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Normal Women
- Nine Hundred Years of Making History
- By: Philippa Gregory
- Narrated by: Philippa Gregory, Clare Corbett, Tania Rodrigues, and others
- Length: 27 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 243
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 216
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 216
Did you know that there are more penises than women in the Bayeux Tapestry? That the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381 was started and propelled by women who were protesting a tax on women? Or that Charles Darwin believed not just that women were naturally inferior to men, but that they’d evolve to become ever more inferior? These are just a few of the startling findings you will learn from listening to Philippa Gregory’s Normal Women. In this ambitious book, she tells the story of England over 900 years, for the very first time placing women—some fifty per cent of the population—center stage.
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4 out of 5 stars
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Well researched
- By Tom Masters on 05-31-24
- Normal Women
- Nine Hundred Years of Making History
- By: Philippa Gregory
- Narrated by: Philippa Gregory, Clare Corbett, Tania Rodrigues, Nneka Okoye, James Goode, Joe Jameson
Eye Opening - Actual History not Historical Fiction
Reviewed: 02-16-25
Fascinating journey through changing times and ideas over the centuries with real life portraits of women drawn from historical documentation showcasing changing views of society with records of these women’s daily lives. This is actual history not historical fiction. It covers hundreds of years starting before the Norman invasion to provide insights into how this changed the British landscape and trajectory. So glad Phillipa Gregory pulled this historical tapestry together. It provides an eye opening look into the changing roles and dynamics over the years. Seems that women enjoyed a tremendous amount of freedoms, respect and opportunities pre-Norman conquest and again after the bubonic plague. Shocking how reduced the opportunities and views became over time. Seems the restrictions are more modern, worsening post Elizabethan eras. Had no idea women were in the trades even working as master blacksmiths and owning their own businesses with autonomy and equanimity during periods of time. Eye opening read (or mind broadening listen on Audible). Highly recommend this to everyone - changed my perspective.
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The First Princess of Wales
- A Novel
- By: Karen Harper
- Narrated by: Bianca Amato
- Length: 22 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 189
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 176
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Story4 out of 5 stars 176
At the height of the Middle Ages in the 14th century, King Edward III of England is determined to use any means necessary to expand his power and gain control of England's bitter rival, France. His own son, Edward, prince of Wales, is far from immune from his political plans. And when Joan of Kent, now free from exile, sees her chance for revenge, she takes it. A calculated plot to scandalize the royal family for revenge for her father's downfall and execution soon turns into the most surprising thing: love.
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3 out of 5 stars
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Dissapointing
- By Pamela on 09-18-20
- The First Princess of Wales
- A Novel
- By: Karen Harper
- Narrated by: Bianca Amato
Factually incorrect
Reviewed: 12-26-23
Author took a lot of poetic license, history indicates that Joan chose to marry Thomas Holland a much older man without permission of the crown which was forbidden due to her rank and they did it in secret, they fought to be together even after she was promised to another man and married to Salisbury for 9 years before it was annulled so she could be with Holland, author also did not include Thomas Holland and Joan of Kent’s fourth child their daughter Maud or their 3rd son Edmund who died young and was named after her brother. The author also called their 3rd child Isabella named after the old Queen and the Princess, Bella for short, when her name instead was Joan, named after her own mother. And many more made up facts about Prince Edward and the battles. Also titles are off “Fair Maid of Kent” was used to describe Joan long after her death the same as “Black Prince” was used later in history to describe Edward and it’s debated as to whether it is was in relation to his armor or his dark moods. Princess Royale was not a title used until 1600’s which the author ascribes to Isabella. Purely fictional, enjoy historic fiction books much more. The author also infuses the characters with modern ideas and constructs. a fantasy romance book, very very loosely based on historical characters. On a high point the narration is very well done even though the storyline is not historically accurate and one dimensional. Good for a long flight or a cold night.
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2 people found this helpful
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Shadow of the Hawk
- Master of War Series, Book 7
- By: David Gilman
- Narrated by: Gildart Jackson
- Length: 17 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 137
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 125
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Story5 out of 5 stars 125
Defeated on the field of Poitiers, Jean Le Bon, King of France, honored his treaty with England until his death. His son and heir, Charles V, has no intention of doing the same. War is coming and the predators are circling. Sir Thomas Blackstone, Edward III's Master of War, has been tasked with securing Brittany for England. In the throes of battle, he rescues a young boy, sole witness to the final living breaths of the Queen of Castile. The secret the boy carries is a spark deadly enough to ignite conflict on a new front-a front the English cannot afford to fight on.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Highly Entertaining
- By 🌟CW_214🌟 on 05-17-25
- Shadow of the Hawk
- Master of War Series, Book 7
- By: David Gilman
- Narrated by: Gildart Jackson
Just Keeps Getting Better!
Reviewed: 12-02-23
This is some fine writing. Storytelling at its best. Each book is better than the last one. Can’t wait for the next one in February. Written by an amazing author who knows how to spin a yarn. Each character is so fully flushed out. Couldn’t be more amazing. LOVE… LOVE… L-O-V-E this series!!!!! So glad I found it :)
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Cross of Fire
- Master of War, Book 6
- By: David Gilman
- Narrated by: Gildart Jackson
- Length: 14 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 158
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 143
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Story5 out of 5 stars 142
Winter, 1362. After decades of successful campaigning in France, Thomas Blackstone, once a common archer, has risen to become Edward III's Master of War. But the title is as much a curse as a blessing. Success has brought few rewards: his family—bar his son Henry—is dead, slaughtered; his enemies only multiply. Death, in so many guises, beckons. As he battles to enforce his King's claim to French territory, Blackstone will assault an impregnable fortress, he'll become embroiled in a feud between French aristocrats, he'll be forced into pitched battle in the dead of winter.
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5 out of 5 stars
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the historical detail
- By Gary D. Anderson on 01-22-25
- Cross of Fire
- Master of War, Book 6
- By: David Gilman
- Narrated by: Gildart Jackson
Best Series Ever
Reviewed: 11-25-23
Keeps you at the edge of your seat. Fully flushed out autonomous characters. No standard tropes, this book is engaging and realistic. No a paper doll version rehashing same old style. Highly recommend. Never listened to a series like this before.
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Scourge of Wolves
- Master of War, Book 5
- By: David Gilman
- Narrated by: Gildart Jackson
- Length: 16 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 183
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 169
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Story5 out of 5 stars 169
Winter, 1361. After two decades of conflict, Edward III has finally agreed a treaty with the captive French King, John II. In return for his freedom, John has ceded vast tracts of territory to the English. But for five long years mercenary bands and belligerent lords have fought over the carcass of his kingdom. They will not give up their hard-won spoils to honor a defeated king's promises. If the English want their prize, they'll have to fight for it...Thomas Blackstone will have to fight for it. But this time there will be no English army at his back. He'll face the French alone.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent book of an excellent series
- By Amazon Customer on 03-14-25
- Scourge of Wolves
- Master of War, Book 5
- By: David Gilman
- Narrated by: Gildart Jackson
Some of the Finest Literature Ever
Reviewed: 11-18-23
Haven’t read anything this good in years. It’s just beyond words… you can do no diner service for yourself than to join this fabulous ride of masterful storytelling. In 100 years this will be one of the classics covered in literature courses around the world.
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Master of War Boxset
- Books 1-3
- By: David Gilman
- Narrated by: Gildart Jackson
- Length: 53 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 338
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 300
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 299
England, 1346: For Thomas Blackstone, the choice is easy - dance on the end of a rope for a murder he did not commit, or take up his war bow and join the king's invasion. As he fights his way across northern France, Blackstone learns the brutal lessons of war - from the terror and confusion of his first taste of combat, to the savage realities of siege warfare.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Master of War (1-3)
- By teejay spina on 02-13-23
- Master of War Boxset
- Books 1-3
- By: David Gilman
- Narrated by: Gildart Jackson
Update - 7 Books in Series
Reviewed: 09-04-23
This box set isn’t the end, if you want more Blackstone there are a total of 7 books in the series :) the box set just has the first 3.
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When We Were Birds
- A Novel
- By: Ayanna Lloyd Banwo
- Narrated by: Sydney Darius, Wendell Manwarren
- Length: 8 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 154
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 140
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 138
In the old house on a hill, where the city meets the rainforest, Yejide’s mother is dying. She is leaving behind a legacy that now passes to Yejide: one St Bernard woman in every generation has the power to shepherd the city’s souls into the afterlife. But after years of suffering her mother’s neglect and bitterness, Yejide is looking for a way out.
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5 out of 5 stars
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PERFECTION!!!
- By Ifayemisi on 07-13-22
- When We Were Birds
- A Novel
- By: Ayanna Lloyd Banwo
- Narrated by: Sydney Darius, Wendell Manwarren
Groundbreaking Book Creating its own Genre
Reviewed: 08-21-23
This was an unexpected gem, it had a supernatural element to it but is also a poignant coming of age story. The imagery of the book is astounding. I have never ready anything like this before, it’s incomparable. Highly suggest you suspend all belief and go on this colorful journey. It’s a good read.
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1 person found this helpful
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The Dark Queens
- The Bloody Rivalry That Forged the Medieval World
- By: Shelley Puhak
- Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
- Length: 10 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 361
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 300
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 300
Brunhild was a foreign princess, raised to be married off for the sake of alliance-building. Her sister-in-law Fredegund started out as a lowly palace slave. And yet - in sixth-century Merovingian France, where women were excluded from noble succession and royal politics was a blood sport - these two iron-willed strategists reigned over vast realms, changing the face of Europe.
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4 out of 5 stars
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Fascinating & Long Overdue
- By Mary E Birdsong on 10-22-22
- The Dark Queens
- The Bloody Rivalry That Forged the Medieval World
- By: Shelley Puhak
- Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
Needs a Serious Editor
Reviewed: 07-28-23
Book isn’t sure if it wants to be a history narrative, historical fiction or explanation of ancient world in modern terms. This book is all over the place. Couldn’t make it through. Would love for a good historical fiction writer to write about these 2 characters. There is potential here, this execution is just horrendous.
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1 person found this helpful
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Boudica: Dreaming the Serpent Spear
- By: Manda Scott
- Narrated by: Jerome Flynn, Philip Stevens, Liza Goddard
- Length: 21 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 120
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 110
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Story5 out of 5 stars 109
Dreaming the Serpent Spear is the magnificent final story of the world’s most famous warrior queen in in Manda Scott’s best-selling Boudica series. Britannia, AD 60: the tribes of Britannia are ready to seek bloody vengeance. Twenty thousand warriors are poised to reclaim their land from their captors. Now is their chance: the Roman governor has marched his legions west, leaving his capital and a vital port undefended. There is no going back.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Loving the Warrior
- By rose mcclurg on 12-20-20
- Boudica: Dreaming the Serpent Spear
- By: Manda Scott
- Narrated by: Jerome Flynn, Philip Stevens, Liza Goddard
Phenomenal!
Reviewed: 07-27-23
Highly recommend, became immersed in another world from long ago courtesy of this author. The characters come to life off the page. All four books in the series were captivating. The audio storyteller also does the novel justice. It was definitely a good read! Hope the author writes more in this world.
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The Last White Rose
- A Novel of Elizabeth of York
- By: Alison Weir
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 19 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 355
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 321
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 321
Elizabeth of York is the oldest daughter of King Edward IV. Flame-haired, beautiful, and sweet-natured, she is adored by her family; yet her life is suddenly disrupted when her beloved father dies in the prime of life. Her uncle, the notorious Richard III, takes advantage of King Edward’s death to grab the throne and imprison Elizabeth's two younger brothers, the rightful royal heirs. Forever afterward known as the princes in the tower, the boys are never seen again.
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2 out of 5 stars
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Much Better Nonfiction Writer
- By Elizabeth on 03-26-23
- The Last White Rose
- A Novel of Elizabeth of York
- By: Alison Weir
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
Boring
Reviewed: 07-07-23
As other reviewers have said this narrator is terrible. Not sure if the story is awful too because I can’t pay attention to it. Just drones on and on like she’s taking to kindergarteners. Not even good to put you to sleep, it’s just annoying and bleats on and on. Monotonous drone. Too bad the return function isn’t available for this title. Only returned 3 books in all years I’ve had Audible. This is one I would love to return.
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3 people found this helpful