope Audiobook by Tracie Peterson

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Tracie Peterson) — Tue, 04 Jul 2017 05:56:14 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Beloved Hope Author: Tracie Peterson Narrator: Stephanie Cozart Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 1 min Language: English Release date: 07-04-17 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 71 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: A compelling novel of forgiveness and hope from leading author Tracie Peterson Hope Flanagan survived the massacre at the Whitman Mission, but at terrible personal cost. Safe now in Oregon City, she lives with her sisters, Grace and Mercy, and Grace's new husband, Alex. As she spends her days tending their flock of sheep, Hope's mind and soul are slowly healing. Yet, though she was once surrounded by suitors, she has no interest in giving her heart again after the man she loved died in her arms. Hope's precarious new peace is shattered when those responsible for the massacre are captured and put on trial. She is asked to testify against them, but she's not sure she can bear to relive the events of those horrific days. As Hope struggles to free herself from the pain of her past, Lance Kenner, an Army lieutenant, brings an unexpected ray of light into her life. But what will Lance think of her if he learns the truth behind her anguish? And what secrets lie in his past? Members Reviews: Enchanted So beautiful!!! Already downloaded the 3rd book cannot stop listening!! Thank you for clean wholesome books!!! Narrator Stephanie Cozart is an excellent narrator. She makes the stories come to life.

The Secret History of the Pink Carnation Audiobook by Lauren Willig

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Lauren Willig) — Fri, 28 Jan 2005 05:36:01 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Secret History of the Pink Carnation Author: Lauren Willig Narrator: Kate Reading Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 36 mins Language: English Release date: 01-28-05 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1019 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: The Secret History of the Pink Carnation, a wildly imaginative and highly adventurous debut, opens with the story of a modern-day heroine but soon becomes a book within a book. Eloise Kelly settles in to read the secret history hoping to unmask the Pink Carnation's identity, but before she can make this discovery, she uncovers a passionate romance within the pages of the secret history that almost threw off the course of world events. How did the Pink Carnation save England? What became of the Scarlet Pimpernel and the Purple Gentian? And will Eloise Kelly find a hero of her own? Critic Reviews: "Willig's story is a decidedly delightful romp." (Booklist) Members Reviews: Thoroughly entertaining I really enjoyed this book. I'm not specifically a history buff, so I didn't notice the liberties the author took with her details. I work the graveyard shift and rely on audiobooks to keep me awake when I'm lacking sleep. I had no problem staying awake while being entertained by this book. In fact, I skipped most of my breaks because I didn't want to stop listening. As soon as I got home I bought the second in the series. Kate Reading is one of the BEST narrators I've heard and in all honesty, I chose this book originally because she narrates it. I was not disappointed. If you don't mind a little 'fluff' and an engaging love story (sure, not realistic at times, but I already have a real life, I don't need to listen to it too) then this book is for you. fun and entertaining As I loved, the Scarlet Pimpernel, this book was right up my alley. the characters were interesting, fun, and the historical research compelling. I struggled at time to decifer fact from fiction! An excellent choice. Romance, adventure, and an ending that begs for the sequel. Loved It! I initially listened to one of the other books in this series. And, now that I'm starting with book 1 & listening my way to the rest of the series I have to say I'm so glad that I'm giving the whole series a chance! I think you'll find The Secret History of the Pink Carnation surprisingly funny. The author has a great sense of humor. In each book you'll find two heroines--one contemporary, and one historical. Willig has written this (& the other books in the series) in a really smart way. It is easy to differentiate between the contemporary and historical fiction because the contemporary fiction is written in the first person, while the historical fiction isn't. The other thing I liked about this book is that Willig's heroines are never stupid. You wil cheer, and sometimes cringe for them. But you never think, "Gosh, that woman is stupid." Willig has managed to make a sometimes stale and/or silly genre (historical romance) smart, funny, interesting, and incredibly enjoyable. Bravo to her! P.S. No one could have narrated this book better than Kate Reading. She did a wonderful job. Engaging yet mediocre Premise is absolutley engaging and original. Narration first rate, I thought. Makes a very nice distraction or beach read. It's a lot like Bridget Jones goes to Harvard - which could be bad or good depending on your perspective. I think the author is clearly a fan of Bridget Jones and Jane Austen and every romance where a sweet but somewhat ordinary woman attracts the mysterious, handsome male. Again, not a bad thing.

Mrs. Grant and Madame Jule Audiobook by Jennifer Chiaverini

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Jennifer Chiaverini) — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 15:35:52 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Mrs. Grant and Madame Jule Author: Jennifer Chiaverini Narrator: Christina Moore Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 57 mins Language: English Release date: 03-03-15 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 251 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: In 1844, Missouri belle Julia Dent met dazzling horseman Lieutenant Ulysses S Grant. Four years passed before their parents permitted them to wed, and the groom's abolitionist family refused to attend the ceremony. Since childhood, Julia owned as a slave another Julia, known as Jule. Jule guarded her mistress' closely held twin secrets: She had perilously poor vision but was gifted with prophetic sight. So it was that Jule became Julia's eyes to the world. And what a world it was, marked by gathering clouds of war. The Grants vowed never to be separated, but as Ulysses rose through the ranks - becoming general in chief of the Union Army - so did the stakes of their pact. During the war, Julia would travel, often in the company of Jule and the four Grant children, facing unreliable transportation and certain danger to be at her husband's side. Yet Julia and Jule saw two different wars. While Julia spoke out for women - Union and Confederate - she continued to hold Jule as a slave behind Union lines. Upon the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, Jule claimed her freedom and rose to prominence as a businesswoman in her own right, taking the honorary title Madame. The two women's paths continued to cross throughout the Grants' White House years in Washington, DC, and later in New York City, the site of Grants Tomb. Members Reviews: Stellar A historical fiction by one of my favorite authors, this book was one of the best books I've ever read. It was not only a tender story of General and Mrs. Grant's love and affection for each other, but a biography of their lives and a description of the times. Madame Jule was Julia Dent's maid from childhood, a slave belonging to her father, meaning Julia couldn't free her...but did she ever ask her father to free Jule? Ask to buy her so she could free her herself? Julia Dent went on to marry Ulysses S. Grant, an abolitionist, who went on to be one of the people without whom we might lost the Civil War, as well as a 2-term President of the United States. You can see why neither sets of their parents approved their union. Nevertheless, their love flourished and endured. Julia wasn't perfect, but she loved the man she called "Uliss". No spoilers here, so I will not dwell upon Jule except to say she very much wanted her freedom and so did her husband, from whom she got separated because of the damnable institution of slavery. I love Civil War era novels. They fill in my memory lapses of what I've learned about that terrible period of our nation's history. I highly recommend this book. 5 stars out of 5! Skips emotion for history. I generally enjoyed the book but I felt like the author skimmed too fast. I don't feel like I got deeply invested in the story at any one place because it jumps forward in time before the reader can invest. It was fiction but many areas of the narrative sounded like spitting back historical facts. While that's necessary with novels like this, it seemed like the history and fiction didn't blend as well as I would have liked. slight disappointment I liked it, but toward the end, it started falling apart. I was very disappointed in the ending. There was no resolution between Julia and Jule Excellent This book was published March 3, 2015. The book follows the lives of two girls: Julia Dent and her slave Jule.

This Must Be the Place Audiobook by Maggie O'Farrell

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Maggie O'Farrell) — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 05:32:15 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: This Must Be the Place Author: Maggie O'Farrell Narrator: Saskia Maarleveld, Graham Rowat Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 44 mins Language: English Release date: 07-19-16 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 106 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: The dazzling new novel from best-selling, award-winning author Maggie O'Farrell, This Must Be the Place crosses time zones and continents to reveal an extraordinary portrait of a marriage. Meet Daniel Sullivan, a man with a complicated life. A New Yorker living in the wilds of Ireland, he has children he never sees in California; a father he loathes in Brooklyn; and a wife, Claudette, who is a reclusive ex-film star given to shooting at anyone who ventures up their driveway. He is also about to find out something about a woman he lost touch with 20 years ago, and this discovery will send him off course, far away from wife and home. Will his love for Claudette be enough to bring him back? This Must Be the Place crosses continents and time zones, giving voice to a diverse and complex cast of characters. At its heart it is an extraordinary portrait of a marriage, the forces that hold it together, and the pressures that drive it apart. Maggie O'Farrell's seventh novel is a dazzling, intimate epic about who we leave behind and who we become as we search for our place in the world. Members Reviews: A good story spoiled What made the experience of listening to This Must Be the Place the most enjoyable? Maggie Farrell's skilful building of a story and its changes of time and place. What was one of the most memorable moments of This Must Be the Place? Bitter-sweet moments when the protagonists were stopped in their tracks by a memory. What didnt you like about Graham Rowat and Saskia Maarleveld s performance? I find it intensely irritating when narrators can't pronounce quite simple foreign words properly. SK is clearly neither British nor American and I think one of either of those nationalities would have been better. 'Maman' and so many other instances of mispoken words.This really spoiled my enjoyment of a good story, my attention often being taken by irritating narration. Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? It made me sad for all the chararcters who seemed so lost most of the time. Any additional comments? I wish that Maggie Farrell would lose her maddening habit of making long lists of words, sometimes describing the same thing. Perhaps this is her signature? Wonderful book I truly enjoyed this - and loved the female narrator. Something about the male narrator's reading voice very much annoyed me, though, which is why I can only award three stars for performance. Not as good as others but still enjoyable. Somewhat complicated family structure. I didn't warm to any of the characters. Attempts at voice changes by the narrator were not convincing. Liked it? I tried to Not like this book. But, in the end, I loved it. Persevere !

Fire Catcher Audiobook by C. S. Quinn

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (C. S. Quinn) — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 13:40:03 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Fire Catcher Subtitle: Charlie Tuesday, Book 2 Author: C. S. Quinn Narrator: Napoleon Ryan Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 30 mins Language: English Release date: 11-11-15 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 195 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Hidden in London is a legendary power. A fabled chest guards secrets more precious than gold. But in 1666 secrets are deadly, and London is burning.... Charlie Tuesday is the city's best thief taker. But one case still eludes him, a mysterious key entrusted by the mother he barely knew. The key opens a chest of priceless papers - papers said to hold the dark alchemy of a lost Brotherhood. As flames ravage the city, the thief taker must track the chest into London's blackest heart, where smugglers trade and sorcerers conjure. What Charlie begins to unravel is more ancient and powerful than he ever dreamed. But time is running out and fire is the greatest purge of all. Members Reviews: A Fantastic Follow Up To The First Story! A lot can happen for Charlie Tuesday in a year's time. The pace of this story and exposition of the recurring characters will keep listeners engaged and waiting eagerly for what comes next. I am thoroughly enjoying this series. slow ponderous. I enjoyed the first book but don't think I will continue with the series. this book seemed to cover the same thing over and over again. moved very slowly. Very good historical picture of jolly old England I have to say that I am pleased to have not been born during this time period. This account, though fictitious, paints a very good picture of London of old. the story is a very good intrigue, if a bit long. I enjoyed it immensely. Fabulous I loved this story, especially for the fascinating history of the Great Fire of London and the great narration. Brilliant This book was made even more exciting with the narration . it keeps you on the edge of your seat

Some Luck Audiobook by Jane Smiley

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Jane Smiley) — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 22:48:31 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Some Luck Subtitle: A novel Author: Jane Smiley Narrator: Lorelei King Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 48 mins Language: English Release date: 10-07-14 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 434 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: From the winner of the Pulitzer Prize: a powerful, engrossing new novel - the life and times of a remarkable family over three transformative decades in America. On their farm in Denby, Iowa, Rosanna and Walter Langdon abide by time-honored values that they pass on to their five wildly different children: from Frank, the handsome, willful first born, and Joe, whose love of animals and the land sustains him, to Claire, who earns a special place in her fathers heart. Each chapter in Some Luck covers a single year, beginning in 1920, as American soldiers like Walter return home from World War I, and going up through the early 1950s, with the country on the cusp of enormous social and economic change. As the Langdons branch out from Iowa to both coasts of America, the personal and the historical merge seamlessly: one moment electricity is just beginning to power the farm, and the next a son is volunteering to fight the Nazis; later still, a girl youd seen growing up now has a little girl of her own, and you discover that your laughter and your admiration for all these lives are mixing with tears. Some Luck delivers on everything we look for in a work of fiction. Taking us through cycles of births and deaths, passions and betrayals, among characters we come to know inside and out, it is a tour de force that stands wholly on its own. But it is also the first part of a dazzling epic trilogy - a literary adventure that will span a century in America: an astonishing feat of storytelling by a beloved writer at the height of her powers. Critic Reviews: "The expansive American epic is Smileys métier, and shes in top form with this multigenerational story of an Iowa farming family - sturdy sons, passionate daughters, a tough but tender existence - across the first half of the 20th century." (Time) "Pulitzer Prize-winning Smiley moves from the 1920s to the 1950s as she unfolds the life of Iowa farmers Rosanna and Walter Langdon and their five children. As the children grow up and sometimes move away, we get a wide-angle view of mid-century America. Told in beautiful, you-are-there language, the narrative lets ordinary events accumulate to give us a significant feel of life at the time, with the importance and dangers of farming particularly well portrayed. In the end, though, this is the story of parents and children, of hope and disappointment... Highly recommended; a lush and grounded reading experience." (Barbara Hoffert, Library Journal) "Tremendous... Smiley is a seductive writer in perfect command of every element of language. She was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for A Thousand Acres, a novel about a farming family in Iowa, and she returns to that fertile ground to tell the stories of the Langdons, a clan deeply in accord with the land... As barbed in her wit as ever, Smiley is also munificently tender. The Langdons endure the Depression, Walter agonizes over giving up his horses for a tractor, and Joe tries the new synthetic fertilizers. Then, as Frank serves in WWII and, covertly, the Cold War, the novels velocity, intensity, and wonder redouble. This [is a] saga of the vicissitudes of luck, and our futile efforts to control it. Smileys grand, assured, quietly heroic, and affecting novel is a supremely nuanced portrait of a family spanning three pivotal American decades. It will be on the top of countless to-read lists." (Donna Seaman, Booklist)

The Hundred Days Audiobook by Patrick O'Brian

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Patrick O'Brian) — Fri, 04 Jun 2004 17:36:37 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Hundred Days Subtitle: Aubrey/Maturin Series, Book 19 Author: Patrick O'Brian Narrator: Patrick Tull Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 5 mins Language: English Release date: 06-04-04 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 602 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Patrick O'Brian packs this brilliantly executed tale with elegant language, rich humor, and authentic period atmosphere. With his deep, rumbling voice, narrator Patrick Tull brings storm-tossed seas and gallant navy warships colorfully to life. Critic Reviews: "Colorful historical background, smooth plotting, marvelous characters and great style....O'Brian continues to unroll a splendid Turkish rug of a saga." (Publishers Weekly) "The Hundred Days is certain to delight O'Brian's fans, for whom happiness is an unending stream of Aubrey/Maturin books...[It] is a fine novel that stands proudly on the shelf with the others." (Los Angeles Times) Members Reviews: Good Sailing Story Patrick Tull does a great job narrating this story. The Hundred Days is about the escape by Napoleon from the Island of Elba and the hundred days till Waterloo. The story takes place in the Mediterranean Sea with Aubrey/Maturin trying to destroy French Navy that declare for Napoleon and stop the gold shipment from Napoleon to pay for an mercenary army. Lots of intrigue for Steven Maturin and navel battles for Aubrey. Good Sailing Story Patrick Tull does a great job narrating this story. The Hundred Days is about the escape by Napoleon from the Island of Elba and the hundred days till Waterloo. The story takes place in the Mediterranean Sea with Aubrey/Maturin trying to destroy French Navy that declare for Napoleon and stop the gold shipment from Napoleon to pay for an mercenary army. Lots of intrigue for Steven Maturin and navel battles for Aubrey. Another fabulous installment in the Aubrey Maturin series. Patrick Tull cannot be topped as the narrator -- he takes me right back to the 19th century and makes me feel that Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin are old friends. This is a wonderful book and a great listen. Great moments, but not best effort Love the O'Brian series, and this reader is phenomenal. This just isn't the best example. Bogs down in places. Dark. Killing off characters who are long-time "friends" made me think more of the author's own darkness at the time of writing was making its way into the book. Possible. Understandable. Don't let it keep you from reading, but don't expect the dashing tales of old. Patriotism, promotion, and prize-money "Patriotism, promotion, and prize-money have been described as the three masts of the Royal Navy." - Patrick O'Brian, The Hundred Days One more full novel to go in this series and two surprising deaths. This, the 19th novel was published in 1998, 29 years after the first book in the series (Master and Commander) came out (1969). This novel takes place largely in the Eastern Mediterranean, Gibraltar, and the Levant. There were many things about it to love and while this wasn't the best in the series, O'Brian still manages to reinvigorate the novel (which takes place during les Cent-Jours (hundred days) after Napoleon escapes imprisonment on the Isle of Elba; hence the title). Things are wrapping up with the series (but you wouldn't know it from the writing).

Lionheart Audiobook by Sharon Kay Penman

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Sharon Kay Penman) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 20:59:14 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. 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.

The Tsar of Love and Techno Audiobook by Anthony Marra

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Anthony Marra) — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 10:11:45 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Tsar of Love and Techno Subtitle: Stories Author: Anthony Marra Narrator: Mark Bramhall, Beata Pozniak, Rustam Kasymov Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 46 mins Language: English Release date: 10-06-15 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 277 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: From the New York Times best-selling author of A Constellation of Vital Phenomena - dazzling, poignant, and lyrical interwoven stories about family, sacrifice, the legacy of war, and the redemptive power of art. This stunning, exquisitely written collection introduces a cast of remarkable characters whose lives intersect in ways both life-affirming and heartbreaking. A 1930s Soviet censor painstakingly corrects offending photographs deep underneath Leningrad, bewitched by the image of a disgraced prima ballerina. A chorus of women recount their stories and those of their grandmothers, former gulag prisoners who settled their Siberian mining town. Two pairs of brothers share a fierce, protective love. Young men across the former USSR face violence at home and in the military. And great sacrifices are made in the name of an oil landscape unremarkable except for the almost incomprehensibly peaceful past it depicts. In stunning prose, with rich character portraits and a sense of history reverberating into the present, The Tsar of Love and Techno is a captivating work from one of our greatest new talents. Critic Reviews: "Powerful...strikingly reimagines a nearly a century of changes in Russia. [T]he book's brilliance and humor are laced with the somber feeling that the country is allergic to evolution." (Kirkus Reviews) "As in his acclaimed novel, Marra finds in Chechnya an inspiration for his uniquely funny, tragic, bizarre, and memorable fiction." (Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: I switched to print. What did you like best about The Tsar of Love and Techno? What did you like least? The narration, in my opinion, was not worthy of the story. I lost so much in that the voices didn't sound as intelligent as the words being spoken. I missed SO MUCH. I am very glad the library had it so I could go back and appreciate the entire text. And I am usually not one to complain about voices but this didn't work for me. What other book might you compare The Tsar of Love and Techno to and why? Maybe, the Imerfectionists by Tom Rachman - for linked stories. Would you be willing to try another one of the narratorss performances? No. Did The Tsar of Love and Techno inspire you to do anything? I want to read everything Marra writes. The Nutcracker's Cosmonautic March I normally find it difficult to complete even half of a short story collection, except on the rare occasion the stories are intertwined by characters and events. I'll listen to 1 or 2 but eventually go back to the traditional Freytag's Pyramid, invest myself in a novel, and then forget about the collection of nice, but not compelling, stories. In comparison, I quickly became absorbed by the lofty TSAR OF LOVE AND TECHNO because, for one thing, the first story is both chilling and compelling, and another, these stories make you want to discover the interlacing threads and watch the magic of the completed whole. That is to say, the reader learns through each story which characters are primary, and discovers that character has returned in a later story in some other context. The stories so complement the others that, aside from the 1st, 3d and 4th stories, I'm not sure the others would have nearly the impact they do had any one of them stood on its own outside the context of the collection. I enjoyed the entire collection excepting the second story.

In Danger's Path Audiobook by W. E. B. Griffin

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (W. E. B. Griffin) — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 03:18:12 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: In Danger's Path Subtitle: The Corps, Book 8 Author: W. E. B. Griffin Narrator: Dick Hill Format: Unabridged Length: 25 hrs and 53 mins Language: English Release date: 07-17-13 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 727 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Desperate to find someone to unite the battling interests of General Douglas MacArthur, Admiral Chester Nimitz, and OSS Chief "Wild Bill" Donovan, President Franklin D. Roosevelt puts Fleming Pickering in charge of the OSSs Pacific operations. Immediately, two urgent missions fall into his lap: to contact and rescue a band of former American servicemen and their dependents on the run from the Japanese in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia; and at the same time, to set up a weather station in the Gobi to help direct planned aerial attacks against Japan. Pickering has a free hand to use whomever he pleases, and he is soon surrounded by many of the Marines on whom he has come to rely during the war: men like Ken McCoy, Ed Banning, Jake Dillon, Ernie Zimmerman, and - much to his surprise - a certain hotshot pilot named Malcolm Pickering, his son. Together they will venture in terra very much incognita - and with luck they may even come out alive.... Members Reviews: Loose Ends I really enjoyed this installment...all 26 hours of it. Griffin weaves real characters in with our novel staff and it's almost believable. The range of characters runs from FDR to the Marine on the beach. Some of the idiots get their comuppance, but there are still a few out there doing funny deeds. Sometimes, one wonders about their contribution to the story? Some of the loose ends come together and more are hanging--makes you wonder about the next book. Simply excellent Simply another excellent book from the author. The story and the narrator are excellent and you just want to keep listening. Makes it extremely easy to spend an hour on the treadmill. McCoy does it again!! This is one of the best books in the series. I have read or listened to this now multiple times and I never get tired of hearing how McCoy shows the big Brass how to really do a mission. The Corp is one of Griffins greatest series. McCoy and Zimmerman are the best team and can accomplish anything. One of the best in the series! As the story moves on a lot of "loose ends" came together. I absolutely loved the "ass chewing" that Pick got. Dick Hill did a magnificent job of delivering it. END OF THE SERIES IS A BIT WANTING If you are going to write a series, don't be lazy in the end. The story is good but takes a meandering path toward a rushed ending. Still not a bad book in a great series, but it's like the author grew impatient with his own work. Plus, there are some glaring editing errors in continuity. Still....not bad. Excellent narration by Dick Hill!

The 19th Wife Audiobook by David Ebershoff

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (David Ebershoff) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 02:01:21 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The 19th Wife Subtitle: A Novel Author: David Ebershoff Narrator: Kimberly Farr, Rebecca Lowman, Arthur Morey Format: Unabridged Length: 18 hrs and 59 mins Language: English Release date: 09-02-08 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 710 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: It is 1875, and Ann Eliza Young has recently separated from her powerful husband, Brigham Young, prophet and leader of the Mormon Church. Expelled and an outcast, Ann Eliza embarks on a crusade to end polygamy in the United States. A rich account of a family's polygamous history is revealed, including how a young woman became a plural wife. Soon after Ann Eliza's story begins, a second exquisite narrative unfolds - a tale of murder involving a polygamist family in present-day Utah. Jordan Scott, a young man who was thrown out of his fundamentalist sect years earlier, must reenter the world that cast him aside in order to discover the truth behind his father's death. As Ann Eliza's narrative intertwines with that of Jordan's search, listeners are pulled deeper into the mysteries of love and faith. Members Reviews: Good history, a little confusing Well at first I got a little lost when the novel switched views. Eventually I caught on and it went much more smoothly. What you have to realize is this is not only written in two different perspectives, though it only tells two stories. First is the authors fictional story about a boy who was kicked out of a modern day polygamous society that returns when his mother is accused of killing his father. Next is the story of the historical Anne Eliza Young (and her family) who was the 19th (well more like 50th) wife of the mormon prophet Brigham Young. Her story is told through her memoir as well as other documents such as her brothers journal, a students thesis paper, documents from the mormon church's records, etc. This book is pretty good with great historical facts. I feel like I know a lot more about the roots of the mormon church and polygamy. Be forewarned though it is pretty sad and just as you get into one story it will switch perspectives on you! The 19th Wife I loved this book! My favorite genre is historical fiction and I did not know a lot about the history of the Mormon religion before I read (listened to) this book. It makes me want to learn more. I have been telling everyone to read (or listen to) it. One of my friends started reading it and said she was having a hard time switching between the different narrators. I told her that listening to it probably helped with that because the different voices eliminate confusion when the narrator changes. Fantastic! How good was this? Really, really good! Ebershoff is a wonderful writer who absolutely gets inside the head of a wide range of characters. If you're looking for a romping fast read, this might not be for you, but the interweaving of the two stories--one from the early days of the LDS, one in the present, involving a splinter group of the LDS--is well done and keeps you coming back to see what develops. The historical detail is beautiful, and Ebershoff balances religious tolerance and sound moral judgment admirably well. Two Mysteries: One Fictional, One Historical This audio version is well-handled by using more than one performer, as there are more than one narrative strands here. There is the modern strand: a lively amateur sleuth mystery about a young man who had once been tossed out of a polygamous community, but who goes back to exonerate his mother, who is falsely accused of murder.

Munich Audiobook by Robert Harris

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Robert Harris) — Thu, 21 Sep 2017 20:51:50 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Munich Author: Robert Harris Narrator: David Rintoul Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 38 mins Language: English Release date: 09-21-17 Publisher: Random House Audiobooks Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 24 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: From the best-selling author of Fatherland, Conclave and An Officer and a Spy. September 1938. Hitler is determined to start a war. Chamberlain is desperate to preserve the peace. The issue is to be decided in a city that will forever afterwards be notorious for what takes place there.... Munich. As Chamberlain's plane judders over the Channel and the Führer's train steams relentlessly south from Berlin, two young men travel with secrets of their own. Hugh Legat is one of Chamberlain's private secretaries; Paul Hartmann a German diplomat and member of the anti-Hitler resistance. Great friends at Oxford before Hitler came to power, they haven't seen one another since they were last in Munich six years earlier. Now, as the future of Europe hangs in the balance, their paths are destined to cross again. When the stakes are this high, who are you willing to betray? Your friends, your family, your country or your conscience? Members Reviews: excellent, shame a key passage was missing! Very enjoyable novel. Not Robert Harris's best but still a fascinating and gripping read. One complaint: this so-called unabridged recording is missing the crucial meeting between our German protagonist and Neville Chamberlain. I was thrown when characters were referencing a pivotal scene that I hadn't heard read; and when the German protagonist is leaving a location i never heard him arrive at. After thumbing through a hard copy of the novel, this scene occurs between Audible chapters 20 and 21: after the British explain to the Czechs the outcome of the agreement, and before Hartmann "leaves the hotel and suspects he is being followed". Sort it out, Audible! This is a crucial scene, the climax of the novel and what our protagonists are trying to do - without this scene the protagonists seem hugely ineffectual and their story arc is missing something vital! A Piece For Our Time? To an extent you know what you're going to get with Robert Harris's historical fiction. There's always going to be a strong feeling of time and place based on thoroughly detailed research. You're going to find characters given real depth whether they be genuine historical personalities or the the fictional ones that Harris uses to carry the story. All of that is true here in a novel that I found highly satisfying to listen to even if it didn't hit the heights of excitement. There is a dual aspect to the story in that two old college friends find themselves on opposite sides of the conference with both playing their own high stakes games. The book provides a brief but extremely important episode in their lives and the history of Europe. To me it felt as much like a docudrama as a fictional novel as the plot stuck so closely to historical fact. The narration by David Rintoul is steady with no attempt to give the non-British characters any kind of national accents. It feels entirely appropriate to the text with perhaps the only element of real theatre coming late on with some of Hitler's outbursts. Harris is clearly scratching some kind of itch here. He is returning to the subject of a documentary he made almost 30 years ago and he portrays Chamberlain with considerably more sympathy than many historians. The quality of the writing is, as you would expect from this author, is extremely high.

Victory and Honor Audiobook by W. E. B. Griffin

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (W. E. B. Griffin) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 13:50:22 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Victory and Honor Author: W. E. B. Griffin Narrator: Scott Brick Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 49 mins Language: English Release date: 08-09-11 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 461 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: The spectacular new book in New York Times best-selling author W.E.B. Griffin's Honor Bound saga of World War II espionage. Wars come to an end. But then new ones begin. Just weeks after Hitler's suicide, Cletus Frade and his colleagues in the OSS find themselves up to their necks in battles every bit as fierce as the ones just ended. The first is political - the very survival of the OSS, with every department from Treasury to War to the FBI grabbing for its covert agents and assets. The second is on a much grander scale: the possible next world war, against Joe Stalin and his voracious ambitions. To get a jump on the latter, Frade has been conducting a secret operation, one of great daring - and great danger - but to conduct it and not be discovered, he and his men must walk a perilously dark line. One slip, and everyone becomes a casualty of war. Members Reviews: Classic W.E.B. and Brick's narration wins big. This is a wonderfully entertaining addition to the extremely enjoyable OSS series. The author(s) rank at the top of the military-historical fiction genre and this story continues the well-deserved legacy. Scott Brick is one of my favorite narrators possessing a polished ease of delivery that makes any story he reads come to life. This is, as I had hoped for and expected, another carefully researched and detailed narrative. The characters are tightly and skillfully interlaced with the actual historical timeline. I was extremely pleased with the story, the excellent quality of the audio production and Mr. Brick's exceptional skills as a narrator. Highly recommended and a must-read for W.E.B. fans. Victory and Honor Scott Brick does a great job narrating this series. This was a good book, the pace moved right along and their was some action but much less than other books in the series. This book had much more suspense involved in the storyline. This is one of the few Griffin books that brought a tear to my eye toward the end of the book. I had just read a book about Harry Truman creating the CIA so when it showed up in the story line I felt very knowledgeable. Can not wait for the next book in the series. You will not waste a book credit if you choose this book. victory and honor very good book just like all the rest i have listened to i wish they would get more of the corp series Outstanding Read First book I have listened to of the honor bound series. Will not be the last. Well performed, well written and exciting historical fiction. Enjoyed the characters, the plot and writing. Did not want it to end. Is That All There Is? This was a great story, but did I miss something? Clete has two kids, Peter has one, all sorts of things have happened and we only know about them because of brief mentions in passing. Why is this only 10 hours when all the other books are over 20 hours. I gave this a good rating, but I feel like I've been shorted.

A Darker Sea Audiobook by James L. Haley

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (James L. Haley) — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 19:12:36 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: A Darker Sea Subtitle: Master Commandant Putnam and the War of 1812 Author: James L. Haley Narrator: Paul Boehmer Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 16 mins Language: English Release date: 11-14-17 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 24 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: The second installment of the gripping naval saga by award-winning historian James L. Haley, featuring Commander Bliven Putnam, chronicling the buildup to the biggest military conflict between the United States and Britain after the Revolution - the War of 1812. At the opening of the War of 1812, the British control the most powerful navy on earth, and Americans are again victims of piracy. Bliven Putnam, late of the Battle of Tripoli, is dispatched to Charleston to outfit and take command of a new 20-gun brig, the USS Tempest. Later, aboard the Constitution, he sails into the furious early fighting of the war. Prowling the South Atlantic in the Tempest, Bliven takes prizes and disrupts British merchant shipping until he is overhauled, overmatched, and disastrously defeated by the frigate HMS Java. Its captain proves to be Lord Arthur Kington, whom Bliven had so disastrously met in Naples. Onboard he also finds his old friend Sam Bandy, one of the Java's pressed American seamen kidnapped into British service. Their whispered plans to foment a mutiny among the captives may see them hang when the Constitution looms over the horizon for one of the most famous battles of the War of 1812 in a gripping, high-wire conclusion. With exquisite detail and guns-blazing action, The Tempest illuminates an unforgettable period in American history. Members Reviews: Not as good as the first book.... It wasn't as good as the first book, although the battle scenes were great. Too much delving into 21st century victimhood memes. IMHO the narration was very poor-- Boehmer does not do accents well. His Hawaiian accent sounded more like a West Indies accent while his New England Yankee accent sounded more British than Yankee. Superb Would you consider the audio edition of A Darker Sea to be better than the print version? The narrator's performance is excellent, enhancing the story. No maps with the audio version but the added value of the narrator is excellent. What was one of the most memorable moments of A Darker Sea? The very last of the story. Well Done! Economy of words to convey deep sentiments and meaning. Which character as performed by Paul Boehmer was your favorite? Yes, I will not distract by comparison with other narrators, Boehmer was outstanding, surpassed only by the story lines. If you could take any character from A Darker Sea out to dinner, who would it be and why? The author to collect insights in the story development and how specific details were selected. Any additional comments? A great book. My hope is that it becomes a national run away best selling series. The first book was equally as good. DULL Was just a running hodge podge of how Putman is the save all for the US Navy. the war of 1812 is forgotten. Amazes me how perfect him and his life are portrayed.

Wounds of Honour Audiobook by Anthony Riches

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Anthony Riches) — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 11:38:10 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Wounds of Honour Subtitle: Empire I Author: Anthony Riches Narrator: Saul Reichlin Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 32 mins Language: English Release date: 04-02-15 Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 147 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Thrilling, authentic, and action packed, this novel introduces soldier hero Marcus Valerius: a centurion stationed on Hadrian's Wall in the second century during a revolt against the Roman Empire. Marcus Valerius Aquila has scarcely landed in Britannia when he has to run for his life - condemned to dishonorable death by power-crazed emperor Commodus. The plan is to take a new name, serve in an obscure regiment on Hadrian's Wall, and lie low until he can hope for justice. Then a rebel army sweeps down from the wastes north of the wall, and Marcus has to prove he's hard enough to lead a century in the front line of a brutal, violent war. Members Reviews: Great story but ... Here's the thing. I love books about the Roman empire and this is a pretty good one. I just wish I had read it in book form. The narrator sounds like an older man and the hero is only 19 years old. The voice of the main character was just wrong to my ear and it ruined the story for me. If, like me the narrator is important to you I suggest listening to the sample clip before you spend your credit. NOT BAD FOR SOMETHING I STUMBLED UPON If he had Pebbles narrate this I think we would have a real winning series. Plenty of fast passed action with a good storyline. Worth a listen. great historical fiction read! this audiobook have strong character development as well as a good story. The performance was well done and entertaining. I enjoyed it. I'll read the next one. Fans of Roman Legions in Britannia will like this story. Nicely detailed descriptions of battles and the carnage they inflict. It's a well researched and written book. I was warned about the voice of Marcus...eh...top notch voice work though. Well researched and a treat for the Roman History fan If you like swords and sandals and well thought out historical fiction...this is a great series

Katherine Audiobook by Anya Seton

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Anya Seton) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 17:28:07 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Katherine Subtitle: A Novel Author: Anya Seton Narrator: Wanda McCaddon Format: Unabridged Length: 23 hrs and 43 mins Language: English Release date: 03-18-11 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 864 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Set in the vibrant 14th century of Chaucer and the Black Death, the classic romance Katherine features knights fighting in battle, serfs struggling in poverty, and the magnificent Plantagenets - Edward III, the Black Prince, and Richard II - who ruled despotically over a court rotten with intrigue. Within this era of danger and romance, John of Gaunt, the king's son, falls passionately in love with the already married Katherine. Their well-documented affair and love persist through decades of war, adultery, murder, loneliness, and redemption. This epic novel of conflict, cruelty, and untamable love has become a classic since its first publication in 1954. Critic Reviews: "Seton breathes life into this little-documented historical fact a glorious example of romance in its most classic literary sense." (The Austin Chronicle) Members Reviews: If you like Philippa Gregory's novels, try this! "Katherine," the story of Katherine Swynford, the mistress and eventual wife of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, is a glorious example of historical fiction. Intrinsically romantic, but firmly based on known history, "Katherine" throws light on a great love story that took place during the fascinating period in English history spanning the reigns of Edward III and Richard II. Ms. Seton is a wonderful writer and provides enough detail to allow you to feel a part of the Middle Ages, including the warmth of the nobles' ermine and glitter of the knights' gold-inlaid armor, as well as the reek of the pigyard just outside the castle keep. Moreover, she does not force her protagonists to voice overtly modern sentiments, which is such a common fault in historical novels written today. I'm willing to bet that some of our greatest new authors, like Philippa Gregory, have a treasured copy of "Katherine" in their bookshelves. Wonderful the 2nd time around, forty years later! "Katherine" was the first work of historical fiction that I ever read - when I was about 13 and I discovered it in my high school library. I absolutely adored it, and borrowed it so frequently that I don't think anyone else had a chance to read it! It was the beginning of a life long love affair with historical fiction, especially fiction set in the English royal courts and tinged with romance (though I'm not a " mass market historical romance" fan) . A few years ago, I found the same hard cover version from my old library in a used book store and bought it, rereading it many times. And the older I get (I'm now 52), the more I appreciate this wonderful story of a love that survives the years. So, I was delighted to find that "Katherine" is now available as an audio book. And it's terrific. Wanda does the story justice with a lovely reading. Immerse yourself in it, and be whisked back to 14th century England and a great story of politics, family, intrigue, and love. I know you'll enjoy it as much as I did. Left me wanting more Anya Seton I almost didn't get this book because it was written in the 1950s and I was afraid it might be stuffy and dated, but I took a chance and was well rewarded. Excellent historical fiction; just right if you want some romance and a good story with your fiction but not the cheesy bad writing and predictability of a bodice-ripper. My only complaint is that there are no other Anya Seton books available on Audible.

Tucker Audiobook by Louis L'Amour

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Louis L'Amour) — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 11:43:58 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Tucker Author: Louis L'Amour Narrator: Michael Crouch Format: Unabridged Length: 6 hrs and 8 mins Language: English Release date: 09-02-14 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 296 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: If a man won't fight for what is rightly his, then he ain't much account. With this challenge from his dying father, young Shell Tucker rode out after three men who had stolen the 20,000 dollars his father was carrying. Two of the men he hunted, Doc Sites and Kid Reese, were his friends. Dreaming of adventure, Tucker had wanted to join their gang. But now, with his father gone and the people back home desperately in need of the proceeds from the cattle drive, Shell was determined to uphold his father's reputation and recover their money. He knew the odds were against him. Finding his friends would be difficult. Getting the money back would be nearly impossible. Members Reviews: Tucker on the hunt What did you love best about Tucker? Great character who fought hard to keep the promise his father made What other book might you compare Tucker to and why? Louis L'Amour books are all good westerns. Which scene was your favorite? Tuckers settling of the score with the thief who stole the money (when you listen, you will understand). Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? Tucker was a strong-willed, Who wanted to do what was right to those who trust in his father with the cattle. I enjoyed Tuckers difficult adventures that drove him to make right that was wronged. another life lesson, from Louis L'amour Louis Glamour, read by Michael Crouch is again another fine way to spend your hours in traffic. To escape the present day city and travle in your mind horseback from Texas to Colorado to Nevada and Los Angeles in the 1870s it's always a great ride ,when you have Louis L'Amour at your side A fun read The narrator has a suitably youthful voice. Here reads well and the story itself is quite gripping. Outstanding Read As with any of L' Amour's books there in a solid story that captures your imagination and makes you feel you are living it with the characters. I highly recommend it T anyone that enjoys adventure and the western genre. Vintage L'Amour Any additional comments? This is another good L'Amour story, done in his normal style. Loving L'Amour like I do, it was very enjoyable. The narration was excellent at well.

House of Names Audiobook by Colm Tóibín

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Colm Tóibín) — Tue, 09 May 2017 01:27:56 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: House of Names Author: Colm Tóibín Narrator: Juliet Stevenson, Charlie Anson, Pippa Nixon Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 46 mins Language: English Release date: 05-09-17 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 104 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: From the thrilling imagination of best-selling, award-winning Colm Tóibín comes a retelling of the story of Clytemnestra - spectacularly audacious, violent, vengeful, lustful, and instantly compelling - and her children. "I have been acquainted with the smell of death." So begins Clytemnestra's tale of her own life in ancient Mycenae, the legendary Greek city from which her husband, King Agamemnon, left when he set sail with his army for Troy. Clytemnestra rules Mycenae now, along with her new lover, Aegisthus, and together they plot the bloody murder of Agamemnon on the day of his return after nine years at war. Judged, despised, cursed by gods she has long since lost faith in, Clytemnestra reveals the tragic saga that led to these bloody actions: how her husband deceived her eldest daughter, Iphigeneia, with a promise of marriage to Achilles, only to sacrifice her because that is what he was told would make the winds blow in his favor and take him to Troy; how she seduced and collaborated with the prisoner Aegisthus, who shared her bed in the dark and could kill; how Agamemnon came back with a lover himself; and how Clytemnestra finally achieved her vengeance for his stunning betrayal - his quest for victory greater than his love for his child. In House of Names, Colm Tóibín brings a modern sensibility and language to an ancient classic and gives this extraordinary character new life so that we not only believe Clytemnestra's thirst for revenge but applaud it. He brilliantly inhabits the mind of one of Greek myth's most powerful villains to reveal the love, lust, and pain she feels. Told in four parts, this is a fiercely dramatic portrait of a murderess who will herself be murdered by her own son, Orestes. It is Orestes' story, too: his capture by the forces of his mother's lover, Aegisthus, his escape, and his exile. And it is the story of the vengeful Electra, who watches over her mother and Aegisthus with cold anger and slow calculation until, on the return of her brother, she has the fates of both of them in her hands. Members Reviews: Power. Control. Restraint. Colm Toibin is a favorite novelist, and House of Names is one of his best. His legendary characters, whose names I vaguely knewAgamemnon, Clytemnestra, Orestes, Electrastruggle in ways that are both remote (the classical world) and current (the lust for power). The novel is filled with surprises, right until the end. The characters accept their world of unbearable violence with restraint and (often) quiet determination. This novel is so well-written, I would want to listen again. The prose is spare and often moving. By the end, I felt like I knew the palace corridors, the sunken gardens and the barren landscape as if Id seen a film. The three narrators were superb. They made judicious use of silence, giving this reader a few moments to grasp the subtlety of the characters interactions and the shock of some of the action. Overall, a superb listen. Exquisite retelling of ancient tale Would you listen to House of Names again? Why? A friend who had just read it recommended it to me. I had no idea what it was about and had I known, I probably would not have purchased it.

Possession Audiobook by A. S. Byatt

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (A. S. Byatt) — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 22:18:28 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Possession Author: A. S. Byatt Narrator: Virginia Leishman Format: Unabridged Length: 22 hrs and 48 mins Language: English Release date: 10-08-07 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 495 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: As a pair of young scholars research the lives of two Victorian poets, they uncover their letters, journals, and poems, and track their movements from London to Yorkshire - from spiritualist seances to the fairy-haunted far west of Brittany. What emerges is an extraordinary counterpoint of passion and ideas. Members Reviews: Absolutely Excellent This is one of my favorites. As a book, it is embedded with wonderful and varied texts that add up to "A Romance" -- narratives from the 19th century and 1980s, as well as fictional but authentic-sounding epic poems, mythology and folk stories, biographies, and letters. It includes very interesting characters, especially among the academics of the 1980s, and considers "possession" as a word and concept in fascinating ways. As an audiobook, Virginia Leishman brings everyone to life in her nuanced narration. I've listened to it many times and always find it a pleasure. audible poetry When holding the book in my hands, I found the long sections of history and myth woven into poetry interesting in what they revealed about the characters and the author. Strangely, many of these same sections became tedious when translated to the oral format. Perhaps I had jumped ahead or not paid full attention when reading? But when listening there is no effective way of moving the story forward without possibly missing the plot narrative. "Get on with it already!" I cried several times. A warning, the theoretical polemics of post-modern "social scientists" may seem impenetrable to those not embroiled in the verbiage of modern academia; those involved in these fields may see themselves parodied with ironic accuracy. It is words and, as stated by the author, "lists of words that arranged themselves into poems" that form the beauty of this book that ultimately leaves the romantic in tears. Challenging, but Worth It What made the experience of listening to Possession the most enjoyable? Byatt weaves together two story lines, one set in Victorian England and the other in present day academia, in England. She is an academic herself and this is probably the best (and funniest) portrayal I've come across. At the same time the themes are deep and resonant. It's hard to believe that she made the two Victorian poets out of thin air, they are so clearly drawn. What did you like best about this story? Byatt writes beautifully, but mostly she can tell a story that works as a mystery, love story, academic send-up, and an historical. Which scene was your favorite? The scene in the graveyard was the perfect crisis, exciting, evocative, satirical. Who was the most memorable character of Possession and why? Christabel LaMott, the Victorian writer and poet. Any additional comments? Byatt composed two sets of poetry for this novel, one for each of the Victorian poets. This is not light reading, but then on the other hand you can get a lot out of this novel even skipping over the poetry. The narrator really delivered, as well. no more please I listened to four chapters or five I'm not sure but the ongoing drone of the voice and not knowing when it was the narrator when it was the poet or who was who became maddening so i am giving up without the slightest bit of interest about the journey or its end.

The Whip: Inspired by the story of Charley Parkhurst Audiobook by Karen Kondazian

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Karen Kondazian) — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 14:59:32 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Whip: Inspired by the story of Charley Parkhurst Author: Karen Kondazian Narrator: Robin Weigert Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 31 mins Language: English Release date: 10-19-12 Publisher: Deyan Audio Services Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 369 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: The Whip is a multi-award winning novel inspired by the true story of Charlotte "Charley" Parkhurst (1812-1879) who lived most of her extraordinary life as a man in the Old West. As a young woman in Rhode Island, she fell in love with a runaway slave and had his child. He was lynched, her baby killed. The destruction of her family drove her west to California, dressed as a man, to track the killer. Charley became a renowned stagecoach driver for Wells Fargo. She killed a famous outlaw, had a secret love affair, and lived with a housekeeper who, unaware of her true sex, fell in love with her. Charley was the first known woman to vote in America in 1868 (as a man). Her grave lies in Watsonville, California. Members Reviews: NO EASY FRIEND IN GOD WE TRUST, ALL OTHERS PAY CASH This is more Historical and Literary, than a Western. While it is probably pretty close to true, it is extremely sad. It starts out sad, it's sad in the middle and it ends sad. Yet it is almost required reading. The things people have to go through when they are not treated as equals. Narrator is excellent. THANKS FOR THE TERRIFYING COACH RIDE AND ALMOST GETTING ME BEAT UP IN THE BAR. I guess their is some levity. Too too sad for me to finish, so a personal review Narrator is great, and the story may be great -- I made it about halfway through but the violence is so sad and horrible that I could not finish the book. I can handle some violence, and can take sadness in books, but this one was too much. The writer is good, so if you can handle it, great. MUST LISTEN Where does The Whip rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? This by far, is my favorite. It's not only true, but an exciting story. Robin Weigert is brilliant. The only actress who could have narrated this book, Robin is very, very brilliant. Robin is incredibly convincing with each character and each characters voices. I wish to see this in a movie but only if Robin plays Charlie Parkhurst. What did you like best about this story? It was based on a true story. To her ownself she was true. From not allowing the color of a man's skin or his station enter her decision to fall for the man she loved. What does Robin Weigert bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book? Robin does each voice brilliantly. Not just good but committed to a level that one usually doesn't get to experience. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. The ONLY actress who could have performed these characters so well. Robin hits a level of excellence very much appreciated by this listener. Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you? Several. When Tonia acts on her impulse to even the score for Charlie. When Charlie makes her decision to just, change after being kicked by the horse. When Charlie's old friend returns. Also, when Sugar Foot's identity was revealed to her. Any additional comments? I appreciated the obituaries at the end. The acknowledgement for this brave woman who was unofficially "the Whip" of the West. Also to know that she was probably the first woman to vote in the United States. I would like to see this and Charlie Parkhurst honored at the Western Museum in Los Angeles. The have honored the buffalo girls but this story is unique and important. I LOVED THIS BOOK! Wonderful story...wonderful performance. I didn't want it to end.

Return Engagement Audiobook by Harry Turtledove

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Harry Turtledove) — Tue, 31 May 2016 15:14:23 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Return Engagement Subtitle: Settling Accounts, Book 1 Author: Harry Turtledove Narrator: Paul Costanzo Format: Unabridged Length: 25 hrs and 32 mins Language: English Release date: 05-31-16 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 125 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: In 1914, they called it The Great War, and few could imagine anything worse. For nearly three decades, a peace forged in blood and fatigue has held sway in North America. Now, Japan dominates the Pacific, the Russian Tsar rules Alaska, and England, under Winston Churchill, chafes for a return to its former glory. But behind the façade of world order, America is a bomb waiting to go off. Jake Featherston, the megalomaniacal leader of the Confederate States of America, is just the man to light the fuse. In the White House in Philadelphia, Socialist President Al Smith is a living symbol of hope for a nation that has been through the fires of war and the flood tides of depression. In the South, Featherston and his ruling Freedom Party have put down a Negro rebellion with a bloody fist and have interned them in concentration camps. Now, they are determined to crush their Northern neighbor at any cost. Critic Reviews: "Turtledove produces yet another absorbing installment of his character-centered alternate-history saga." (Booklist) Members Reviews: Great book bad narrator Would you listen to Return Engagement again? Why? I would, inspite of me feeling the narration wasn't very good. What did you like best about this story? Seeing old and new characters from Southern Victory back again. What three words best describe Paul Costanzos voice? Not that great. Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? The scenes of blacks being killed almost made me cry. Any additional comments? They should've stuck with George Guidall as narrator. Need Guidall back!! I've read all in the order 191 series Guidall is awesome this narrator is not!! Like Roy Dotrice for the game of thrones novels when you add a a new narrator the texture and flavor of the authors delivery can be ruined Miss the old reader The new narrator for the book is not as good as the previous one. Monotonous at times. Butchers names and even a few common words. The story is great though. Definitely a good series Great Book HORRIBLE NARRATION I've read all the books in this series in print. I got involved in the audiobooks for my long drives and my typical commute to and from work. I love the books and think they're well written. George Guidell was a VERY good narrator and I enjoyed listening to his readings. Paul Costanzo is the exact opposite. It seems like he has no idea how to read with any sort of inflection. I've been waiting for five years for this release. I was surprised to find it when I searched for it. I've not even finished the reading yet but it's painful to listen to. I love this series dearly and if the publishers are reading these reviews at all: PLEASE FIND SOMEONE BETTER TO READ THESE. If you can't get George Guidell back, get someone who knows how to narrate and not make every last word sound awkward and unfamiliar. This painful narration rips you from the book entirely. Its Turtledove! I have been waiting for this forever.

The Cat of Bubastes Audiobook by G. A. Henty

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (G. A. Henty) — Fri, 16 May 2003 23:44:44 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Cat of Bubastes Author: G. A. Henty Narrator: John Bolen Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 25 mins Language: English Release date: 05-16-03 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 136 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: This arduous journey through time, customs and religion provides an adventurous and accurate insight into the ancient people of Egyptian history. Members Reviews: Hard to Understand This rendition was hard to listen to. We bought a Jim Hodges narration instead. Much better. A beautiful way to absorb fascinating history... While at first I found it hard to focus, this book grabbed me and did not let go! I have visited Egypt several times, been a docent at a huge Egyptian exhibit...but this book gave me something I did not have before: an outsiders view of the daily life of the ancient Egyptians. The main character is an educated young man from a neighboring country who is captured by the Egyptian army when his kingdom is overrun. Via his travels and experiences you gain an incredible view of daily life in Egypt. With a happy ending to boot! Avid reader This is a good book. A long book with a nice ending. Well worth listening to. I drive up and down the M1 (UK) to Warrington each week and listen to a lot of books from Audible. Some good, some bad, but this made the journey quite short and interesting. I hope you enjoy it too! Good lesson in Philosophy This is a good listen. Though not an exciting read, it is enlightening, and mindful. Highly recommends this book for the wisdom in the message of the story. Audio Review Only Having so much enjoyed a previous audible in the same genre (Henty's "The Lion St. Mark's"), I was really looking forward to a second pleasant experience. I can't say how I feel about this book, only about the narration. It bothered me so much that after about an hour of listening, the patterned speech and accent of the narrator became so irritating to me that I couldn't continue.

Pastel Orphans Audiobook by Gemma Liviero

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Gemma Liviero) — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 21:08:19 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Pastel Orphans Author: Gemma Liviero Narrator: Whitney Dykhouse, Nick Podehl, Amy McFadden Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 7 mins Language: English Release date: 06-02-15 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1302 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: In 1930s Berlin, young Henrik, the son of a Jewish father and Aryan mother, watches the world around him crumbling: people are rioting in the streets, a strange yellow star begins appearing in shop windows, and friends are forced to move - or they simply disappear. After his father becomes gravely ill, Henrik and his little sister, Greta, are taken by their mother to Poland for safety. However, not even the pastoral surroundings of their new home can protect them from the terrors of war. When the Nazis invade and Greta is kidnapped, Henrik must shed his youthful innocence and search for his lost sister, a quest that will further reveal a harrowing landscape of violence and struggle - but also unexpected connections. Uniquely told from the perspective of youth plunged into adult chaos, Pastel Orphans is a coming-of-age story that explores profound lessons in self-belief, kindness, and human endurance. Revised edition: This edition of Pastel Orphans includes editorial revisions. Members Reviews: "Family over anything" What would you do for your family - your loved ones? For me, I'd do anything - give my last breath for them. This story is about a family that wIll do ANYTHING for each other. It's did everything to my heart - it warmed it, broke it, twisted it, and warmed I it. It made laugh, cry, rage, gag and cry again. happy, sad, torn tears. This book is a must read. It's a story of family loyalty. Love has no boundaries. Powerful, tragic and beautiful story Pastel orphans were children with strong Aryan appearances kidnapped by the Nazis for future breeding of the Aryan race. This novel is about the Salomon family in Germany starting in 1931 and except for the final chapter ending at the end of WWII. The settings are Germany and Poland. The Salomon's are a German Jew husband, his German Aryan wife and their son Henrik and their daughter Greta. Henrik is 7 years older than Greta. Rebecca, a German Jewish girl who befriends Henrik, is also a main character. Greta, who resembles her Aryan mother with light skin, blond hair and blue eyes, is kidnapped by the Nazis and is one of the pastel orphans. The novel is beautifully written. The story is told in the first person first of Henrik, then Rebecca, and finally Greta. The two women narrators are flawless. Nick Podehl, the voice of Henrik, takes on the almost impossible task of doing his voice from early childhood to early adulthood. Although I'm not particularly fond of the early childhood voice, Podehl does a remarkable job. This is a great book for all ages from elementary school to age 100. I recommend this book without reservation. An amazing story of brotherly love I've read many books about the Holocaust and each time I do, it breaks my heart. This is one story I couldn't put down. It gives insight to the events during that era and the harrowing experiences that many suffered through. I had no idea that there were children that had been kidnapped and raised by the Nazis or entered into breeding programs to create a pure "Aryan" race. Great characters that you can relate to, an unusual angle to look at the war. A great read. Told by Children of War, During War, Powerful A very different tale of life for Jews during WWII . . . Pastel Orphans, told in the voices of the children who are running, who are hiding . . .

A Woman's Place Audiobook by Lynn Austin

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Lynn Austin) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 08:46:08 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: A Woman's Place Author: Lynn Austin Narrator: Christina Moore Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 33 mins Language: English Release date: 03-31-08 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 390 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Written from four diverse viewpoints, A Woman's Place is an emotionally rich glimpse of life in World Ware II America. Lynn Austin's three Christy Awards include one for Hidden Places, which was made into a popular Hallmark film. Critic Reviews: "An engrossing read...a very enjoyable journey." (Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: Complex insights on personal perspective. Any additional comments? I am new to Lynn Austin books and took a chance because I was interested in the home front during WWII. The story telling is excellent. The characters are developed masterfully--subtly drawing the reader into a tale of strength, change in adversity and the importance of finding friendship in unlikely places. Austin repeatedly shows how things are not always as they seem on first glance. Ideas of roles, expectations and preconceived notions are examined through the daily lives of the characters. It was a positive, redemptive story that was honestly told and completely engaging until the end. A pleasure. A Woman's Place Narrator did a fantastic job of distinguishing between all the characters. I would have rated the story five stars if it had not been for the author ending the story very abruptly and left you wondering if there is going to be a sequel - some unanswered questions. Very much enjoyed the story line. Didn't want this book to end! Lynn Austin is just sooo good! She has a way of really getting the reader involved in the time period in which her stories are set. She also truly brings life to her characters...it makes you want to know them personally. And of the course the cherry on the top is the spiritual inspiration for those of us looking for Christian novels. Awesome book. Surprisingly carried away... Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why? Absolutely! This story took me on an unexpected journey that touched so many parts of my book lover's soul. What did you like best about this story? The ability of this author to entertwine these 4 women's varied lives into a rich friendship despite their many obstacles. Which scene was your favorite? I felt like the sneaky "bug on the wall" when Rosa's vodka laced peach juice was included in the punch ingredients by her unknowing mother-in-law for her Ladies Missionary Society meeting at her house. I so wanted to join in the rollicking fun as these ladies loosened and giggled their way through the meeting. I'm sure it was touted as the best meeting ever! 2ndly...actually another 1st fave. The scene where Meinhard Kesler, a German POW working next to Jean (who harbors a deep hatred and resentment for Germans) humbles himself and asks her forgiveness for "whatever it is I have done to make you hate me". Kesler recognizes her bitterness as he was once the same...he lost his wife and son to the same war. Jean is unable to accept his plea for forgiveness. The mix of conflictive emotions this interaction brings about has powerful affects. It is dealt more with later in the book.

Mary Queen of Scotland and the Isles Audiobook by Margaret George

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Margaret George) — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 10:15:43 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Mary Queen of Scotland and the Isles Author: Margaret George Narrator: Donada Peters Format: Unabridged Length: 42 hrs and 39 mins Language: English Release date: 01-17-07 Publisher: Books on Tape Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 387 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: An exhaustively researched novel weaves both historical fact and plausible fiction in bringing the story of Mary Queen of Scots to life. ©1992 Margaret George; (P)1998 Books on Tape Critic Reviews: "An evocative portrait." (The New York Times Book Review) "The best kind of historical novel, one the reader can't wait to get lost in." (San Francisco Chronicle "George has creative a lively, gallant Mary of intelligence, charm and terrible judgment....A popular, readable, inordinately moving tribute to a remarkable queen." (Kirkus Reviews) Members Reviews: Well written, well read As with all of Margaret George's books, this is an entertaining, mostly accurate historical accounting of an interesting life. George manages to portray several different facets of the Queen's personality, a willful, foolish girl, a haughty self-centered woman, a not very skilled tactician and a woman who is a victim of the times. By the end of the book I was fed up with Mary's careless disregard for the lives of her subjects and wasn't overly saddened by her fate. I believe that history has shown Mary to be far more devious than this book lets on, but it is after all, fiction. This is a lengthy book well worth the time invested in listening. The narration is excellent. Loved It! Great character development and great narration. If you love history and have spent any time reading about Mary Stuart you will enjoy this book. I definately recommend it. My Favorite Audible Book yet What made the experience of listening to Mary Queen of Scotland and the Isles the most enjoyable? Margaret George wrote an amazing depiction of Queen Mary's life and Donada Peter's led me on that journey with an amazing performance. What about Donada Peterss performance did you like? Donada Peters took me back to Queen Mary's life. I felt like I was there. Amazing performance. I'll seek out book that she has performed. Historical Accuracy I was happy to hear, in the Author notes at the end, that of the over 200 names mentioned only 2 were fabricated. A true historical fiction which humanizes history. Thank you. Phenomenally written book and narration! What made the experience of listening to Mary Queen of Scotland and the Isles the most enjoyable? The narrator "acted" out the whole novel. I could not believe how talented she was to have given each character a different voice, and personality. The accents were delightful to listen to, without being too thick to understand. The book itself was very well written and I was shocked to learn so much about history just in one book about a single woman. This is, by far the BEST audible book I have had the pleasure of listening to. Definitely, a must buy! Who was your favorite character and why? Mary, she was a strong, sweet and caring woman. Piously Catholic, even to her end.

Before We Were Yours Audiobook by Lisa Wingate

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Lisa Wingate) — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 02:41:32 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Before We Were Yours Author: Lisa Wingate Narrator: Catherine Taber, Emily Rankin Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 28 mins Language: English Release date: 11-30-17 Publisher: Quercus Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 7 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Memphis, 1939. Twelve-year-old Rill Foss and her four younger siblings live a magical life aboard their family's Mississippi River shantyboat. But when their father must rush their mother to the hospital one stormy night, Rill is left in charge, until strangers arrive in force. Wrenched from all that is familiar and thrown into a Tennessee Children's Home Society orphanage, the Foss children are assured that they will soon be returned to their parents - but they quickly realize the dark truth.... Aiken, South Carolina, present day. Born into wealth and privilege, Avery Stafford seems to have it all: a successful career, a handsome fiancé, and a lavish wedding on the horizon. But when Avery returns home to help her father weather a health crisis, a chance encounter leaves her with uncomfortable questions and compels her to take a journey through her family's long-hidden history, on a path that will ultimately lead either to devastation or to redemption. Based on one of America's most notorious real-life scandals, in which Georgia Tann, director of a Memphis-based adoption organization, kidnapped and sold poor children to wealthy families all over the country, Before We Were Yours is a riveting, wrenching and ultimately uplifting tale. Critic Reviews: "Lisa Wingate takes an almost unthinkable chapter in our nation's history and weaves a tale of enduring power." (Paula McLain) Members Reviews: thoroughly enjoyed it Little bit slow to start but once it got going I was hooked. I really enjoyed this story but it wasn't without it's faults. Rill's narration was far more interesting than Avery's, and I found Avery to be a little dense for such a smart woman. The narration was great. I think what I found most interesting was it was based on true events and since reading this book I've looked up a lot to do with the orphanage. I would recommend this listen. Well written. A gripping story, and good narrators I really enjoyed this book, even though the love story was a bit obvious. Although these people didn't exist, the stories are based on history, so it was very gripping. Hard to imagine what the parents and children went through. The narration was spot on. I liked having two narrators for Rill and Averly because it made the story easier to follow.

Raiders Wake: A Novel of Viking Age Ireland Audiobook by James L. Nelson

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (James L. Nelson) — Tue, 26 Sep 2017 20:54:48 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Raiders Wake: A Novel of Viking Age Ireland Subtitle: The Norsemen Saga, Book 6 Author: James L. Nelson Narrator: Shaun Grindell Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 2 mins Language: English Release date: 09-26-17 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 46 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: After the treachery and slaughter they met during the raid on Glendalough, Thorgrim Night Wolf and his small band of surviving Northmen have returned to Vik-lo, where Thorgrim again sits as lord of the Viking longphort. But the Northmen are a restless lot, and soon they find themselves eager to put to sea. Loading weapons and supplies aboard the four longships under Thorgrim's command, they set out in search of the rich merchant ships that now ply Irish waters. But not all cargoes are the same, nor all merchant captains easy targets for the Norse raiders. Crossing wakes with a Frisian shipmaster who could be Thorgrim's equal in seamanship and cunning, the Northmen soon find themselves seeking vengeance even as they fight to keep from a watery grave. Members Reviews: Ends Very Fast No real meat to the story felt rushed and ended with nothing of substance really taking place. Another great chapter of the Norsemen Saga. The author's Mariner background really shines in this book. Another captivating novel. I can't wait for the next book! Please don't keep us waiting for the next episode. Latest in a wonderful series. Well written and narrated. Where will the Norsemen go next? Keep 'em coming James. A great Viking story I have read all the books in this series and enjoyed them all and look forward to the next chapter in this saga.

The Baltic Prize Audiobook by Julian Stockwin

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Julian Stockwin) — Thu, 16 Nov 2017 00:43:46 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Baltic Prize Subtitle: Thomas Kydd, Book 19 Author: Julian Stockwin Narrator: Christian Rodska Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 8 mins Language: English Release date: 11-16-17 Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 14 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: The 19th novel in Julian Stockwin's acclaimed Captain Kydd series. It's 1808. Parted from his new bride, Captain Sir Thomas Kydd is called away to join the Northern Expedition to Sweden, now Britain's only ally in the Baltic. Following the sudden declaration of war by Russia, and with the consequent threat of the czar's great fleet in St Petersburg, the expedition must defend Britain's dearly won freedom in those waters. However, Kydd finds his popular fame as a frigate captain is a poisoned chalice; in the face of jealousy and envy from his fellow captains, the distrust of the commander-in-chief and the betrayal of friendship by a former brother-in-arms now made his subordinate, can he redeem his reputation? In an entirely hostile sea, Tyger ranges from the frozen north to the deadly confines of the Danish Sound - and plays a pivotal role in the situation ensuing after the czar's sudden attack on Finland. This climaxes in the first clash of fleets between Great Britain and Russia in history. To the victor will be the prize of the Baltic! Members Reviews: This Book is the Prize! Having read a real mix of books recently it was wonderful to get the sea breeze of Christian Rodskas narration in my face as he delivers another excellent tale of adventure featuring the daring Captain Kydd! The last couple of books in this otherwise fabulous series havent been my favourites but this one is right bang in form. Lots of action, lots of intrigue and lots of Kydd himself doing what he does best. This was a hugely dangerous time for England, another case of the many owing much to the few. So much stood on a knife edge and Stockwin re-creates the tension in fine style. It comes across as a series of mini adventures for Kydd and his crew with land action, sea action, chases and Kydd using that head piece of his to solve complex issues. Of course there is an element of unreality that so much can happen to one man but using it Stockwin gives us some of the classic moments from what was a crazy time in history. Major events were often decided by fantastic bravery, dedication and heroism but at least as often it was blind chance, subterfuge and sadly outright stupidity. We get all of this in one book set in the cold grey tracts of the Baltic Sea. So, if youve loved the Kydd adventures of the past youll probably love this one even if Kydd does travel without his greatest friend and confidant. For me I will happily raise a glass to the next nineteen books! Highly enjoyable. Good storyline, well researched
Loved it. Brilliantly narrated. One really felt listening to this audiobook as if one was there right in the thick of it. Thank you Julian Stockwin & Christian Rodska

Claudius the God Audiobook by Robert Graves

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Robert Graves) — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:47:14 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Claudius the God Author: Robert Graves Narrator: Nelson Runger Format: Unabridged Length: 19 hrs and 45 mins Language: English Release date: 03-10-08 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 345 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Robert Graves continues Claudius' story with the epic adulteries of Messalina, King Herod Agrippa's betrayal of his old friend, and the final arrival of that bloodthirsty teenager, Nero. Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend us your ears: don't miss the first book, . ©1962 Robert Graves; (P)1987 Recorded Books Critic Reviews: "This book, with or without its predecessor, is amusing and illuminating to a high degree." (The New York Times) Members Reviews: Don't Stop With I Claudius This is really I Claudius, Vol II. The story continues. The story moves like that of a good novel. The history is good to learn while enjoying a good read. You realize from reading between the lines and from comparing to what historians believe that this account is quite biased toward Claudius. But, this is after all written in the form of an autobiography, so what would you expect? The subplot of Herod is an interesting one. As good as the first... The books makes a fine sequel to "I, Claudius," which I've already reviewed as being excellent. If you enjoyed that book, then you will obviously enjoy this fine piece of historical fiction. This is a fictional autobiography of Claudius, fourth emperor of the Roman Empire. It is a narration of those events which transpired after Claudius became emperor. He has survived the reigns of the expedient Augustus, the perverse Tiberius, and the insane Caligula, where few others in his line have. But how long can he survive his wives? Claudius is a sympathetic emperor and the narrator is entirely believable as Claudius himself. Attached to the end of this audiobook are readings from translations of Suetonius, Tacitus, and Cassius Dio regarding the death of Claudius as well as all that remains of Seneca's Apocolocyntosis. The translations are somewhat stilted but provide an interesting contrast between Graves' depiction of Claudius and those of the Roman Senators. The Deified King of Historical Fiction I, Claudius and Claudius the God and His Wife Messalina are two of the greatest novels of historical fiction EVER. Probably the only writers who come close to Grave's mastery of history and literature are (in no particular order): Gore Vidal (Lincoln, Burr, etc), Hilary Mantel (Wolf Hall, Bring Up the Bodies) and Norman Mailer (The Executioner's Song, Harlot's Ghost). Obviously, Shakespeare is the master of historical fiction/drama but he is so obviously the deified king of this that the Shakespearian 'sun needs no inscription to distinguish him from darkness'. Grave's dilogy must be intimidating to a historian of Imperial Rome. The personality of Claudius has been so deeply set by Graves that I'm not sure any tweaking by modern historians will be able to fool with Grave's fool. The Genius of 'I, Claudius' and 'Glaudius the God' is derived from Graves' ability to create such an amazingly rich and deep literary character. The closest I've come across in recent times is Hilary Mantel's Thomas Cromwell. Books like these are rare and seem to grow more amazing with each year. A necessary sequel I suppose there was no way Graves could have not written this given the success of the first book and the sense of having broken off in the middle. From the great BBC miniseries, this was the part I best remembered and looked forward to. Somehow the magic wasn't there for me.

Sharpe's Gold Audiobook by Bernard Cornwell

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Bernard Cornwell) — Thu, 30 Dec 1999 10:47:09 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Sharpe's Gold Subtitle: Book IX of the Sharpe Series Author: Bernard Cornwell Narrator: Frederick Davidson Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 41 mins Language: English Release date: 12-30-99 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 510 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: In this novel, the third in a series that will take the magnetic Sharpe all the way from Talavera (Sharpe's Rifles) to the glory of Waterloo, Bernard Cornwell tells the gripping story of Sharpe's secret mission, an adventure unlike an form of warfare Sharpe has known in his long and embattled career as a soldier fighting his way up through the ranks. Critic Reviews: "Consistently exciting....These are wonderful novels!" (Stephen King) Members Reviews: Great Fun Great fun, lots of adventure, some history. I liked all of Bernard Cornwell Sharpe's books so much that I was deeply depressed when I finished the last one available at audible. More Please! Enjoyable historical fiction . . . . . . . . My first Captain Richard Sharpe book out of at least 10 that are written. This one takes place around 1810 and our protagonist is a Rifleman with the British Light Infantry. Their early war invention is colored pig bladders hoisted high on a large yardarm from a high tower to communicate some miles away to the next station. 1810 technology! _______________________________________________________ 5 stars is great (I rarely give this rating). 4 stars is good (given only to interesting and well-written books). 3 stars is OK (the usual listen I encounter on Audible). 2 stars is poor (and not worth the credit or the listen). 1 star is awful (and to be diss'ed and shunned and spread as thus through out the Audible Universe)! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Good read Not the capture volume of others in the sharpe titles, but still a good read. The best of the Sharpe's series This book was the second book in the series I ever read and I believe it is the best. Full of twists & turns, action, and a thriller thrown in. Sharpe actually shows his remorseful side! Frederick Davidson is excellent with the accents and keeping the story moving. A pleasure to listen to him. Sit back and enjoy a nice piece of literature unfold with a great story, characters, descriptions and narration. Another great book in the series This book follows the career of Richard Sharpe who is put in an inevitable position by his general.

Wars of the Roses Audiobook by Conn Iggulden

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Conn Iggulden) — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 17:29:59 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Wars of the Roses Subtitle: Stormbird Author: Conn Iggulden Narrator: John Curless Format: Unabridged Length: 16 hrs and 17 mins Language: English Release date: 07-08-14 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 194 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: In 1437, the Lancaster king Henry VI ascends the throne of England after years of semi-peaceful regency. Named "The Lamb," Henry is famed more for his gentle and pious nature than his father's famous battlefield exploits; already, his dependence on his closest men has stirred whispers of weakness at court. A secret truce negotiated with France to trade British territories for a royal bride - Margaret of Anjou - sparks revolts across English territory. The rival royal line, the House of York, sees the chaos brought on by Henry's weakness and with it not only opportunity in the monarch, but also their patriotic duty in ousting an ineffectual king. As storm clouds gather over England, King Henry and his supporters find themselves besieged abroad and at home. Who or what can save the kingdom before it is too late? Members Reviews: Excellent! As ever, Iggulden is a master of research and of embodying characters, both real and imagined. Curless' voices are nuanced and satisfying, like salt to the roast! Needs much more historical accuracy Would you try another book from Conn Iggulden and/or John Curless? No What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!) Meh Have you listened to any of John Curlesss other performances before? How does this one compare? Nope Could you see Wars of the Roses being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be? Nope, too inaccurate Any additional comments? He fictionalized the Cade Rebellion way beyond poetic license. The citizens of London did the fighting, no Knights or King's troops. Margaret went with Henry too, she wasn't in the Tower during the rebellion. That kind of error shows lack of research and you shouldn't do that in Historical Fiction. It makes me question the whole book and those other he's written. Great Book for Game of Thrones War of Roses Fans Would you listen to Wars of the Roses again? Why? i really liked this book own the whole series and listen to these many times. The story is well known and told so many times that this series brings some new dimensions that gave the story a depth that includes POV characters for the major players , these are well read and entertaining, especially after a first listen. What other book might you compare Wars of the Roses to and why? All of the details engaging military and political history are just great. If you could take any character from Wars of the Roses out to dinner, who would it be and why? Richard III Great book Was a great read, one of the best books I read in a while, narrator was amazing! Onto the next one in series. History with an interesting twist If you could sum up Wars of the Roses in three words, what would they be? broken system power Who was your favorite character and why? Dairy, and the queen both wanted the same thing to see Henry V1 same his people Which scene was your favorite? Storming of the tower, and the kaos of London under attack Who was the most memorable character of Wars of the Roses and why? The king for he was a good hearted man, just had a feeble body Any additional comments? I enjoyed the story that added interest in dry historical facts, although the author admits some slight errors to make the story more interesting

Island Beneath the Sea Audiobook by Isabel Allende

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Isabel Allende) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 15:17:03 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Island Beneath the Sea Subtitle: A Novel Author: Isabel Allende Narrator: S. Epatha Merkerson Format: Unabridged Length: 17 hrs and 58 mins Language: English Release date: 04-27-10 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 870 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Born a slave on the island of Saint-Domingue, Zarit - known as Tt - is the daughter of an African mother she never knew and one of the white sailors who brought her into bondage. Though her childhood is one of brutality and fear, Tt finds solace in the traditional rhythms of African drums and in the voodoo loas she discovers through her fellow slaves. When 20-year-old Toulouse Valmorain arrives on the island in 1770, its with powdered wigs in his baggage and dreams of financial success in his mind. But running his fathers plantation, Saint Lazare, is neither glamorous nor easy. It will be eight years before he brings home a bride - but marriage, too, proves more difficult than he imagined. And Valmorain remains dependent on the services of his teenaged slave. Spanning four decades, Island Beneath the Sea is the moving story of the intertwined lives of Tt and Valmorain, and of one woman's determination to find love amid loss, to offer humanity though her own has been battered, and to forge her own identity in the cruellest of circumstances. Critic Reviews: "In a many-faceted plot, Allende animates irresistible characters authentic in their emotional turmoil and pragmatic adaptability. She also captures the racial, sexual, and entrepreneurial dynamics of each society in sensuous detail while masterfully dramatizing the psychic wounds of slavery. Sexually explicit, Allende is grace incarnate in her evocations of the spiritual energy that still sustains the beleaguered people of Haiti and New Orleans." (Booklist) Members Reviews: excellent listen When I decided on this book I wasn't really sure how I would enjoy the subject but it had good reviews and was on the NY Times bestseller list. But with a setting first in Haiti with the French in charge in the late 1700's, slavery, the slave rebellion, a move to New Orleans of both French and slaves along with excellent writing by the author I found I really did enjoy it. Both from an historical and human perspective, it was easy to keep listening and the book just rolled along. good story, ok narration I couldn't stop listening. Ideal audiobook for me: good story, well written and not too heavy. Good to listen to while you're doing something else. The narration wasn't wonderful, any French names/words were butchered, but it didn't bother me too much. Don't Overlook This Book My favorite listen of the summer. It makes you start to understand why Haiti is the doormat of the world and hard to embrace...why they are what they are now in total impoverishment. I love historical novels as it is a great way to get the history down. And this book does not disappoint. Good story but the narration was a bit off Being a Spanish major who has studied abroad to Chile, I was introduced to Isabel Allende's work while in college. Of the books that I have read by her, The House of the Spirits and Mi Pais Inventado (My Invented Country), I have enjoyed how Allende ties in history with an intriguing story. I have to say that I did not quite enjoy this novel as much as the others. This could be because I am not as involved emotionally with the history of Hispanola and the slave revolt as I am with Chilean history. I did, however, gain an appreciation for what it would have been like for a slave or non-white during this time and how many attitudes in Haiti, Santo Domingo, and the United States have come to be.

The Captains Audiobook by W. E. B. Griffin

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (W. E. B. Griffin) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 11:22:09 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. 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.

Celia Garth Audiobook by Gwen Bristow

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Gwen Bristow) — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 14:13:48 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Celia Garth Author: Gwen Bristow Narrator: Gabra Zackman Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 38 mins Language: English Release date: 01-18-18 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 3 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: A bustling port city, Charleston, South Carolina, is the crossroads of the American Revolution, where supplies and weapons for the rebel army must be unloaded and smuggled north. From the window of the dressmaker's shop where she works, lovely Celia Garth, recently engaged to the heir to a magnificent plantation, watches all of this thrilling activity. When the unthinkable occurs and the British capture and occupy Charleston, bringing fiery retribution to the surrounding countryside, Celia sees her world destroyed. The rebel cause seems lost until the Swamp Fox, American general Francis Marion, takes the fight to the British - and one of his daring young soldiers recruits Celia to spy on the rebels' behalf. Out of the ashes of Charleston and the Carolina countryside will rise a new nation - and a love that will change Celia Garth forever in this historical romance hailed by the Chicago Tribune as "an exciting tale of love and war in the tradition of Gone with the Wind". Members Reviews: Holds up well Another Old Skool romance, this book has aged remarkably well. Originally published in 1959, I remember reading it in high school. When it turned up on one of my subscription services, I was curious as to whether it would hold up over this years. Remarkably, it did, although today it would probably be labeled YA rather than something for adults. The story of a young seamstress caught up in the drama of the War for Independence, it draws the reader into the events of the Revolutionary War as seen through the eyes of one young woman. An orphan, Celia enter the employ of the notoriously picky Vivian Lacy, who can't find a dressmaker to suit her. Celia takes on the job and find Mrs. Lacy a perfectionist, but otherwise easy to work for. As time goes on her life becomes ever more intertwined with Mrs. Lacy as the war steps up in intensity. The everyday lives of regular people under British occupation shows the stresses of being a revolutionary masquerading as a loyalist. As long as her safety is not threatened she works in the dress shop, where she keeps her ears open and passes along bits of information about British activity. A pleasant read, although very much a work of the 50s, the book holds up very well. Historical YA Romantic Fiction I was trying to classify this book after I read it and basicly I realized it didn't really fit perfectly into any one group. Truth be told there is a little bit of a lot of things in this book, and no one aspect totally takes over the book. I guess, given the positive reviews that is a good thing, I know I enjoyed it, and while I'd read it over again, I will say that it never got to the point where I'd consider it a favorite, which is why it's a four star read instead a five star. Everything about Celie Garth the book, and the character, is good, so things are great. The history in the book is wonderful, the "live" parts, those which Celia lives through like the siege on Charleston are not only informative, but also intersting. Those which happen off page but are relaid to her are also informative, but for their second hand account not as interesting, mainly because characters find out the result of then get the whole story, also these descriptions go on for a few pages and since they already happened it just kind of takes you out of the ongoing story a little bit.

The Apothecary's Daughter Audiobook by Julie Klassen

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Julie Klassen) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 18:01:57 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Apothecary's Daughter Author: Julie Klassen Narrator: Davina Porter Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 43 mins Language: English Release date: 04-16-09 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 372 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: After enjoying London's sophisticated society and the attentions of wealthy suitors, Lilly returns home to help her ailing dad. Determined to resurrect his apothecary business, Lilly labors tirelessly - praying her family's secrets and her rivals' schemes won't cloud her future. Critic Reviews: "...an emotionally compelling and quietly powerful tale." (Booklist) Members Reviews: A well told tale This book was a sweet story with characters that grew in complexity throughout the tale. For a few days, I escaped into the garden, and the shop, and the village. A couple of characters were developed, and left hanging, as one situation was minimalized too simply after having so much time and concern devoted to it throughout the book,but over all, I really enjoyed this book. A really sweet story Would you consider the audio edition of The Apothecary's Daughter to be better than the print version? Yes because anything read by Davina Porter is better than reading it myself. I love to listen to her- What did you like best about this story? My favorite thing about this story is that you didn't know who Lily was going to end up with. Often the reader knows fairly early who will end up together and the rest of the story is about their ups and downs. I liked that this was Lily's story and she wasn't sure who she wanted until the very end. I also like how you see Lily's growth and maturity throughout the book as well as the ending. It is very satisfying and not all tired up with a ' happily ever after' bow-it isn't tragic but it is realistic. What does Davina Porter bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book? Her accents and her voice-AMAZING. I love her northern England accents almost as well as her Scottish ones. Her narration and interpretations of books increases the quality of the story immensely. I will listen to anything she narrates and am trying to listen to all of her books. Any additional comments? I don't know why I can't edit my 'overall' score- it should be 5 stars, I just didn't catch the mistake until I previewed my review. I think it is a 5 star book in every category. Great on audio Wonderful narration and this title is probably best on audio. Interesting characters and plot and lots of little historical tidbit "gifts" to the reader/listener. I think it would be a little slower and too much narrative for a regular-read book. Great for audio because you could listen to this several times and still enjoy it. The reader should think of this as a romantic historical not a historical romance. Has a literary feel to it. It was obvious that Ms. Klassen put a tremendous amount of work into this book. Wonderful This was a delightful listen; the plot was not perdictable; the reader was excellent; I learned a lot about that era--especially women and the apothecary. Would recommend highly. wonderful! Where does The Apothecary's Daughter rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? Great book; author masterfully described the inner workings of the human soul. I cried few times while listening - characters seem to be so real, their emotional pain so intimately familiar, so genuine. This story re-invigorates faith in devotion of a true friendship, commitment and love. I disagree with others that note this book is intended for Christian audiences.

Valley of the Kings: The 18th Dynasty Audiobook by Terrance Coffey

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Terrance Coffey) — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 05:24:28 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Valley of the Kings: The 18th Dynasty Subtitle: Valley of the Kings Series, Book 1 Author: Terrance Coffey Narrator: Sean Crisden Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 7 mins Language: English Release date: 12-19-17 Publisher: Tantor Audio Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: After the untimely death of his older brother, six-year-old Prince Amenhotep IV becomes the unlikely heir to the Egyptian throne, the most powerful kingship in the ancient world. By the time he becomes pharaoh over a decade later, the growing influence of the wealthy and corrupt Amun priesthood threatens to undermine his sovereignty. Desperate to maintain power, Amenhotep outlaws the Amun religion, renames himself Akenaten, and proclaims himself the living incarnation of a single, all-powerful deity - the Aten, or sun. With the help of his headstrong mother, Queen Ty, and his beautiful wife, Nefertiti, Akenaten erects a new capital in the desert and entices thousands of citizens to uproot their lives and join him there. But the magnificent new capital harbors a host of new threats: betrayals, curses, conniving relatives, murderous jealousies, plagues, famine, hidden heretics, and foreign enemies. Inspired by the Hittite and Amarna letters of the 14th century B.C.E., Valley of the Kings: The 18th Dynasty is a novel of intrigue, passion, and betrayal, resurrecting the thrilling story of a singular leader whose beliefs were both visionary and disastrous. Members Reviews: Loved it! Ancient Egypt, and in particular, the 18th Dynasty, is one of my favorite periods to read about. Although there are many books about Ahkenaten and Nefertiti, this one is right up there with the best of them. This one was a Kindle Scout selected publication that I voted for and I am glad it was chosen. Well written and entertaining. I hope the author comes out with a follow up on Ramses. Five Stars If you like historical fiction you will enjoy this book. Enjoyed reading the entire family history Most have heard parts of this story, but never the entire history. Enjoyed reading the entire family history, from Grandfather to Tut. Looking forward to the extension of the Egyptian Dynasty. Three Stars Good. Valley of the Kings: Prequel Very interesting and entertaining view about King Tut's grandparents and parents.

The Memoirs of Cleopatra Audiobook by Margaret George

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Margaret George) — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 16:09:18 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Memoirs of Cleopatra Author: Margaret George Narrator: Donada Peters Format: Unabridged Length: 49 hrs and 55 mins Language: English Release date: 01-18-07 Publisher: Books on Tape Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 467 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: This novel allows the unscrupulous and proud Queen of the Nile to recount her own tale. A masterful recreation of history. ©1997 Margaret George (P)1998 Books on Tape Critic Reviews: "A thrilling story...[Cleopatra's] 'memoirs' are vivid and enthralling. Read them." (Washington Post) "Readers looking to be transported to another place and time will find their magic carpet here." (Publishers Weekly) "An extremely detailed historical novel....this accurate re-creation of a vastly interesting time and place will not disappoint." (Booklist) Members Reviews: I felt like I was there Let's face it, history can be boring. Not so this account of the life of Cleopatra. Sure, I get all the names confused, and at times I found myself referring to a map to see where everything was happening, but listening to this account for a couple of hours each day on my ride to work I felt like I was spending time with an intimate friend. The author has a marvelous way of mixing historic accounts with a touch of a harlaquine romance (we are talking about Cleopatra.) By the time I was through with this story I felt I knew not only Cleopatra, but the whole cast of charecters in a new and unique way. Well done! fascinating Don't let other reviewers' impressions of the narrators' voices put you off. This is a powerful story told from a unique perspective, and is not to be missed. If you're interested in ancient Egyptian culture, you won't be disappointed. If you're interested in intimate details of daily life - fashion, style, design, entertaining and religion - you won't be sorry. Fact and Fiction This is a wonderful story with historical references. If you are a history buff and also enjoy good fiction, this is a truly captivating story. One of the greatest story's ever told, and told again and again. I truly enjoyed this version. Wonderful account of a great person from history I have read all of Margaret George's books and lately have been revisiting them through audio.com and this story is even more thrilling than the read. The Heart and Mind of a Queen As Cleopatra herself states within this book, people love an elemental story. What could be more elemental than love, ambition, and power? I read this book in paper form years ago, and it's a treat to go through it again in audio. The narrator, Donada Peters, sounded familiar to me, and a quick search revealed that I had heard her previously through other pseudonyms, chief amongst them Nadia May. She has an authoritative voice for the historical narratives I've heard her perform, and while she seemed a bit of an odd choice at first for the voice of Egypt's last queen, she quickly won me over for all of the characters. That's important for a story of this scale where character is chief amongst the attributes needed to pull it off. Margaret George's works never cease to impress me. As an historian, her works are meticulously researched to ensure the known facts are present within the tale. As a storyteller, her pacing is just fast enough to keep things moving, but it's slow and languid enough to really build the details of character and setting. As I said, character is chief amongst the attributes needed to pull off a story like this, and this is where the author's skills truly excel.

Against the Day Audiobook by Thomas Pynchon

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Thomas Pynchon) — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 16:30:23 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Against the Day Subtitle: A Novel Author: Thomas Pynchon Narrator: Dick Hill Format: Unabridged Length: 53 hrs and 31 mins Language: English Release date: 01-12-07 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 300 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: "Spanning the period between the Chicago World's Fair of 1893 and the years just after World War I, this novel moves from the labor troubles in Colorado to turn-of-the-century New York, to London and Gottingen, Venice and Vienna, the Balkans, Central Asia, Siberia at the time of the mysterious Tunguska Event, Mexico during the Revolution, postwar Paris, silent-era Hollywood, and one or two places not strictly speaking on the map at all. "With a worldwide disaster looming just a few years ahead, it is a time of unrestrained corporate greed, false religiosity, moronic fecklessness, and evil intent in high places. No reference to the present day is intended or should be inferred. The sizable cast of characters includes anarchists, balloonists, gamblers, corporate tycoons, drug enthusiasts, innocents and decadents, mathematicians, mad scientists, shamans, psychics, and stage magicians, spies, detectives, adventuresses, and hired guns. There are cameo appearances by Nikola Tesla, Bela Lugosi, and Groucho Marx. "As an era of certainty comes crashing down around their ears and an unpredictable future commences, these folks are mostly just trying to pursue their lives. Sometimes they manage to catch up; sometimes it's their lives that pursue them. "Meanwhile, the author is up to his usual business. Characters stop what they're doing to sing what are for the most part stupid songs. Strange sexual practices take place. Obscure languages are spoken, not always idiomatically. Contrary-to-the-fact occurrences occur. If it is not the world, it is what the world might be with a minor adjustment or two. According to some, this is one of the main purposes of fiction. "Let the reader decide, let the reader beware. Good luck." Thomas Pynchon Critic Reviews: "[Pynchon's] funniest and arguably his most accessible novel." (New York Times Book Review) "Pynchon delivers a novel that matches his most influential work, Gravity's Rainbow...in complexity, humor, and insight, and surpasses it in emotional valence....A capacious, gritty, and tender epic." (Booklist) Members Reviews: brilliant! Against the Day is Thomas Pynchon's most recent and one of his most accessible and entertaining works. (Mason & Dixon and The Crying of Lot 49 are better books, imo, but this one is certainly a worthy addition to Pynchon's formidable oeuvre.) Dick Hill's reading makes it even better. Taking place between 1893 and 1914 in Chicago at the Columbian Exposition and going from there to the globe, inside and out, the story involves a group of very fictional hot-air balloonists, western mines unionists and anarchists (terrorists?) and their families, tycoons and their goons, scientists, mathematicians and a whole menagerie of assorted characters some historical, some not. The plot involves the children of slain anarchist Traverse Webb as they basically try to 1. avenge his death and 2. escape the clutches of the evil tycoon Scarsdale Vibe. Meanwhile, the Chums of Chance glide around observing from their balloon above. But that's a very, very simplified version of the intricate convolutions the plot of this encyclopedic novel takes. The themes are the closing of the frontier and the onset of modern life, including the boom of technology and capitalist greed.

Sashenka Audiobook by Simon Montefiore

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Simon Montefiore) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 06:26:25 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Sashenka Subtitle: A Novel Author: Simon Montefiore Narrator: Anne Flosnik Format: Unabridged Length: 19 hrs and 28 mins Language: English Release date: 12-10-08 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 69 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: In the best-selling tradition of Dr. Zhivago, Sophie's Choice, and The Island, this is an epic story of revolution, passion, and betrayal - and one woman whose extraordinary secret lies hidden for half a century. ©2008 Simon Montefiore (P)2008 Tantor Members Reviews: Fascinating Historical Thriller About A Dark Time I was pleasantly surprised by the suspense in this historical novel. Despite its relatively slow start, the story held my interest and filled in a missing chunk of what life must have been like for those enthralled by the Bolshevik philosophy that drove the Russian revolution and steered a nation through the dark waters of Stalin's macabre reign. The characterizations are strong, and Sashenka lingers as a haunting figure long after the author's last sentences fade to silence. The reader of this audiobook version is truly excellent--a true artist who brings the novel to full and vibrant life. I hope you enjoy this novel as much as I did. Historical Novel That Touches Your Soul... Great story! From the inception to self-destruction of infamous Soviet Union the book unveils many tragedies from the eyes of young, naive and idealistic heroine. Sashenka takes you on a life journey through the most depressing, though captivating time of Russian history. While listening to the book reader would truly experience that miserable existence under the iron boot of the Soviet cabal. Having firsthand knowledge of the subject I will attest, it is portrayed with finest accuracy. The writer reveals this dark period in all its malice. After the novel, you will understand what Russian people have endured for almost a century and ultimately still paying for. The readers voice illustrate the general mood and fear people lived under; the feeling lingers long time after you are finished listening. My only regret is that almost all of the names and places are butchered beyond recognition, unfortunately it includes the title. So don't try to flaunt your Russian pronunciation with any native speakers after the book. But you can certainly flaunt your intellectual understanding of that era. Intriguing This was an interesting book, but not until the 3rd section. I found it a little confusing as far as listening to a book goes because of all of the similar names. Maybe it would have been better to read the hard copy and would probably be better the 2nd time. Unfortunately, this story was very slow starting and I found myself bored at the beginning. I am very glad that I forced myself to finish it because the end is redeeming. Sashenka I have never written a review before but this book required it. It is a fascinating historical novel about Russia from the revolution to the 1970's. I have "read" a lot of books about Russia and this book fills a gap in Russian historical novels. The story line was a page turner (if you can do that on an IPod.) The narrator was fantastic and made me feel that the real people were there talking to me. Amazing It was great. Amazing. Incredible. I want to come back to this book in a few months and revisit the magnificent writing that enthralled me. This story evoked all kinds of emotions from me: sadness, joy, anxiety, fear. I can't wait to share this book with others.

La reina descalza [The Barefoot Queen] Audio Libro por Ildefonso Falcones

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Ildefonso Falcones) — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 12:09:20 GMT

Escuche este audio libro completo gratis en https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> Título: La reina descalza [The Barefoot Queen] Autor: Ildefonso Falcones Narrador: Victòria Pagès Formato: Unabridged Duración: 29 hrs and 4 mins Idioma: Español Fecha de publicación: 04-14-16 Editor: Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial Calificaciones: 4.5 de 5 de 130 votos Categorías: Fiction, Historical Resumen del editor: En la España del siglo XVIII, una conmovedora historia de amistad, pasión y venganza une dos voces de mujer en un canto desgarrador por la libertad. Enero de 1748. Una mujer negra deambula por las calles de Sevilla. Ha abandonado a su hijo y ha huido de un pasado esclavo en Cuba. Caridad ya no tiene un amo, pero tampoco un lugar donde cobijarse. Entonces conoce a Milagros Carmona, una joven gitana de Triana por cuyas venas corre la sangre de la rebeldía. Las dos mujeres se convierten en inseparables y, entre zarabandas y fandangos, la gitana confiesa a su nueva amiga su amor por el apuesto y arrogante Pedro García, de quien la separan antiguos odios entre ambas familias. Por su parte, Caridad se esfuerza por reprimir sus sentimientos por Melchor Vega, el abuelo de Milagros, un hombre desafiante, bribón y seductor, pero también firme defensor del honor y la lealtad. Cuando un mandato real convierte a los gitanos en proscritos, los caminos de Milagros y Caridad se separan, aunque el destino volverá a unirlas en Madrid. Ildefonso Falcones nos propone un viaje a una época apasionante, teñida por los prejuicios y la intolerancia. Desde Sevilla hasta Madrid, desde el tumultuoso bullicio de la gitanería hasta los teatros señoriales de la capital, los lectores disfrutarán de un fresco histórico poblado por personajes que viven, aman, sufren y pelean por lo que creen justo. Fiel reflejo de unos hombres y mujeres que no agacharon la cabeza y que alzaron la voz para enfrentarse al orden establecido. Reseña: "Falcones se ha consagrado como el autor español de novela histórica más vendido en el mundo." El País Please note: This audiobook is in Spanish. Opiniones de los miembros: memorable Obra que se disfruta de principio a fin, como buen libro de Falcones! excelente calidad de narración Duele!!!!! Extraordinario libro !! Preciosa descripción de todos los lugares así como de cada detalle del sentimiento el dolor y orgullo !! marthacagigao@yahoo.com Este libro fue muy interesante y, a la vez, conmovedor. He descubierto a un buen autor en Falcones. the barefoot Queen Perfect story and story telling of the author. Little was known to me about the traditions and ways in which the gypsy community lived in the 18th century. As always Falcones is extremely apt in combining the narrative of his story with the historical broader facts. Recommended for all those who love history with fiction. No tiene varios actores, música de fondo ni efectos sonoros. Bla bla bla bla bla

Captive Queen Audiobook by Alison Weir

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Alison Weir) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 01:10:22 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Captive Queen Subtitle: A Novel of Eleanor of Aquitaine Author: Alison Weir Narrator: Rosalyn Landor Format: Unabridged Length: 19 hrs and 18 mins Language: English Release date: 07-13-10 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 311 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: Renowned for her highly acclaimed and best-selling British histories, Alison Weir has in recent years made a major impact on the fiction scene with her novels about Queen Elizabeth and Lady Jane Grey. In this latest offering, she imagines the world of Eleanor of Aquitaine, the beautiful 12th-century woman who was queen of France until she abandoned her royal husband for the younger man who would become king of England. In a relationship based on lust and a mutual desire for great power, Henry II and Eleanor took over the English throne in 1154, thus beginning one of the most influential reigns and tumultuous royal marriages in all of history. In this novel, Weir uses her extensive knowledge to paint a most vivid portrait of this fascinating woman. Critic Reviews: A Tudor specialist, popular British historian Weir has ventured, with great success, into the increasingly expansive world of historical fictionThe history itself is inherently dramatic, augmented here by Weirs usual lush detail, which stimulates rather than detracts from the well-paced narrative. (Booklist) Members Reviews: Why the Negativity? I don't understand why everyone is slamming this book. I enjoyed it. The narrator was excellent and the book was accurate. I think because Wier mostly writes nonfiction, most people were expecting this in her novel. I like this one better than 'Innocent Traitor'. For all those who were complaining about the amount of sex in the book, what do you expect? They had nine children (?) including the two sons who died, and Henry was notorious for his mistresses. Family drama, Beckett and her imprisonment all portrayed well, including Richard's rumored homosexuality. I would recommend for any Eleanor fan, this gives a well rounded opinion, showing both her strength and shortcomings. She is still the heroine, so stop your whining. It Read Like Living with Queen Eleanor I loved this book and this is one of the best historical fiction novels I have ever "read". Alison Weir not only has a great ability to tell a beautiful story but to also weave in the true details in a way that make it engaging and wanting to know more about other characters you meet. I was looking up historical accounts of her story and was finding that anything with actual fact, really did happen. The only difference between fact and fiction was the specific dialogue (except for what King Henry said about Thomas Beckett). I wish my history classes were like this because it was like watching a TV show in my head about all the captivating things this queen and strong woman did in Middle Age England. I could not stop listening! Would you listen to Captive Queen again? Why? Yes, I love historical stories about kings and queens. This was well written and expertly narrated. The story covers not just a romance, but the history and Weirs point of view for the life of a rich and intriguing women living through a male dominated life. Her trials and tribulations were great, but in the end, with the love of her many children, she was able to rise above it all. What does Rosalyn Landor bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book? The emotions and fire of the Queen Very sad Love story A wonderful love story that turns to a very sad love lost story. I love the old England history and the Kings & Queens the rule the lands.

A Soldier of the Great War Audiobook by Mark Helprin

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Mark Helprin) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:27:22 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: A Soldier of the Great War Author: Mark Helprin Narrator: David Colacci Format: Unabridged Length: 31 hrs and 1 min Language: English Release date: 11-12-07 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 446 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: On his last long walk, septuagenarian war hero, deserter, and professor Alessandro Giuliani shares his past with an illiterate young factory worker, spinning a remarkable tale of heart-stopping escapes, of loves unrequited and won, of madmen, dwarfs, and mafiosi. But overshadowing all is his most miraculous and terrible adventure, the Great War: a surreal parade of horrors that devastated and defined Alessandro, yet enabled him to experience fully the magic and beauty of the absurd human comedy called life. ©1991 Mark Helprin; (P)2007 BBC Audiobooks America Critic Reviews: "Extraordinary....a vast, ambitious, spiritually lusty, all-guzzling, all-encompassing novel." (The New York Times Book Review) "A rousing tale....riotous energy and sustained brilliance....Helprin lights his own way, in his ownsingular direction." (Time) "A gripping, poignant and universally relevant moral fable." (Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: I love this guy Fans of Helprin will not be disappointed. It's a great sweeping epic tale of a man whose life is taken out of his control yet maintains a clear eye and his humanity. Hours of enjoyment, maybe even more than once... Long but memorable At 31 hours, this is a long book. It's mostly a coming-of-age novel, set in the first world war... but that doesn't begin to do it justice. Ultimately, it is a book about beauty, love, and finding meaning. The narration is wonderful. Parts of the book do drag at times, in part because it is long and in part because the author repeats themes, but I am very glad to have listened to it. It will provide food for thought for some time to come. Painting with words This was one of the most incredible books I have ever had the pleasure to experience. The word imagery is superlative and the story so carefully crafted that it is an amazing work of art. Few writers ever approach the author's powerful use of language in their works. Great Great Book. I was not sure when it began but I hated when it ended. Good historical viewpoint also. Mark Helprin's Best I first read this book in college years ago. I was very glad to see that it had made it to an audio version and quickly picked it up. First let me speak about the story itself. The development of the main character of this story is so complex, rich, and complete that I beleive a hundred years from now this book will be regarded as one of the great books of our time. The old man is so likable and written so well that you actually begin to believe that this is a true story. His story is compelling, funny, and poignant. He is the kind of man that most men aspire to become. The writing of the story is what one expects from someone who wrote something called A Winter's Tale. The prose is magnificent. I will admit that I found my BA in English usefull with this book, Mr. Helprin shares my love of the english language and displays his vocabulary in his writing. Keeping a dictionary handy may not be a bad idea for some. Personally I like the unusual words. Finally the narration. The narrator does not really evoke any thoughts in me, I hardly noticed him...which is quite possibly the greatest compliment I can give a narrator. We but audio books becaseu we want to enjoy the book. The experience is about the book only.

Blue at the Mizzen Audiobook by Patrick O'Brian

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Patrick O'Brian) — Thu, 25 Dec 2003 09:60:25 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Blue at the Mizzen Subtitle: Aubrey/Maturin Series, Book 20 Author: Patrick O'Brian Narrator: Patrick Tull Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 33 mins Language: English Release date: 12-25-03 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 586 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: With his swashbuckling adventures, best-selling novelist Patrick O'Brian transports you to the high seas of old, where privateers lurk in the mist, and great ships fight to control the waterways. Blue at the Mizzen hoists the excitement to new heights as British frigate commander Jack Aubrey stakes everything on a desperate raid against the mighty Spanish fleet. Ever since Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo, Captain Aubrey's prospects in the new peacetime navy have looked dim. Even worse, his frigate Surprise was badly damaged in a nighttime collision. While Aubrey waits for repairs, ship's doctor Stephen Maturin brings him intriguing information about the New World. Soon Aubrey is leading a bold expedition that will determine the fate of a rising South American nation, and his own. Critically-acclaimed author Patrick O'Brian blends authentic period atmosphere, rich humor, and elegant language in each of his seafaring yarns. You can almost hear the thunder of the waves and smell the salty sea air as you listen to Patrick Tull's dramatic performance. Don't miss the rest of the series. ©1999 Patrick O'Brian; (P)2003 Recorded Books, LLC Critic Reviews: "O'Brian is not that hard a taste to acquire, but he is very tough to shake...[the Aubrey/Maturin series] is a great work." (Boston Globe) Members Reviews: A review of the (end) of an entire series What made the experience of listening to Blue at the Mizzen the most enjoyable? The narration of this entire series (by Patrick Tull) was phenomenal. When I re-read these books I hear Maturin's and Aubrey's voices exactly as Tull presents them. He made these characters come to life - he made them real. I have listened to many Audible books, particularly ones where the characters are from a certain time/place/class/education, and Tull has nailed O'Brian's people perfectly. Frankly, I am at a loss to understand why they were later re-recorded by a different narrator... What other book might you compare Blue at the Mizzen to and why? If a person picked up Blue at the Mizzen without having ever read (or listened to) any other of the Aubrey-Maturin series they would certainly be entertained but they would be at a disadvantage (or perhaps I should say they would be doing themselves an injustice). This book is the culmination (the last) of twenty books in a chronological series. These books (all of them) are an experience to be savored, but more so, far more, in their entirety. This is last (finished) book in a series that follows the lives, loves and careers of two men over the span of many years and through numerous adventures and hardships. These are characters that we all have come to care about over time. Which, is the real, lasting gift that a truly gifted novelist bestows to his readers. I don't think you can fairly take one of the series of out that sequence and judge it as a stand-alone novel. If anything, I would say that Blue at the Mizzen is the last chapter of a long and absolutely gripping and endearing novel. And under that premise I would say that O'Brian gave us a fitting, if bitter-sweet, final chapter. It's hard to say goodbye to Aubrey and Maturin (and the rest). Which character as performed by Patrick Tull was your favorite? Maturin.

False Colours Audiobook by Georgette Heyer

bdssaigon.net2@gmail.com (Georgette Heyer) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 20:28:22 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/708/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: False Colours Author: Georgette Heyer Narrator: Phyllida Nash Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 57 mins Language: English Release date: 04-01-13 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 497 votes Genres: Fiction, Historical Publisher's Summary: The honourable Christopher Fancot, on leave from the Diplomatic Service in the summer of 1817, is startled to find his entrancing but incorrigibly extravagant mother on the brink of financial and social ruin - and more than alarmed that his identical twin, Evelyn, Earl of Denville, has disappeared without trace. Christopher, or Kit, the respectable brother, is forced into an outrageous masquerade by his wayward family's tangled affairs. But in the face of Evelyn's continued absence, even Kit's ingenuity is stretched to the limit. Members Reviews: Wow! A great listen! Phyllida Nash's excellent performance lets the quirky, likeable characters sparkle in this wonderful, witty comedy. After a few calm pages that let us find our balance, Kit learns that his mother and brother are teetering on the brink of crisis. After that, it's unexpected turns and convolutions all the way to the end. The story would be amusing and thoroughly satisfying even if you've never heard of Regency England. But having more background lets you appreciate its breadth and depth of authenticity. If this were a movie, it would get a whole bundle of Oscar nominations: screenplay, leading and supporting character performances, costumes, setting, cinematography, and direction. It all seems light and effortless, but wow, it's a delightful masterpiece. A rather Woodhouseian Heyer and a great reader! Phyllida Nash is my favorite reader for Georgette Heyer books. Heyer builds her stories with sparkling dialog, and Nash is spot on with all voices. As with many Heyer book's this one relies on situational comedy, and Nash has unfailingly perfect timing in her reading that makes the most of the comedy. I had read this book in print, and I will say that Nash's performance makes it even better. As the story unfolds, I was reminded of Shakespeare's comedies and some Wooster/Jeeves misunderstandings, but even when Heyer's characters are silly, she draws them with so much affection, they don't come off as completely ridiculous. A delightful comedy of errors and love What did you love best about False Colours? The main characters: the cool Kit, his lovely mother and smart Cressy, his beloved. They are wonderfully portrayed, complex human beings that go through several transformations in their feelings and relationships as the novel progresses. What did you like best about this story? First, the setup: serious Kit poses as his rakish twin brother, Evelyn, who is nowhere to be found and must appear at a family function to save his upcoming nuptials. The hoax turns out to be much more complicated than originally envisioned, making for a thoroughly enjoyable plot. Also I greatly enjoyed the description of an English manor house in the early 19th century, the food, the clothing and the general setting. It's full of interesting detail that brings an old story into the present. Have you listened to any of Phyllida Nashs other performances before? How does this one compare? I listened to and enjoyed the Black Moth. Any additional comments? I'm looking forward to more books by Georgette Heyer, a novelist I feel fortunate to have discovered. Secondary Heyer I've been reading Georgette Heyer's regencies for years - some of the books many times. "False Colours" has never been one of my favorites. That said, this is still so much better than most romances.