Ken

Bernard Cornwell and Susannah Kells have made a fine partnership with this novel. Cornwell (whom I have read - I think - in total) is a master of historical detail and the less savoury bits of history. Kells is unknown to me as an author (an omission that I will rectify) and her input is very apparent in the more sensuous details of the story. Add to this the excellent narration by Anna Bentnick, whos command of the many voices and accents required by this story is nothing short of superb.

The story is long and detailed, but not a minute is really wasted as the depth of characterisation and scene development is just perfect for me. Some may think it over long at 16 hours, but once you get started in the complex and devious plotting and start to enjoy the way that it is narrated and read - you, like I, would wish it longer stil.

GREAT STORY AND EVEN BETTER AUDIOBOOK. MORE PLEASE .....

The original premise of this book is very interesting, and as long as you haven't seen the TV series it will probably work for you. However the TV series was way better managed and paced, with more plot lines and immediacy (3 years flash forward rather than 21).

So if you have already seen the TV series, be prepared for disappointment, otherwise watch the TV series after this book.

Brilliant.

Great story - and good characters. Unstoppable action and impossible to put down. You have been warned....

I have been a fan of audiobooks for longer than I can remember - but my wife - well she hates them, until Alas Babylon that was...

A charming and absorbing peek into the lives and beliefs of the late 50's although it feels fresh and modern in so many ways - except the dialogue at times. Anyway my wife and I started listening to this on a road trip and she wouldn't get out of the car. I don't think she is totally converted to audiobooks, but her reaction to this speaks a lot louder than any positive critique I could write.

Much enjoyed - I only wish there had been more ...