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Byzantium Audiobook
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(4.00) - 2,207 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Although born to rule, Aidan lives as a scribe in a remote Irish monastery on the far, wild edge of Christendom. Secure in work, contemplation, and dreams of the wider world, a miracle bursts into Aidan's quiet life. He is chosen to accompany a small band of monks on a quest to the fabled city of Byzantium, where they are to present the beautiful and costly hand-illuminated Book of Kells to the emperor of all Christendom.
During this expedition by sea and over land, Aidan becomes, by turns, a warrior and a sailor, a slave and a spy, a Viking and a Saracen, and finally, a man. He sees more of the world than most men of his time, becoming an ambassador to kings and an intimate of Byzantium's fabled Golden Court. And finally, this valiant Irish monk faces the greatest trial confronting any man in any age: the command of his own destiny.
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"Through much of this read I thought I would end with a 3.5 star review. But the story grew on me and there were enough 'gems' in the writing that I decided it is well worth 4 stars. It is a bit long and drawn out in places, but for the most part it came together quite well by the end of the book."
— Monica (4 out of 5 stars)
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“The narrative has the excitement of a good fantasy novel, a vivid historical setting and a lengthy, credible and satisfying plot.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“Not merely a gripping yarn—and it certainly is that—this is also a novel about faith and the tests life plants in its way. Lawhead, author of the popular Pendragon cycle of fantasies, here makes a sure move into mainstream fiction.”
— Booklist -
“Worthwhile for Lawhead regulars and historical-fantasy fans alike.”
— Kirkus Reviews
Byzantium Listener Reviews
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" I love this book for its historical and geographical span. Makes me want to visit Istanbul more than ever before. Interesting to pair this with Elizabeth Kostova's "The Historian." "
— Becca, 1/23/2014 -
" lawhead is a master at painting the literary picture in this book. facinating historical fiction. "
— Sonya, 1/16/2014 -
" Of all Lawhrad's books I think this is my favorite! "
— Marjorie, 1/6/2014 -
" I got more out of this book learning about how books are bound than the story. That's how shitty the quality of the book was. Are you fucking kidding me, people? 4+ stars? "
— Matthew, 1/2/2014 -
" Great novel of the story of an medieval Irish monks journey to the great city of Constantinople. "
— Charles, 12/4/2013 -
" If the author would have cut a little more, it would have received another star. "
— Rick, 11/27/2013 -
" I enjoyed this even more than the popular Ken Follet - Pillars of the Earth. "
— Shari, 9/30/2013 -
" Epic Lawhead historical fiction. Don't let the number of pages scare you off. "
— Scott, 9/12/2013 -
" Great read! Lawhead at his finest. "
— Timothy, 7/24/2013 -
" This is my all-time favorite historical novel. "
— Vivian, 2/1/2013 -
" I really like the general theme of this book. I think I read it twice. It was well written. "
— Ben, 11/15/2012 -
" I'm enjoying this book a lot. Historical fiction at its best. "
— Dan, 4/22/2012 -
" Perhaps should have been a '5'. Has stuck with me, highly enjoyed. "
— Rick, 3/21/2012 -
" This was my first experience with Mr. Lawhead's work. I loved it! I thoroughly enjoyed the fictional retelling of St. Aidan's life. I look forward to reading his retelling of the Arthurian legend as well as the Robin Hood legend. "
— John, 7/3/2011 -
" Re-read this summer. Still wondrous. "
— Jeannie, 9/26/2010 -
" Anytime one can get a mix of Vikings and Byzantines, it's a good thing, IMO... "
— Filip, 2/16/2010 -
" Enjoyed more than I thought I would.....good writing. "
— Phyllis, 1/18/2010 -
" This is one of Lawhead's best stories. It's thoroughly engaging and edifying at the same time. That's a great combination. "
— Auntie, 12/13/2009 -
" This book got me hooked on historic fiction. Can't say enough good about it. "
— Banner, 10/12/2009 -
" This was supposed to be the first book in a trilogy and I loved it; couldn't wait to read the other two. But then, the publisher pulled out and the other two books are sitting around waiting for publisher. Boo! "
— Melissa, 10/19/2008 -
" This book grew on me. Bummed the rest of the series was canceled. "
— Kim?, 2/23/2008
About Stephen R. Lawhead
Stephen R. Lawhead is an internationally acclaimed author of mythic history and imaginative fiction. He is the author of such epics as the King Raven, Song of Albion, and Dragon King trilogies. Although born and raised in America, he was brought to England by his research into Celtic legend and lore and now resides in Oxford with his wife, writer Alice Slaikeu Lawhead.
About Stuart Langton
Stuart Langton is an award-winning theater, film, and television actor. He has been an audiobook narrator for more than ten years. He lives in New York City.