Mesmerising! Thoroughly enjoyed

So vivid are the descriptions, you are truly transported back in time to walk amongst colourful characters on their theatric journey through Elizabethan London. Epic story, epic performance

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Compelling listening!

Gripping and heartbreaking. A great tale that draws you in. As a Londoner I can imagine the streets named set at the time of the story.

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Absolutely captivating

What a break from my usual genre and what a treat - a fabulous listen from start to finish

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A wonderful book

I was so impressed with the writing style, the use of language, the story itself. A fascinating dive into the world of theatre in the age of Elizabeth I, with its intrigues and dangers. The main character is compelling and fascinating. The narration was excellent too. I’m looking forward to more books by this author.

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Be very careful. Very Very accurate on bpd.

This book is the most accurate material l've ever seen about Borderline Personality Disorder because Nonesuch is so like me l could have played him - but it would have driven me mad. And l know bpd. l've had it longer than l remember, diagnosed more times than l want to remember, and what l do remember l wish l didn't. lt doesn't go away and it makes you bright, daring, wicked, funny, adorable, loveable, terrifying - but so self destructive.

We have no barriers. The characters l have met. The danger l have been in. Life has been like juggling chain saws or being thrown into a pit for other people's amusement to fight bears, wolves and vicious fighting cocks. But to come out alive is like no drug rush out there.

lt's probably the most beautiful heartbreaking book l've ever read.
Listening to the story l knew exactly what Nonesuch was going to do because it was what l'd have done. Shay can't save him because he isn't saveable. There isn't anything l'd change, or challenge.

lt isn't a bit like 'killing me softly', l frequently wanted to laugh and cry but most of all l wanted to run as far and as fast as l could, then run back and hope everyone was still there because l'd found somewhere nobody would notice me as they were all the same. Until if falls apart.

lt feels as if the dark and brilliant Mat Osman tore my brain open and, like his character Nonesuch, casually, thoughtlessly simply pulled out the bits he wanted and threw the rest away, because he could. l say 'feels like'. l know he didn't mean to. Or did he? Of course not. He doesn't know me. But l bet he knows someone like me. Or knew. We don't have a long shelf life.

This review may not be passed. That would be such a shame, because above all, it really is brilliant. But so very very very sad.

After reading this dazzling book, you will never be the same.

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1 person found this helpful

Evocative recreation of Elizabethan London

Fast-paced, lyrical, magical, dark, unsettling and fascinating. For lovers of birds, Elizabethan theatre and London.

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Unconvincing plot

I like the historical nature of this, but I got quite bored of the bird stuff- it all seemed a bit too silly and overdone. Perhaps the cult the female protagonist belongs to did exist but I felt it went too much into supernatural suggestions for my liking. But maybe I've got the plot wrong - I listened sporadically as I didn't enjoy it. It's not the worst book ever, but I didn't bother finishing it.

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Captivating

Looking at the other reviews, it appears this book has a 'Marmite' flavour to it! Either loved or hated. I'm definitely in the 'loved it' camp. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks but this one really stood out for me. It had a wonderfully unique quality to the story-telling and painted such a vivid picture of the scenery. It is not historically accurate in parts, which would normally bother me, but it didn't on this occasion, because the drive and direction of story was more important.
I came to know and love (or hate!) the characters so well that it really was a wrench when the book ended (and I loved the ending!). Normally I listen to books as I'm doing jobs around the house or out walking, but I felt like I couldn't bear to miss a second so this was reserved exclusively for bedtime listening.
To anyone reading this review, I'd say give the book a try. You might find it's not for you, or perhaps it'll be just the magic you're looking for. It was definitely the latter for me. Looking forward to seeing what else the author produces; two books is not enough!

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Really enjoyed this

This is well written and engaging - bold characters and a rollercoaster of a plot line. You know it’s been great when you’re going to miss the characters. I loved Ellie’s narration too.

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Wonderful storytelling

Complicated compelling story. Another side of Elizabethan England. The fragility of life and the sheer courage and ingenuity of the young “players “
If you have a love of birds of any description and as I do of birds of prey listen to this
The narrator got it just right.

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