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  • Darien

  • Empire of Salt Trilogy, Book 1
  • By: C. F. Iggulden
  • Narrated by: Daniel Weyman
  • Length: 10 hrs and 2 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (478 ratings)

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Darien

By: C. F. Iggulden
Narrated by: Daniel Weyman
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Summary

Penguin presents the audiobook edition of Darien by C.F. Iggulden, read by Daniel Weyman.

TWELVE FAMILIES. ONE THRONE. WELCOME TO THE EMPIRE OF SALT.

The city of Darien stands at the weary end of a golden age. Twelve families keep order with soldiers and artefacts, spies and memories, clinging to a peace that shifts and crumbles. The people of the city endure what they cannot change.

Here, amongst old feuds, a plot is hatched to kill a king. It will summon strangers to the city - Elias Post, a hunter, Tellius, an old swordsman banished from his home, Arthur, a boy who cannot speak, Daw Threefold, a chancer and gambler, Vic Deeds, who feels no guilt - and Nancy, a girl whose talent might be the undoing of them all.

As the sun sets, their arrival inside the walls will spark a series of explosive events. Before the sun returns, six destinies will have been made - and lost - in Darien.

©2017 Penguin Audio (P)2017 Penguin Audio
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Critic reviews

"A master storyteller." (Sunday Express)

"Iggulden is in a class of his own." (Daily Mirror)

"One of our finest historical novelists." (Daily Express)

What listeners say about Darien

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Riveting and exciting

This book was thoroughly riveting from start to finish.

I’m a big fan of Conn Iggulden and Daniel Weyman does a great job on the narration. I loved the way all the different characters inter weave

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Very different, but very good

A departure from Mr Iggulden's norm, but I can't wait for the next one! Interesting characters and story arch and I'm looking forward to seeing how it all plays out.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Incredible characters!!!!

Conn must be the best historical fiction writer ever but this new series of fantasy fiction (which I was nervous about) is amazing! The characters are incredibly interesting and are sewn together brilliantly.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Well made heroic fantasy.

Where does Darien: Empire of Salt rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This was a good listen. Good story, well read. I'm looking forward to the rest in the series, when they arrive.

What other book might you compare Darien: Empire of Salt to, and why?

Well it's advertised as a 'Game of Thrones' style novel, Nobel houses competing with one another. But it wasn't at all like that, yes the novel houses are a presence within the book, but most of the story takes place with more common characters, I liked it,the author, though new to fanasy was a clear craftsman, he's a best selling historical author incase you didn't know. More Joe Abercrombie though than George R R Martin

What about Daniel Weyman’s performance did you like?

Yes, he did a great job.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

No spoilers

Any additional comments?

The only downside was the passing over of characters, there's no pause to inform the listen it is going to happen so you go from one character to another and are like ' O right, okay' But great book, good adventure, epic at times, has magic and action.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

excellent performance of an amazing book

another amazing book from Conn Iggulden with a brilliant narration by Daniel Weyman who really brings all of the characters to life

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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An excellent listen

Just really brilliant story-telling from the opening sentence. What a great writer! The narration is clear and un-fussy, beautifully modulated with a wonderful reading voice, pace and care. An excellent pairing of story to reader - cannot wait for the next book.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Superb

The best books I’ve encountered for a long time. Iggulden is at least as good at fantasy as historical fiction. One of those rare books which captures you from the first line, and even rarer all the characters and their storylines are interesting, and the pacing doesn’t let up. I binged it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Harry Potter with a sprinkling of Game of Thrones!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next instalment of the story.
Great characters and storylines. Loved the magical gifts.
I'd definitely recommend it to anyone.
More please!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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BRilliant

Great story, great performance, caught my imagination and held it. Looking forward to the next book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent fantasy read!

I couldn’t help but be impressed by Conn’s first foray into the world of fantasy literature. I have known Iggulden to be an accomplished author after reading both the Emperor and Conqueror series.

My only complaint was that as an author of Historical fiction, Conn couldn’t help but refer to real world history such as Carthage and Caesar. Although relevant, it felt a little jarring to hear whilst immersed in a fantasy world. That said, these aren’t mentioned often and the story was interesting and engaging. Highly recommended.

The narrator is also brilliant.

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