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Far Away Bird
- Narrated by: Mary Sarah
- Length: 13 hrs and 52 mins
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Publisher's summary
Inspired by true events, Far Away Bird delves into the complex mind of Byzantine Empress Theodora. This intimate account deftly follows her rise from actress-prostitute in Constantinople’s red-light district to the throne of the Byzantine Empire.
Her salacious past has left historians blushing and uncomfortable. Tales of her shamelessness have survived for centuries, and yet her accomplishments as an empress are unparalleled. Theodora goes on to influence sweeping reforms that result in some of the first ever Western laws granting women freedom and protection. More than a millennium before the women’s rights movement, Theodora, alone, took on the world’s greatest superpower and succeeded. Far Away Bird goes where history classrooms fear to tread, in hopes that Theodora can finally take her seat among the greatest women in history.
Follow young Theodora through the scintillating and violent world of Byzantium. From the brothels to the bathhouses to the spectacular chariot races in the Hippodrome - her role in society seemed hopeless. But when she’s trained as a political spy, the lessons on personal power transform Theodora into the stuff of empresses. She seems impossible - yet her transcendence teaches us that society can’t tell us who we are deep down. Before there was a legendary empress, there was a conflicted young woman from the lower classes.
And her name was Theodora.
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Walter of Gurnie, bastard son of an English peer, is forced to flee from Oxford for his part in the university riots of 1273. Inspired by Friar Bacon, he determines to travel to China. With his friend Tristam, he fights his way to the heart of the fabulous Mongol Empire and returns famous, to find that he must choose between the first love he thought lost and the exotic flower that he found in the East.
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Great Book
- By Jean on 03-09-13
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The Bard's Blade
- The Sorcerer's Song, Book 1
- By: Brian D. Anderson
- Narrated by: Andrew Kingston, Tamsin Kennard
- Length: 14 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
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Mariyah enjoys a simple life in Vylari, a land magically sealed off from the outside world, where fear and hatred are all but unknown. There, she's a renowned wine maker, and her betrothed, Lem, is a musician of rare talent. Their destiny has never been in question. Whatever life brings, they will face it together. Then, a stranger crosses the wards into Vylari for the first time in centuries, bringing a dark prophecy that forces Lem and Mariyah down separate paths. How far will they have to go to stop a rising darkness and save their home?
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Something new
- By Blaise Ancona on 02-20-20
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The Book of Longings
- A Novel
- By: Sue Monk Kidd
- Narrated by: Mozhan Marnò, Sue Monk Kidd
- Length: 13 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
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In her mesmerizing fourth work of fiction, Sue Monk Kidd takes an audacious approach to history and brings her acclaimed narrative gifts to imagine the story of a young woman named Ana. Raised in a wealthy family with ties to the ruler of Galilee, she is rebellious and ambitious, with a brilliant mind and a daring spirit. She engages in furtive scholarly pursuits and writes narratives about neglected and silenced women. Ana is expected to marry an older widower, a prospect that horrifies her. An encounter with 18-year-old Jesus changes everything.
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Made me cringe
- By Joan on 05-08-20
By: Sue Monk Kidd
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The Broken Ones
- By: Danielle L. Jensen
- Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer, Erin Moon
- Length: 8 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
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Below Forsaken Mountain, a plot is being hatched to overthrow the tyrant king of Trollus, and Marc is the right-hand man of its leader. His involvement is information more than one troll would kill to possess, which is why he must keep it a secret from everyone, even the girl he loves. After accidentally ruining her sister's chance to become queen, Pénélope is given one last opportunity by her father, the Duke d'Angoulême, to make herself useful: she must find proof that the boy she's in love with is conspiring against the crown.
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A-MAZE-ING!!!!!!!
- By L. DelPrete on 06-30-17
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The Invasion of Heaven
- Part One of the Newirth Mythology
- By: Michael B. Koep
- Narrated by: Gabrielle de Cuir, John Rubinstein, Stefan Rudnicki
- Length: 12 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
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Psychologist Loche Newirth becomes hunted when he sees a painting that opens a window onto the afterlife. An ancient order of men seeking to control the art pursue him across the world, through centuries, into madness, and beyond. The first part of Michael B. Koep's the Newirth Mythology The Invasion of Heaven is mystery, adventure, myth, betrayal, murder, and madness. Loche Newirth wonders if it was his fall: The 50-foot drop from the rocky cliff to the icy water below. Is this why he has been hallucinating?
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Good story - well written
- By Amy Q on 05-17-20
By: Michael B. Koep
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The Councillor
- By: E.J. Beaton
- Narrated by: Moira Quirk
- Length: 19 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
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When the death of Iron Queen Sarelin Brey fractures the realm of Elira, Lysande Prior, the palace scholar and the queen’s closest friend, is appointed Councillor. Publically, Lysande must choose the next monarch from amongst the city-rulers vying for the throne. Privately, she seeks to discover which ruler murdered the queen, suspecting the use of magic. Resourceful, analytical, and quiet, Lysande appears to embody the motto everything in its place. Yet while she hides her drug addiction from her new associates, she cannot hide her growing interest in power.
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Amazing!
- By Mouktar on 03-19-21
By: E.J. Beaton
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Mark of the Raven
- The Ravenwood Saga, Book 1
- By: Morgan L. Busse
- Narrated by: Jaimee Draper
- Length: 10 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
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Lady Selene is the heir to the Great House of Ravenwood and the secret family gift of dreamwalking. As a dreamwalker, she can enter a person's dreams and manipulate their greatest fears or desires. For the last hundred years, the Ravenwood women have used their gift of dreaming for hire to gather information or to assassinate. As she discovers her family's dark secret, Selene is torn between upholding her family's legacy - a legacy that supports her people - or seeking the true reason behind her family's gift.
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So glad this is on audiobook!
- By Amazon Customer on 11-09-18
By: Morgan L. Busse
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Some Enchanted Evening
- Lost Princesses, Book 1
- By: Christina Dodd
- Narrated by: Heather Wilds
- Length: 9 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
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One of Scotland's most dangerous men, Robert MacKenzie is dazzled by the enchanting beauty who rides into the town he is sworn to defend. Though he is wary of the exquisite stranger, Clarice stirs emotions within him that Robert buried deeply years before. And now he must have her at any cost, vowing to gain her trust through the powers of his sensuous seduction. Torn between her need to protect her secrets and her aching desire for the dark, tormented earl of Hepburn, Clarice is pulled into Robert's glamorous world . . . and into his perilous plan for justice and revenge.
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Dodd! So glad she put in audible!
- By darlingdeb on 10-15-21
By: Christina Dodd
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Stronghold
- Dragon Star Series, Book 1
- By: Melanie Rawn
- Narrated by: Christa Lewis
- Length: 24 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
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In the first novel of Melanie Rawn's Dragon Star trilogy, there is a devastating new challenge to the power of both the High Prince Rohan and Andry, Lord of the Sunrunners at Goddess Keep, as a mysterious and seemingly unstoppable invasion force swarms across their lands. For Andry it signals the start of a nightmare made real, the horrifying fulfillment of his long-ago visions of his homeland in flames, and he will draw upon even the forbidden sorcerer's magic in an attempt to destroy this enemy which is bent on the extermination of all Sunrunners.
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Boring
- By Donald s. on 09-26-24
By: Melanie Rawn
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The Ruby in Her Navel
- By: Barry Unsworth
- Narrated by: Andrew Sachs
- Length: 12 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
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Thurstan, a young Norman and would-be Knight at the Court of King Roger in Palermo, has been in love since boyhood with Lady Alicia, now returned a widow from the Holy Land. Thurstan soon finds himself caught in a tangle of plots.
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A Well-Earned Five Stars for this Gem
- By Ilana on 12-11-14
By: Barry Unsworth
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The Beholder
- By: Anna Bright
- Narrated by: Emily Rankin
- Length: 11 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
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Selah has waited her whole life for a happily ever after. As the only daughter of the leader of Potomac, she knows her duty is to find the perfect match. But after an excruciatingly public rejection, Selah’s stepmother suggests an unthinkable solution: Selah must set sail across the Atlantic to visit a series of potential suitors - and if she doesn’t come home engaged, she shouldn’t come home at all. From the gardens of England to the fjords of Norge, Selah’s quest will be the journey of a lifetime. But her stepmother’s schemes aren’t the only secrets hiding belowdecks.
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A hot mess
- By Whimsical Dragonette on 07-07-19
By: Anna Bright
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Curse of Shadows and Thorns
- The Broken Kingdoms, Book 1
- By: LJ Andrews
- Narrated by: Stina Nielsen
- Length: 10 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
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As niece of the king, Elise Lysander cares about two things: sneaking into gambling dens, and avoiding an advantageous marriage at all costs. When her uncle holds the life of her deathly ill father over her head, reluctantly, Elise puts her fate into the hands of Legion Grey, the handsome and mysterious dowry negotiator. He may be arrogant and infuriating, but soon Legion incites a blistering, forbidden passion she can’t ignore.
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Great concept, poor execution on the writing side
- By Kel on 11-24-22
By: LJ Andrews
What listeners say about Far Away Bird
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Imbrim
- 07-17-20
Review Far Away Bird
I completely loved this story. Douglas Burton clearly put a great deal of thought and research into creating this beautiful tale. My only complaint is... it’s finished. I’m eagerly awaiting the sequel now. I will be recommending this book to anyone that will listen to me.
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- Katie M Fore
- 06-05-20
Captivating!
So so good. I finished it in 3 days. The main character was an inspiring example of how women can overcome, even thrive, after facing even the most devastating of circumstances. Doug’s writing is captivating and I found myself transported into the era at hand. At times I felt as if I was standing next to Theodora herself. Incredible imagery that was powerfully seductive and left me yearning for more at every turn of the page. I am so glad to hear there will be a sequel!
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- Andre
- 07-10-20
Amazing read! Felt like I was in Byzantine Empire!
The story of Theodora is simply fascinating. I rarely read fiction books, and was recommended to look at this one. I was in love with Theodora's life story, the trials and tribulations she endured, the adversity she overcomes, and her growth from a naive and risk-seeking child to a strong woman of purpose and conviction. I would highly recommend to read this book if you love history, female empowerment, and heroic tales.
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- Tracy R Tranor
- 06-18-20
Transformative
Absolutely loved it!
The heart and emotion put into this character is amazing! It was beautifully written and performed. Definitely looking forward to more from Douglas Burton.
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- Paula Ball
- 03-15-21
Very good story
Very good story keeps the reader very engaged no un interesting parts if you like that. Part of history would recommend this book
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- cindy fletcher
- 11-22-20
A great listen!
Theodora is fascinating. The author creatively describes her trials and tribulations as a woman during these times. The ending left me wanting more. I look forward to more books by this author, and hopefully more about Theodora!
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- Mercedes Rochelle
- 01-31-21
An indomitable spirit
This was the first time I ever read a book on Kindle while at the same time listening to it on Audible. It actually added a new dimension; absorbing the book through my ears as well as my eyes enhanced the experience. Although it takes longer to get from beginning to end because I had to allow for pauses and articulation of the words, it was richer and more satisfying to my brain. And this was a very long book. We are thrust deep into the trials of this girl whose world is turned upside down after the death of her father. Life in Constantinople is unkind to widows and orphans, and Theodora learns the hard way how to survive in a world that chews up women and throws them into the gutter. She has a long and treacherous journey to discover her inner strengths, and even then she doesn’t quite get it right. Prostitution seems to be the only answer, though this leads her to a higher calling—a spy for the Blues, the political faction that has saved her from destitution. And who among the Blues is responsible for her promotion (if you could call it that)? Justinian, of course:
"Theodora blinked. This was the man who had taken on a legion of Greens with his voice and words, and now as they stood in the dimly lit fornice, he set his voice and words against Theodora. Whatever flutters of girlishness that lingered in her stomach now faded. She managed a nod. 'I understand.'
'Because some girls collapse under the pressures of the post,' he said. 'A relentless fear of getting caught can break a person. I don’t want to put you through that hell. I need a certain kind of woman.'
She saw that he looked at her as if searching for something in her eyes, some quality. 'I think I can be that kind of woman, Magister Justinian,' said Theodora. 'What exactly are you asking of me?'
'To deliberately betray powerful men who trust you. These men will have high imperial stations, and they’ll tell you things in confidence that you’ll turn around and tell me. If these men discover who you are or what you’re doing, you could be killed. I want you to let that settle in because I can’t afford any confusion. This is a deadly profession that won’t allow second thoughts once you’ve committed.'"
Not a terribly auspicious start, is it? Of course, we all know that she eventually becomes empress, so their mutual attraction must win out. But she is a nobody and he is a high ranking aristocrat, so it seems impossible that they could come to any kind of partnership. When things get too risky between them, she takes another post in another country and tries to forget him. But no, that is not her destiny. What she does discover about herself is an implacable need to defend the weak and defenseless—to fight for the rights of women and stand up to their persecutors. She gets help along the way, and her indomitable spirit carries her through every travail. This book is uncomfortable at times, and the reader must squirm through some mighty disagreeable incidents before she comes out on top. I was waiting for her to become empress, but by about 70% of the way through, I realized this wasn’t going to happen. Frankly, although this was a very good and intense read, I was disappointed that we didn’t get that far. Her conflicts and challenges are the significance of this book, not her future greatness.
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- reader girl
- 09-06-20
great read
I really enjoyed this book, loved watching Theodoras journey, can't wait to hear the sequel!
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- Amy
- 12-15-20
Excellent Narration
Just when I thought no narrator was as good as Xe Sands along comes Mary Sarah. Her narration is spectacular!
I’ve read much historical fiction and non-fiction, much of which is/was about royal females. The book is good, and I highly recommend it. The narration, however, takes it to the next level.
The author’s style is a combination of historical story-telling with a fairy tale quality. Mary Sarah captures the beauty of this quality.
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- renee B.
- 02-07-21
Brilliant Visual Story Teller!
I've always been drawn to historical fictions, but this is by far my favorite. I LOVE this book! Douglas A Burton is a brilliant visual story teller who weaves a believable, yet extraordinary masterpiece with his use of characters, music, historical events, circumstance, creativity, drama and more - tantalizing all the senses! He is so talented! The narrator's voice was captivating, providing the perfect option for my lifestyle. The writing, brought to life by the narrator, immediately drew me in. Theodora, the well deserved star of this novel, is a victim, and a seemingly powerless young woman destined to a life of bringing pleasure to others to survive. Living in the underbelly of Constantinople during the 6th century, Theodora becomes "notorious" for her exotic performances, but secretly trains to use her powers of persuasion in a purposeful way. Eventually, Theodora begins to see beneath her scars and tap into the spirit she once knew as a child. However, it isn't until she risks everything to spare a young girl from the life she decided to leave behind, that Theodora fully awakens her inner strength, taking life into her own hands without compromise. I'm enamored with Theodora's resilience, bravery, leadership and passion for creating more rights for women. Douglas A Burton has written an inspirational, compelling story that I didn't want to see end. I can't wait to read more about all that Theodora will do now that she has found her wings!
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