Kenneth Maxon has narrated 3 audiobooks on Listento.it by 2 authors. The most-rated is The Warrior King Charlemagne.
The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire
Summary
On the horizons of many warring tribes, Roman warriors, knights from chivalric orders, and the devoted penniless appeared on a divine mission ready to conquer with an appetite for destruction, salvation, and a higher purpose. Pax Romana. Had the world ever seen the magnitude of empires as it did in the Roman Empires that would unhinge themselves from their very foundation in their attempt to dominate over kings, lords, and tribes? What caused the Romans to proclaim themselves worthy of answering a seemingly providential call to spread the Roman way? This is the story of their shifting identity over the course of a mind-boggling history in their steep ascents and defiant schisms transfixed with glory and virtue that lasted for thousands of years. It is the story of Rome's lingering origin and Rome's spirit of conquest as their enemies encircled them. The perilous protection they would offer to a papacy, besieged by perpetual land grabs of powerful nobles and distant tribes, was often compromised by their own faults, negligence and the nature of where their empire stopped and their Romanness began. They fought their own with just as much fervor as those who appeared at their fronts. Did their very spirit and ascent imperil that which united them, dividing them, as the world around them embraced or rejected their very foundation?
©2016 Michael Klein (P)2016 Michael Klein
Women Spies
Summary
Women Spies: A Novel of Remembrance of Mata Hari, Mary Bowser, Noor Inayat Khan, Nancy Wake and other Strong Women of History is a historical fiction that uses the "grandmother's chair" method to recount the very real histories of famous and infamous female spies down through the ages. The story begins with Lannie (a fictitious character) watching a mysterious neighbor moving in next door. Her grandmother (also fictitious) collects stories about spies. As Lannie learns about famous female spies, so does the listener. The fictitious background is used as a vehicle for discussing each of the featured women, presenting various views, some of them opposing, that affect our perception of these women today. A Forbes Magazine article commented that women have always been uniquely suited to spying because they understand subtle messages delivered through body language, and because they understand how people interact. The article goes on to say that women are good at multitasking, as a rule, since it is often required for successfully running a home. These are just a few of the traits needed to be a successful spy. The book also touches on spies for the other side, and has a running thread of plot that focuses around the fictional characters.
©2016 Jack Johnson (P)2016 Jack Johnson
The Warrior King Charlemagne
Summary
In the middle of the eighth century, Europe was in a state of upheaval. The Islamic armies were still waging wars from Spain while Vikings began raiding from the north. Heathen tribes in the west still fought constant skirmishes with one another over land and power, while the Catholic Church remained the only hope of stability in the realm. The French kingdoms were recently united, and with their unification, one of the greatest rulers of all time took the throne. The great barbarian king Charlemagne lived a prosperous life, conquering his enemies and setting Europe onto the path of reform. Over the course of his 72-year life, Charlemagne waged wars with his enemies and conquered their territory. He subjugated the conquered people, bringing them under the rule of the Franks while giving them the access to the things they haven't had since the fall of the Roman Empire. Though his motivation was to spread Catholicism to those who did not worship his God, Charlemagne's reforms made it possible for them to remain in his kingdom and live a prosperous life. Through the alterations in education, currency, art, music, and leadership, Charlemagne brought stability back to Europe, setting it on the path to thrive for years to come.
©2016 Michael Klein (P)2016 Michael Klein