Hannibal: Enemy of Rome

Hannibal 1

By: Ben Kane

Narrated by: Michael Praed

In the First Punic War, the Roman legions defeated and humiliated Carthage, their only serious rival for power in the Mediterranean. Now a brilliant young Carthaginian general, called Hannibal, is out for revenge. Caught up in the maelstrom are two young boys, Hanno, the son of a distinguished soldier and confidant of Hannibal, and Quintus, son of a Roman equestrian and landowner. A disastrous adventure will see Hanno sold into slavery and bought by Quintus's father. Although an unexpected friendship springs up between the two boys - and with Quintus's sister, Aurelia - the fortunes of the two warring empires once again separates them. They find themselves on opposite sides of the conflict and an alliance forged through slavery will be played out to its stunning conclusion in battle.

©2011 Ben Kane (P)2011 Random House Audio Go

Historical with a great story include

The story started slowly but got better and better with each chapter. On to book two now.

brilliant

brilliant outstanding incredible can't say enough. a great story narrated exceptionally now for part two.

Good read

Excellent story and development of characters.
The story moves along at a rapid pace keeping you interested.

Another Ben Kane masterpiece!

Excellent story and narration. I listened every chance I got and finished within a couple days.

" Almost" as good as Iggulden

This was my first Ben Kane novel, ( at the start f the year I listened to the complete "Emperor" series, 4 novels by Conn Iggulden, so I am comparing Kane to Igguldon as a frame of reference) and there are many things to like. The idea to tell the story of Hannibal through the eyes/stories of young soldiers was an interesting ( and good) choice; the narration ( Michael Praed) is excellent; the Catheragian story as engaging as Rome ( and instructive, as most of the novels these days are about Rome). If I have a criticism, it is that the actual battle descriptions ( both leading up to and the actual battle) are somewhat difficult to follow by listening, as opposed to reading ( with assistance of maps). Otherwise, worth the credit. I will purchase " Sparticus" by the same author and narrator

Small Production Glitch - Ch. 19

There’s a small production glitch in chapter 19 (about 25 min in) on the line “Bull snorting…”
The actor corrects himself. Only writing this in case engineer wants to correct it.

very very long-winded

it's more like a soap story.
very boring.
A 17 year old boy becomes a phalanx leader without any combat experience......

Good performance

The story was decent. The conflict between the brothers became ridiculous and distracting. Otherwise very good character development.