brilliant

a great story well narrated. never predicterable superb I can't wait for the next adventure

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And the story begins. Another epic from Christian.

Having devoured The Chivalry series I was keep to continue the era, the superb writing and equally superb narrator in the form of Peter Noble. Book 1 does not disappoint with the familiar English hero taking on and defeating allcomers.. make that most (got to leave some for book 2).
Certain phrases reappear in this book that were used in the last series to the point of thinking there is an echo in the room but the scope of the story soon makes you forget the over use of religious prays as time measurements. Maybe it was a thing in the 14th century?
Peter Noble does another sterling job in narrating the book with the odd exception but again, in the scope of the story you can forgive him.
Looking forward to listening to the next in the series.

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First class adventure

Loved it. Renaissance man versus the Turkish empire. Real historical and political detail in the remains of Byzantium and it's empire .Plus characters that are sympathetic and relatable Heard it all in less than a week . Just bought the next in the series

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1 person found this helpful

4.9☆

a real boys dream of adventure in olden days, me 50yrs ago before computers or mobiles, it is very good and humorous, but not as good as tyrant, long war, or chivalry, but I will buy next in series, it's late I drift to sleep of swordfish, sailships, travels to foreign lands, and, oh, beautiful exotic women, and serving girls a plenty.

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A great historical novel

This is a complex unfolding adventure written by someone with an intimate knowledge of the period and it’s customs and attitudes, as well as it’s military history. As a trained swordsman himself, Christian Cameron depicts combat of the day better than anyone… and master narrator Peter Noble brings great characterisation, with the laconic and cynical ‘voice’ that one might expect from mercenaries, thieves, spies and self interested princes of the time… superior historical fiction… more please…

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Superb Historical Fiction Narrated Wonderfully.

Not since I read Dorothy Dunnett have felt so immersed in the extraordinary rich complex world of renaissance Europe. The characters are deep and vivid and the settings rich and varied. Whether buying second clothes (complete with minor bloodstains) in a Venetian market or battling on the deck of a galley on the glowing Mediterranean Sea you can feel the heat of the sun on your face and the taste of blood in your mouth. Flawed heroes, complex villains, honourable foes and female characters as interesting as their male counterparts - the story reeks of humanity. Thrilling, terrifying and humorous in turn. l loved every second of it. Brilliant stuff.

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Absolutely flamin' fantastic!

Christian's medieval novels are my favourite hisfic of all time, and this one is no exception.

I'm literally lost for what else to say, other than there was not one sentence I didn't hang on. love it!

Superb narration, too.

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Excellent

Does everything an Historical adventure novel should with great narration by a master. Highly recommended.

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clunky delivery and disappointing writing

A staccato, self-conscious delivery and writing that lacks richness and eloquence meant this was really disappointing.

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Disappointing

I had never sampled Christian Cameron’s work before, and rather wish I hadn’t. There’s so much he said he said it became intrusive. The writing is mediocre, the plot a stream of sword fights linked together by rather boring sexual encounters and the characters either male or stereotypes. Peter Noble does his best but has little to work with.

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