The Janissary Tree
A Novel
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Narrated by:
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Stephen Hoye
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By:
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Jason Goodwin
About this listen
It is 1836. Europe is modernizing, and the Ottoman Empire must follow suit. But just before the sultan announces sweeping changes, a wave of murders threatens the fragile balance of power in his court. Who is behind them? Only one intelligence agent can be trusted to find out: Yashim Togalu, a man both brilliant and near-invisible in this world.
You see, Yashim is a eunuch.
He leads us into the palace's luxurious seraglios and Istanbul's teeming streets, and leans on the wisdom of a dyspeptic Polish ambassador, a transsexual dancer, and a Creole-born queen mother. He finds sweet salvation in the arms of another man's wife. (This is not your everyday eunuch.) And he introduces us to the Janissaries. For, 400 years earlier, the sultan had them crushed. Are the Janissaries staging a brutal comeback?
©2007 Jason Goodwin (P)2007 Tantor Media Inc.Listeners also enjoyed...
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"A work of dazzling beauty....The rare coming together of historical scholarship and curiosity about distant places with luminous writing." (The New York Times Book Review)
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In the contested and unexplored territories at the edge of the Empire, a boat is making its laborious way up stream. Riding along the banks are the mercenaries hired to protect it - from raiders, bandits and, most of all, the stretchers, elf-like natives who kill any intruders into their territory. The mercenaries know this is dangerous, deadly work. But it is what they do. In the boat the drunk governor of the territories and his sons and daughters make merry. They believe that their status makes them untouchable.
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Great world, competent prose, messy story
- By Melanie on 03-31-16
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The Affair of the Porcelain Dog
- By: Jess Faraday
- Narrated by: Philip Battley
- Length: 9 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
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London, 1889. For Ira Adler, former rent-boy and present plaything of crime lord Cain Goddard, stealing back the statue from Goddard's blackmailer should have been a doddle. But inside the statue is evidence that could put Goddard away for a long time under the sodomy laws, and everyone's after it, including Ira's bitter ex, Dr. Timothy Lazarus.
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Brilliant book, Phenomenal audio experience!
- By 'Nathan on 04-24-13
By: Jess Faraday
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The Book of Kells
- By: R. A. MacAvoy
- Narrated by: Alan Robertson
- Length: 14 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
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A contemporary man, John Thornburn (a meek, non-violent and unpredictable artist) and woman, Derval (his tough, confrontational, strong and warrior-like lover) time travel to ancient Ireland to avenge a Viking attack. Packed with fascinating details of historical time and place in Irish history and delicately balanced on the border between realism and fantasy, the story centers around one of the most famous and beautiful illuminated manuscripts in history, the legendary but entirely real Book of Kells.
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The Book of Irish Fantasy
- By S. Wells on 12-10-12
By: R. A. MacAvoy
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New Spring
- The Wheel of Time Prequel
- By: Robert Jordan
- Narrated by: Kate Reading, Michael Kramer
- Length: 12 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
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For three days battle has raged in the snow around the great city of Tar Valon. In the city, a foretelling of the future is uttered. On the slopes of Dragonmount, the immense mountain that looms over the city, a child is born, an infant prophesied to change the world. That child must be found before he can be killed by the forces of the Shadow.
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Read it after reading others in the series
- By Stacy Fair on 12-13-07
By: Robert Jordan
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The Book of Magic
- By: Gardner Dozois - editor, Scott Lynch, Elizabeth Bear, and others
- Narrated by: Karissa Vacker, Sile Bermingham, Maxwell Caulfield, and others
- Length: 24 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
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Hot on the heels of Gardner Dozois's acclaimed anthology The Book of Swords comes this companion volume devoted to magic. How could it be otherwise? For every Frodo, there is a Gandalf... and a Saruman. For every Dorothy, a Glinda... and a Wicked Witch of the West. What would Harry Potter be without Albus Dumbledore... and Severus Snape? Figures of wisdom and power, possessing arcane, often forbidden knowledge, wizards and sorcerers are shaped - or misshaped - by the potent magic they seek to wield.
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some stinkers mostly good
- By M.T. on 12-11-18
By: Gardner Dozois - editor, and others
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Luck in the Shadows
- Nightrunner, Book 1
- By: Lynn Flewelling
- Narrated by: Raymond Todd
- Length: 18 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
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Spy, rogue, thief, and noble, Seregil of Rhiminee is many things, none of them predictable. And when he offers to take on Alec as his apprentice, things may never be the same for either of them. Soon Alec is traveling roads he never knew existed, toward a war he never suspected was brewing. Before long he and Seregil are embroiled in a sinister plot that runs deeper than either can imagine and that may cost them far more than their lives if they fail. But fortune is as unpredictable as Alec's new mentor.
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Fantastic Series! Homophobes, shut up!
- By Ted on 09-23-11
By: Lynn Flewelling
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Those Who Hunt the Night
- A James Asher Novel, Book 1
- By: Barbara Hambly
- Narrated by: Gildart Jackson
- Length: 11 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
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Once a spy for Queen Victoria, James Asher has fought for Britain on every continent, using his quick wits to protect the Empire at all costs. After years of grueling service, he marries and retires to a simple academic’s life at Oxford. But his peace is shattered one night with the arrival of a Spanish vampire named Don Simon. Don Simon can disappear into fog, move faster than the eye can see, and immobilize Asher - and his young bride - with a wave of his hand. Asher is at his mercy, and has no choice but to give his help.
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Creepy, historical vampire fun!
- By bluestatereader on 03-11-14
By: Barbara Hambly
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Six of Crows
- By: Leigh Bardugo
- Narrated by: Jay Snyder, Brandon Rubin, Fred Berman, and others
- Length: 15 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
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Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price - and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can't pull it off alone.
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7 Narrators, But That's Not a Good Thing
- By KM on 03-18-16
By: Leigh Bardugo
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The Thousand Names
- By: Django Wexler
- Narrated by: Richard Poe
- Length: 22 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
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With this stunning series opener, Django Wexler leaps to the upper echelon of today’s best fantasy authors. The Thousand Names opens his Shadow Campaigns series with a tale of bloody rebellion that will reshape an empire -- and a world. Captain Marcus d’Ivoire and Winter Ihernglass see their fortunes rise under the command of military genius Janus bet Vhalnich. But Janus’ obsession with the supernatural portends a dire fate for the realm.
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90% battles and 10% character development
- By Kathleen on 11-15-14
By: Django Wexler
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The Ashes of London
- By: Andrew Taylor
- Narrated by: Leighton Pugh
- Length: 12 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
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London, September 1666. The Great Fire rages through the city, consuming everything in its path. Even the impregnable cathedral of St. Paul's is engulfed in flames and reduced to ruins. Among the crowds watching its destruction is James Marwood, son of a disgraced printer and reluctant government informer. In the aftermath of the fire, a semi-mummified body is discovered in the ashes of St. Paul's, in a tomb that should have been empty. The man's body has been mutilated, and his thumbs have been tied behind his back.
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Entertaining Historical Fiction
- By Simone on 05-01-17
By: Andrew Taylor
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When the Lion Feeds
- The Courtneys, Book 1
- By: Wilbur Smith
- Narrated by: Sean Barrett
- Length: 17 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
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It is the 1870s, and twin brothers Sean and Garrick Courtney are born into the wilds of Natal. They could not be more different, and fate, war and the jealous schemes of a woman are to drive them even further apart. But as history unfolds, a continent is awakening. And on the horizon is the promise of fortune, adventure, destiny and love.... When the Lion Feeds is the best-selling novel that launched Wilbur Smith's stellar career and the first in the riveting saga of the Courtney brothers.
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What did you do with John Lee?
- By SAM on 04-03-19
By: Wilbur Smith
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The Demon King
- A Seven Realms Novel
- By: Cinda Williams Chima
- Narrated by: Carol Monda
- Length: 15 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
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The first of a new young adult trilogy, The Demon King features a former thief, Han, who’s trying to provide for his mother and sister. One day Han, who sports mysterious (and certainly magical) silver cuffs on his wrists, confronts wizards setting fire to a sacred mountain. Now possessing one ofthe wizards’ amulets, Han faces more trouble than he ever could have imagined.
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Sooooooo Good!!!!!
- By Sharon on 06-15-13
What listeners say about The Janissary Tree
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- 1bluetear
- 02-14-18
Wow, what an enthralling story.
Draws you in and tantalizes, with vivid descriptions and draping clues... Oh well. On to the next Yashim mystery.
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- Judith A. Weller
- 03-26-09
A Real Page Turner
This was one of the most riveting historical mysteries I have listened to in a long time. The wealth of detail about the Ottoman Empire and life in Istambul really makes this book come alive. I love historical mysteries that really make you live in the period and this is one of them. The detail is marvelous and adds to the depth of the book. While at first I didn't much care for the narrator, the more I listened the more I felt he was just right for the book and his ability to vocally differentiate the various characters in the book is really marvellous. Highly recommended.
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21 people found this helpful
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- jzddc4
- 03-31-17
Entertaining
A mix of intrigue, building plot and humility. Novel setting with unique characters does nor disappoint.
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- MsBuy&Sell
- 01-26-17
Narrator made a Russian of a Pole
My one quibble is that the narrator who briefly started out w a decent Polish accent for the Polish ambassador quickly went over to a Russian one. That left him w no good Russian accent for the Russian characters! If you don't notice accents, you won't find this an issue.
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- Amazon Customer
- 03-13-15
A little slow moving
This was interesting & I wanted to know the ending. Obviously, there were dark secrets to be revealed. Sometimes I wanted yo say "Hurry up & tell us what happens!"
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- Julia
- 04-02-13
Mysterious story!
If you could sum up The Janissary Tree in three words, what would they be?
mysterious, exotic, adventurous
Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?
Yes at moments it did. I did not suspect the character that ended up being the nemesis.
Which character – as performed by Stephen Hoye – was your favorite?
The Eunuch
Any additional comments?
Good mystery story, I love the historical aspect the most. Istanbul was brought to life for me. I especially appreciate the food descriptions. The story was good, a little unrealistic/fanciful but surprising and not too scary. Very suspenseful at moments!
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- IMNSHO
- 08-06-12
A Good Read
If you could sum up The Janissary Tree in three words, what would they be?
Plot, characterization and setting expertly written. Solid historical fiction.
Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?
Plot line was compelling. I was bothered by the descriptions of the macabre homicides, which is why I give it a "4", not a "5".
What about Stephen Hoye???s performance did you like?
Easy to listen to.
Any additional comments?
Stephen Hoye's Polish accent sounded too much like a Yiddush accent!
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4 people found this helpful
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- Ted
- 03-27-14
Muddled But Engaging
First off, the 19th century setting of a detective mystery in the harem of the Sultan of the fading Ottoman Empire is wonderfully intriguing. Goodwin carries it off making this a memorable read. But… but… there's something about this whole thing that like hearing a symphony on a 78 RPM recording… It's Lo-Fi. Nope, don't mean the actual Audible recording, I mean the writing. It's as if you can get the melody, but hardly any of the nuance. Can't explain it exactly, and it's not the fault of Stephen Hoye who reads the thing OK. The characters are only interesting as oddities, not as people.
But while I'd recommend The Janisary Tree as a diversion, a trip to an exotic place (or maybe a carney freak show) and time seen through the eyes of a particularly exotic detective… Well its the setting of the story that make for the interest, not the mystery. It's muddled but well, engaging.
As they say, when the critics begin reviewing the set… the play's in trouble. Here it's the set that stars.
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3 people found this helpful
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- Ilana
- 05-11-14
Exotic and Entertaining
In this historical novel set in 1836 Istanbul, a eunuch named Yashim is asked to investigate into several cases. There are four officers who have gone missing (one of which turns up dead in an oversized cauldron a short while later); the sultan's most recent concubine is murdered in her bed; and the sultan's mother's jewels have gone missing. In the case of the officers, Yashim finds clues that seem to point toward the Janissaries as being responsible for the abduction and it's aftermath. The Janissaries had had a powerful presence in Turkey until 1826, just a decade previous to the start of our story. An elite force created by Sultan Murad I in 1383, they formed the Ottoman Sultan's household troops and bodyguards, but Sultan Mahmud II found them to be an unruly and disruptive presence, and wanting to create a modern army to keep up with the Europeans, he disbanded and slaughtered the Janissaries. But it seems there were survivors after all, and Yashim needs to figure out what they are up to to stop more bodies from turning up dead. Aiding him in his search for clues are his colourful and somewhat eccentric friends, the Polish ambassador and a transsexual dancer. A complex plot and an entertaining mystery set in an exotic place which is undergoing a great transition from ancient traditional customs to European modernization. I would have liked to find out more about Yashim himself, but perhaps more is revealed about him in the following 3 novels.
Loved Stephen Hoye's narration.
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9 people found this helpful
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- Cynthia R Phillips
- 04-12-21
Enjoyed reading more than listening
... fell in love with this series years ago. Reading allowed me to ‘hear’ each character as I imagined... while Stephen Hoye would have been wonderful for some sort of British type of novel - think Remains of the Day, Brideshead, or some such... I felt Hoye was miscast here. When I originally read the series I spent hours looking up places mentioned - Istanbul is one of the places I wish I could see in person. Since I never will be able to, this series allows me to go vicariously. I still love this series, I’ll just stick to reading it instead of listening.
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