Try free for 30 days

  • Master of Shadows

  • By: Neil Oliver
  • Narrated by: Neil Oliver
  • Length: 13 hrs and 55 mins
  • 4.1 out of 5 stars (8 ratings)

Try for $0.00
1 credit a month to use on any title, yours to keep (you’ll use your first credit on this title).
Stream or download thousands of included titles.
Access to exclusive deals and discounts.
$16.45 a month after 30 day trial. Cancel anytime.
Master of Shadows cover art

Master of Shadows

By: Neil Oliver
Narrated by: Neil Oliver
Try for $0.00

$16.45 per month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $26.99

Buy Now for $26.99

Pay using voucher balance (if applicable) then card ending in
Switch payment method
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions Of Use and Privacy Notice and authorise Audible to charge your designated credit card or another available credit card on file.

Publisher's Summary

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
Show More Show Less

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)

What listeners say about Master of Shadows

Average Customer Ratings
Overall
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    4
  • 4 Stars
    2
  • 3 Stars
    1
  • 2 Stars
    1
  • 1 Stars
    0
Performance
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    5
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    3
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    4
  • 4 Stars
    2
  • 3 Stars
    1
  • 2 Stars
    1
  • 1 Stars
    0

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com.au reviews

Amazon Reviews
Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Amelia

Excited by the idea, let down by the reality

What was most disappointing about Neil Oliver’s story?

Neil Oliver is one of my all time favourite historians. Generally, I love his work! have read all of his non-fiction books, and, of course, seen all of his documentaries. I would consider myself a bit of a history nut.
Unfortunately, in a historians need to include all relevant, or even simply interesting, information about a particular era, Mr Oliver included a bit much. In writing a fiction book, I feel he was distracted by the facts.

The book covers a reasonably large time period (about 20-30 years) and mentions the major events taking place in Europe/ Middle East at the time. Which is A LOT to cover in such a short book, and as such the character development, political, religious setting and even the physical settings are bushed over rather broadly.

The book should have been broken up into more books or perhaps only more detailed sections. For example, a book/section covering the main character in more detail; growing up, learning to fight, to hunt and to be a general all round bad ass, the relationship with the man who becomes his substitute father, the factors that led his to join the crusades, struggles ect. You know, character development. Let us love the character, and really get to known him.

What character would you cut from Master of Shadows?

90% of the character should go. The book covers too much.

Any additional comments?

I was so exited for a fiction book by Mr Oliver, but I was let down by what I got. It is more a creative recitation of fact, than an actual story. He has the bones, but this one needs more flesh.

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Swarup

A long winding tale through history

Written by a historian with just enough beautiful fiction, its a tale that wants to be heard. It weaves in your imagination and takes you to ancient places that can be seen without having been there.

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for AlbaRoo🦶🏽

messy boring

I was disappointed, neil at times sounds like he was bored with it all, the chopping around without explanation confuses the listener,
this could be a good read i suggest kindle or such,
I have listened to Neil's docco's and they are great, this book needs professional voice actors ,
sorry neil but i have to fail you on this one !

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.