• This Thing of Darkness

  • By: Harry Thompson
  • Narrated by: Colin Morgan
  • Length: 30 hrs and 22 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (30 ratings)

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This Thing of Darkness  By  cover art

This Thing of Darkness

By: Harry Thompson
Narrated by: Colin Morgan
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Publisher's summary

Colin Morgan narrates the action-packed and gripping novel of Charles Darwin's voyage on the Beagle - longlisted for the Man Booker Prize.

In 1831 Charles Darwin set off in HMS Beagle under the command of Captain Robert Fitzroy on a voyage that would change the world. This is the story of a deep friendship between two men and the twin obsessions that tear them apart, leading one to triumph and the other to disaster.

©2005 Harry Thompson (P)2005 Headline Publishing Group Ltd

Critic reviews

"A master storyteller." (Sunday Times)

"An outstandingly good first novel. A[n]...action-adventure combined with subtle intellectual arguments. The meticulous research enriches this fascinating tale." (Sunday Telegraph)

What listeners say about This Thing of Darkness

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Incredible story. Fantastic narration.

If you enjoy historical fiction you will not be disappointed. Long listed for the Booker prize (basically fiction’s Pulitzer) once read, you will see why.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Truly Masterful Performance

Masterful narration by a performer who never fail to impress. Colin Morgan has -- simply put -- outdone himself here. Although all of his work is compelling, IMHO, this is his first project that is 1000% worthy of the caliber of performance he delivers. A perfect match, if you will. Every single character, no matter his/her significance, has an authentic and unique voice. No one is thrown away. Not only does Mr. Morgan have a command of accents (so many accents), but also tone, nuance, compassion, cadence, fluidity, and emotional impact. A turn of phrase can bring you to tears. It took me close to 50 hours to complete this 30-hr listen. Worth every minute. I found myself immediately re-listening to entire passages to fully take in the performance. Other times, I was simply in awe of a voice he generated. One of those "how is this even possible?" moments. Occasionally in some of the monologue-esque or dialogue-heavy passages, I couldn't find a trace of Mr. Morgan in there anywhere. He completely disappears into the characters, and you easily forget this is a one-person performance. It's genuinely theatre for the ears. The book itself was new to me. I don't know how to review content without giving away spoilers, so I'll leave that for the content experts. But know that it was a moving, emotional journey that will stay with me for a long time. Anyway... don't sleep on this one. And enjoy every single minute of this brilliant performance. If I could give him a standing ovation, I most certainly would.

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7 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

You there is no better narrator than

Colin Morgan is the very best Every character's voice is different and enchanting to listen to.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant, compelling, delightful!

amazing story with great historical significance. supremely well read with superb accents. very engaging! highly recommend.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Colin Morgan narration superb

Splendid novel, impressively narrated by Colin Morgan. From beginning to end of the book, Colin Morgan's voice variations truly magnificent.

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