Stormbringers

Order of Darkness, Book 2

By: Philippa Gregory

Narrated by: Nicola Barber

Length: 8 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

The second book in a YA quartet filled with intrigue, mystery, and romance, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Philippa Gregory.

The year is 1453, and the end of the world is closer than ever.

As Luca and Isolde continue their journey, their attraction grows with each passing day. Even as they try to remain focused on the mysteries they’ve been ordered to investigate, the tension between them builds.

Their budding, illicit relationship is put on hold when a boy, Johann, and his army of children arrive in town. Johann claims to have divine orders to lead the children across Europe to the Holy Land, and the townspeople readily accept his claims. Luca wants to believe, but his training tells him to question everything...but when Johann’s prophecy begins to come true, Luca wonders if they have finally stumbled upon a real miracle.

Yet even the greatest miracles have the potential for darkness…and the chaos that follows Johann is unlike anything anyone could have imagined.

©2013 Philippa Gregory International, Ltd. (P)2013 Simon & Schuster

Narrator nearly ruins the story

I enjoyed The Changeling very much, and the narrator help build the interesting the plot and characters, but Nicola Barber reduced this novel to a children’s book with her little girl voices especially for the female characters. The young women often sounded like 5-year-olds. And the men were sounded like pompous adolescents. I will read Fool’s Gold rather than subject myself to this narrator again.

meh. not the best of her books.

just pick another of her series. shes usually amazing. gave it 2 books worth of a chance, too

Great story - poor narration

Book: I’m obsessed with all the books Philippa could ever write - I’ve read/listened to dozens. I love the blend of historical events with her fictional creations of events and characters. You really care for the characters and feel like you know them well.

Narrator: For some reason the narrator made the female leads sound far less strong and capable than the last book (audible). The writing is there, she could have easily used Ishrak’s accent, her stern unwavering voice. Awesome range in the other characters- so I know the narrator is talented....I just wasn’t thrilled that there was such a sharp change from the first book. In that book the women sounded less like damsels and more like leads.

Good read.

Where does Stormbringers rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Very high on the list that I have already enjoyed. Even though I love all of Phiilippa Gregorys books. It is a different format than I've read of hers before but I did enjoy it. I wasn't as fond of this reader, as I was of the the male voice in the changelings.

Which scene was your favorite?

The detail in the settings and the people just make the whole book come alive.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes it was hard to put down. After I finished the next book. Foods.Gold I am planning to reread them because they are really good.

Any additional comments?

Awesome

Great Story but...

I am loving the story line in this series, however, the narration of this book made it hard to listen to. The narration is like listening to a children’s book, especially the overly high pitch of the female characters. I will remember this narrator and avoid her books. I’ll read those, rather than listen.

Decent story; irritating narrator

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

Story good enough to pass the time on the road, but very disappointed in the new narrator. Loved the guy who read the first in the series, he brought depth and humor to the characters. The narrator of book 2, however, has limited range & specifically portrays the female characters as vapid airheads with little intelligence. Perhaps this wouldn't have been so apparent if the book 1 narrator wasn't so good.

Would you recommend Stormbringers to your friends? Why or why not?

Not as good as other Philippa Gregory tales but an admirable stab at something different.

Would you be willing to try another one of Nicola Barber’s performances?

Nope

Do you think Stormbringers needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Meh. I would probably listen to it but also wouldn't miss if it didn't happen.

So different from first book... not in a good way

I rated the first book in this series very high. But I couldn't even finish this one.

it doesn't even seem like it is by the same author, and the new narrator makes the characters sound like spoiled cringy children. What a shame... I was hoping to enjoy this series.

Boring and repeticious

What disappointed you about Stormbringers?

I loved the first book, but this one was boring with the repetitions over and over again about what the characters feel or think! I had to drop it after the first few chapters! The male narrator in the first book was wonderful, giving each character a different voice and accent, this Nicola Barber sounded the same all the way!

What could Philippa Gregory have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

I would have liked her to keep the first narrator. Also, the first book kept me intrigued every minute of it, she should have kept that same pace. This book sounded like a children's book

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Tiresome insistance on explaining what the characters are thinking or feeling

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment

Any additional comments?

First time I am disappointed by P.G., and I have read many, many books of hers!

All three books should have been one book together

i have been listening to a lot of Phillipa Gregory and for the price of each book in this particular series I am not impressed. Compared to her Historical Biographies and also her Wide Acre series I felt it lacked in storyline and depth. Maybe if all three books were as one book I would have felt better.

They shouldn’t have changed narrators

It was alarming to hear these characters in a completely different voice. They sounded like totally different characters and it completely took me out of the story!