Sultana

By: Lisa J. Yarde

Narrated by: Maureen Boutilier

In 13th-century Moorish Spain, the realm of Granada is in crisis. The union of Fatima, granddaughter of the Sultan of Granada, with the Sultan's nephew Faraj has fractured the nation. A bitter civil war escalates and endangers both Fatima and Faraj's lives. All her life, Fatima has sheltered in lavish palaces where danger has never intruded, until now. A precocious child and the unwitting pawn of her family, she soon learns how her marriage may determine her future and the fate of Granada. Her husband Faraj has his own qualms about their union. At a young age, he witnessed the deaths of his parents and discovered how affluence and power offers little protection against indomitable enemies. Guilt and fears plague him. Determined to carve his own destiny, Faraj struggles to regain his lost inheritance and avenge his murdered family. Throughout the rugged frontiers of southern Spain, the burgeoning Christian kingdoms in the north and the desert states of North Africa, Fatima and Faraj survive ruthless murderers and intrigues. They unite against common enemies bent on destroying the last Moorish dynasty. While Fatima and Faraj establish a powerful bond, the atmosphere of deceit creates opportunities for mistrust and tests their love.

©2011 Lisa J. Yarde (P)2013 Lisa J. Yarde

Voiceover Made My Ears Bleed

This is the worst narration I have ever heard. Should have listened to the other reviews. The sample cuts off before the narrator starts with her terrible voices for the characters, some of them sound like nails screeching on chalkboard. Buy the book and read it, seems like a very good story, the beginning parts I could tolerate to listen. But the audible is terrible - like cat I heat screeching. No words. Can’t take it anymore. Would return it but returned another book yesterday to get this one so will just keep this trash.

Couldn't get beyond the first two hours

I should have heeded the negative comments about the narration. The reader does a fine job when using her natural voice and her Spanish accent adds to the atmosphere. But her attempts to speak in a range of other voices, including children and multiple men and women, were so forced they were laughable. Reminded me of myself trying to create funny voices when reading to a child. The story may be good, but I couldn't listen to it.