Sounds like a good story but the narration is bad

How did the narrator detract from the book?

I don't really like the style of the narrator. He made every sentence sounds as if it is a surprise and that really gives me a headache.

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2 people found this helpful

odd pronunciation

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

the story is interesting but like many roman stories can be similar to others

What did you like best about this story?

story moved along at a good pace and did not get stuck in one place for to long

What didn’t you like about Simon Whistler’s performance?

i felt that simon whistler put in a lot of effort coming up with very odd pronunciations of roman names took a while to translate some of these

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

i had no emotional reaction to the book it was a good storey

Any additional comments?

i wish the readers would try and find out the normal or commonly used pronunciation rather alway come up with their own unique versions

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1 person found this helpful

Poor naration

I have read and enjoyed the book but the narration is awful and i gave up after chapter three

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Legionary and Gordon Doherty

Very good book. l liked the author, Gordon Doherty 's style and went onto listen to his book Strategos, which is excellent and difficult to "put down "

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Great listen!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I'd read the Kindle version a year or so before – it was, in fact, my first ever ebook purchase if I remember correctly – and I knew it was a good read, so I wondered how this Roman historical fiction would translate to the audio format.
I'm happy to say it works a treat.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Pavo. He's pretty inept but grows as the book goes along.

Any additional comments?

Overall, this audiobook is a great listen. I do a lot of driving at work and sometimes I get sick of hearing Radio 5 Live or Slayer or Jethro Tull CDs, so it was a very welcome change of pace to have this on as I drove around the west of Scotland every day. It's also good value, lasting for quite a few hours, so don't let the price tag of these things put you off – a lot of work goes into this!


Whether you've read this book before or not, you won't be disappointed when you download the audio version. Give it a try. Doherty's writing has improved since this, his debut novel, so future audio versions of his books will be even better. I've just completed Legionary 3 – Land of the Sacred Fire and I'm looking forward to hearing it read by Simon Whistler, so...bring it on Gordon, we're waiting!

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1 person found this helpful

Great book of the past that was

I loved this book and couldn't stop listening. The whole story and narration put me in the scene and I only wish it was longer.

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Peculiar pronounciation spoils it.

Spoiled by the peculiar pronounciation.of grimacing, grimaced and ethereal. The author employs the first two of those words at least six times every chapter and sometimes many many more. A small thing, you may say, but by half way through, it was grating.

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how not to write a story in the late roman period

so the guy has written a story practically without researching the Late roman period. he's writing his story as though its set in the early 1st century. The ranks and functions and staff in the army have changed from the 1st century to the 4th AD and Simon is writing it with the 1st century ranks. Its not good. I'm on chapter 2 and considering not listening any further.

also while I have no issue of the reader. it just doesn't sound good. If you want a bloody good Late roman book I recommend the Aurelius Castus series by Ian Ross

it also has a fantastic narrator who changes voice and gives a amazing account using emotion and changes to the characters, with this book its the same monotone bland without change accent and form, makes it difficult to follow a conversation between 2 or more people.

poorly executed. shame had potential

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