Time’s Legacy

By: Barbara Erskine

Narrated by: Janice Mackenzie

Length: 18 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's Summary

An historian by training, Barbara Erskine is the author of three collections of short stories, and eleven bestselling novels that demonstrate her interest in both history and the supernatural. Lady of Hay, her first novel, has now sold over two million copies worldwide. She lives with her family in an ancient manor house near Colchester, and a cottage near Hay-on-Wye. Erskine returns with this beautiful and haunting tale of dark forces and mystical powers.

In present-day Cambridge, Abi, a recently ordained priest of the Church of England, is appointed to a notoriously difficult parish. The priest in charge is the charismatic but fundamentalist Kier. He objects to her mysticism, her practice of healing in particular. When she sees a vision of a congregation in an old church, Kier accuses her of witchcraft, but Abi soon sees more visions; an entire Roman family history dark with betrayal and a promise of bloody revenge.

With foreboding forces all building up to violence, Abi must battle the approaching terror along with her own personal demons, drawing upon the expertise of Druidry and shamanism from a questionable source….

©2010 HarperCollins Publishers Ltd. (P)2010 HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.

another ghosty story

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

It was all right - I'd recommend better

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

just got a bit long winded towards the end, especially the present tense [the ghosty bit was better!]

Which character – as performed by Janice Mackenzie – was your favorite?

I thought she was a good narrator, making the men and women different and with a variety of English accents

Was Time’s Legacy worth the listening time?

Yes - i still like Barbara Erskine's ideas and especially the way she flipped in and out of times

Riveting listening

Having read and enjoyed other books by this author I was delighted to find a title that I hadn't seen before and I was not disappointed. The story held me enthralled and I couldn't wait to pick up my ipod and continue listening. I feel quite lost now that it has come to an end but I can thoroughly recommend this audio book.

Old Style Barbara Erskine

I have read all Barbara Erskine's long stories, since her first, Lady of Hay, which is one of my all time favourite books. This definitely ranks in her top three. Back to her old style of narrative, quite easy going and relaxing, but a really compelling story (well 2 actually!) I haven't got to the end yet, but am loving listening to this book. Also have to comment on the narrator, I am not normally a fan of female narrators - I don't know why but I just generally find them harder to get used to. Not so with this. A really lovely voice, good subtle voice changes for the different characters and very easy to listen to. A definite 5 star audiobook.

Read, repeatedly

I like this book so much I've listened to it about 20 times. Excellent book 5*

Slipping into the past

Where does Time's Legacy rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This book ranks very highly. I have only just started listening to audio books again and have enjoyed this one immensely. Extremely well read and easily defined vocal differences for each character.

What other book might you compare Time's Legacy to, and why?

As its so long since I listened to any that is hard to answer fairly.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

I wouldn't lkie to define just one scene, as each scene added and flowed into the next, past and present, enhancing the overall experience.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

As I rarely watch films I'm not the best person to provide a tag line

Any additional comments?

This book gave just enough annoyances to really make it believeable. Abby, on more than one occassion, acted stupidly enough to irritate, as did the clergy who never stopped Kieran from pestering Abby. But like a good play this story took you into the highs and lows holding your attention along the way. I am glad Barbara Erskine wasn't obvious this time in the present characters being those of the past too, although it did slip into that element right at the end. For those who are religiously inclined I would imagine this book could start a very healthy debate as to it having actually happened. A very sound story and beautifully read. The definition of characters voices was superb. My one grouse though is that too many characters names began with 'K', which I found a little confusing at times

A gripping story!

As a first time reader of Barbara Erskine, I was not sure what to expect of this story. It begins as a conventional narrative about a young woman curate and Keir, the obsessive priest she finds herself working with. As mysterious ghostly figures appear, you realise that you are in for a fantasy tale with a historical background. Moving from Cambridge to Glastonbury, the atmosphere becomes increasingly dark and our heroine Abi Rutherforth finds herself involved in the life of a Roman family and the healing powers of the Druids in Glastonbury. As Abi follows their lives she comes to wonder if the student, Yeshua, staying with the Druids could possibly be Jesus. The dual narrative builds in excitement to a thrilling climax. I found myself sorry that I had finished the book and can recommend it to readers who enjoy historical fiction with a dash of the supernatural.

Too Far Fetched

If you can suspend belief then this ghost and time travel story might appeal but personally it was just too far fetched and contrived for me.
Modern day priests and pagans use a powerful crystal ball to watch a parallel story playing out from Roman Britain with ghosts appearing left right and centre!

What an amazing Book

What a re-imagining, and done with such sympathy for all groups represented. I’m currently pestering my mum to read it, so I can discuss it with her.

Captivating as always

Another gripping story that I couldn't put down. The story is so well written it takes you on a marvellous journey

brilliant

another fantastic story by Barbara erskine and brilliantly read by the narrator. I highly recommend.

Who cares that it’s not plausible

I liked most of the characters, the faith and paranormal sides, and the setting.

In fact it is a lovely escapist novel, and the views into the past are interesting. There are warm moments of support of friends, and scary moments, and the parallel revealing of past and present evolves into a satisfactory (if weird) conclusion.

This is a good read for fans of Phil Rickman.