Lionheart

By: Sharon Kay Penman

Narrated by: Emily Gray

Length: 27 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

From New York Times best-selling novelist Sharon Kay Penman comes the stunning story of a great medieval warrior-king, the accomplished and controversial son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine: Richard the Lionheart. A powerful tale of intrigue, war, and diplomacy, Lionheart plays out against the roiling conflicts of love and loyalty, passion and treachery, all set against the rich textures of the Holy Land.

©2011 Sharon Kay Penman (P)2011 Recorded Books, LLC

A Good Read

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would recommend it to friends. I enjoyed the historical perspective/ setting.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I was a bit disappointed. I didn't see an ending coming. I felt it ended abruptly.

Which character – as performed by Emily Gray – was your favorite?

Richard, It was called the Lionheart after all.

Could you see Lionheart being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

It's possible but I haven't a clue as to whom to cast as actors.

Any additional comments?

I was surprised a book called LionHeart should spend so much time with the women in this historical fiction. Some of my favorite Sharon Kay Penman books, the Queen's Man series, The Reckoning, and Here Be Dragons are books I eagerly look forward to purchase from Audible in the future.

The story writing was good, but......

The continual listing of names and titles was tiresome. This was a work of fiction, not a history book, I didn't need nor want a complete list of every person in the room or who entered the room when they had no bearing on the story line. It was like the author was trying to prove she had done here research, or add to the total word count. Again, this was a work of fiction, I was not looking for historical accuracy.

This became tiresome. If I were reading the book, I could just skip over these parts, but really cant do that when you are listening to it.

I will probably listen to the next one, but not until I have had a break.

Hard to hear as an audible story

Impressive story, but I’m afraid it would be better read than listened to. The story is so complex with so many characters that I found it very hard to follow. You need to make a cast of characters to have alongside as you listen. Moreover, a few important facts about Richard’s sexuality are omitted.

Couldn't stand voiice of Berengaria

I cringed every time I heard that voice.It's hold have been easy to fill in

Sorry

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I have loved reading Sharon Kay Penman's books. The narration by Emily Gray was distracting and took away from the story.

What did you like best about this story?

The writing

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Her voices were childish and couldn't carry the importance of the characters she was narrating.

Did Lionheart inspire you to do anything?

Yes, I will go get the book at the library and read it without the childish voices.

Any additional comments?

I have always thought that Sharon Kay Penman wrote intelligent thoughtful historical fiction, I could hardly listen to the voice changes that were made. A straight read would have been better. The Crusaders sounded like 10 year old boys. Not good

I just can't finish listening!

Ms Penman is one of my favorite authors, but I have read her other books, not listened to them. The narration just ruined this one for me--I finally gave it up. I will buy the book...

Excellent Historic Novel

The power of Richard and the other men and women of his time shines strong in Ms. Penman's novel, and Emily Gray's narration is perfectly fitted to the story. 27 hours fiies by when you are listening to something worthwhile, and this fits that description.

Disappointed after devils brood

I was so excited to begin this novel after finishing The Devil’s Brood which I thoroughly enjoyed so much that it moved me to write my first review after many audiobooks. I didn’t think the story was bad, it was the narration that ruined if for me! So much so that if I hadn’t already have listened to 3 of her books I would have returned it. By time the end of the book came I got used to it somewhat. I’m skeptical about the next book since it’s the same narrator.

Disliked the Reader

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I'm torn. Penman is one of my favorite authors of historical fiction and her books are always worth reading, but I had to quit listening I disliked the reader so much. Months later, I had to force myself to reload the book and finish.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Lionheart?

It's simply amazing that all this really happened. One would think it was fiction except Penmen had chroniclers from both sides corroborating the events!

What three words best describe Emily Gray’s voice?

Did. Not. Like. Her. Sorry. She had two voices for women: normal and a high-pitched horrid whine that made me want to scream. Eleanor of Aquitaine is the most amazing woman few have heard of, but for some reason she sounds like a drunken gypsy, not a twice-crowned queen and duchess in her own right.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

"Some legends are true."

Great historical fiction, poor narration

I thought this was a good book that was ruined by the narration. What happened to Anne Flosnik who did the preceding Plantagenet novels? Not sure I can listen to more of the series narrated by Emily Gray. Will probably read them instead.