The Prize

By: Julie Garwood

Narrated by: Anne Flosnik

Length: 12 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

In the resplendence of William the Conqueror's London court, the lovely Saxon captive, Nicholaa, was forced to choose a husband from the assembled Norman nobles. She chose Royce, a baron warrior whose fierce demeanor could not conceal his chivalrous and tender heart. Resourceful, rebellious and utterly naive, Nicholaa vowed to bend Royce to her will, despite the whirlwind of feelings he aroused in her. Ferocious in battle, seasoned in passion, Royce was surprised by the depth of his emotion whenever he caressed his charming bride.

In a climate of utmost treachery, where Saxons still intrigued against their Norman invaders, Royce and Nicholaa revelled in their precious new love...a fervent bond soon to be disrupted by the call of blood, kin, and country!

©1991 Julie Garwood (P)2009 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

The Prize? Alas, more like Booby Prize...

I should have known better and paid attention to other peoples' reviews. As a fan of Julie Garwood, however, I thought I'd give The Prize a go despite the recommendations to avoid the narrator. I'd read The Prize years ago and had enjoyed the story, so I had no issues with the storyline. Narration was important, obviously, but my thoughts were that unless I gave it a go I'd never know for sure. After all, some of my favourite narrators have received scathing reviews which I could not agree with.

Unfortunately, even giving this my very best efforts to sit and listen, I have to agree that Anne Flosnik isn't an idea narrator. She reads emotionally, that is with a lot of emotion and drama colouring her voice. I don't have issue with that when it comes to reading what a character says, but when it is describing day to day actions such as getting dressed or even scenery, it gets very annoying. There is a scene where one of the main characters is drunk and Flosnik's attempt at slurring the words had me sitting up in first astonishment and then disgust. In the book it is an amusing scene, but Flosnik managed to destroy any fond memories I had of the interaction between the two characters and imagine the heroine as a drooling idiot.

I tried, really tried, to get to the end of the book, but that scene really put me off the story as a whole and it is going back into my file of 'books to complete when I'm really, really desperate and there is nothing else to listen to'. Unless you are a fan of Anne Flosnik, stay well away.

narration takes away from the story

The first Julie Garwood book I listened to was "The Bride". Because I loved that audio book some much I bought "The Prize". I really enjoyed the story but I was very disappointed with the narration. Anne Flosnik's performance was very distracting. I suggest reading this book.

Great book, horrible narration

This is one of my favorite Julie Garwood books but the narration is atrocious. I'm finding it hard to even finish listening to it. Hopefully, other historical romance novels by Ms. Garwood will be narrated by someone else.

Narration makes it hard to listen to

Over the years I've read this book probably 4 or 5 times. I just love Julie Garwoods historical romances and was so pleased to find it available in audio format. I eagerly downloaded it and turned on my ipod only to hear a narrator that made the young heroine sound about 80 years old. The accent was over the top and I had difficulty picturing the hero who should have been "manly" but sounded like an old lady. Grrrrr.......

Poor choice of narrators

I've read all of Julie Garwood's historical romances and enjoyed them all. The Prize isn't my favorite, but after thoroughly enjoying listening to The Bride, I downloaded this one also. The narrator doesn't have a knack for impersonating male voices and it was almost enough for me to quit listening. She has a fine voice, but should stick to female voices only.

I hope they will record more of Garwood's romances, but please don't use this narrator.

Disappointing narration

I remember this book from the early 90's and thought it would be fun in an audible format. Unfortunately I did not enjoy Ms. Flosnik's narration.

Love, Love, LOVE the story! Hate the Narrator...

What did you like best about The Prize? What did you like least?

I love the strength of the heroine and the patience and calm of the hero! I hated the narrator! I was hesitant about purchasing this audio version after reading the reviews, and I now see why everyone said how terrible she was. She absolutely ruined one of my favorite scenes when she confesses her lies to Royce.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Definitely!!!!!!!!!!!!

horribly narrated

Ugh! I absolutly love Julie Garwoods books, but this narrator did "voices" that were reminiscent of Winnie the Pooh. I could not get past her awful accent and constant change in vocal pitch.

The Prize is a Julie Garwood Classic

I have now listened to this book three times, & I'm still not bored with it. The antics that take place between Nicholaa and Royce are both funny and heart-warming. Nicholaa is an undisputed heroine in this book. And Royce ends up being the bear that's really just a teddy bear :)

As some other readers have said about this book, and Garwood's other historical romance novels on Audible, the narration done by Anne Flosnik is a little over-the-top. But at the same time, let's be honest. This is a romance novel. Flosnik's narration simply highlights the inevitable cheesiness of the genre. I don't think it takes away from the book, or makes it any less enjoyable.

In my opinion, The Prize is a must-have!

Not bad but not the best

A typical Garwood historical . Enjoyable but not breathe-taking . Ann Flosnik is a good narrator but her male voice in some of the books like this is soooooooo thick and villainous , it's so irritating !!!!