LISTENER

Steve Barnum

  • 8
  • reviews
  • 0
  • helpful votes
  • 60
  • ratings

History is wild

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 03-12-25

I thought this was a fantastic listen. The book dives deep into the wild and often disturbing world of Caligula, from the bizarre things he forced people to do to the cruelty he inflicted on others. It was especially fascinating to learn about how he was raised and how that may have shaped his rule.

One of the most striking aspects was the exploration of whether Caligula was truly mad. The book presents different perspectives, allowing the listener to consider both sides rather than forcing a single conclusion.

As for the ending, I don’t agree with some reviewers who claim the comparison to Trump was in bad taste. In modern times, plenty of people have made the same comparison, and the author presents it in a balanced way—comparing and contrasting the two figures without bias. Ultimately, he leaves the final judgment to future historians. If some readers are upset by that, it says more about them than it does about the author.

Overall, this was a gripping and thought-provoking book that made ancient history feel surprisingly relevant.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Live today

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 01-20-25

Burkeman has a wonderful way of putting life in perspective. His way of seeing the world and his opinions on life and how we should spend our time should be shared with everyone. Read this book if you feel stuck in the past or worried about the future!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Better and better

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 12-08-24

Correia finds a way to make each one of these books better than the last somehow

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Great story but some elements were forced

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
3 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 03-20-23

The story as a whole was great, the only critique I could give is that the love between Rowan and Citra feels very forced. I am left wanting to know more about this world and it’s characters though!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Damn good book

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 06-23-21

Holy shit this was good. Beautiful prose and a great reimagined story. Highly recommend giving this a go!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

eh

Overall
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
3 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 09-16-20

like a mindless action movie, but book form. entertaining enough to get you to your next read. great performance

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

book 1 good, book 2 terrible, book 3 ehhh

Overall
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
2 out of 5 stars
Story
3 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 11-04-18

concept at first captures your attention and makes you want to find out answers that never get delivered in any grand fashion. the trilogy falls flat and tries hard to pick back up in book 3. just read the first book.. and use your open imagination for the rest... it'll be better..

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

audio

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 03-20-18

love the story but spotty audio and some narrators voices are hard to listen to

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!