Byzantium

By: Stephen R. Lawhead

Narrated by: Stuart Langton

Length: 25 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

Although born to rule, Aidan lives as a scribe in a remote Irish monastery on the far, wild edge of Christendom. Secure in work, contemplation, and dreams of the wider world, a miracle bursts into Aidan's quiet life. He is chosen to accompany a small band of monks on a quest to the fabled city of Byzantium, where they are to present the beautiful and costly hand-illuminated Book of Kells to the emperor of all Christendom.

During this expedition by sea and over land, Aidan becomes, by turns, a warrior and a sailor, a slave and a spy, a Viking and a Saracen, and finally, a man. He sees more of the world than most men of his time, becoming an ambassador to kings and an intimate of Byzantium's fabled Golden Court. And finally, this valiant Irish monk faces the greatest trial confronting any man in any age: the command of his own destiny.

©1996 Stephen R. Lawhead (P)2001 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Not merely a gripping yarn - and it certainly is that - this is also a novel about faith and the tests life plants in its way. Lawhead, author of the popular Pendragon cycle of fantasies, here makes a sure move into mainstream fiction." ( Booklist)

Excellent

This book, well voiced, is a fantastic journey through ancient Celtic, and middle eastern lands along with many in between. The depth of character rises far above the standard archetypes and leaves one truly possessing new friends met through the “pages” of the story. Lawhead is a true master of his craft.

Very good; worth time and money; many surprises

What did you like best about this story?

Possibly the aspect that I liked best in the book was the portrayal of friendships via the main character Aidan and the excellent diversity of characters from Monks to Sea Wolves to Saracens.

Which character ??? as performed by Stuart Langton ??? was your favorite?

Aidan.

If you could take any character from Byzantium out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Aidan.

Any additional comments?

The book was very good; much of the time gripping and sometimes tedious. I am happy that before purchasing I read a review warning of the slow start. I probably would have continued to plod on but the insight helped. It really is worth the time and money. So many adventures I was almost exhausted at times wondering how Aidan and his friends would survive the next crisis. Also I was surprised several times by the turn of events; pleasantly surprised I would say as Lawhead was not predictable the vast majority of the time. The book did tail off a little at the end, a little predictable, but in fairness to the author, this was in part because he had set the standard so high with his dramatic twists and conclusions to the many predicaments the group found themselves in. I listened to this at work as I am able to listen on my job but not read. The book may be hard to just sit and listen to because of its length and some of the slower portions. Overall, I would highly recommend.

Better the Second Time

I read this in print years ago but hearing it read made it all the more real to me. Following the trials and victories of Aidan with a good narrator made it like reading a new book for me. What most would see a mundane things such as a street thronged with people with unwashed bodies and yet Aidan finds the smells and tastes of a meal of bread, roast chicken, olives and wine a comfort awoke my own senses of how it was to live in thoes time. I completely enjoyed this book for a second time. I was not familiar with the narrator but I thought he did a fine job of bring this book to life.

Unforgettable!

Years after listening to Stuart Langton perform this story my husband and I are still able conjur up images with just a word - 'aya' - and that one word brings back all the warmth and integrity of Lawhead's wonderfull characters. I miss them so! Get past the monotone of the first few chapters - trust the writer/reader that it has it's purpose.

great story, blah reader

I was sorely disappointed in the reading of this saga. All the characters were delivered in angry or gruff voices, and there was very little vocal difference between the many characters with little or no inflection. When the characters were in Constantinople and Arabia they sounded strangely East Indian, not Turkish, Persian, or Arabian.

I had "wish listed" all the volumes in this series, but as they are all narrated by Mr. Langdon I don't think I'll download them. It's too bad because I loved the story and characters, and I assume the following volumes are just as interesting, but it was so terribly difficult to stay focused while listening to the monotone narrator that I just can't imagine listening to him again.

Great Book/Awful Narrator

Book was wonderful. I have read it several times. Stuart Langton reads it mechanically. A grave disappointment for a reader of a Lawhead book. Now if it was a book by Stephen Hawking or Asimov I would understand...;)

Amazing. Full of adventure.

Amazing story. Vikings, adventure and truth. Well worth the purchase! I really enjoyed this. Great!

Character Maturation

Lawhead's skill with subtly developing a dynamic main character throughout a story always amazes me. Byzantium is no exception--Lawhead's exceptional ability to lead the reader through Aidan's philosophical and spiritual journey demonstrates not only his skill as an author, but his intimate understanding of personal development, faith struggles, and the weight of life's unanswered questions.

Highly Recommended for Christian Men

It is hard to find novels that portray traditional Christianity in a positive way and that also will appeal to men. This book definitely does both. The many positive reviews of this wonderful epic adventure are all true. But in addition, this book is also a profoundly moving account of one man's struggle to keep his faith in a world where the good are persecuted and evil always seems to prosper. This book was a tremendous blessing to me, helping me to find meaning in my own recent travails, and in the process sparking a renewal of my own faith.

Fantastic Journey

I love medieval stories and this was by far the best I've read! fantastic imagery and the descriptive power of the author is unrivaled! lots of action and twists and turns make you feel part of the story! I highly recommend this book!