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Treason's Tide

By: Robert Wilton
Narrated by: Cameron Stewart
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Summary

July 1805: Napoleon's army masses across the Channel - Britain is within hours of invasion and defeat. Only one thing stands in the way - an obscure government bureau of murky origins and shadowy purpose: The Comptrollerate General for Scrutiny and Survey. And, rescued from a shipwreck, his past erased, Tom Roscarrock is their newest agent.In England, the man who recruited Roscarrock has disappeared, his agents are turning up dead, and reports of a secret French fleet are panicking the authorities. In France, a plan is underway to shatter the last of England's stability. Behind the clash of fleets and armies, there lies a secret world of intrigue, deception, treachery and violence - and Roscarrock is about to be thrown into it headfirst.

Robert Wilton has held a variety of posts in the British Ministry of Defence, Foreign Office and Cabinet Office. He was advisor to the Prime Minister of Kosovo in the lead-up to the country's independence, and has now returned there as a senior international official. He divides his time between Kosovo and Cornwall.

What the Narrator Says

"Robert Wilton does for cloak-and-dagger skulduggery in the Napoleonic Wars what George MacDonald Fraser does for later 19th century episodes such as the Crimea and the Indian Mutiny in his Flashman novels. Treason’s Tide brought the era to life for me; the intervening couple of centuries just melted away. Human nature hasn’t changed, and espionage is not an exclusively modern phenomenon. I loved narrating this book....more, please!" Cameron Stewart on narrating Treason's Tide

©2013 Robert Wilton (P)2013 Audible Ltd
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Critic reviews

"A sparkling gem of a novel; not only a gripping espionage thriller that has the extra thrill of being grounded in genuine history, but a beautiful, lyrical novel alive with the sheer joy of language." (MC Scott)

What listeners say about Treason's Tide

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  • Overall
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Another brilliant story

The books in this series are fantastically written and performed here flawlessly. I highly recommend!!!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Land, sea and life

This has been a most interesting listen,to
A remarkable tale, well written and beautifully
Read, looking forward to next one

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
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A Mosaic of a Story

Like an Impressionist painting, this story builds itself together though a multitude of fragments- each of which would appear only loosely related to those around it. You need to stand back a little to see the whole.

It is not a tale that unfolds. Rather, it accumulates, and takes you on a few blind alleys, and leaves you in the dark about things that you think are important. It gives you a fragment of information, and expects you to work out the rest. This is good, because this must be how such information becomes available in the real world of espionage (even 210 years ago), and, as a consequence, it feels 'real'. It is bad if you want merely to listen and be entertained- rather than taking out some contract of employment, as this book occasionally felt like it demanded.

As the story finaly nestles iteslf together you are treated to a luscious ending that makes the effort feel worthwhile.

Well written (although occasionally a bit flat, and over technical; and the 'mosaic' nature of the story could be a bit wearing at times). Well read.

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Good read

Who was your favorite character and why?

Roscarrock is the main character but you don't know where he comes from, or how he fits into the plot until the end stages.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This is not a sitting up all night listen but still an excellent story.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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decent discount read

What did you like best about Treason's Tide? What did you like least?

it was an interesting take on the espionage genre, setting the book in the time of napoleon was a not something i would ever have thought of. the problem i had was that it was rather slow to get started, i was over hallway through the book before i become interested and really enjoyed it. also the use of excerpts from military journals of the time although adding a certain authenticity to the story really for me just made the stories progress jerky.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

as i mentioned, it took rather a long time to 'hook' me, the beginning was somewhat confusing and long.

What about Cameron Stewart’s performance did you like?

i enjoyed cameron's voice, his accents added to the story and were fitting, helping the immersion.

Do you think Treason's Tide needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

no, the story is complete as it was.

Any additional comments?

if you can get it cheaply and don't have anything better to read its interesting enough.

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  • Overall
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Very enjoyable listen

This story was great to listen to. In a period of history I wasn't familiar with, the adventure is fun with enough question marks throughout to keep me entertained.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Complex

Well written complex tale of spy’s and betrayal in the run up to the battle of Trafalgar. Exciting and cunning.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Surprisingly enthralling

This was first published under the title "The Emperor's Gold".
I had borrowed the second book in the series from the Library, but on realising that there was an earlier title, ordered that from Audible. It was so brilliantly read by Cameron Stewart that I ordered the second as an audiobook as well.
The story, based around Napoleon's proposed invasion of England in 1805, is interesting in itself. That it is based on a secret archive from the Comptrollerate-General for Scrutiny & Survey ( a precursor of MI5 and MI6), leads to a fascinating book. It is a long and complicated one, with plots and counter-plots, but is well worth persevering with.

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Very enjoyable night time listen

Would you try another book written by Robert Wilton or narrated by Cameron Stewart?

yes I also have Treason's Field

If you’ve listened to books by Robert Wilton before, how does this one compare?

I listening to Treason's Field I let you know when I'm finished

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Yes, he's really good very expressive, but not to over the top. He has a good voice to listen to.

Did Treason's Tide inspire you to do anything?

no

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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Political duplicity never changes

Lots of twists and turns of plot here with a particularly good opening. The shift of perspective between characters was well handled except in the case of the hero. Roscarrock remained a shadowy figure, as he was doubtless meant to be, but at the beginning especially there seemed to be no reason for his actions and I found myself asking why he had said or done something. The one woman and romantic interest in the story is a cliched stereotype and irritating. In fact the characterisation altogether is a bit thin. But it's an enjoyable enough listen, and very well read.

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