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Audiobooks >  > The Bull from the Sea (Abridged)
The Bull from the Sea (Abridged) Audiobook, by Mary Renault Play Audiobook Sample

The Bull from the Sea (Abridged) Audiobook

By: Mary Renault
The Bull from the Sea (Abridged) Audiobook, by Mary Renault Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Michael York Publisher: Phoenix Books Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 2.00 hours at 1.5x Speed 1.50 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: May 2009 Format: Abridged Audiobook ISBN:
3.99925767309065 out of 53.99925767309065 out of 53.99925767309065 out of 53.99925767309065 out of 53.99925767309065 out of 5 (4.00) - 1,401 listener ratings
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Publisher Description

Slaying the Minotaur was only the beginning. Theseus's legendary exploits continue in this magnificent novel of mythological adventure in classical Greece. Esteemed author Mary Renault picks up where her classic The King Must Die left off, relating the tale of Theseus's triumphant return from Crete to become King of Athens. Plunge into the thrilling world of the continuing adventures of this mythic ruler, from his famous capture of the Amazon Hippolyta to the bitter twist of fate that loosened the bull from the sea. Renault's writing is rich with color and drama, vividly capturing the heroism and uniquely Greek sense of destiny that characterize this classic tale of a royal ruler who looms larger than life.

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"Just got started last night but already Theseus has disposed of the Bull of Marathon(the title bull). Many adventures await as well as his ultimate fate. As was foretold... So now he's met and taken Hyppolyta and put off Phaedra. The description of his Amazon/Scythian lover reminds me of Libby Riddles, a former Iditarod musher from years ago. In the SI article about her there was a picture of her naked from behind waistupwards. Scary beautiful... As we know, Theseus will be paying a price for his defiance of custom and tradition. It's interesting to read about him trying to ease out the dominance of Goddess/Earth Mother worship that is dominated by women. Kind of reminds me of "Dune" and the controlling witch cult(Bene Gesserit(sp?)). And now I'm done and find that this book is even better than "The King Must Die". It certainly covers a lot more time. Theseus' life as King of Athens, assuming he was a real person, is placed in the time between the exploits of Jason and Herakles(Hercules) and the Trojan War. Achilles is seen as a boy on Skyros just before Theseus' death. Aegeus, Hyppolyta, Hyppolytus, Phaedra, Medea, Minos, Minotauros, Oedipus, Antigone, Kreon, Ariadne and Menestheus are all part of the two-book saga. Interesting are MR's attempt to employ English in a way that must suggest the structure of ancient Greek. Also fascinating is the portrayal of a culture where pagan religious practice is so close to the hearts and minds and actions of people. Curses, prophesies, offerings, sacrifices(including human), myth and legend are all close at hand. also of interest is her portrayal of Hyppolyta as a paragon of alternative feminity. 4 1/2 stars..."

— Chris (4 out of 5 stars)

The Bull from the Sea Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 3.96 out of 53.96 out of 53.96 out of 53.96 out of 53.96 out of 5 (3.96)
5 Stars: 13
4 Stars: 3
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2 Stars: 5
1 Stars: 0
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Story: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
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  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " A retelling of the story of the ancient Minoans and the Minator in the Maze. Well researched historical novel about ancient Cretan culture woven into an absorbing adventure. Well written, hard to put down, leaves you hunting for more novels by the same gifted author. Never disappointed me when I found one. "

    — Pam, 2/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I thought I'd like this book because it was about mythology, and Theseus, etc. but the writing didn't keep my attention. I stopped reading about half way through. I don't tend to finish "okay" books. "

    — Lois, 2/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " While a good read, The Bull from the Sea ('62) is not quite as exciting as the story of Theseus' youth in The King Must Die ('58). Like its predecessor, it rationalizes ancient Greek myths, many of which were far more interlinked than most moderns recognize. Thus, this novel covers both legends of the Amazons as well as the story of Hippolytus and Phaedra (handled, famously, by Euripides). "

    — Erik, 2/1/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This was the first Mary Renault I read, at age 13. It still captivates me, although some of the language can be a little florid. I find myself becoming immersed in her version of Grecian history, and almost feel a disconnect when I have to stop reading. "

    — Gaenolee, 1/19/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Would like to read again, now. 2009. "

    — Michelle, 12/21/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " A wonderful modern retelling of the Theseus story, from a 1st person perspective, written in a 'heroic' style while avoiding wordiness and mock archaicism. "

    — Tim, 11/29/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " love this book. Will reread again and again. See The King Must Die for the partner book. Mary Renault is the master for making history and myth accessible. "

    — Alcornell, 10/27/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This was one of my first chosen books, read when I was 13. I got it off of my mother's bookshelf. Really enjoyed it. "

    — Val, 10/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I enjoyed this book, and "The King Must Die" and thought the retelling of Theseus' tale in these two books very well done. I am looking forward to reading more by Renault. "

    — Chris, 10/3/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Read this years ago, still think about it often. "

    — Jodi, 9/20/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " The Bull from the Sea just didn't have the same "vibe" as The King Must Die. It isn't as enjoyable, either. Out of the two, The King Must Die is much better and I would recommend one to read that and not this. It'll leave a bad taste in your mouth. "

    — Owen, 4/1/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " love this author in all her ancient greek writings. this series especially, after having been to Crete and Knossos. "

    — Jossalyn, 3/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Sequel to the King Must Die. Continuing adventures of Theseus. I wish it wouldn't end! "

    — Summer, 3/11/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I read and loved many of Renault's Greek and Persian historical novels when I was in high school. I periodically reread them, and often recommend them to friends. This was among my favorites. "

    — Patrick, 1/24/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Mary Renault is great. She mixes fiction with history beautifully! I loved this book. "

    — Jenn, 10/29/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Please read my comments for The King Must Die. I mean, if you want to. "

    — Brian, 7/29/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Wonderful evocation of ancient times with an exciting plot. All of Renault's books have the power to transport the reader to another world. Superb. "

    — Troy, 7/5/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This was recommended by an art history professor and so I picked it up. I liked it, I think the author does well in weaving a fictional story with history. I didn't know it was a follow up, though. Oops. I'll have to pick up the first one. :-) "

    — Ana, 7/3/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " A continuation of the story of Theseus (started in "The King Must Die"), this was too ponderous for my taste. "

    — Sharon, 3/26/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Please read my comments for The King Must Die. I mean, if you want to. "

    — Brian, 1/12/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Read this years ago, still think about it often. "

    — Jodi, 11/16/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " love this book. Will reread again and again. See The King Must Die for the partner book. Mary Renault is the master for making history and myth accessible. "

    — Alcornell, 3/27/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " A wonderful modern retelling of the Theseus story, from a 1st person perspective, written in a 'heroic' style while avoiding wordiness and mock archaicism. "

    — Tim, 3/20/2010
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " A continuation of the story of Theseus (started in "The King Must Die"), this was too ponderous for my taste. "

    — Alice, 1/21/2010
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I thought I'd like this book because it was about mythology, and Theseus, etc. but the writing didn't keep my attention. I stopped reading about half way through. I don't tend to finish "okay" books. "

    — Lois, 9/1/2009