Cracking story with some odd pronunciation

Goldsworthy applies his knowledge of the Roman Army and Empire to good effect with his ensemble cast and main protagonist, Ferox. The multiple narratives hold the attention as does the main military action. However, since the last novel, the character Enica has acquired an Irish accent from somewhere and the mispronunciation of words is more noticeable, not just Latin ones. Thus Princeps is spoken in the Audible recording with a soft ‘c’ and Longinus with a soft ‘g’ when both should be hard. The ‘a’ in legatus is short when it should be pronounced ‘legahtus’. Decebelus should have the emphasis on the first two syllables. The English ‘cuirass’ should have the emphasis on the second syllable, and ‘routed’ should have been pronounced ‘rowted’ not ‘rooted’.

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2 people found this helpful

Well informed but not compelling

Adrian Goldworthy is extremely knowledgable about the Roman army and it shows, however the story is pretty formulaic and dull.
The atory reads as if you tuned into one episode of a series that has been going on too long. There is a lot of hinted backstory and the resolution seems to be the introducrion to something more.
Overall it isn't a bad way to spend your commute, but it is pretty forgettable.

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1 person found this helpful

Didn't love it

Bought this book after hearing the authors interview on the podcast " emperors of rome " as he came across very Interesting so was excited to hear what he had wrote. After listening to it i must agree with one if the other reviews that was given. i found the book quite hard to follow in places, not sure if it's the way its wrote or the way the narrator is reading as I felt like he was in an a rush to finish. The book has an extremely strong finish but the first 8hrs felt like hard work as opposed to an enjoyable listen.

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Gripping story, and a world rich in historical detail.

This is another great book from Mr Goldsworthy that’s rich in historical detail and brilliantly read by Stephen Perring.

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3 people found this helpful

Blood and gore

Slow and complicated at first but develops to a gripping tale, it also highlights the fact that nothing really changes in war and politics.
The narration is top notch

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Great plot

The story was excellent and the narration. A new author for me, but I'll definitely be looking for more by them and the narrator.

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Good entertainement and change of narrator

Good book and change of set, instead of Britannia is Dalmatia with interesting historical background. Lively action and more importantly a speedier narrator. The previous narrator from books 1 to 3 was good but slower reader and the change is most welcome.

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2 people found this helpful

The dreadful narration

The narrators constant mispronounciation really ruined this book for me, as well as his lack of emphasis on certain phrases. What a shame as I've enjoyed the others.

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Another gripping book

From the start with vindalanda till now all these books have been some f my favourite listens.

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"War is grim and best left to men."

The first in a new series following on from the three part Vindolanda, and continuing the army exploits of Flavius Ferox, now posted to an isolated fort in Dacia, 105 AD. War is brooding, trouble continuing to follow Ferox wherever he goes. A word to the wise: don't join up to his cohort if you want a peaceful life. Good characters, vividly visual and atmospheric descriptions of the military daily life both in and out of battles, thrills, an hint of romance, humour and a blend of well researched fact and fiction.
Narration is by Stephen Peering who voices the large assortment of protagonists with disparate tones and inflections, keeping them individually distinctive. His reading is clear and we'll modulated and he keeps a fast pace througout. There are a few odd pronunciations occasionally as well as audible intakes of breath at times towards the end of sentences but overall his performance is sound, inclusive and further enhances the story.

The author is a fine historian and his story is punctuated with fascinating details, perfect for lovers of stories set in the times of Ancient Rome.
Definitely recommended.

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