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Master of Shadows

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Master of Shadows

By: Neil Oliver
Narrated by: Neil Oliver
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About this listen

From the rough highlands of Scotland to the crumbling majesty of Constantinople, a gripping historical novel written and read by TV historian and broadcaster Neil Oliver.

In 15th-century Constantinople, young Prince Constantine, heir to the Byzantine throne, is left permanently crippled when he saves the beautiful Princess Yaminah from falling to her death in the Hagia Sofia. Meanwhile in Scotland, John Grant, a young man with unusual abilities, is rescued from certain death by a formidable Moorish warrior whose own life was once saved by John's father.

Unbeknown to them, John Grant and Prince Constantine share a unique connection - a connection that lies at the very centre of their beings.

When fate orchestrates that their paths should cross, the repercussions will be felt across the continents.

©2015 Neil Oliver (P)2015 Orion Publishing Group Historical Thriller & Suspense Royalty Fiction Mystery

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Critic reviews

"Impeccably researched - of course! - and deeply enjoyable. Goes down in a big, delicious gulp of action and mystery, with a taste of romance." (Diana Gabaldon)
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I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Great, easy to listen to , narration from Neil Oliver himself. The writing was so descriptive I was drawn into the story - wonderful.

Highly recommended.

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I absolutely loved this book. It's a sweeping epic of a story spanning a continent and several lives. It is woven together by a beautifully crafted narrative and made all the more appealing by Neil Oliver's performance.

This is the best book I've listened to in a long time.

A stunning, sweeping epic

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A well written story beautifully told, a fascinating glimpse of a moment in history. My only grumble is that the very end seemed a little rushed, it took me by surprise.

A captivating story.

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The beginning was beautifully crafted.
I had a great time listening to it shame it ended.

Loved it thank you!! Great narrating Neil. Perfect

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I really like Neil's work anyway..to find this is a very happy surprise..terrific!
Great. thanks

genius

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This was an hugely enjoyable book which I found having been introduced to the character of John Grant (John Le Grant) by the glorious Dorothy Dunnett in her magnificent House of Niccolo series. It is a satisfying story, well paced, fleshed out and, subsequently much recommended. However, much like Stuart MacBride when he narrated two of his Logan Macrae books, Mr Oliver should have been taken aside by his publisher and either trained by a speech therapist with influence from euch as RNIB or guided to allow someone with the talent and experience to narrate. This book would have shone so much more brightly with narration by David Rintoul for example - listen to King Hereafter and compare.

Not all authors of good stories are narrators....

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This story is chock full of fascinating historical insights and intriguing characters. The plot flows smoothly, rich in details but never excessively drawn out.
The narration is excellent, Neil Oliver’s smooth talking manner and clear Scottish accent allow one to really sink into the story without the distraction of character voices or faked emotions.
Very highly recommended for anyone who enjoys historical fiction and unexpected plot twists.

Fantastic Story and Wonderful Narration

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I enjoyed this story immensely. Well written and with a good few surprises along the way.

fantastic tale.

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I loved this novel which reminded me a little of Dorothy Dunnett's wonderful books. However I did struggle with it in audio form and feel, with its jumping in time, it would be easier to follow in book form. I enjoyed Neil Oliver's use of language and really liked his voice but there was no pause between chapters and slight pauses, especially when a new chapter takes you to a different time or place in the story, do help when listening rather than reading what is a fairly complex narrative. Personally I love the blend of history and the supernatural and the author's version of Jeanne d'Arc's life. His writing let me "see" all the action (though some of the bloodiest scenes made my stomach clench!) and I think this would make a great film. I would certainly be keen to listen to another book by Mr Oliver.

Enthralling

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Beautifully written. Full of exquisite historical detail as you would expect from Neil Oliver. I read it wanting to know more about the Byzantine age but came away with so much more.

A tremendous book

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