Book description
A Captivating Audio Journey Through Tudor Turmoil
Philippa Gregory's The King's Curse is a masterful addition to her canon, and the audiobook version delivers the story with an extra layer of immediacy that makes every twist feel like it's unfolding right beside you. The narrator-an unassuming voice with just the right mix of warmth and authority-guides listeners through the labyrinthine politics of Henry VIII's court while giving Margaret Pole the intimate, almost whisper-like presence she deserves.
From the very first minutes, Gregory pulls us into Margaret's world: a lady-in-waiting whose Plantagenet lineage makes her both an heir and a threat. The narration captures the quiet dread that hangs over her as the "Red Queen" sees her as a rival, yet it also conveys the fierce resilience that keeps Margaret from surrendering to the shadows. The pacing is spot-on: moments of high drama-such as Arthur's guardianship and Katherine of Aragon's arrival-are punctuated by quieter reflections on faith, loyalty, and destiny.
What sets this audiobook apart is how Gregory weaves the "old curse" motif into everyday conversation. It feels less like a plot device and more like an undercurrent that readers can sense in the hushed tones between scenes. The narrator's subtle inflection underscores the growing tension as Henry's tyranny escalates, making each decision Margaret faces feel both personal and monumental.
The cast of voices-though limited to a single narrator-does justice to the period's complexity. Gregory's prose is lush yet accessible; she never lets archaic language alienate modern listeners. The story balances grand historical events with intimate moments: Margaret's care for Katherine, her quiet defiance against Henry's edicts, and her inner conflict between loyalty to the king and love for his queen.
In short, The King's Curse is a rich, immersive experience that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and newcomers alike. Gregory's knack for turning complex political webs into human stories shines through, while the audiobook format brings an extra dimension of immediacy. If you're looking for a tale that blends intrigue, tragedy, and a touch of supernatural suspense, this is one you won't want to miss.
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Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience