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Speaks the Nightbird  By  cover art

Speaks the Nightbird

By: Robert R. McCammon
Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini
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Publisher's summary

Audie Award Nominee, Fiction, 2013

Judgment of the Witch

The Carolinas, 1699: The citizens of Fount Royal believe a witch has cursed their town with inexplicable tragedies - and they demand that beautiful widow Rachel Howarth be tried and executed for witchcraft. Presiding over the trial is traveling magistrate Issac Woodward, aided by his astute young clerk, Matthew Corbett. Believing in Rachel's innocence, Matthew will soon confront the true evil at work in Fount Royal....

Evil Unveiled

After hearing damning testimony, magistrate Woodward sentences the accused witch to death by burning. Desperate to exonerate the woman he has come to love, Matthew begins his own investigation among the townspeople. Piecing together the truth, he has no choice but to vanquish a force more malevolent than witchcraft in order to save his beloved Rachel - and free Fount Royal from the menace claiming innocent lives.

©2002 Robert McCammon (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Edoardo Ballerini performs this story of accusation and fear flawlessly. He effortlessly switches his pitch, accents, and timbre to suit the unfortunate Rachel Howarth, the endless curious Corbett, and the various determined characters, good and evil.” (AudioFile)
"a compelling story that should find a wide readership. Highly recommended for popular fiction collections." (Library Journal)
"An excellent story, full of tension and suspense.” (Stephen King)

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What listeners say about Speaks the Nightbird

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This One Will Be a Favorite for Many Listeners

Matthew serves as clerk for a magistrate. He's not only a clerk but a remarkable thinker. What makes Matthew unique among so many literary heros is that Matthew's thoughts don't always lead him to the right conclusion, but always to conclusions that will interest the listener.

McCammon offers listeners well fleshed out characters, characters you will come to appreciate. In addition, he spins a tale worth listening to and listening to again.

Although his tale is set in a time of hardship and superstitions, McCammon touches many of the weaknesses and strengths of people of any era. Greed and murder are balanced by love and tenderness in a timeless story.

I highly recommend "Speaks the Nightbird."

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This nightbird sang!

What a great story. Well-written characters, good plotting, intriguing view of life in 17th century America. I chose this because I had just finished "Beautiful Ruins" (which I loved) and I liked the narrator so much I wanted to hear him read again. I was not disappointed -- Edoardo Ballerini is the best narrator I've heard! I did not want to stop listening...now I can't wait to hear the next book in the series. Matthew Corbett is a great protagonist.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great story - terrible narrator

Good story but the guys accents are terrible and his mispronunciation of a plethora of words is extremely irritating, however, the story makes it a worthwhile listen. I nearly returned it and bought the book... which is what I may do for the sequels.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Long story

This story goes on and on. I didn’t mind the pace of the narrator or the wordy descriptions, but the story did seem to drag quite often. Sometimes I look at how much time is left on a book because it feels like it’s ending but I don’t want it too. That is not the case with this one. At one point I looked to see how much could possibly be left and there was still 4+ hours to go - ugh. Too many soliloquies and monologues.
The narrator was good with his accents and I felt the pacing fit the way the story was written. Some people thought it was too slow, but that what the x1 button is for.

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Excellent

This was an excellent book in every way. The narration was beyond excellent. He was wonderful with the voices of all even the Indians.
The story was a bit long and I wanted him to get the girl in the end but the story was great. It tells about the superstitions of people no matter what time or age. They go with a spot of gossip and before you no it, someone is a witch. Even thou you no there is no such of a thing. Rumors can get so big that no one really has an idea what is really going on. Doesn't matter if it's 2015 or 1699. We will always be the same. Our evil ways will always be our downfall.

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  • J
  • 04-13-16

Great story and narration

Really enjoyed this story. The narrator was very good and made the village come to life. I'd love a sequel.

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    4 out of 5 stars

GREAT NARRATION!!

First time listening to a story by Robert McCammon & narrated by Edoardo Ballerini...really enjoyed this!
Will look for more by this narrator!!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Captivating!! Enthralling!! A definite WINNER!!

Would you listen to Speaks the Nightbird again? Why?

Very possibly. This was one of the best audio books that I have ever had the pleasure to listen to. I normally only watch movies once, read books once ect.. If there will be an exception, this will be it!!!

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Absolutely. The twists and turns around every corner. It also keeps one thinking as well which made it that much more enjoyable.

What about Edoardo Ballerini’s performance did you like?

His ability to switch from character to character with ease and also with great talent.

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

Things are not always as they seem.

Any additional comments?

I truly wished that this audio book could have continued for many many more hours. I have found that this is a series of four which I most definitely plan to listen to all starting today. As for Mr. Robert McCammon, I now have a new favorite author. An extremely talented man.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Night bird

Kinda slow moving, I didn't find any of the characters compelling enough to want to know more about them.

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  • Overall
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Fantastic!

What a wonderful, wonderful book. One of the most enjoyable Audible books I have heard. The story is creative, hardly a weak moment in it (there is the odd lapse), but what really sets the book apart from others is the incredible reader. The man is divine. Absolutely superb. What a performance. If you listen, be prepared for a pleasurable & unforgettable experience.

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