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  • When the Lion Feeds

  • The Courtneys, Book 1
  • By: Wilbur Smith
  • Narrated by: Sean Barrett
  • Length: 17 hrs and 3 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (912 ratings)
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When the Lion Feeds cover art

When the Lion Feeds

By: Wilbur Smith
Narrated by: Sean Barrett
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Summary

It is the 1870s, and twin brothers Sean and Garrick Courtney are born into the wilds of Natal. They could not be more different, and fate, war and the jealous schemes of a woman are to drive them even further apart. But as history unfolds, a continent is awakening. And on the horizon is the promise of fortune, adventure, destiny and love....

When the Lion Feeds is the best-selling novel that launched Wilbur Smith's stellar career and the first in the riveting saga of the Courtney brothers.

©1964 Wilbur Smith (P)2018 Audible, Ltd

What listeners say about When the Lion Feeds

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Just as good as I remembered!

I first read this book over thirty years ago, and was really excited to see an unabridged audiobook available. I was initially concerned that it might be dated, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have also never been disappointed by Sean Barrett’s narration. What’s not to like! Roll on “The Sound of Thunder”!!!!

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28 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Didn't finish as it was too depressing

Review needs to be considered in the context of me not having gone any further than chapter 12. I found the content and narration too depressing. It is well-written and, even in the few chapters I listened to, I felt a connection to the characters and landscape. A fair amount happens and it moves along at a good pace without any padding out. For me it was just too dark and was heading for further misery as war approached. The performance is probably right for the storyline but quite monotone.

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20 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Mediocre; corny; dated.

My second Wilbur Smith title, bought due to the length. I thought it would have something to do with lions, but no. Only metaphorical ones. Probably exciting in its day, but now very corny and at times, excruciatingly awful. For example, something along the lines of "That which was within her blouse proved that she was no longer a child." It's the sort of novel my equally awful ex-husband probably still reads and thinks is a reflection of modern times and how women want to be treated.
If you have a long journey or a house to paint, you might buy it for continuity, but otherwise, believe me, there are far better audiobooks out there to spend your money on, that will educate you, broaden your horizons, and/or make you a more rounded person. I think Wilbur Smith has had his day. Times have just changed too much since he was in his heyday. Quite well read by Sean Barrett, apart from his rather sickening child and female attempts, but on the whole his voice is so deep that my Alexa can't cope with it.

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15 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Sit back and enjoy

A first class novel really well narrated from start to finish, hard to put down 5*

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14 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

captivating

loved it. explained so vividly. perfectly narrated. kept me intrigued to the very end. amazing story lines

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7 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Read the book when I was a teenager and forgot.

The narration is excellent, perfect in fact. Gripping, listened every moment I could, on to the next, I can't wait, the ending came as a surprise I was hoping for the next cliff hanger

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5 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

always fantastic books

always fantastic books and always leaving you wanting more a bit of a twist but good

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Awesome

I have read the book years ago and this was just as enjoyable as the paper version. Well narrated and I have already downloaded the second in the Courtney series “The Sound of Thunder”

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Best Book Ever

Wilbur Smith is my favourite author. This book started me on my Courtney Yeats adventure and it is one i visit over and over.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Top Notch Wilbur Smith

Really good Wilbur Smith novel. First part I found a little slow, but after that a fast paced and overall great story, really keeping the attention. Just wished I'd picked up the next couple in the series when they were in the Audible sale.

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2 people found this helpful