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The Invention of Fire
- Narrated by: Simon Vance
- Length: 13 hrs and 46 mins
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The Invention of Fire
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Summary
The richly atmospheric new historical thriller featuring John Gower, poet and trader of secrets. Set in the turbulent 14th Century, this is perfect for fans of C. J. Sansom.
London, 1386: young King Richard II faces the double threat of a French invasion and growing unrest amongst his barons – and now there's evil afoot in the City. Sixteen corpses have been discovered in a sewer, their wounds like none ever seen before. One thing is clear: whoever threw the bodies into the sewer knew they would be found – and was powerful enough not to care.
Enter John Gower, poet and intellectual whose 'peculiar vocation' is dealing in men's secrets. Against the backdrop of medieval London with its grand palaces and churches, dark alleys and mean backstreets, Gower pursues his dangerous quarry. Seeking insights from his friend Geoffrey Chaucer and using his network of contacts, Gower comes to the shocking belief that the men have been killed by a new and deadly weapon of war.
Known as 'the handgonne', it would put untold power into the hands of whoever perfected its design. But who has commissioned this weapon? A man who would stop at nothing to achieve his secret goal.
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Critic reviews
‘Holsinger evokes the distant world of medieval London under King Richard II in all its gamey, gory, glory' Daily Mail
What listeners say about The Invention of Fire
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- janice
- 16-10-15
Splendid medieval conspiracy romp.
Would you listen to The Invention of Fire again? Why?
Entertaining fusion of historical fact and fiction to tell a tale which is sufficiently intricate to warrant at least a second listen.
What did you like best about this story?
The author's helpful introduction gives the reader some interesting insights into life and times in the reign of Richard II. Though The Invention of Fire can be read on it's own, many of the characters and relationships were established in A Burnable Book (also very good). The friendship between Chaucer and Gower is a treat to read.
Which character – as performed by Simon Vance – was your favourite?
There is no stand out character because the narration throughout is excellent.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes.
Any additional comments?
No
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Mrs Lois & Mr Don Lere
- 17-09-16
Loved the mystery not sure about the plot
Would you listen to The Invention of Fire again? Why?
Yes. It's well read and a good story. It might shine a light on our current struggles with the Jungle in Calais, and how we might want to welcome those who need refuge.
If you’ve listened to books by Bruce Holsinger before, how does this one compare?
A Burnable Book is better. This story is still captivating but your empathy with Gower and his struggle with his history and his sight is less compelling. Less believable than a Burnable Book, but every bit as well researched.
I struggle with the thought that there were probably better, more reliable ways to destroy communities at the time...so why would you take the risk...
What about Simon Vance’s performance did you like?
Nothing - and you can't praise narration better than that you really didn't notice and you really enjoyed being read a story
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes, but it's a fixed number of miles between here and work!
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- CHRIS
- 01-05-17
Hated it from start to where I gave up ....!
What disappointed you about The Invention of Fire?
Confused story, unlikeable main character, average narration ....just very very boring
What was most disappointing about Bruce Holsinger’s story?
Lack of action, confusion in style of writing, tedium
Who might you have cast as narrator instead of Simon Vance?
Jonathan Keeble, Anton Lesser
What character would you cut from The Invention of Fire?
difficult to choose just one. There were far too many who sounded the same
Any additional comments?
I was really looking forward to this book but unfortunately it was one of only 3 I have not been able to finish due to the tedium. When you consider I have listened to Shogun at 55 hours long and this is only 13 hours .....
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