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How Firm a Foundation: A Novel in the Safehold Series (#5) Audiobook
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(4.00) - 1,432 listener ratings
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David Weber's How Firm a Foundation is the latest novel in the New York Times-bestselling Safehold series begun with Off Armageddon Reef, By Schism Rent Asunder, By Heresies Distressed, and A Mighty Fortress. The Charisian Empire, born in war, has always known it must fight for its very survival. What most of its subjects don't know even now, however, is how much more it's fighting for. Emperor Cayleb, Empress Sharleyan, Merlin Athrawes, and their innermost circle of most trusted advisers do know. And because they do, they know the penalty if they lose will be far worse than their own deaths and the destruction of all they know and love. For five years, Charis has survived all the Church of God Awaiting and the corrupt men who control it have thrown at the island empire. The price has been high and paid in blood. Despite its chain of hard-fought naval victories, Charis is still on the defensive. It can hold its own at sea, but if it is to survive, it must defeat the Church upon its own ground. Yet how does it invade the mainland and take the war to a foe whose population outnumbers its own fifteen to one? How does it prevent that massive opponent from rebuilding its fleets and attacking yet again? Charis has no answer to those questions, but needs to find one...quickly. The Inquisition's brutal torture and hideous executions are claiming more and more innocent lives. Its agents are fomenting rebellion against the only mainland realms sympathetic to Charis. Religious terrorists have been dispatched to wreak havoc against the Empire's subjects. Assassins stalk the Emperor and Empress, their allies and advisers, and an innocent young boy, not yet eleven years old, whose father has already been murdered. And Merlin Athrawes, the cybernetic avatar of a young woman a thousand years dead, has finally learned what sleeps beneath the far-off Temple in the Church of God Awaiting's city of Zion. The men and women fighting for human freedom and tolerance have built a foundation for their struggle in the Empire of Charis with their own blood, but will that foundation be firm enough to survive? Safehold Series 1. Off Armageddon Reef 2. By Schism Rent Asunder 3. By Heresies Distressed 4. A Mighty Fortress 5. How Firm A Foundation 6. Midst Toil and Tribulation 7. Like A Mighty Army 8. Hell's Foundations Quiver 9. At the Sign of Triumph
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"Another great episode in the on-going story of Safehold. Charis continues to win the war at sea. Clynton resorts to terrorist tactics and looks to gain control in Siddarmark, The future of the ruler looks in doubt. Have to wait for the next edition to find out."
— James (5 out of 5 stars)
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Charles Keating's flawless narration adds a heightened dimension to David Weber's words. In fact, I think narration is the wrong word to describe precisely what Mr. Keating does with this novel. It's very much a one man performance of How Firm a Foundation.
— The Page of Reviews
How Firm a Foundation Listener Reviews
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" I enjoy this series but it seems like each book moves the story along slower than the previous book. Not sure why the events in this book had to move at such a snails pace, but I am on the hook for the next one so I guess we will see. "
— Jeff, 2/17/2014 -
" This is a complex book of olden days with future people just dropping in. A true battle going on. "
— Klever, 2/14/2014 -
" The series is now beginning to creak a bit. Still entertaining but the shadow of cliche and formula is definitely discernible. Somehow the paen of evil church organization is preservative. "
— Bruce, 2/2/2014 -
" A great read in the Safehold series. Great characters, tense battle scenes and a story line that makes it hard to put down. I can't wait for the next book in the series! :) "
— Michael, 2/1/2014 -
" Enjoyed this entry into the series a lot. The detailed sea battles and the level of political intrigue continue in good form, as well as further character development of secondary characters. Can't wait for the next one. "
— Pamela, 1/22/2014 -
" David Weber has continued with "How Firm A Foundation" to provide details on a multitude of stories that revolve and evolve as we are dragged further into his world. Very nice storyline with tons and tons of detail. "
— Douglas, 1/17/2014 -
" Keeps getting better. "
— Josh, 1/17/2014 -
" I think this was one of the better books in the series. "
— Patrick, 1/8/2014 -
" I'm glad this book improved over the last couple in the series. I dreaded another bomb. "
— John, 1/2/2014 -
" Good read - lots of action and detail as usual with Weber "
— Peter, 1/2/2014 -
" This story is rally moving slowly, at this rate it is going to take 50 more books before the people of Safehold are ready to avenge the destruction of humanity. "
— Allen, 12/16/2013 -
" Another strong entry into Safehold history. Actually mimics how terrorists act today; very strong characters and narrative. Can't wait until next book is released "
— Kathleen, 12/10/2013 -
" The series trudges on. I finished a few weeks ago - already this one is gone from my mind. The whole religious discussion turns me off. I'm just glad I didn't pay for this book, nor will I pay for any more in the series. "
— Tom, 5/16/2013 -
" Great!! Political intrigue, espionage, jihad/terrorism, religious reformation, and 19th century military technology are intertwined as the Charisian Empire battles the Church of God Awaiting. "
— Bill, 12/30/2012 -
" A great addition to the series with some shocking losses, betrayals and triumphs. Caleb, Sharley and Merlin/Nimue continue to be some of my favorite sci-fi characters of all time. Great stuff! "
— Martin, 11/18/2012 -
" Meh. Will you please edit your books: you need to cut half of the text. Get to the damned point! "
— Daniel, 11/2/2012 -
" I really enjoy the series, but am beginning to wonder how Weber (or even if) will wrap it up. There has been story line progress, but not "rapid" by any stretch. I'm hoping this doesn't become another Robert Jordan series that just goes on, and on, and on .... "
— Paul.stevenson, 9/21/2012 -
" The first 75% of the book is devoted to political intrigue leading up to the last 25% kick-a$$ action. Looking forward to book #6 coming out in September. "
— Charles, 5/29/2012 -
" Finally got the story rolling again. "
— Macca, 3/1/2012 -
" Still one of my favorite series. I am anxious for The Church of God Awaiting tom finally get their comeuppance. "
— Rob, 1/2/2012 -
" Each novel in this series gets better! I am awaiting the next one, due in Sept. "
— Danny, 12/21/2011 -
" much improved on books 3&4. More action, less talking about stuff. "
— Brian, 11/17/2011 -
" I've read the other books...not sure why I couldn't get through the first few chapters...it read like a meteorological forecast...it was just boring to me...oh well. Maybe I'll read it again if I start the entire series again some day...but for now...its getting returned to the library. "
— P, 10/29/2011 -
" much improved on books 3&4. More action, less talking about stuff. "
— Brianleedurfee, 10/11/2011 -
" When, oh when will Mr. Weber bring this interesting tale to a conclusion? "
— Charles, 10/8/2011 -
" Fantastic continuation of the series begun with Armageddon Reef. Weber has great charater development and world building. "
— Joe, 10/3/2011 -
" Another strong entry into Safehold history. Actually mimics how terrorists act today; very strong characters and narrative. Can't wait until next book is released "
— Kathleen, 10/2/2011 -
" This story is rally moving slowly, at this rate it is going to take 50 more books before the people of Safehold are ready to avenge the destruction of humanity. "
— Allen, 10/2/2011 -
" Enjoyed this entry into the series a lot. The detailed sea battles and the level of political intrigue continue in good form, as well as further character development of secondary characters. Can't wait for the next one. "
— Pamela, 9/28/2011 -
" Better than the last couple of books in this series. "
— John, 9/22/2011 -
" David Weber has continued with "How Firm A Foundation" to provide details on a multitude of stories that revolve and evolve as we are dragged further into his world. Very nice storyline with tons and tons of detail. "
— Douglas, 9/18/2011 -
" Better than the last entry, but still very many long winded passages and unnecessary detail. I skimmed a lot of it. "
— Neal, 9/16/2011
About David Weber
David Weber is a science fiction phenomenon. His popular Honor Harrington space-opera adventures are New York Times bestsellers and can’t come out fast enough for his devoted readers. He lives in South Carolina with his wife and their three children.
About Charles Keating
Charles Keating has won three AudioFile Earphones awards for his audiobook narrations. His credits include works by P.D. James, Mark Haddon, Charmian Hussey, and Terry Brooks. He is British actor of stage, screen and television in addition to being an audiobook narrator. He has acted with the Royal Shakespeare Company, played Rex in ITV’s celebrated Brideshead Revisited miniseries, and had roles in television shows including Sex and the City, Another World, All My Children and As the World Turns. In 2001, he played the role of Carney/Oscar Wilde in the Lincoln Center Theater Performance of A Man of No Importance, and in 2007, he played the role of Clement O’Donnell in the Guthrie Theater production of The Home Place.