Barney Westbrook
- 18
- reviews
- 12
- helpful votes
- 182
- ratings
-
Edge of Eternity
- Century Trilogy, Book 3
- By: Ken Follett
- Narrated by: John Lee
- Length: 36 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 2,178
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 1,979
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,965
As the decisions made in the corridors of power bring the world to the brink of oblivion, five families from across the globe are brought together in an unforgettable tale of passion and conflict during the Cold War. When Rebecca Hoffmann, a teacher in East Germany, finds herself pursued by the secret police, she discovers that she has been living a lie. Her younger brother, Walli, longs to escape across the Berlin Wall to Britain to become part of the burgeoning music scene.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
An enthralling final part to the trilogy
- By Kirstine on 14-10-14
- Edge of Eternity
- Century Trilogy, Book 3
- By: Ken Follett
- Narrated by: John Lee
Loved it
Reviewed: 03-06-22
Excellent conclusion to a trilogy covering 90 years of modern history.
You fully engage with the characters over historical markers insinuated into famous historical events, through the generations of 5 families in Russia, Germany, Britain and the USA.
Listened to all three unabridged versions back to back over a few weeks, riveted by the story and the delivery of narrative.
A good sense of the feelings of the time, often frustrating and at some times it left me feeling angry, but you can sympathise with each character as you get to know them.
Fully recommended.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Fall of Giants
- Century Trilogy, Book 1
- By: Ken Follett
- Narrated by: John Lee
- Length: 30 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 3,397
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 2,642
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 2,638
A huge novel that follows five families through the world-shaking dramas of the First World War, the Russian Revolution, and the struggle for votes for women. It is 1911. The Coronation Day of King George V. The Williams, a Welsh coal-mining family, is linked by romance and enmity to the Fitzherberts, aristocratic coal-mine owners. Lady Maud Fitzherbert falls in love with Walter von Ulrich, a spy at the German Embassy in London.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Fantastic
- By Richard on 25-08-11
- Fall of Giants
- Century Trilogy, Book 1
- By: Ken Follett
- Narrated by: John Lee
Brilliant!
Reviewed: 21-05-22
Could not stop listening, absolutely brilliant.
Captivating story based around historical events we know about, but with so much more insight added.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Stonehenge
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 17 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 467
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 417
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 419
Bernard Cornwell's brilliant novel, reissued for fans to find out the story behind the stones. This is the tale of three brothers and of their rivalry that created this great temple. One summer's day, a dying stranger carrying great wealth in gold comes to the settlement of Ratharryn. The three sons of Ratharryn's chief each perceive the great gift in a different way. The eldest, Lengar, the warrior, harnesses his murderous ambition to be a ruler and take great power for his tribe.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Lost in time
- By B Gillingham on 12-08-17
- Stonehenge
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
Bloody
Reviewed: 31-05-21
An interesting story on imagined events leading up to the creation of Stonehenge, a time we have no history for.
Cornwell, as always, delivers a gripping story, although highly frustrating at times. Just glad I wasn't living during this time.
Jonathan Keeble is the story.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Agincourt
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Charles Keating
- Length: 16 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 458
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 413
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 409
Bernard Cornwell, the New York Times best-selling "reigning king of historical fiction" (USA Today), tackles his most thrilling, rich, and enthralling subject yet - the heroic tale of Agincourt. The epic battle immortalized by William Shakespeare in his classic Henry V is the background for this breathtaking tale of heroism, love, devotion, and duty from the legendary author of the Richard Sharpe novels and the Saxon Tales.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
Get rid of that music!!!!
- By Dave & Jenny on 26-06-19
- Agincourt
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Charles Keating
Great
Reviewed: 26-05-21
Brilliant telling of the imagined lead up to the battle, incorporating many well research events along the way.
Not sure I liked the random insertion of dramatic music that drowned out some of the story. Whoever is responsible, stop it!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
The Storm Before the Storm
- The Beginning of the End of the Roman Republic
- By: Mike Duncan
- Narrated by: Mike Duncan
- Length: 10 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 1,044
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 932
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 929
The Roman Republic was one of the most remarkable achievements in the history of civilization. After its founding in 509 BCE, the Romans refused to allow a single leader to seize control of the state and grab absolute power. The Roman commitment to cooperative government and peaceful transfers of power was unmatched in the history of the ancient world. But by the year 133 BCE, the republican system was unable to cope with the vast empire Rome now ruled.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
7 minutes to 11 hours...
- By Paul on 25-10-17
- The Storm Before the Storm
- The Beginning of the End of the Roman Republic
- By: Mike Duncan
- Narrated by: Mike Duncan
Great
Reviewed: 04-04-21
The research and enthusiasm from this author is boundless. A fascinating exploration into how the heights of the Late Republic became the foundations of Empire.
Thanks Mike, keep it coming!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
The Burning Land
- The Last Kingdom Series, Book 5
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Matt Bates
- Length: 13 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 743
-
Performance3.5 out of 5 stars 679
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 681
In the last years of the ninth century, King Alfred of Wessex is in failing health, and his heir is an untested youth. The Danes, who have failed so many times to conquer Wessex, smell opportunity.... First comes Harald Bloodhair, a savage warrior leading a Viking horde, who is encouraged to cruelty by his woman, Skade. But Alfred still has the services of Uhtred, his unwilling warlord, who leads Harald into a trap and, at Farnham in Surrey, inflicts one of the greatest defeats the Vikings were ever to suffer.
-
2 out of 5 stars
-
Disappointed..... gave the book back!
- By stephen on 12-11-19
- The Burning Land
- The Last Kingdom Series, Book 5
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Matt Bates
Why change narrator?
Reviewed: 05-12-20
It has been done before, and the result is the same every time; changing the narrator part way through a series is going to be very unpopular. Jonathan Keeble has a fantastic voice, and whilst his pronunciation of Old English/Saxon may not be on key, he does give the characters flavour and depth. Matt Bates starts out by confusing the listener by mispronouncing the names we have been introduced to, I spent half the book considering who was who against what I'd already heard. That aside, I eventually got used to the change, especially as I can see he's in charge of the next 10 books in the series.
I have found myself starting to dislike the protagonist, as I am starting to get frustrated with the weakness of the character in resisting the influence of other plot members persuading Ehtred to perpetually switch alegances and cannot achieve his goal, despite the resolution being evident.
for the moment I will continue.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Spartacus: Rebellion
- Spartacus 2
- By: Ben Kane
- Narrated by: Michael Praed
- Length: 16 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 195
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 168
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 167
The mighty slave army, led by Spartacus, has carried all before it, scattering the legions of Rome. Three praetors, two consuls and one proconsul have been defeated. Spartacus seems invincible as he marches towards the Alps and freedom. But storm clouds are massing on the horizon. Crixus the Gaul defects, taking all his men with him. Crassus, the richest man in Rome, begins to raise a formidable army, tasked specifically with the defeat of Spartacus
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Great book spoilt by varying quality of narrative
- By Street on 07-03-16
- Spartacus: Rebellion
- Spartacus 2
- By: Ben Kane
- Narrated by: Michael Praed
Excellent
Reviewed: 09-06-20
Great short series, I love the enthusiasm that shines through from Ben Kane, it shows throughout this and all his other series.
Great author's note to round off the book which connects you to the author's though process and the basis for the story. More authors should do this.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Hannibal: Fields of Blood
- Hannibal 2
- By: Ben Kane
- Narrated by: Michael Praed
- Length: 16 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 256
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 232
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 234
The fields of Cannae provide the setting for one of the bloodiest battles in history. But who will triumph? Hannibal and his warrior army, or the mighty legions of Rome. By Ben Kane, the Sunday Times bestselling author of Hannibal: Enemy of Rome. Hannibal's campaign to defeat Rome continues as he marches south to confront his enemy. With him is a young soldier, Hanno. Like his general, Hanno burns to vanquish Rome. Never has the possibility seemed so likely.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Excellent
- By Mr. G. Laing on 19-09-13
- Hannibal: Fields of Blood
- Hannibal 2
- By: Ben Kane
- Narrated by: Michael Praed
Brilliant detail
Reviewed: 17-05-20
Amazingly detailed description of the battle at Cannae, from the immagined point of view of the soldiers on both sides. I was gripped for hours, utterly brilliant!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
The Road to Rome
- Forgotten Legion Chronicles 3
- By: Ben Kane
- Narrated by: Michael Praed
- Length: 16 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 420
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 338
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 338
The third novel in The Forgotten Legion trilogy takes the main protagonists from North Africa back to Rome in the build-up to the assassination of Julius Caesar.Having survived the perils of a journey across half the world, Romulus and Tarquinius are press-ganged into the legions, which are under imminent threat of annihilation by the Egyptians. Meanwhile in Rome, Romulus's twin sister Fabiola lives in fear for her life, loved by Brutus, but wooed by Marcus Antonius, his deadly enemy. Soon after, Romulus fights at Zela....
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
A fourth book please.
- By T on 25-11-12
- The Road to Rome
- Forgotten Legion Chronicles 3
- By: Ben Kane
- Narrated by: Michael Praed
Great trilogy
Reviewed: 02-05-20
Pretty much listed non stop, an excellent retelling of the events surrounding the death of the Republic.
My only gripe was the occasional "she didn't yet know it, but she'd come to regret this" as it was unnecessary and just noise.
I am now intrigued by the Mithraic cult spreading from the east at the time.
An excellent story, well researched and informative. Read it!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Hearts of Stone
- By: Simon Scarrow
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 14 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 306
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 271
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 276
The Sunday Times best-selling author of The Gladiator and Brothers in Blood returns with another unpauseable, thrilling, and action-packed adventure. The fierce courage of the men and women of the Greek Resistance is brought to vivid life in Sunday Times best seller Simon Scarrow's powerful new novel of World War II. It's 1938. A perfect summer on the Greek island of Lefkas for three young people untroubled by the simmering politics of Europe.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Another gripping, historic tale.
- By Ian C Dando on 01-11-16
- Hearts of Stone
- By: Simon Scarrow
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
Couldn't stop listening
Reviewed: 19-04-20
Great story, quite different from Simon's usual subjects. I left this as the last book to read as I guess I was partially guilty of judging by the cover, but pleased to find a riveting story that gripped me until the end.
Decent story line that had me checking history again, and extending my future Greek Islands itinerary.
More of the same please.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!