The Paradise War

Book One in The Song of Albion Trilogy

By: Stephen Lawhead

Narrated by: Stuart Langton

Length: 13 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

Experience the dazzling brilliance of a world like ours — yet infinitely bolder and brighter: a place of kings and warriors, bards and battles, feats of glory and honour. It is a place you will forever wish to be. It is Albion.

"When I opened my eyes, I was no longer in the world I knew."

Lewis Gillies is an American graduate student in Oxford who should be getting on with his life. Yet for some reason, he finds himself speeding north with his roommate Simon on a lark — half-heartedly searching for a long-extinct creature allegedly spotted in a misty glen in Scotland. Expecting little more than a weekend diversion, Lewis accidently crosses through a mystical gateway where two worlds meet: into the time-between-times, as the ancient Celts called it. And into the heart of a collision between good and evil that's been raging since long before Lewis was born.

First published more than 20 years ago, The Song of Albion Trilogy has become a modern classic that continues to attract passionate new listeners.

Part of The Song of Albion trilogy:

Book One: The Paradise War

Book Two: The Silver Hand

Book Three: The Endless Knot

Epic historical fantasy

Book length: 138,000 words

Includes additional insights from the author in “Albion Forever!” and an interview

©1991 Stephen Lawhead (P)2020 Thomas Nelson

Excellent reading full of feeling

This is my third time reading this book and I absolutely loved the audio book version!

Fantastic story

Stephen Lawhead as always created a wonderful world and a fantastic story. He is a master storyteller and create such a vivid world with all his descriptions as he worked together such a great tale. I could see that he indeed studies history, and I’ve learned so much of Celtic lore while enjoying this fantasy novel. However the performance really lacked. The narrator in his effort to do an American accent made everything sound flat.

Love Lawhead stories

This series is one of my favorites. The narrator was great. It has an excellent story and the twists in the story leaving you on the edge of your seat.

Lawhead - superb

This author never disappoints. The story & characters rich & engaging. His wealth of words, never tedious, draws one into the story. My only regret, always - that the story ends. The real world beneath, however, reverberates on, pressing one to live a better life in this world. Highly recommended.

great story, horrible narrator

I am struggling to finish this book. The story is very good. The narrator is horrible. He is so bad that it is hard to focus on the story.

At times brilliant, at times meh, at times icky, but compelling enough to keep going

There was a lot i loved(the premise!!! The song! The Crystal cave!), a lot i disliked (gory battles and graphic hunting scenes), and worst of all I don’t really like the main character — I don’t dislike him exactly, but I don’t find him particularly likable apart from his conviction to do what’s right. However with all that said, the second I finished, I loaded the sequel because I have to know
what happens. And I have to see the two sneering, twisted villains get the satisfying comeuppance that I desperately hope they get.

Slow start, cant stop after that!

Another masterful book by lawhead. One of my favorite authors. This has always been one of my favorite books of the celtic 'otherworld'and has been a major part of shaping my view of the concept. I love this series and have read it more than once. Enjoy!

Great story

Love the story, the narrator is monotonous though, wished he had a little more life in his story telling

Got better as things progressed.

At first, I almost gave up on this book because of the snarky attitude of the MC. Fortunately, he matured and became more likeable. I'm looking forward to the next book, I just hope they fixed the audio issue. It kind of sounded like an old worn out cassette tape where the other side was bleeding through. I"m amazed this got by the publishing company, it was very noticeable.

A favorite

I have read, reread, listened, and listened again to the Song of Albion trilogy. They’ve entertained me for decades, and continue to be some of my very favorites. Anytime someone asks for a recommendation, these are first on my list!