LISTENER

Zazafraz

  • 128
  • reviews
  • 4
  • helpful votes
  • 136
  • ratings

Written for entertainment.

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 10-01-25

Before reading this book I had known only of Douglas by nickname, being a ‘hero of the wars’ for Scotland, his way of death, and his descendant who would fight and die fighting Edward the 3rd.
Putting personalities, arrogance, intelligence and fears onto many historical figures helped making the book entertaining. We get a feel for the characters beyond as just characters, and the whole series is a good read/listen.
I think the narrator did a good job with tempo and accents all considered.

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

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Douglas evolves.

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 05-01-25

Many former and current characters take shape, and even James Douglas himself has some large character changes, realistic as they are. Scottish history, as all history, is intimate and fascinating. I am ready to begin the final book in the series.

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

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

The climatic and anti-climatic story of Scottish independence.

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 03-01-25

Beforehand I knew of the Lord of Douglas by name, knowing he one of them was important next to Robert The Bruce. I knew of the way a Douglas would die (spoiler: in Spain), and I knew of one who would fight a young Edward 3rd. I knew one was called Black Douglas. Turned out Black Douglas was the very same Douglas from the first two things I knew about the family.
An exciting story, slapped into the center of Scottish independency. Some of the characters dont get that much time to feel close to, others a lot more attention. It’s interesting, exciting, at times brutal, and endearing. Surprised by the lovemaking scenes described in such details, but I guess it’s neither too detailed nor uncommon. Narrator did a good job, though at times the accents are difficult for a non-Scots ears.

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

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Fascinating.

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 28-12-24

Several references to Robert Hanssen and Aldrich Ames, which I personally appreciated. Good insights into the life, decisions, stress and worries of the Russian spy craft. Their reactions and thoughts during great changes in Russia, and a deeply capable man in the center.
Good book, and the narrator was good if at times a bit monotone.

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

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Interesting.

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 24-12-24

A dive into the many facets of a complicated man, and the world he lived in. Showed great respect to the many people surrounding the cases - victims, police officers, family members, even the man himself. At points a slight too deep bias, but thats natural in cases like this, and it was a very good podcast overall. Didnt rush through things.

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

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Truly a man of his own.

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 21-12-24

Even the hardest lovers of the Roman Republic and Empire has to admit the harshness of their treatment of everyone surrounding them - both allies and enemies. The way they used slaves is beyond repulsive, and that’s how Spartacus steps into the history books and the common imagination. A brilliant, brave, charismatic and unique leader, who Karl Marx called ‘the first socialist’, and later Romans would respect as a man and leader.
Great book, thorough, and gives insight into the many people, individuals and as groups, who played a part in this important historical period. Plenty of time is spent focussing not directly on the man itself to spread out the world he was in, to which one can only appreciate. A lot more to the man but movies and tv shows, as entertaining as they may be.

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

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Insightful and brutal.

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 18-12-24

A nice thorough insight into the white powderstorm sweeping across the Republic. The narrator has a nice tone and tempo, and there is no issue lisening his to her for hours on end.
I’ve read a bit about several mentioned people and groups mentioned in the book, and the writer tried to put effort into mentioned what they find relevant. A couple longer sidestories, where you are thinking ‘how is this relevant?’, until the culmination where you think ‘Ahh, okay I see now’. The time jumps and focus switches aren’t too confusing. Good book.

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

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Fascinating and intriguing.

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 16-12-24

A very thorough and deep dive into a controversial American case, dividing all people. One cannot listen without having an opinion oneself.
They did a great job fleshing out the many people involved, painting a picture for and against, and giving us the canvas of the world where this one train ride would change millions of lives.
You can kinda sense the narrator has his own opinion, but it mostly did not make him bias too much. He is mostly fair, but states his own views which I think makes for a better podcast.

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

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

An important time in history.

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 15-12-24

The aftermath aftee the death of one of history’s most discussed, controversial, revered, and straight up important people.
Fascinating to hear how many of the names which we know as giants in the future will truly take shape in this period. Incredibly fascinating subject, with many interesting pieces on a personal level, but a bit of a dry narration and some tough parts to go through. Very thorough and in-depth still. Enjoyed it.

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

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Exciting!

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 03-12-24

A window into the early world of one of the most notorious, recognizable, and infamous people in the world. A view on the fascinating man, and the violent and corrupt world he settled in, and dominated, told in a direct almost novel-like fashion.
So many names and stories I recognize, now given a face and story.

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

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!