Byzantium, Stephen R. Lawhead
Byzantium, Stephen R. Lawhead
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Byzantium

Author: Stephen R. Lawhead

Narrator: Stuart Langton

Unabridged: 25 hr 9 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 03/25/2009

Synopsis

Although born to rule, Aidan lives as a scribe in a remote Irish monastery on the far, wild edge of Christendom. Secure in work, contemplation, and dreams of the wider world, a miracle bursts into Aidan's quiet life. He is chosen to accompany a small band of monks on a quest to the fabled city of Byzantium, where they are to present the beautiful and costly hand-illuminated Book of Kells to the emperor of all Christendom. During this expedition by sea and over land, Aidan becomes, by turns, a warrior and a sailor, a slave and a spy, a Viking and a Saracen, and finally, a man. He sees more of the world than most men of his time, becoming an ambassador to kings and an intimate of Byzantium's fabled Golden Court. And finally, this valiant Irish monk faces the greatest trial confronting any man in any age: the command of his own destiny.

About Stephen R. Lawhead

Stephen R. Lawhead is an internationally acclaimed author of mythic history and imaginative fiction. He is the author of such epics as the King Raven, Song of Albion, and Dragon King trilogies. Although born and raised in America, he was brought to England by his research into Celtic legend and lore and now resides in Oxford with his wife, writer Alice Slaikeu Lawhead.

About Stuart Langton

Stuart Langton is an award-winning theater, film, and television actor. He has been an audiobook narrator for more than ten years. He lives in New York City.

Reviews

Goodreads review by A.

Generally a fantasist, Lawhead also writes historical fiction quite well. The title here is a little misleading, as it's more about the destination than the story itself. Aidan is a blueblood, who chooses the role of a scribe in an Irish monastery over a role of power. Adventure though soon awaits,......more

Goodreads review by Palmyrah

Docked one star for a page or two of Christian apologetics at the end. The problems of theodicy are not resolved quite so readily as that; unfortunately, theodicy is the first-person narrator’s big spiritual problem. Byzantium is in every other way a five-star read, and diligently researched as to hi......more

Goodreads review by Shannon

Whenever I recommend this book I can't help but really mean it from a literary standpoint, and a spiritual standpoint. Aidan takes quite a journey through many places. Along the way he encounters a lot of challenges that change him fundamentally. I like how real Lawhead makes this journey for him. H......more

Quotes

“The narrative has the excitement of a good fantasy novel, a vivid historical setting and a lengthy, credible and satisfying plot.” Publishers Weekly

“Not merely a gripping yarn—and it certainly is that—this is also a novel about faith and the tests life plants in its way. Lawhead, author of the popular Pendragon cycle of fantasies, here makes a sure move into mainstream fiction.” Booklist

“Worthwhile for Lawhead regulars and historical-fantasy fans alike.” Kirkus Reviews

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