To Defy a King

I enjoy reading and listening to Elizabeth Chadwick's novels. However, regardless of how good a story is when it comes to an audiobook the narrator is a make or break issue for me. I have listened to other audiobooks narrated by this reader, though these have generally been either definitely smack bang in the middle of the 'chick lit' genre or orbiting it. Her voice seems (to me) appropriate for those genres. I would not put Chadwick's novels in the category of 'chick lit' just because she has prominent female characters. Everything about this readers 'voice' is, for me, totally wrong for this particular book. I will admit to a bit of a prejudice where female narrators are concerned - I have many favourite male readers, but very few female. As an avid listener of audiobooks I have come to the conclusion that if the narrator's voice (particularly idiosyncratic vocal habits) draws your attention more than the actual story you are not going to have an enjoyable listening experience. Just glad I borrowed the audiobook from library rather than used up my credits. Not one of Chadwick's best (IMO) but still an enjoyable read.

The book was quite slow in the beginning with a lot of unnecessary info which made it a little boring but after awhile the story kicks in and it's not just about Mahelt and Hugh, we see the nasty King John at his best and the wider picture if events of that time make for a more rounded and enjoyable book. Lots of repeated words like 'compressed lips' and 'frisson' which appeared several times and I felt sometimes that Mahelt was too imperious, but she was William Marshall's daughter so I suppose this could have been in keeping with her history. All in all another enjoyable read from the pen of Ms Chadwick, who certainly knows her stuff.