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)

Thoughtful Adventure

This absorbing and sometimes thought provoking tale is only mildly flawed by predictability. Willingly suspending my judgment and simply enjoying the yarn proved worth every compelling minute. In the ethical struggle of the protagonist, I realized I was rooting for the traditional G*d, a posture in which I rarely find myself.

A truly great story!

This was my first by Lawhead. It will not be my last. He is wonderful. His character development is among the best. His plots and story line hold your interest and suspense throughout the book. Above all it is a story of faith that anyone (believers and nonbelievers) will appreciate.

The Best Modern Fiction I Have Heard

I have read many reviews saying this story is slow and boring at first. I couldn't disagree more! It is a beautiful story from the start. What it lacks in action at the start it makes up in intriguing hints as to how the story will unfold. Your mind is filled with possible solutions from the start and when all is said and done you are left with a few questions tantalizingly unanswered with hints as to what the answers maybe. It is a mix of many rolling and suddenly changing emotions, but leaves you at last feeling satisfied and fulfilled. Don't listen to the detracting voices. This book is a masterpiece! However, like much that is fine it is revolting to those unaccustomed to it. The reader does very well not the best that I have heard but nonetheless, easy to listen to and engaging.

great story

it started off a bit slow but as soon as the adventure began i was hooked, this story completely reminded me of Louis L'amours book the The Walking Drum if you liked this check it out after

Not my cup of tea

This is a somewhat interesting book, however, it lacked the spark that makes the characters interesting. The lead character is rather sanctimonious and I found myself really disliking him.

So much fun!

A really enjoyable historical fiction novel. This had all of the elements of great historical fiction; sympathetic and finely drawn characters, wonderfully detailed settings involving place and time, and intricate weaving of fiction based on factual historical information.

The narration was not bad. It did not detract from the novel, however , the narrators voice is not very flexible so many of the characters sounded the same.

Historical Fiction at its Best

Vikings, Muslims, Irish monks, Pirates, emperors, battles, intrigue, romance and faith. All this and historically accurate! I love this book.

Innovative Writing

I love long, well written, action packed historical
novels. There are a lot of historical novels,
and quite a few of them that have a lot of action.
But there aren't many that have been written well.
By that, most lover's of good literature probably share most of my beliefs as to what "well written"
means.
On the other hand, too many are prosaic in key areas like characterization, plot, and description
to merit "well written". "Byzantium" is well
written. It is innovative, it flows well, and
tells a great story. For one who has read a lot
of this genre, surprise at where the story goes
is a refreshingly pleasant experience. Good
narration, which becomes increasingly apparent,
the deeper one goes in the story. It is a long
story which kept my interest the entire time...the
way I like it.

Excellent study in contextualization and culture

Several years ago when I was studying for my doctorate in missiology, we were required to read this book. I thought it odd at first but soon saw the depth of historical background and careful attention to cultural interplay. Altogether a fascinating work and now to hear it through the skillful narration of the reader was a delight. The Easter message in the early going and the passage where Aiden explains the gospel to the Danes are worth the price of the book. Well done.

One of the best books ever written.

AMAZING
This story is worth it. This is my second time reading it and it was just as incredible as the first time through. I wish this book was more well known. It's not like a fictional book at all, it feels very real like a retelling of a true story. Maybe it is.