PAM Cook

A novel that stays with you even when it is over

Revisado: 03-18-19

There are ok books, good books, and even great books. However, there are those novels that stand alone. David Ball's skill is evident as he transitions seamlessly from one world to another and back again. The way he weaves together two parallel and yet opposing worlds (and the people that belonged to them) keeps the reader engaged even in what some may call "slow points." Guidall's narration is exquisite, capturing and revealing both what is written and implied. The pairing of Ball and Guidall is a dynamic union that seizes the listener in the opening moments and holds them fast until the end. It is this that vaulted Empires of Sand to sit amidst my favorite novels the day I began it.

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Excellent, Exciting, I wish there was more

Revisado: 02-02-15

I was skeptical when I first purchase this book. Although a fan of historical fiction, I prefer novels that include actual historical figures to chronologically follow true events as closely as possible. However, the author did a superb job taking you back in time, allowing for a possible series of events to take place and then explaining why they were never heard of afterwards. In short, you leave the book almost believing everything happened exactly as written. I give credit to Vance as always for delivering an excellent performance, and for giving each character not only a voice but a personality as well.

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what readers of Gregory expect

Revisado: 02-02-15

An intriguing novel about another female player on the stage of English history, Gregory's story of the mother of the Tudor monarchy is an important part of the Cousins War. The author allows you to "experience" history as it happens by placing you in the shoes of her characters. You forget you know the outcome of events, and instead anticipate how each moment will play out alongside the figures in each story. I believe that Gregory does an excellent job providing an explanation as to how the young Margaret Beaufort becomes "My Lady, the King's Mother," while simultaneously offering an explanation of how a young Henry Tudor developed into Henry the VII. (I refer to their personalities and bearings). As with her other novels, you find yourself siding with people that you may have viewed in less favorable terms previously. I found the narrator to be well suited to the task, and to deliver another excellent performance.

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one of the best so far

Revisado: 02-02-15

Although my preferred book setting is between 12 & 1600 a.d., I have enjoyed each of Harris's Silkstone novels. I would have to say that this has been my favorite by far. The plots many twists kept me on edge for much of the book. As for the narrator is concerned, I think Simon Vance was exquisite as always in his performance.

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Enjoyable For All Ages

Revisado: 02-02-15

This book proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable listen, great for many age groups. I found the narrator who suited for the book and easy to follow. Those who enjoy the narration of Simon Vance and similar narrators should also enjoy this narrator's performance.

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medieval homeroom

Revisado: 05-28-12

What made the experience of listening to Dark Fire the most enjoyable?

Sansom does an amazing job depicting the political intrigue, protestant/catholic tension, the overall nature of Tudor England and the legal world surrounding it. Such a backdrop personalized through sturdy character development makes it that much more consuming. The new relationships Shardlake develops through searching out a murder and all that surrounds it had me bound to the story from beginning to end.

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wonderful

Revisado: 05-13-12

Where does The Time Traveller's Guide to Medieval England rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Although before listening, I was on the fence with this book... I found myself ranking it among my top reads/listens lately.

What did you like best about this story?

Mortimer presents the facts of the period alongside the concerns and questions one might ask in various situations. This approach to history truly puts you in the middle of Medieval England. A retelling of history that is as entertaining as any great historical fiction.

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