Although born to rule, Aidan lives as a scribe in a remote Irish Monastery on the far, wild edge of Christendom. Secure in work, contemplation, and...
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Aug 20, 2011
Diane
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This novel tells the story of Aidan, a tenth-century Irish monk who takes part in an expedition to bring the Book of Kells to the emperor in Byzantium. Before his small group of traveling companions reach the coast of France, however, they are attacked by Vikings and Aidan is carried off alone. The remainder of the book chronicles his adventures. Aidan is by turns a slave, interpreter to a king, ambassador of the emperor, suitor to an Arab lady, and again a slave. His journey brings him to dista
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Feb 10, 2008
Loren
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This story is about an irish monk, Aidan, who is chosen to embark on a journey to bring the Book of Kells to the Emporer of Byzantium (Constantinople). It has a pretty classic storyline in terms of the personal growth and trials that the main character goes through to fulfill his quest. If you enjoy historical fiction you won't be disappointed by this book. It's got plenty of action, conspiracy, and intrigue to make it a page-turner and it's enjoyably rich in culture. Be aware though (or be
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Feb 04, 2011
John
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There are two kinds of epic novels: the kind (such as Stephen King's The Stand) where the characters start to feel like close, personal friends, and where you are constantly being blown away by the author's imaginative scope; and the kind (such as Gai-Jin by James Clavell) that seem to drag on endlessly month after month, as you stare at the bookshelf and wonder how much time you will have wasted if you give up and just start something different. The first few chapters of Byzantium give the imp
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Aug 04, 2011
Honestly, I didn't like the story but I chanced that when I began reading. I have been following Lawhead for a while and his books are either perfect or complete wash-out.
The plot in this story flowed reasonably well. From now on, however, authors need to realize that "young celtic kid abducted by vikings" is no longer an acceptable plot device. But Aidan's stay in Denmark was interesting.
While the hero is Christian, and in some ironic and bitter way, spreads his faith to his Vik More...
The plot in this story flowed reasonably well. From now on, however, authors need to realize that "young celtic kid abducted by vikings" is no longer an acceptable plot device. But Aidan's stay in Denmark was interesting.
While the hero is Christian, and in some ironic and bitter way, spreads his faith to his Vik More...
Jul 11, 2010
Harmonybites
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This is a door-stopper of a book, a first person narrative of a 10th Century Irish monk, Aidan, and his pilgrimage to Byzantium in the course of which he'll become "a slave, a spy, a sailor" going from a monk's robes to a slave's rags and collar to "the silken robes of a Sarazen prince." This book is on a fantasy rec list, is found in the fantasy section in the store and is by a fantasy writer--but I wouldn't call it fantasy despite a few prophetic dreams. Rather it's a work
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Aug 02, 2011
Cindy
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This was an exceptionally good book about the trials and tribulations of a Celtic priest, Aidan, and his pilgrimage to Constantinople to deliver a holy book made by the abbeys of Ireland. Leaving with a total of 13 on pilgrimage, the groups of priests are set upon by Danish Sea Wolves looking for plunder. Aidan is the only captive taken, and soon becomes a slave to the Sea Wolf who he had earlier saved from drowning. Soon Aidan is sold to the Danish king, Jarl Harrald, and becomes a translato
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Jul 11, 2010
Djrmel
rated it:
3 1/2 stars, actually.
Three distinct 9th Century settings - an Abbey in Ireland, a Viking settlement in Scandanavia, and the cities and deserts surrounding Busantium, now known as Istanbul - make for a LOT of interesting historical fun and facts. The reader goes on a journey of discovery with Aiden, a young monk who starts out as part of pilgrimage to deliver a gift to the Emperor Basil. Along the way he's captured, the rest of the monks are presumed dead, he becomes a slave and is More...
Three distinct 9th Century settings - an Abbey in Ireland, a Viking settlement in Scandanavia, and the cities and deserts surrounding Busantium, now known as Istanbul - make for a LOT of interesting historical fun and facts. The reader goes on a journey of discovery with Aiden, a young monk who starts out as part of pilgrimage to deliver a gift to the Emperor Basil. Along the way he's captured, the rest of the monks are presumed dead, he becomes a slave and is More...
Apr 04, 2011
My interest in this period of history continues. The Byzantine Empire. (It is odd that I still do not recall this being mentioned in school.) The story was excellent in some ways, but the hero was a monk and thus kind of a bitch. Who does that? Shaves a little circle on top of his head and lives with a bunch of other men eating gruel. Even allowing for a different culture and time this is warped, and not to my taste. The constant ruminations and dreams he had about god were tiresome, and I start
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Feb 10, 2012
Dawn
rated it: 
I have had to spend some time deciding how to describe why I didn't like this book other than just writing that I found it boring.
It is not the kind of book that you would imagine as boring, once you get though the first 20 chapters, it never stops moving you through people and places. From sea wolves to emperors, forest to desert and country to city, there is always another place to be and more people to meet.
Alot of the story seemed implausible and did there really have to be so mu More...
It is not the kind of book that you would imagine as boring, once you get though the first 20 chapters, it never stops moving you through people and places. From sea wolves to emperors, forest to desert and country to city, there is always another place to be and more people to meet.
Alot of the story seemed implausible and did there really have to be so mu More...
Jun 21, 2011
Darin
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Lawhead is a truly gifted storyteller. This is a hefty volume, but at no point did I feel like I was just trying to slog through it. I am not sure how historically accurate it is, but I read Celt Druid and Culdee at the same time (a purportedly historical work) and he has obviously done his research. The first scenes took me back to my last trip to Ireland, where we saw the Book of Kells (which figures strongly in the book) and the Cross of Cong (which doesn't figure into the book at all, but
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Feb 11, 2011
Tre
rated it:
Wow! Where to start!
Given the number of reviews, and the fact that others have already outlined the plot, allow me to tell you what you want to know. This book IS epic in scope. The adventure is constant, and the chapters all end with a cliff-hanger that you keeps you turning the pages late into the night. The best part about this book is that it is actually plausible, yet, amazing in plot scope. The language nuances used by the author to create tone are just ingenious.
I believe that people en More...
Given the number of reviews, and the fact that others have already outlined the plot, allow me to tell you what you want to know. This book IS epic in scope. The adventure is constant, and the chapters all end with a cliff-hanger that you keeps you turning the pages late into the night. The best part about this book is that it is actually plausible, yet, amazing in plot scope. The language nuances used by the author to create tone are just ingenious.
I believe that people en More...
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Feb 16, 2011
I think this is the best book the Lawhead wrote. It is epic in journey and yet only requires a single book to tell. The story is interesting, somewhat sweet, honest, funny.
Our hero is a simple Monk possibly a bit more real than many monks are portrayed. He is envious of his best friend and jealous of those around him. He joins the crusade to the holy land but doesn't quite make it. His life his never quite in his own control and is passed from one lord to the next.
My favouri More...
Our hero is a simple Monk possibly a bit more real than many monks are portrayed. He is envious of his best friend and jealous of those around him. He joins the crusade to the holy land but doesn't quite make it. His life his never quite in his own control and is passed from one lord to the next.
My favouri More...
Jul 08, 2010
Christopher
rated it:
A very enjoyable historical fiction set in the Dark Ages when Constantinople was still considered a Religious center on par with Rome, when Danes/Vikings marauded the northern coasts of Europe and when monks in monasteries in Ireland and Britain painstakingly and carefully carried out the work of creating new copies of the Holy scriptures. In this tale by Lawhead you will experience the known world of the Dark Ages from the Emerald Isle to the Saracen lords of the Middle East. You get a good o
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Aug 15, 2011
Curt Hopkins
rated it:
Really great adventure that moves from a 9th century Irish monastery to viking Sweden to Constantinople, Trebizond, Abbasid Iraq and back, all centered on the attempted delivery of the Book of Kells to the Emperor Basil. The only problem is part of the ending. A character's change of heart was theologically adequate but dramatically foreshortened. Also, if you're primary point of pride is your dislike of religion and disbelief in it, there are probably better books for you. I hear that one guy w
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Aug 03, 2011
Lawhead often writes in series but this is a stand-alone book on the adventures of Aidan, an Irish priest on a pilgrimage to Byzantium to present the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript of several Gospels, to the Holy Roman Emperor. He is shipwrecked, captured by Vikings, put to work in Arab silver mines, enslaved at least three different times, and both loses and gains his faith. Lawhead's description of various cultures, religions, trades, languages, and travelling methods both entertaine
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Dec 18, 2011
Jeffrey
rated it:
It's a great story and a wonderful tribute to Christian faith. Lawhead well represents the existential crisis of a deeply faithful and thoughtful person confronted with God's apparent lack of regard for humans, especially God's own worshipers. This is accomplished while telling a gripping story of seafaring, battles, conspiracy, slaughter and imperial political intrigue. And the author is respectful of Islam.
I am particularly impressed with Lawhead's ability to weave existential a More...
I am particularly impressed with Lawhead's ability to weave existential a More...
Jun 22, 2011
Robert
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Great narrations have the potential to make a mediocre book great. Less than stellar performances can detract from a book's greatness to the point that an audiobook becomes a totally ruined experience. Some stories are so great, however, that a less than comparable narration cannot detract so much as to make the listening a totally rewarding experience. This, I believe, is the case with the Audible selection Byzantium narrated by Stuart Langton.
As others have commented, the book does s More...
As others have commented, the book does s More...
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Aug 16, 2010
Jessica
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It was a slow and painful start....mainly because of the mass description of life on a monastery and the self depriciating actions the monks took on themselves. Having made it through the first 50 pages and the adventure began - I was enthralled. The building of friendships and understanding between cultures was great. I sometimes skipped (hush) the "God has abandoned me" talk that Aiden endured because I just don't struggle with that issue. The book was moving and championed fr
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Jan 22, 2010
Sara
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Read this book on the advice of a friend...super fun read!
We are studying the dark ages and this book covers monks, monasteries, pilgrimages, Holy Roman Empire, Sarazens, Arabs, silver mines, vikings, slavery....you name it. It was like a Disneyworld ride through an historical era.
Epic book that I had a hard time putting down, made me ignore my children's chatter and dipped me in history.
PLUS I really liked the protaganist. He grows, he falls, he gets strong More...
We are studying the dark ages and this book covers monks, monasteries, pilgrimages, Holy Roman Empire, Sarazens, Arabs, silver mines, vikings, slavery....you name it. It was like a Disneyworld ride through an historical era.
Epic book that I had a hard time putting down, made me ignore my children's chatter and dipped me in history.
PLUS I really liked the protaganist. He grows, he falls, he gets strong More...
Sep 14, 2009
Robert
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A friend recommend this book to me a couple of years ago. I'm glad that i took his advice and read it. It quickly became my favorite book. I passed it along to others and they as well enjoyed it. If you life the movie Gladiator. Then you would like this book. Its similar in the sense of the main characters having to go through various life changes and losing things dear to them. It also based in a similar era. I will warn you that its a little slow to get going but once it does. It will have you
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Jul 31, 2009
Nikki
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I've found most of Stephen Lawhead's books disappointing. I read The Paradise War when I was younger and nothing else has ever quite matched up to the vibrancy and life of that one. Byzantium is a stand-alone novel, based on history, not purer fantasy with Celtic roots like The Paradise War, so perhaps that's part of it.
I actually found Byzantium a little ridiculous when I stopped to think about it. I don't presume to know how historically accurate it is, but the entanglement of Viki More...
I actually found Byzantium a little ridiculous when I stopped to think about it. I don't presume to know how historically accurate it is, but the entanglement of Viki More...
May 05, 2008
Debbi
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Byzantium is about a group of Irish monks who are given the task of taking The Book of Kells to Byzantium to offer as a gift to the Emperor. On the way they are kidnapped by Vikings, taken as slaves, travel to Kiev (IIRC), make it to Byzantium, end up in the silver mines as slaves again, and still make it back. The book is filled with action, many interesting characters, and great historical detail. Its obvious Lawhead did his homework for this book.
This is the only Lawhead book More...
This is the only Lawhead book More...
Mar 28, 2007
Tara
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<b?Favorite Quotes</b>
Truth is a constant delight to those that love her; such beauty holds no power to offend.
...none of this surprised me; it was as if this meeting between us was foreordained by a force greater than either of us. I know I had the events wheeling swiftly over a well-traveled course to a destination long ago established. I felt as if I was merely saying the words I had been destined to say. If there was no surprise, neither was there fear or ala More...
Truth is a constant delight to those that love her; such beauty holds no power to offend.
...none of this surprised me; it was as if this meeting between us was foreordained by a force greater than either of us. I know I had the events wheeling swiftly over a well-traveled course to a destination long ago established. I felt as if I was merely saying the words I had been destined to say. If there was no surprise, neither was there fear or ala More...
Jul 12, 2009
Philip
rated it:
It's been a while since I read this one, but I ranked it (along with The Confessions of Nat Turner) as my favorite book for a LONG time.
It's about an Irish monk who has to travel to Byzantium (Istanbul) to take a manuscript the Emperor of Christendom. I thought it was a great historical-fic read.
I received it as a gift right before I took a long trip as well - quite fitting. More...
It's about an Irish monk who has to travel to Byzantium (Istanbul) to take a manuscript the Emperor of Christendom. I thought it was a great historical-fic read.
I received it as a gift right before I took a long trip as well - quite fitting. More...
Jan 23, 2009
Malinda
rated it:
My fav book of all time. I love the adventure, and the historical fact mixed with his fictional story. Plus, the story keeps changing, everywhere he travels is so different that it is like a new story. You hardly notice the length of the book. I was sad that the story had to end when it did. I learned a valuable lesson from the line God speaks to the main character, "What did you expect?" That was so powerful. This is my one MUST READ! Cory might like it too.
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Jul 02, 2011
Justin
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Vast scope, exciting narrative, and a compelling premise make this historical novelization of a churchman's life an enjoyable read. It's an epic page turner like The Pillars of the Earth with an even broader geographical span, traveling from Ireland to the rough Danish kingdoms down to Byzantium and into saracen holdings with interesting characters and engaging plot developments along the way.
My only complaints are its easy shift from human misery into the triumphs of comfort and the s More...
My only complaints are its easy shift from human misery into the triumphs of comfort and the s More...
Sep 07, 2010
Douglas
rated it:
One of my favorite Lawhead books - this fantastic tale of monastic obedience and service, faith in adversity, doubt and spiritual disillusionment, and resurrected faith is a breathtaking adventure.
One of the things I love about Lawhead is his appreciation and descriptions of beauty, music and the aesthetics of food. Not to mention (which I am about to do) his love of good Celtic poetry and pious prayers.
One of the things I love about Lawhead is his appreciation and descriptions of beauty, music and the aesthetics of food. Not to mention (which I am about to do) his love of good Celtic poetry and pious prayers.
Jul 29, 2011
Juanita
rated it:
Absolutely amazing. The honesty of the character- the fact that he isn't all happy and chirpy about God the whole time (as a monk!) makes you feel like the character is genuine and I was able to relate to him in that way. Great adventure story that reflects the spiritual- but don't let that turn you off if you aren't religious. It is a great book all around! One of my ALL TIME favorites!
Jun 02, 2011
Nathaniel
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This book is extremely well written and has a very interesting plot that is surprisingly captivating. The characters have a large amount of development and are quite deep, within the limitations of the characters themselves. Not being a buff on the history of constantinople/istanbul/byzantium/miklagard I am not entirely sure of the accuracy of the historical aspect of the story, but for me it did not detract from the story at all. Be forewarned when reading this book however that it is extremely
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Jan 25, 2012
Jeremy
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It has been several years since I read this book, yet it still continues to resonate with me. The story of Aidan, a Celtic priest is very rich, and definitely worth the read. The plot does start out a little slow, but before long, it moves at a rapid pace. I found myself having a difficult time putting this book down.
