Not So Happily Ever After: The Tale of King Ludwig II

By: Susan Barnett Braun

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Think history is boring? Then you’ve never met King Ludwig II, who inspired Walt Disney with his magnificent Neuschwanstein Castle in the clouds. He ruled Bavaria for twenty-two years, inspiring its people by his support for the arts. Yet he was known by many as Mad King Ludwig. He rarely appeared in the capital or attended any government functions. He slept most of the day and stayed awake all night. He dined with his horse and waved pistols at servants. He created a fantasy world inside his castles, complete with caves and trap-door tables. To this day, no one is sure exactly what caused his untimely death in a lake. Who was this man: fairy tale king? Insane eccentric? Mad King Ludwig's life followed many twists and turns on its way to Not So Happily Ever After.

...easily the best book written on King Ludwig II in this decade ... reviewer Robert Buccellato

This King Ludwig II biography gives you the most interesting parts of his life without bogging down in details of wars, treaties, and changing boundaries of 19th century German states. Its intended audience is young adults, but it is also ideal for adults wanting to learn more about Ludwig.

Horrid Virtual Voice

The content was fine. But the virtual voice actor was terrible. Mispronunciations. Wrong inflections. It was barely tolerable. The worst part was that the virtual VA said “the first” every time it should have read “I”. I should have just read the book myself.

Lazy production!!

Take the time to get the pronunciation right. “THE FIRST”. Come on. How annoying. The subject and writing is interesting, the narration ruined it.

Very interesting history

I really like this book. Very good history, layed out nicely. Not too long and I didn’t mind the automated voice. It was actually better than some other readers I’ve heard.

the first liked it

great story. answered many questions. virtual voice always said "the first" in place of "I"

“Virtual Voice” had too many errors

Every time “I” was used, the virtual voice said “the first” which was crazy annoying. It also referred to anyone as a “Dr.” by saying “Drive.” Otherwise the writing felt like a book report and also made fun of opera, which is the entire reason I am interested in this story. Know your audience lol.