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Dawnlands

By: Philippa Gregory
Narrated by: Louise Brealey
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Summary

THE NEW SPELLBINDING NOVEL IN THE FAIRMILE SERIES FROM NUMBER ONE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF TIDELANDS and DARK TIDES, PHILIPPA GREGORY

In a divided country, power and loyalty conquer all . . .

Ned Ferryman, inspired by news of a rebellion against the Stuart kings, returns from America with his Pokanoket servant to join the uprising against roman catholic, King James. As Ned swears loyalty to the charismatic Duke of Monmouth, he discovers a new and unexpected love.

Meanwhile, Queen Mary summons her friend Livia to a terrified court. Recklessly, Livia drags her son Matthew and his foster mothers Alinor and Alys into a plot to save the queen from Monmouth’s invasion, and Matthew is rewarded with the Manor of Foulmire: on the tidelands where Ned, Alinor and Alys had once scraped a poor living.

Suddenly, Alinor is lady of the manor, as Ned marches into the last battle between the royalists and commoners, hoping for a new dawn for freedom.

A compelling and powerful story of political intrigue and personal ambition, set between the palaces of London, the tidelands of Foulmire and the shores of Barbados.

Praise for Dawnlands:

‘This sprawling, epic addition to the series will delight Gregory’s many fans' The Times

‘Fast-paced, gripping and meticulously researched, the latest novel from Philippa Gregory is historical fiction at its best…' Daily Express

'Spellbinding’ Woman’s Own

‘I love falling into a Philippa Gregory novel, her vibrant take on historical events always brings past eras alive . . . ' Adele Parks, Platinum Magazine
©2022 Philippa Gregory (P)2022 Simon & Schuster, UK
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Critic reviews

Praise for Dawnlands:

‘This sprawling, epic addition to the series will delight Gregory’s many fans' The Times

‘Fast-paced, gripping and meticulously researched, the latest novel from Philippa Gregory is historical fiction at its best…Few authors bring history to life like Philippa Gregory and her vivid descriptions of 17th century life give readers a ringside seat at the action' Daily Express

'Spellbinding’ Woman’s Own

‘I love falling into a Philippa Gregory novel, her vibrant take on historical events always brings past eras alive…This has drama aplenty with the fear of execution for treason, deportation, and imposter Princes, the rewards and dangers presented are colossal and exciting. This epic story follows a family from one end of the old empire to another, as they try to find a place in a new world' Adele Parks, Platinum Magazine


What listeners say about Dawnlands

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The interplay of life stories.

An interesting, enjoyable and plausible interpretation of life during a little known period. Would have liked more.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Excellent finale of this Trilogy!

I have read the previous two books and listened to Dawnlands, which I’ve really enjoyed. Great story and characters complimented by the narration. I wonder now on hearing the ending if there will be a fourth?

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Best of the series!

This book is set during the reign of King James the 2nd, a period of British royal history I am only just beginning to appreciate. James was the last Catholic king to sit on the throne his reign was an unsettled one for Britain, though short lived.

The book also provides an insight into the sugar plantations on Barbados and the terrible treatment of both black and native American slaves.

I felt this was the best entry yet in the series.
Slipping back into this world was like recieving a warm hug. The characters were all still present and impeccably written. Alinor remains a favourite protagonist and Olivia a favourite antagonist!

I loved learning about Queen Mary Beatrice and King James's infidelity. The appalling profiteering from slavery was less enjoyable to read about.

Overall the plot gave some incredibley satisfying character arcs and was gripping and interesting. I really enjoyed the narration of the audio book by Louise Brealey who made it a wonderful performance to listen to.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Absolutely loved it

What a wonderful story I’m a little lost now it’s finished. Philippa Gregory is such a great author

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Loved this book

I was sorry when the story ended and hope there will be another in this series. The characters seem so alive and you feel invested in their story. The narrator's voice changes for each character so you really feel it is another character speaking.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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Great story

Thoroughly enjoyed the story and the historical background in which it was set. I did not like Livia, though, who was a nasty, manipulative, conniving character (exactly as Phillippa Gregory intended, of course) so I was a little disappointed by the ending. Not happy with the narration, though, which spoilt the listening of it. The characters were difficult to distinguish between one another which was frustrating when trying to follow a conversation, and the men sounded too much like females. Another irritation was probably caused by poor editing as there were many sections of the book where there were inappropriate pauses spoiling the flow of the narration. Apart from that, I enjoyed the story. Is there a 4th book in the series? The ending appears to lend itself to one.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Good conclusion to trilogy

Better than book two, a good conclusion the trilogy. Spoilt by the narrator who has a very expressionless voice, but still a good listen as the story carry’s it

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Brilliant

Brilliant as always
I very much enjoyed this Audio
Looking forward to more from Philippa Gregory

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Fabulous

I loved this continuing story, the characters are wonderful, the narration is perfect. Completely absorbing!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Some Americanized pronunciations but still good.

One of the mispronunciations that crept in repeatedly was the word “lieutenant” spoken in the American way (ie: just the way it’s written) instead of the English way of “lef-tennant”… A few other bits in the performance that grated, but overall a good performance and a very good storyline.

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