Pamela

How does one rate classic literature? I can only say that I read it because I thought of it as must read classic literature. I wasn't disappointed.

Sometimes a book can have a stronger impact on a reader because of where that reader happens to be in their life at the time that they read it. Had I read 'Middlemarch' when I was younger, I don't think I would have been as moved. I love a writer who creates complex characters who are forced to choose between following their own innate sense of right and wrong or live their lives bound by the demands of societal/religious dogma. The fact that Ms. Evans had to write under the pen name George Eliot because she was considered "too intellectual" speaks volumes.

Excellent narration and excellent production bring the characters to life

Sci-fi of this caliber doesn't come along often. Scholes introduces us to a world where technology, in the wrong hands, in the distant past, has devastated much of the planet. A religious order, the Androfrancines, have total power over the careful, controlled release of technology recovered from this distant past. But who is really in control? The Androfrancines, the powerful Li Tam dynasty or is it those who have recovered knowledge of the forbidden Blood Magic?I stumbled on "Lamentation", the first book in the series and anxiously awaited release of the next two and have not been disappointed.

Stacy Shiff takes what little is known of the life of Cleopatra and paints a picture so rich in detail that the reader can almost feel the breeze as we cruise up the Nile. I was mesmerized. I have a deep appreciation for a writer whose research can uncover enough small details that when put together build such a lush history. Robin Miles narration certainly adds to the hypnotic effect.

My first Alastair Reynolds but definitely not my last. John Lee's narration has never disappointed me.

This is not my first audiobook with Gabra Zackman. Nor is it the first time I have said that one of the main male characters sounds like a whiney adolescent.

I have read several C. J. Cherryh books and enjoyed them. Her mix of hard science and identifiable characters are perfect. In this series however, great buildup, great characters but a disappointing ending. Can't win 'em all.

John Lee is among my favorites!

Intense and involved. Stories within stories with lots of geography and history thrown in for good measure.

I know little historical data exists about the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine but we can already imagine that she had sex. We can even imagine that she may have liked it, so do we need repeated, blow by blow (pardon the pun) descriptions? In this, Weir relegates a fascinating historical figure to that place where histories, written by men, have stuck them for a millennia and more. In the bedroom or the kitchen. Shame on you Alison Weir! I would have hoped for more from such a critically acclaimed writer of historical fiction. By the way, are all those critics male?

Historical facts seemed well researched and accurate but I take exception with Mayor's "speculative" history. If you want to speculate about history, why not write historical fiction?

Don't think so.

Yes. Lots there I did not know but all I want from my histories are facts. No need to speculate. I can do that for myself, thank you.

As much as I enjoyed the audio edition, I need the print version as I see this becoming a well worn reference book.

As always, John Lee makes hard history an enjoyable listen.

For all searchers, looking for answers to unanswerable questions about the human condition, "Jerusalem" is an apt place to start.