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The Retreat
- Narrated by: Thomas Feige
- Length: 9 hrs and 16 mins
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Publisher's summary
A young knight, a mysterious dark forest, life and death choices.
Guibert of Rocadamor is returning from a failed expedition to the Holy Land. One of only a handful of knights in this army, Guibert is a young noble who wants nothing more than to become a legendary hero whom people will sing songs about. But how can he choose between the rival groups among the remnants of the army who vie for his support? As they draw closer to the safety of the French border, the question of who to stand with becomes a matter of life or death.
The best-selling author of Epic, Conor Kostick teaches medieval history at Trinity College Dublin.
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A young girl called Tozi stands at the bottom of a pyramid, waiting to be led to the top where her heart will be cut out.... Pepillo, a Spanish orphan who serves a sadistic Dominican friar, is aboard the Spanish fleet as it sails towards Mexico.... This is the epic story of the clash of two empires, two armies and two gods of war. Five hundred desperate adventurers are about to pit themselves against the most brutal armies of the ancient Americas, armies hundreds of thousands strong.
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engaging story.
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The Briar King
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Two thousand years ago, the Born Queen defeated the Skasloi lords, freeing humans from the bitter yoke of slavery. But now monstrous creatures roam the land and destinies become inextricably entangled in a drama of power and seduction. The kings woodsman, a rebellious girl, a young priest, a roguish adventurer, and a young man made suddenly into a knight all face malevolent forces that shake the foundations of the kingdom, even as the Briar King, legendary harbinger of death, awakens from his slumber.
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Good stuff
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865 A.D. Warring kings rule over the British Isles, but the Church rules over the kings, threatening all who oppose them with damnation. Only the dreaded Vikings of Scandinavia do not fear the priests. Shef, the bastard son of a Norse raider and a captive English lady, is torn by divided loyalties and driven by strange visions that seem to come from Odin himself. A smith and warrior, he alone dares to imagine new weapons and tactics with which to carve out a kingdom.
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Couldn't finish it
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Raiders from the North: Empire of the Moghul
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Raiders from the North ushers in a bold, panoramic new historical series that tells the unknown story of the Moghul emperors, chronicling the rise and fall of one of the most powerful, opulent, and glittering dynasties in history.
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Sir Kendrick and the Castle of Bel Lione
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As the Knights of the Prince await His triumphant return, they are steadfast in their mission to take His story into the kingdom and recruit as many as are willing. But when a new and dangerous threat is revealed, their mission is jeopardized. Sir Kendrick and his young charge, the impetuous Sir Duncan, are sent on a mission to discover the identity and origin of a secretive new order known as the Conquistero Knights.
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I'm shocked by the high reviews
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Enjoyable Listen!
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Cornucopia of Genre's
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Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne
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After his mother, the beloved Rebel Queen, is betrayed and murdered by her own faithless lords, young Maric becomes the leader of a rebel army attempting to free his nation from the control of a foreign tyrant. His countrymen live in fear; his commanders consider him untested; and his only allies are Loghain, a brash young outlaw who saved his life, and Rowan, the beautiful warrior maiden promised to him since birth.
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Fantastic Read
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Year 10 of the new republic, in the remote port city of Masalia: Dun-Cadal, once the greatest general of the empire, has been drinking his life away for years. Betrayed by his friends and grief stricken at the loss of his apprentice, he's done with politics, with adventure, and with people. But people aren't finished with him - not yet.
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Great Epic Fantasy!
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The Parthian
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When Rome transgresses upon his father's domain that lays between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, Pacorus, a prince of the Parthian Empire, is sent to exact revenge. After a string of victories, Pacorus and his men are captured in Cappadocia, clapped in chains, and sent to Italy to live out the rest of their days as slaves. But fate intervenes and Pacorus and his companions are saved from a living hell by a renegade gladiator named Spartacus. In gratitude, Pacorus agrees to help Spartacus build his army as Rome musters its legions to crush the slave uprising.
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Another view of the Spartacus War
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What listeners say about The Retreat
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- LITRPG Audiobook Reviews
- 09-19-23
Not just another Knight's Tale
Narrated by the talented Thomas Feige, this audiobook weaves a captivating tale of a young knight's journey through a mysterious and perilous forest, where life and death choices shape his destiny. With its vivid storytelling and rich historical backdrop, this audiobook is a true masterpiece that will leave you spellbound from start to finish.
Before delving into the intricate details of this extraordinary audiobook, it's worth noting that Conor Kostick, the best-selling author of "Epic," is not only a masterful storyteller but also a historian who teaches medieval history at Trinity College Dublin. This is a crucial point to emphasize because it underscores the depth of historical knowledge and authenticity that permeates "The Retreat." Kostick's expertise in medieval history shines through, enhancing the overall experience for listeners.
At its core, "The Retreat" is a tale of morality and valor. The story revolves around Guibert of Rocadamor, a young and noble knight who dreams of becoming a legendary hero, a figure whose feats would be sung about for generations. Guibert's character arc is nothing short of exceptional. He starts as a brave yet inexperienced warrior who harbors romantic notions of heroic combat but soon comes face to face with the harsh realities of war.
Guibert's transformation is nothing short of remarkable. As he navigates the treacherous path through the dark and mysterious forest, listeners witness his growth and development. It's a visceral journey as he grapples with the choices that shape not only his fate but also the fate of those around him. The audiobook masterfully portrays the inner turmoil and external challenges that young Guibert faces as he strives to survive and maintain his will to live.
One of the standout aspects of "The Retreat" is the lifelike interactions between Guibert and his peers. The characters are beautifully drawn, their personalities distinct and memorable. Guibert's decisions, often agonizing and morally charged, take a toll on him as he navigates the complex web of young love, death, dishonor, savagery, and desperation. These interactions and relationships add depth and authenticity to the narrative, making it a truly immersive experience for listeners.
The backdrop against which this story unfolds is a world filled with peril and uncertainty. The remnants of a failed expedition to the Holy Land find themselves on a long Roman road that cuts through an ancient forest, a path that seems to lead straight to Hades. As rival factions within the remnants vie for Guibert's support, the audiobook skillfully builds tension and suspense. The ever-present threat of danger, amplified by the encroachment of legions from every European king, keeps listeners on the edge of their seats throughout the journey out of the forest.
Everything in "The Retreat" is expertly crafted and thought out. Conor Kostick's storytelling prowess shines as he creates a gripping page-turner that is impossible to put down. The character development of the young knight, Guibert, is particularly powerful. From his idealistic dreams to the harsh realities of war, the audiobook portrays his evolution with authenticity and depth.
Moreover, "The Retreat" delves into the bloodiness of battle, the greed and cruelty of people, and the breaking down of class barriers. These elements come together to shape the characters within the book and add layers of complexity to the narrative. It's a story that explores the human condition in the face of adversity, and it does so brilliantly.
While Thomas Feige's narration is generally solid, there is one aspect that warrants mentioning. Some listeners may find his pacing and cadence to be slower than expected, which can be slightly distracting. However, this minor drawback does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the audiobook.
Before I listened to the book, I noted that someone had drawn a parallel between "The Retreat" and Kazuo Ishiguro's "The Buried Giant." I don't see it. In Ishiguro's novel, an elderly couple embarks on a journey in a post-Arthurian England where long-term memories are elusive. While "The Buried Giant" explores themes of memory and identity, "The Retreat" delves into the transformation of a young knight's ideals in the crucible of war. Both novels offer readers profound reflections on human nature and the consequences of choices made in times of strife.
If you ask me, there really is an intriguing literary parallel to "The Retreat" in the classic work titled "The Boy Knight: A Tale Of The Crusade" (1889), authored by G.A. Henty and George Alfred Henty. This narrative treads a remarkably similar path as it delves into the life-altering experiences of a young man exposed to the tumultuous era of the Crusades. Set against the backdrop of the Crusades, the story unfolds the captivating adventures of a spirited English lad named Cuthbert. Driven by an unwavering determination to prove himself as a valorous knight, Cuthbert embarks on a transformative journey to the Holy Land in the service of Richard the Lionheart's army.
Cuthbert's character is a beacon of bravery and audacity, a young soul committed to demonstrating his mettle on the battlefield. The audiobook meticulously chronicles his perilous odyssey through the Holy Land, fraught with a plethora of challenges and dangers that put his courage and honor to the test. Along the way, Cuthbert's path is intertwined with treacherous adversaries, newfound companions, and invaluable lessons in courage, honor, and loyalty. The narrative is richly adorned with thrilling battles, audacious rescues, and exhilarating escapades that will keep readers on the edge of their seats, engrossed in the heart-pounding action.
Beyond the gripping storyline, "The Boy Knight" provides readers with a captivating glimpse into the historical tapestry of the time. It intricately explores the cultural practices and historical events of the era, immersing readers in the vibrant tapestry of medieval life. Moreover, the audiobook delves into the profound religious and political tensions that fueled the Crusades, offering a thought-provoking examination of the forces that shaped this pivotal period in history.
Another noteworthy work that aligns with the theme of young knights navigating the challenges of a crusading era is "Winning His Spurs" by G.A. Henty, featuring a young protagonist named Cuthbert. These literary parallels underscore the enduring popularity and resonance of the concept—stories of youthful courage, self-discovery, and heroism set against the backdrop of the Crusades have consistently captivated readers and continue to do so. The enduring appeal of such narratives attests to their ability to transport us to bygone eras, where valor and honor were tested in the crucible of history.
"The Retreat" by Conor Kostick, narrated by Thomas Feige, is an audiobook that deserves every accolade it receives. It offers listeners a gripping and immersive journey through a world filled with moral dilemmas, valor, and the harsh realities of war. Guibert of Rocadamor's character development is masterfully portrayed, and the lifelike interactions between characters breathe life into the narrative.
This audiobook is a testament to Conor Kostick's historical expertise, as he effortlessly transports listeners to a medieval world filled with danger and uncertainty. Despite a minor quibble with pacing, Thomas Feige's narration complements the story well.
"The Retreat" is a work of literary artistry that will linger in your thoughts long after the final chapter. It is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates historical fiction, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes. Conor Kostick has crafted a masterpiece that will stand the test of time, much like the legendary heroes Guibert aspires to become.
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