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The Winter King

By: Bernard Cornwell
Narrated by: Tim Pigott-Smith
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Publisher's summary

The exciting beginning for Cornwell’s epic Arthurian trilogy.

“Once upon a time, in a land that was called Britain, these things happened…and I was there, and this is how it was.” The Winter King, like the rest of the trilogy, is narrated by Derfel (which is pronounced Dervel), one of Arthur’s warriors. This first book tells how after the death of Uther, High King of Britain, the country falls into chaos. Uther’s heir is a child, Mordred, and Arthur, his uncle, is named one of the boy’s guardians. Arthur has to fight other British kingdoms and the dreadful “Sais” —the Saxons—who are invading Britain. Arthur is supposed to marry Ceinwyn, a princess of Powys, but falls disastrously in love with Guinevere— “There have been many more beautiful women, and thousands who were better, but since the world was weaned I doubt there have been many so unforgettable as Guinevere…and it would have been better, Merlin always said, had she been drowned at birth.”

Individual images (Sword, Armored Gloves) © Shutterstock, Digital Illustration © HarperCollins. Digital artist Greg Whyte.

©1995 Bernard Cornwell (P)1996 Penguin Books Ltd
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What listeners say about The Winter King

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Grest story, I m listning a second time.

Best version of the story ever, im re listning to it again. Pure enjoyment!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Great story and better narration

Would you listen to The Winter King again? Why?

Great story with really well done narration.

What did you like best about this story?

It's an extremely unique take on the Arthurian legends.

Have you listened to any of Tim Pigott-Smith’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but this was excellent performance. I will definitely seek out his performances in the future.

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

Yes. I had a long road trip and is was ideal for the situation.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

can't stop

this is my to book series. whenever I'm booked our need something to listen to, I listen to these. they are the best

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Decent Story, Extremely good narration

Story is fast paced, almost too fast. Would like more character development. Narration was amazing and probably carried the book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Very Well done and excellent story

What made the experience of listening to The Winter King the most enjoyable?

The story and the reader

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Winter King?

It was hard to settle on just one

What about Tim Pigott-Smith’s performance did you like?

The emotion and enunciation

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

No...I just enjoyed it

Any additional comments?

No

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars

Poor shadow of a wonderful book

I was thrilled to find this re-released audio version of one of my favorite books of all time, but the thrill ended in disappointment when I listened to the abridged version. Cornwell's vibrant, enthralling story of Arthur is poorly served with its connecting parts conspicuously absent. I can only hope that an unabridged version of The Winter King as well as the rest of the Warlord Trilogy is soon forthcoming. If not, I absolutely recommend reading the book the old fashioned way!

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29 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Abridging Cornwell's work is a freaking crime

Whatever you do, do not bother with abridged versions of Corwell. The man doesn't waste words so anything removed harms the story.

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9 people found this helpful