Rise - Scarlet City - Part II: An Audible Original Drama (Der König der purpurnen Stadt - Das ungekü

The Blurb

By: Rebecca GabléNarrated by: Douglas Booth, Miriam Margolyes, Alison Steadman, Raymond Coulthard, Nigel Planer, Clare Buckfield,Alexander VlahosSeries: Scarlet City: An Audible Original Series, Book 2Length: 10 hrs and 22 minsOriginal RecordingRelease date: 05-02-18Language: EnglishPublisher: Audible Studios

Contains some scenes of violence that younger listeners may find upsetting. Recommended for listeners aged 16+

This Original multicast drama piece blends history with fiction to tell the story of Jonah and his rise to fame through war, disease, ruin and riches.

London, 1337. England is at war, and the King is in financial straits, meaning that Jonah's hard-earned business and fortune hang in the balance. A far cry from his humble beginnings as a draper's apprentice, Jonah is now one of the influential merchants in England, and he manages to secure the hand of the daughter of one of the most powerful and dangerous nobles in the country.

As Jonah's wealth and prominence grow, so do his enemies and the threats they bring - and even Jonah's close relationship with the King doesn't guarantee security. The King is at war, and he wants Jonah there beside him.

Told in three parts, hear Medieval London come to life in this historical epic, Audible Original's most ambitious production to date. Narrated by Miriam Margolyes, OBE (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Romeo + Juliet, Mulan) and starring Douglas Booth (Riot Club, Loving Vincent, Shelley) as Jonah and Samuel West (BAFTA nominated; Mr Selfridge, Howards End) as Willcox.

Also featuring: Josephine Arden, Timothy Bentinck, John Banks, Clare Buckfield, Elliot Chapman, Oliver Coopersmith, Raymond Coulthard, Gareth David-Lloyd, Raj Ghatak, Joe Jameson, James Joyce, Barry McCarthy, Olly McCauley, Tony Millan, George Naylor, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Steven Pacey, Nicholas Pegg, David Schofield, Jane Slavin, Dan Starkey, Jonty Stephens, Julie Teal, Alexander Vlahos, Niky Wardley, Lizzie Waterworth-Santo, Samuel West, Finty Williams.

My Review

After listening to Apprentice - Scarlet City - Part I, I couldn't wait to get hold of Part II, and wasted no time at all in starting to listen to it on it's release day. It was a virtual reality trip through 14th century England, and Flanders during a pivotal point in the fortunes of England at the start of the hundred years war. In this episode we see Jonah Durham establish himself as a wool merchant, marry the daughter of his most powerful adversary, and develop a separately close with relationships with King Edward III and Queen Philippa. Full of action, adventure and treachery, it was totally engaging. Thank goodness the release date for Part III - Empire is April 5th, I will just about hold out till then, but in the meantime I might just have to listen to Parts I and II again. Superbly produced by Audible and I fell in love with Miriam Margoyles' exquisite narration.