This book is what got me I retested one news writing. Whenever anyone mentions to me that they would like to write news, I tell them to read this book. It gave me a whole new respect for Cooper and his journey to where he is now. 

Ugh. I hope this starts improving soon. Too many one-dimensional stereotypes for my liking.

A wall at the edge of the World follows the career of Postumus Justinius Corvus, army surgeon, assigned to the sixth legion Victrix at Eburacum (present day York) not far from Hadrian's wall. This part of Britain at that time was subject to constant harassment by marauding tribes, none more worthy of the name than the infamous Picts. As Corvus is of dual nationality (his mother from England and his father from Rome/Italy) his loyalties can at times be somewhat ambiguous. His family still manage and harvest a large estate in Northern Britain and he has befriended a number of English tribesmen in particular Lord Galt, leader of the king’s household.

The second part of the novel involves skirmishes with warring tribes and a romantic element with the delectable Claudia Silva. In conclusion the author uses her impressive knowledge of the Roman Empire at that time to create an enjoyable but in no way outstanding read. Many thanks to the good people at netgalley for a gratis copy in exchange for an honest review and that is what I have written.

I knew when I read this book back in January of this year that if there was an audio release, I'd be revisiting Shay and Ollie as they tour around the United Kingdom. That I would be doing it at a time such as this...well, who knew certainly not I. 

'The Edge of the World' is  a story that truly highlights the connection between past, present and future as we follow Shay and Ollie. As Shay's band tours the country showcasing their talents. Ollie joins them to take Shay on a journey through time to show him a past he never knew he had, all the while Ollie tries to ignore a past that rules his present and won't let go of him.

For as much as I loved reading the book and believe me...I loved this book. The audio book grabbed on to me even more than I'd thought possible. Partially because this was a story that simply resonated with me and partially because Dan Calley took a wonderful story and made it even better. He created the vocal imagery that the characters were lacking when I first read this one. Sometimes I can give them voices in my mind when I'm reading a story but sometimes even my imagination needs some help.

Other than the fact that I enjoyed the audiobook immensely, nothings really changed from how I felt when I wrote my original review so I'm going to borrow some words from the past (code talk for 'from my original review) to explain how I feel about Shay and Ollie...

Amidst the chaos and pandemonium that is the life of a band whose star is on the rise as they begin a tour that’s intended to push them over the top, Shay and Ollie struggle to get to know each other as their feelings deepen and if they could both just be in the same place a the same time things might be a little easier…but, we don’t always get what we want sometimes we just have to work with what we’re given.

I was smitten with both of these men from the very beginning. In spite of his quickly rising star Shay’s character held such a laid back, down to earth almost humble feeling that not liking him really just wasn’t an option. While Ollie seemed to be a little more reserved and shall we say crusty around the edges it wasn’t enough to cover the genuine concern and kindness that he had for others.

I loved the interaction between them as they got to know each other the balance of kindness and caring was equally challenged with moments of conflict and angst that held my interest solidly from beginning to end and while the secondary characters and background filled out the story nicely it was always Shay and Ollie who held my interest.

So here I am like millions of others in a self-imposed isolation and travelling not only all over this world but to other worlds, to the past, the present and sometimes even the future without ever leaving my home. Whether it's audio books, ebooks or paper books they tell wonderful stories and take us to amazing places and I plan on going to "The Edge of the World" again one day...it's a trip worth taking.

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An audio book of 'The Edge of the World' was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.