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Kingdom of Shadows cover art

Kingdom of Shadows

By: Barbara Erskine
Narrated by: Charlie Norfolk
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Summary

Gorgeous repackage of Barbara Erskine’s first novel, blending history, family legacy and contemporary passion

In a childless and unhappy marriage, Clare Royland is rich and beautiful – but lonely. And fueling her feelings of isolation is a strange, growing fascination with an ancestress from the distant past. Troubled by haunting inexplicable dreams that terrify – but also powerfully compel – her, Clare is forced to look back through the centuries for answers.

In 1306, Scotland is at war. Isobel, Countess of Buchan, faces fear and the prospect of untimely death as the fighting surrounds her. But passionate and headstrong, her trials escalate when she is persecuted for her part in crowning Robert the Bruce, her lover.

Duncairn, Isobel's home and Clare's beloved heritage, becomes a battleground for passions that span the centuries. As husband Paul's recklessness threatens their security, Clare must fight to save Duncairn, and to save herself from the powers of Isobel…

©2021 Barbara Erskine (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

What listeners say about Kingdom of Shadows

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

Long story, well written but poorly read

My second book by this author & I have enjoyed it. But I won't listen to any others if read by this narrator. Somebody on the editing team should have realised that she wasn't coping with the Scottish accents or the male voices. It was a struggle at times to know which character was speaking. There were mis-pronounced place names as well, which really shouldn't happen (for example Edinburgh was correct whilst Fraserburgh became Fraserberg). There were also some editing errors but in fairness they didn't detract from the story in any way.
So when I said I enjoyed it, I really did. It was a good enough story to keep me listening - despite the narration.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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The uUncertainties of Time

Who are we in essence?
Kingdom of Shadows cleverly probes many aspects of being.
Yet leaves them mysteriously incomplete.
Thankfully!

I'm no expert, but this fascinating story, which is well read, successfully keeps one gripped to the end.

Thank you Barbara Erskine.

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

Wonderfully exciting

I'm so glad this book was obtained by Audible. I think it's the best Barbara Erskine book by far. The excitement and action starts very quickly, and goes on until the very end. The book is read very well by Charlie Norfk, who brings all the characters
to life, with her great voice range. I highly recommend this book.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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The amazing narrative

I adored the story kept me awake at night and had me crying and scared in equal measure

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

A good book but too long

I really enjoyed the historical side to the story. But honestly got sick to death of Clares current world pathetic behaviour. Difficult to rationalise that the two were related.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Compelling listen

This is my first Barbara Erskine novel and wow what a find. The narrator was top notch.
Kept me awake for several nights listening. I am now on my third BE book and i would definitely recommend this book and so far all the books i have of her. Sit back, listen and enjoy ++++++

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Excellent narration

In my opinion one of the best Barbara Erskine novels.
The story is very well presented here, and the narrator is very skilled.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Pronunciation

For information for the narrator- Fraserburgh is pronounced Fraser-Borough not Fraserburg …. It’s annoying when you live locally . 😉

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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A story to get sucked in to

Give me a bit of history with a love story and youve got me hooked. A little bit drawn out but I enjoyed hearing about parts of the UK and some history around events. Ending was rather swift but that can be forgiven for all the build and backstory fill ins.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Captivating

This book, so Beautifully written and beautifully narrated.
Thank you for creating such an amazing novel.

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