The Singing Sword

Camulod Chronicles, Book 2

By: Jack Whyte

Narrated by: Kevin Pariseau

Length: 22 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

We know the legends: Arthur brought justice to a land that had known only cruelty and force; his father, Uther, carved a kingdom out of the chaos of the fallen Roman Empire; the sword Excalibur, drawn from stone by England's greatest king.

But legends do not tell the whole tale. Legends do not tell of the despairing Roman soldiers, abandoned by their empire, faced with the choice of fleeing back to Rome, or struggling to create a last stronghold against the barbarian onslaughts from the north and east. Legends do not tell of Arthur's great-grandfather, Publius Varrus, the warrior who marked the boundaries of a reborn empire with his own shed blood; they do not tell of Publius's wife, Luceiia, British-born and Roman-raised, whose fierce beauty burned pale next to her passion for law and honor.

With The Camulod Chronicles, Jack Whyte tells us what legend has forgotten: the history of blood and violence, passion and steel, out of which was forged a great sword, and a great nation. The Singing Sword continues the gripping epic begun in The Skystone: As the great night of the Dark Ages falls over Roman Britain, a lone man and woman fight to build a last stronghold of law and learning - a crude hill-fort, which one day, long after their deaths, will become a great city...known as Camelot.

©1996 Jack Whyte (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

fantastic and relevant in many ways to now

I loved this because it gave me insights into the historical Roman civilization which was very well presented. I have read all the books I can on Merlin. This presented him and his life in a way that is different from most yet parallels many historical accounts. Loved this!

It’s almost as if this story was historically true…

Having read The Sky Stone (the first book in the series,) and The Singing Sword, I’m convinced that this backstory leading up to Uthur and Merlin most certainly could have happened the way Mr. Whyte has written it. The detail… I mean, THE DE—TAIL! It maybe too much detail for some readers. I myself like detail—especially when it comes to character development. This story is also the most plausible series of events leading to the myths and legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. I highly recommend this book—if you are a fan of these kinds of stories.

The Passing of Swords Begins

A building of a family leads the way of an Entire Empire. This story marks just the glimpse of and the stepping stone of Pendragon. Perhaps more with friendship that dies in old memories of who lived during this time.

Good but too much fluff

Would you listen to The Singing Sword again? Why?

Yes - I like the writer and the overall story.

Have you listened to any of Kevin Pariseau’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes - he is excellent! He keeps my attention throughout the novels, even when the text drags a bit. Love his voices!!

Any additional comments?

This book is good, but there are a few hours that drag by and are unnecessary. Also some sex scenes that I'm not interested in - I'm interested in the historical events and the fictional battles. The sex scenes get into more detail than I'd care for.

Great series and narration.

I love Arthurian sagas and Jack Whyte’s is one of the best. I’m on my second trip through and enjoying the Audible version very much. A wonderful companion while working, commuting, relaxing, etc.

I’m a DIYer and love the aspects of creating order from chaos that this series describes many times. I’d say it’s a little more “adult” than some of the other Arthur series out there, but the historical fiction thrown alongside the fictional drama more than compensate.

Enjoy!

top 10 authors

perfect narration! I gone he is the same narrator throughout. cadence and tones were on point. not a snooze fest like some readers. Enjoying this series

Jack Whyte's masterpiece finally gets on Audible

I have waited a long time for the Camulod Chronicles to get on Audible. I was furious that these were supposed to be released in early June, then on the day of release without any explanation , the release date was switched to August 20. I looked everywhere for a reason and there was nothing on any of Jack's or Audible's fan sites. I guess it will be a mystery forever. It also took a ridiculous amount of time to get them released on the kindle.

This is one of those rare books that is served well in audio format. I actually liked the audio performance better than the reading the book. Kevin Pariseau does an admirable job with the different characters. I look forward to hearing the Eagles Brood

The tale of Excalibur as told by Jack Whyte

The Camelod Chronicles are my favorite series. This is my Favorite Novel of that series. listening to this masterful story is better than any movie could be.

This story has it all!

I bought this before understanding that it is part of a series. I need to go back and listen to the first. It's such a lovely story that I'll listen to it again after listening to the first. War. Sex. Love. Loyalty. Death. Near death. Torture. Care. This book has it all!

Exceptional

Another outstanding story that put meat on the bones of the story of King Arther and Camelot.