The Shadow King audiobook by Harry Sidebottom
The Shadow King is an unabridged English audiobook by Harry Sidebottom, narrated by Dugald Bruce-Lockhart. It retells Alexander the Great’s eastern campaign through the perspective of Alexander of Lyncestis, a general navigating loyalty, rivalry and political danger.
At a glance
- Follows Alexander of Lyncestis, a Macedonian prince and general caught between friendship with Alexander the Great and obligations to his family and ancestors.
- The plot combines ancient military campaigns with court rivalry, conspiracy and shifting loyalties.
- The listing describes an unabridged audiobook with a runtime of 10 hours and 37 minutes.
Reference price: £14.53
Price checked: 12 Nov 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionPros and cons
Pros
- The Lyncestian perspective gives the Alexander campaign a focus on a politically vulnerable figure rather than Alexander alone.
- Customers speak positively about the story, historical focus and perceived authenticity.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Format | Audiobook |
|---|---|
| Version | Unabridged |
| Listening length | 10 hours and 37 minutes |
| Narrator | Dugald Bruce-Lockhart |
| Language | English |
| Author | Harry Sidebottom |
|---|---|
| Publisher | W. F. Howes Ltd |
| Publication date | 28 Dec. 2023 |
What to know before buying
- The story focuses on Alexander of Lyncestis during the campaigns, political manoeuvring and rivalries around Alexander the Great. This is historical fiction rather than a straightforward biography of Alexander the Great.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Listeners looking for an unabridged historical novel set during Alexander the Great’s campaign eastwards.
- Those interested in ancient Macedonian and Greek politics as well as battles.
Less suited to
- Listeners seeking a non-fiction account or a biography centred exclusively on Alexander the Great.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
46% 46% - 4 stars
37% 37% - 3 stars
12% 12% - 2 stars
3% 3% - 1 star
2% 2%
Customer feedback highlights the story, readability, historical focus and authenticity. The supplied summary describes particular appreciation for the political subplot and the account of ancient Greek and Macedonian battles and power struggles. This fits the book’s campaign-and-court-intrigue premise, though the positive overall rating distribution does not establish that every listener will enjoy its style or subject.
Positive themes
- Customers praise the story and its readability.
- The historical focus, including battles and political manoeuvring, receives positive comments.
- Customers appreciate the book’s perceived authenticity.
Frequently asked questions
Who wrote and narrates The Shadow King?
The audiobook is by Harry Sidebottom and narrated by Dugald Bruce-Lockhart.
Is The Shadow King abridged?
The listing identifies the audiobook as unabridged.
What is the audiobook about?
It tells the story of Alexander of Lyncestis, a Macedonian prince and general caught amid the campaigns, rivalries and political dangers surrounding Alexander the Great.
How long is the audiobook?
The listed listening length is 10 hours and 37 minutes.
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