The Invention of Fire audiobook – John Gower, Book 2

Tucked in the cozy corner of my balcony, with the morning sun casting a golden hue, I let the world of The Invention of Fire unfold before me. Bruce Holsinger has a knack for weaving the complexities of historical tales, but this narrative hit differently, especially when paired with the articulate tonality of Simon Vance.

It’s London, but not the modern metropolis we imagine. It’s a place teeming with secrets, where dark alleyways might hold stories waiting to be unraveled. The mystery starts with a grim discovery – sixteen corpses. The very imagery, amidst the chirping of the birds in my surroundings, gave me chills. John Gower, with his deep-rooted connections in the labyrinthine London streets, seemed like the city’s last hope.

The plot took a turn I hadn’t expected when it was revealed that these men weren’t merely murdered, but subjected to experimentation. The fusion of medieval intrigue with the underpinnings of what felt like a scientific thriller made my heart race. Every chapter made me lean into the sounds of the city in the story, with Vance’s voice making the characters leap off the pages, or in my case, through the speakers.

The political undercurrents, the reluctance of authorities, and the looming sense of a grander conspiracy made it hard to pause. By the time the sun was at its zenith, I felt like I’d been transported back and forth in time.

Holsinger has outdone himself, and coupled with Vance’s impeccable narration, The Invention of Fire is a journey you’d want to embark on, be it on a quiet morning or during a long drive.