Brilliant

Fantastic book. Narration excellent, but Tom Holland's understanding and bringing to life of this period is mesmerizing!

5 people found this helpful

Very Good

Very detailed and well written book. There was a lot in this history that is not generally known because most Roman history covers 900 year, but this covers only the short period of the Julio Claudio dynasty in a lot of depth.

4 people found this helpful

As always, Tom Holland brings history to life.

A hugely enjoyable listen. I thought I knew the narrative of these characters and their lives inside out.
I was wrong.
Tom Holland provides rich context, wonderful insights and fresh perspectives.

3 people found this helpful

Excellent reading, great book

Loved the book, narrative history at it's finest. really puts you in the time period. narrator was perfect throughout. read or listen to Rubicon first, leads perfectly into this one.

3 people found this helpful

Imperial grandeur

Magnificent in scope, it paints a picture of the time - little more than a century -in which Rome conquered the world, while at the same time corroding its very core, Its moral rectitude and contempt for the rule of monarchy.

Holland paints this on a broad canvas encompassing everything from Ovid’s revulsion at the uncouth manners of the hinterlands to the gaudy excesses of Tiberius’ Capri or Nero’s rebuilt Rome, with a truly stunning sense of the telling detail

Holland has a marvellous gift for psychological insight, which enables him to judge the outrageous acts of some of these emperors both with the high moral standards of ancient republic and with the perverted sense of showmanship that they used to justify their deeds

2 people found this helpful

Great reflection on the age of house of Caesar

As usual Tom Holland delivers! Great review of the tumultuous years after the ascention of Augustus, based largely on the personalities ot the Caesars.

2 people found this helpful

Splendid account

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

A very enjoyable audio book

What was one of the most memorable moments of Dynasty?

I was unaware of the sweep and influence of the roman emperors

What does Mark Meadows bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

A very enjoyable reading

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

No. I like to listen to audio books as I complete other tasks

Any additional comments?

I recommend this audio book to other listeners who love history

2 people found this helpful

Gripping history with superb narration

This was a gripping and compellingly narrated audio book. Narrative history at its best.

1 person found this helpful

Could've been great but ruined by poor narration

I really wanted to like this book: my partner had read it & said it was great so I was really looking forward to it.
But, like my headline says, shockingly poor narration ruined it for me. The actor reading it is clearly seeing the words for the first time: he has no idea where the sentences are GOING so he gets it wrong every time, ruining the magic of the words and the sense of story.
If I concentrated really hard I could follow the story......but if I wanted to concentrate that hard I would read the book.
So I think I will.

1 person found this helpful

All you need to know about cruel Rome.

Compare this with the mess RTrumpf is visiting on America, then there is little difference. A good, uncomfortable read....go for it and weep. Beautifully researched work that brings the awful machinations of that cruel empire and its lunatic families in high relief. Excellent reader.

1 person found this helpful