The Ringed Castle

The fifth historical novel in Dunnett's Lymond Chronicles is this adventure of Francis Crawford, who is traveling to Russia during the time of Ivan the Terrible. There Crawford will attempt to tame Ivan and bring the civilization of Mary Tudor's England to the Russian world. Such an ambitious reading requires an artist to partake in the drama of the history. Unfortunately, Andrew Napier shows no passion or caring for any character or event. Rarely does he raise or alter his voice. His dour rendition of a vivid historical period renders the listener unmoved and untaught. J.P. (c) AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine