Poor narrativt

I started listening to Merlin and almost immediately gave it up because of the narrator. His speech sounds like someone doing a parody of a “posh” accent which makes everything sound like irony or like he really couldn’t care less. His pronunciation of place names sounds dodgy and how he made “Avallach” become “Avaclach” beats me. I pushed through though and completed it and wanted to listen to book three, “Arthur” and discovered it is not available. But book 4, “Pendragon “ is. Seriously Audible?!

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Great story ruined by the reader

Would you try another book written by Stephen R. Lawhead or narrated by Frederick Davidson?

No, which is a real shame because I love the books and I liked the reader of the first book. Mr Davidson does a good German impression, sadly it's Welsh he was aiming at. Merlin sounded like a toffee nosed snob who looked down on everyone and spoke with distain. I wanted to get the next book, but I don't think I will since it's read by the same bloke.

What was most disappointing about Stephen R. Lawhead’s story?

Couldn't finish the book because of the narrator, wasted a credit.

Who might you have cast as narrator instead of Frederick Davidson?

The woman who read the first book did such a great job, I don't see why she was changed.

Any additional comments?

I'm just one of several similar comments about the disappointment in the narration, yet there is a sense that it won't make a bit of difference.

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2 people found this helpful

Merlin

Revisited in audible having read the book many years ago. Story still excellent and enjoyable, alas for the narrator. I am sure in other genres and story’s he would be excellent. In this however he is dire. Merlin the warrior and prophet would , I hope , not sound like upper class twit of the year.

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poor performance

a great book ruined more choice must be available
book spoiled by the performance of the actor

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Suffers badly by narrator

Sadly Fredrick Davidson is a poor replacement for the narrator of the first novel. Effectively a wasted credit. I should’ve listened to the sample rather than assuming consistency.
It’s like having a poor impression of Kenneth William reading to you.
Sorry but my plans to listen to the series went right out of the window.

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Mispronunciation

Having read the first book as a paper back and then listening to the second i find the mispronunciation of Welsh words by the narrator hard work. So much so i am considering ditching the audio and getting hold of the book.

If mispronunciation of Welsh words by English speakers annoys you then this audio book is not for you.

I'm sure this isn't a reflection on the actual story its self as i thoroughly enjoyed the first.

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4 people found this helpful

An enchanting sequel.

I must admit when I first started listening I thought I was gonna struggle with the narrators tone, I put the playback speed up to 1.25 and was absolutely lost in Frederick Davidson's dulcet tones
Aa incredibly technical narration, done with real aplomb. A cracking sequel to Taliesin. Look forward to Arther.

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The story of Merlin

This was a look back on my thoughts of Merllin. A great story of his young life and the links too Uther and Ayirther. if you like Merlin and King Auther this ifor you

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Awful, awful narrator

The narrator of this book is truly awful - a patronising drawl and not even capable of pronouncing Samhain correctly. As for the author - potatoes in Roman Britain - really? Save your sanity and your money.

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A good book spoilt by a bad reader

I bought this book without listening to the preview which I have to report was a mistake. I bought the book after listening to Taliesin: Pendragon Cyckle Book 1 read by Nadia May. I am afraid Frederick Davidson was a mistake as a narrator. He would be better suited to commenting on a game of Polo. He does not read with sympathy, more he reads as one who likes the sound of his own voice, thus spoiling the story.

If I could get a credit and give this book back, I would

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2 people found this helpful