Enthralling

An astonishingly well researched and written account of the early life of Scotland’s greatest hero, William Wallace. Whyte brings the man and his life and love alive through the eyes of his cousin. Father Jane’s Wallace. The narration is superb, so many different voices used to bring the story to startling life. Loved it!

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Loved it!

A long and engaging story, fast paced and exciting, enhanced by Bill Dick's excellent narration.

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Rebel Jack Whyte

Freedom has a price and William Wallace paid that price this has to be the best book I have ever heard. From the start to the end it was so alive and the narrator he is a star.

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william wallace

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

if the friend liked fictionalised history, yes. it brings that period of time to life when king Edward, longshanks, set his eye on making Scotland come under his rule as he had done to Wales.

What did you like best about this story?

it was fast paced and kept my interest all the way through. there was no needless description to slow the story down and made you feel you e there witnessing the events as they happened.

Which character – as performed by Bill Dick – was your favourite?

james, the person the story was told through and euan the soft spoken welsh man sho escorted james and Wallace to their uncle.

Any additional comments?

this is a well written book with good characterisation and storyline which at times reminded me of the legend of robin hood.
bill dick did an exceptionally good job at performing the book so that you knew which character was speaking and putting the emotions behind the words.

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Slow going

Was expecting something along the lines of Bravehart but found it to be nothing like it whatsoever. I found the story to have to much politics and could do with more pace. Will I read the next instalment? not sure. Maybe.

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1 person found this helpful

Great ending but...........

Unusual and detailed approach to this story, I assume well researched and historically accurate (?) but tedious to listen to, I kept going with frequent stops and enjoyed the accents and fretted over the 'in hindsight' historical ruminations, the character of William Wallace lived, no doubt about that, it was a labour of love (the writing and the narration), but it was hard work to keep listening; and then we came to the end, the book was transformed, it was haunting, moving, brutal, painful, and so understandable.....and I felt I had to write this review and be honest.

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More Faintheart than Braveheart...

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If my friend was interested in the tragic, convoluted history of Scotland and its church, in the 13th century then yes. If they wanted a fast paced, action packed read then probably not.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The most interesting part of the book were the beginning and end. I felt the middle parts in the forest dragged on. I think Jack Whyte's decision to have the story told through the eyes of Jamie Wallace a priest, is flawed he his too far removed from William Wallace's life for a big chunk of the book. I found out more about the medieval church and the rise of capitalism than Braverheatrs life. I thought Ewan Scrimgeur would have been the better narrator as he is with Will during most of the book.

Have you listened to any of Bill Dick’s other performances? How does this one compare?

I've never listened to any of Bill Dick's other books but his reading was brilliant. Each character was a believable individual. I'd definitely look out for his names again.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The events near the end of this books were harrowing.

Any additional comments?

I was annoyed that this 19 hour book only told the story of William Wallace up until he started his war with the English. I was under the impression that it was the whole story. I'm even more annoyed to find out the third book isn't available on Audible.

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A test of persiverance

What did you like best about this story?

The book has all the making of of a classic history. However I gave up on it. It seemed to drag on and not have a good pace to keep me listening. the subject was great and the take fine. the narrator enjoyablish. Did not like the voice of William though.I agree with most of the other reviews but I could not stick with it. So after about 6 hours I threw in the towel.

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Best historical novel I've read

Gripping from the start. Excellent narrator using different Scottish accent voices. A well known sad history lesson of the English oppression of Scotland in the 13th century. Horrific yet compelling listening. Would thoroughly recommend it. William Wallace lives on forever as Brave Heart for sure.

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A surprising jewel in the crown

I wasn't sure why this title caught my attention but I always enjoy historical titles. The book tells the story of William Wallace's life , from his childhood, to his inevitable entry into the war with the English Monarchy and throws a different light onto many facets of the story we all think we know.

Whilst the content of the book is excellent it can sometimes get a bit difficult to remember the names of all of the scottish lords that are referred to. That said, it is still easy to follow the plot and the main characters surrounding Wallace are vivid, facinating and believable.

For me though, the highlight of the book was the narrator. After after a vey short space of time you knew who was talking to whom simply by recognising the voices of the individual charachters. I was amazed at the array of accents used in the book which undoubtedly brought it to life.

The story line may not jump out at you from the cover but anyone with the slightest lean towards historical fiction will, I think, enjoy this title. Go on, give it a try, you may learn something. I know I did.

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4 people found this helpful