Simon Scarrow But Not As We Know Him

This is simply an excellent start to what looks likely to be a very high quality series. My only previous experience of Simon Scarrow has been the early books of the Macro and Cato series. Full of solid, hearty characters created by the author giving him much freedom in terms of their own story and behaviours.

Journaling the lives of these two most famous of generals from much more recent history is a significantly different proposition and naturally the result is a much different book. This is a fascinating look at the early lives of these two famous young men with the starkly contrasting upbringings they had up to their first tastes of command and battle.

What actually struck me was that despite the differences there were also fascinating parallels to be drawn. Their experiences of the capital cities, Paris and London, their difficult births and how they both succeeded by being somewhat unconventional. The stark differences in their personalities and motivations show that while these two both became great generals they were forged by very different fires. Although I am sure Scarrow does utilise a certain amount of poetic license seeing this most tumultuous part of history through the double aspect of both their lives makes Young Bloods truly fascinating reading.

The book really gathers pace towards the end and thoroughly sets the scene for what is to follow. The narration by Jonathan Keeble is first class. He is set a tough task with so many characters and accents but he rises to the challenge like a thoroughbred.

In very short, this is a different Simon Scarrow to what I've personally seen before but it's just as good, if not better. I have extremely high hopes for the rest of this series when it is made available.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

26 people found this helpful

review

pretty good story especially napoleon story. thought the Arthur wesley one could have been more military focused.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Engaging and informative.

Splendid story entwined around the history of these key figures from history. Some of the references to future events were to my mind slightly wince enducing, for example the use of the reverse slope to protect Wellington's toy soilders while playing in the nursery but overall a very enjoyable book.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Fascinating

Really enjoyed the story of their early lives, and am looking forward to the 2nd novel.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Fabulously put together

Have sadly now finished all four books. Well crafted and such a great structure playing both characters off each other.
Such a great way to plug in my gaps in history.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Outstanding

At first found the switching between Wellingtons and Napoleons storys frustrating. Each time you wanted to hear more and had to reset you thoughts. However this is a well written and a fascinating read/listen . Jonathan Keebles narration is exquisite and brings the story to life. Just about to start book 2 cannot wait.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

10 people found this helpful

Well worth a listen

Simon Scarrow has done a fine job on this book I read the 4 books some time back but listening to it just brings back how good a writer he is and in this case it's well narrated

It details the young lives and start of the careers of Napoleon and Wellington in an interesting and informative way

I really enjoyed this book and it was over far to quickly I am now eager to purchase the other 3 books in the series

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

6 people found this helpful

Give it time and you will be hooked

I am a history fan and admittedly don’t read as many novels but this really caught my attention and did a remarkable job.

It’s written really well and helps lay the foundations on the backgrounds of the characters and cleverly walks you through the birth of the French Revolution as well the upbringing of Napoleon and Wellington.

A kudos to the narrator to as the way he read the story gave the story as much credit as it was due. Will be reading the sequels and as my first Book by Simon Scarrow, I will defiantly be reading more.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Superb narration

Slightly OTT on the parallels between the protagonists, bit too contrived, but if you can put that aside, a damn good 'read' and the narration is perfect.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

An excellent book and reading

However I suppose I can't blame the reader for not mastering the Irish accent to reflect the location of the story. Every Irish man had a Northern Irish accent but they were in fact all from the south. Otherwise extremely well read.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!