Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Mad King
- Author: Edgar Rice Burroughs
- Narrator: Delmar H. Dolbier
- Length: 09:24:00
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 01/01/2011
- Publisher: LibriVox
- Genre: Fiction & Literature, Action & Adventure
- ISBN13: SABFAB9780341
I’ve always believed that stories are the maps of our souls, guiding us through terrains both real and imagined. When I stumbled upon ‘The Mad King’ audiobook free on LibriVox, I was instantly transported to a fictional European kingdom, a place of political machinations and daring escapades that felt as vivid as any dusty trail I’ve trekked. Written by Edgar Rice Burroughs, the mastermind behind Tarzan and John Carter of Mars, this lesser-known gem from 1926 (though first published in parts in 1914 and 1915) is a thrilling dive into the Ruritanian romance genre, echoing the classic ‘The Prisoner of Zenda’ by Anthony Hope. It’s a story of mistaken identities, usurping uncles, beautiful princesses, and an unwilling hero caught in a web of royal deception. And let me tell you, the audiobook experience only amplifies the adventure.
It reminds me of a time when I was driving through the Atacama Desert in Chile, listening to ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude.’ The surreal landscape outside my window mirrored the magical realism of García Márquez’s words, and the narrator’s voice felt like a companion on that lonely road. Similarly, as I listened to ‘The Mad King’ while hiking through the rugged trails of Patagonia, the story unfolded like the winding paths around me – full of unexpected turns and breathtaking vistas. Burroughs’s tale of Barney Custer, an American who bears an uncanny resemblance to the mad king of a fictional kingdom, pulled me into a world of swashbuckling action and courtly romance. Each chapter felt like a new bend in the trail, revealing danger and intrigue in equal measure.
The central themes of ‘The Mad King’ – mistaken identity, political intrigue, and the clash of loyalty and betrayal – resonate deeply with anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider in a strange land. I’ve been there myself, navigating unfamiliar cultures and languages, often mistaken for someone I’m not. I recall staying with a family in Oaxaca, where their grandmother spun tales each evening by the fire. Her voice, with its perfect pauses and emotional depth, taught me the power of oral storytelling – a power that audiobooks can capture when done right. In ‘The Mad King,’ Burroughs crafts a narrative that’s pure escapism, with a protagonist thrust into a role he didn’t choose, forced to navigate a treacherous court filled with enemies and allies alike. The story’s roots in the Ruritanian romance genre give it a timeless quality, a fairy-tale-like atmosphere of fictional monarchies and daring heroes that’s as enchanting as it is thrilling.
Now, let’s talk about the listening experience itself. Narrated by Delmar H. Dolbier for LibriVox, this audiobook free download offers a mixed bag. Dolbier’s voice has a certain gravitas, a steady cadence that suits the old-world charm of Burroughs’s prose. You can almost hear the clashing of swords and the whispers of conspiracy in the royal halls as he reads. His pacing keeps the action moving, which is crucial for a story packed with daring escapes and tense confrontations. However, there are moments where I wished for more emotional depth or variation in tone. The princess’s longing, the usurper’s menace, and Barney’s internal conflict sometimes blend into a single note, missing the nuanced shifts that could elevate the audiobook experience. The audio quality, typical of many LibriVox recordings, is functional but not polished – there’s a rawness to it that might not suit every listener. Still, for a free audiobook, it’s a commendable effort, and I found myself lost in the narrative despite these minor hiccups.
Burroughs’s strength lies in his imaginative plotting and fast-paced action, and ‘The Mad King’ delivers on both fronts. The novel’s similarity to ‘The Prisoner of Zenda’ is undeniable – both feature a commoner impersonating a monarch in a fictional European setting, complete with political intrigue and romantic subplots. Yet Burroughs infuses his tale with a distinctly American sensibility through Barney Custer, whose outsider perspective adds a layer of relatability. Compared to Burroughs’s more famous works like the Tarzan series, ‘The Mad King’ might lack the same iconic punch, but it showcases his versatility as a storyteller in the action and adventure genre. That said, the prose and character development can feel simplistic at times, especially when viewed through a modern lens. The villains are unabashedly evil, the heroes unflinchingly noble, and the romance, while sweet, lacks the complexity I often crave in fiction and literature.
Still, there’s an undeniable charm to this audiobook experience, especially for fans of classic adventure stories. You can almost feel the tension of a kingdom on the brink of chaos, taste the dust of a desperate escape, and hear the echo of a royal decree as Dolbier narrates. It’s a story that sweeps you away, much like the winds of a foreign land you’ve never seen but somehow know. I found myself reflecting on my own adventures – those moments of being thrust into roles I didn’t expect, of navigating unfamiliar terrain with nothing but instinct and a good story to guide me. ‘The Mad King’ captures that spirit of the unexpected, making it a worthy listen for anyone who loves a good yarn.
For potential listeners, I’d recommend this free audiobook to those who enjoy classic action and adventure tales or have a soft spot for historical fiction with a romantic twist. If you’ve read or listened to ‘The Prisoner of Zenda’ or other Ruritanian romances like George Barr McCutcheon’s ‘Graustark’ series, you’ll find familiar ground here. It’s also a great pick for long drives or quiet evenings by a campfire – any setting where you can let the story wash over you. However, if you’re seeking intricate character studies or modern production values, you might want to temper your expectations. This is pulp fiction at its core, designed to thrill rather than provoke deep introspection.
Reflecting on this journey through ‘The Mad King,’ I’m reminded of why I love audiobooks – they’re companions on the road, voices that fill the silence of long journeys. Despite its flaws, this audiobook free download offered me a portal to a world of daring and danger, a reminder that even in the most unfamiliar places, stories can make us feel at home. Burroughs’s narrative, paired with Dolbier’s earnest narration, left me with a sense of nostalgia for a time I’ve never lived – a testament to the enduring power of adventure fiction.
Until our paths cross again, keep seeking stories that transport you, whether on the road or in the quiet of your own space. This is Marcus Rivera, signing off with a tip of the hat to the mad kings and unlikely heroes in us all. Happy listening, amigos!
