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The Outcasts of Time

By: Ian Mortimer
Narrated by: Barnaby Edwards
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Summary

From the author described by The Times as 'the most remarkable historian of our time', this is a stunningly high-concept historical novel, perfect for fans of Conn Iggulden, SJ Parris and Kate Mosse.

December 1348: With the country in the grip of the Black Death, brothers John and William fear that they will shortly die and go to hell. But as the end draws near, they are given an unexpected choice: either to go home and spend their last six days in their familiar world or to search for salvation across the forthcoming centuries - living each one of their remaining days 99 years after the last.

John and William choose the future and find themselves in 1447, ignorant of almost everything going on around them. The year 1546 brings no more comfort, and 1645 challenges them still further. It is not just that technology is changing: things they have taken for granted all their lives prove to be short-lived.

As they find themselves in stranger and stranger times, the listener travels with them, seeing the world through their eyes as it shifts through disease, progress, enlightenment and war. But their time is running out - can they do something to redeem themselves before the six days are up?

©2017 Ian Mortimer (P)2017 Simon & Schuster UK
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What listeners say about The Outcasts of Time

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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

Clever inspiring ending

This could have been an academic walk through time viewing the development of England over 500 years. But the story, the observations of the protagonist and the ending made for a better than expected read. Much enjoyed.

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2 people found this helpful

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Immersive, emotional and very thought provoking

The history book that has everything especially teaching you truths about mankind. Great twist too

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2 people found this helpful

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An Interesting Idea,but....

Having recently listened to Centuries of Change by Ian Mortimer, I decided to give this fiction book by the same author a whirl. It's an easy enjoyable listen but the fictional story just wasn't very exciting, moving or dramatic. It's a great way of seeing how Britain changed over the centuries through the eyes of a man, who chooses to live on the same day but 99 years apart. Its filled with lots of good descriptions of the changing towns, conditions etc. But whilst I would recommend Centuries of Change unreservedly as one of the best histories that I've listened too, I can't say the same for this book. Good narration though..

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1 person found this helpful

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Loved this book!

This book was such a surprise. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it but took a risk. However I loved it! It is original, interesting, thought provoking and a great story with believable, likeable characters.

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1 person found this helpful

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Excellent Book

A great story I just couldn't stop listening. The narrator was exceptional. Would recommend to all

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Brilliant

'You must see what you mean to others to know your true worth'.
I had to force myself to keep listening through the first few chapters as it is a very deep and sometimes dark listen in the beginning. However, the story becomes easier to follow and full of meaningful messages as it gets though the end, when it explodes in a majestic finale. Highly recommended.

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Thought provoking

I was compelled to leave a review as the combination of historical fantasy written by a brilliant historian along with one of my favourite narrators left me wanting more, fantastic!

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    3 out of 5 stars
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A bit hard going

This was a great idea, but I found it hard going, and the first part was very slow and very depressing - I nearly didn't bother. It was very interesting as a concept, but I couldn't find it exciting or engaging as a book.

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Loved it!

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, having only read non-fiction from Ian Mortimer before. I was hooked from the beginning and I enjoyed every moment. Top notch narration from Barnaby Edwards too.

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Strong on historical detail, weaker on narrative

I didn't think that this worked particularly well as a novel although the author pulled things together well in the last couple of chapters.

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