by Ronald Wright ; read by Luis Moreno ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 22, 2016
This chronicle of the decline and fall of the Incan empire is seen through the eyes of one boy turned man. Waman is the character at the center of the story, and narrator Luis Moreno shows his evolution from a naïve boy who runs away to see the world to a world-weary man who has been tossed about on the seas of history. Waman is reluctantly trained to translate for the Spanish invaders of Peru, led by Francisco Pizarro, and, in doing so, encounters a string of Incan rulers. Moreno flawlessly pronounces phrases in English and Spanish as well as the names of geographic sites and historical figures. This story is a tragedy, with the Spaniards' transmission of smallpox wiping out a great civilization. As Waman, Moreno is a knowledgeable guide to those long-ago troubled times.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2016
Duration: 12 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781490698182
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Lauren Francis-Sharma ; read by Ron Butler & Bahni Turpin ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 22, 2015
Awards & Accolades
Our Verdict
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An astonishingly unique historical novel, which begins in Trinidad in the 1940s, this is an example of the best that an audiobook can offer. The two narrators, Ron Butler and Bahni Turpin, are superb choices who move the listener smoothly between the two main characters. Farook and Marcia Garcia are star-crossed lovers who don’t have fate on their side. Turpin evokes the rhythms of English as spoken in Trinidad, lyrical, and rhythmic. Through her confident narrative style, Marica Garcia comes across as a strong, beleaguered young woman. Her trials evoke empathy in the listener. Butler establishes the contorted choices that face Farook as an Indian man who is prevented by racism from marrying his true love. This sprawling tale spans Trinidad and the United States, from the 1940s-1960s.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2015
Duration: 13 hrs
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Bernard Cornwell ; read by Jack Hawkins ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 8, 2013
In this stand-alone novel set during the Hundred Years' War, Thomas of Hookton, hero of Cornwell's Grail Quest trilogy, returns with his band of mercenaries in pursuit of the sword of Saint Peter—a holy relic said to bestow great power. Naturally, others are also in pursuit and are determined to win the sword at any cost. Jack Hawkins delivers a stunning performance of this dramatic novel of political intrigue and military battle. Throughout, he effortlessly distinguishes characters from all over Western Europe through various accents. Hawkins's thoughtful reading reveals the emotions of the characters, enhancing their portrayals. His performance is full of energy during Cornwell's signature battle scenes, offering the listener a visceral experience of war.
Pub Date: Jan. 8, 2013
Duration: 12 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780062209344
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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