Altdorf

The Forest Knights, Book 1

By: J.K. Swift

Narrated by: Brad Wills

A wild land, too mountainous to be tamed by plows…A Duke of the Holy Roman Empire, his cunning overshadowed only by his ambition…A young Priestess of the Old Religion, together with a charismatic outlaw, sparking a rebellion from deep within the forests…And an ex-Hospitaller caught between them all.

At the end of the thirteenth century, five hundred orphans and second sons are rounded up from villages in the Alpine countryside and sold to the Hospitaller Knights of St John. Trained to serve as Soldiers of Christ, they fight in eastern lands they know nothing about, for a cause they do not understand.

Thomas Schwyzer, released from his vows by the Grandmaster of the Hospitallers, returns to the land of his birth a stranger. Once a leader of men, and captain of the Order's most famous war galley, he now settles into the simple life of a ferryman. He believes this new role to be God's reward for years of faithful service fighting the Infidel in Outremer.

Seraina, considered a witch by most, a healer by some, is a young woman with a purpose. A Priestess of the Old Religion, and the last Druid disciple of the Helvetii Celts, she has been gifted by the Great Weave to see what others cannot. Her people need her guidance and protection now more than ever. For Duke Leopold of Habsburg, in his efforts to control the St. Gotthard Pass, builds a great Austrian fortress in Altdorf. Once finished, the Habsburg occupation will be complete, but the atrocities visited upon her people will have just begun.

Set in medieval Switzerland, Altdorf, a novel of The Forest Knights, is the first audiobook in a two-book series.

©2011 J.K. Swift (P)2013 J.K. Swift

the tie in to hostilier earlier work and graphics description of the scenery around the lake.

the description of the roots of division between Switzerland and Austria and how the arrival of outsiders with a wider view and experience of life helped to expedite the movement.

Definitely Only Half the Story

While enjoyable, the ending is not much of a conclusion and truly feels like half the story rather than a complete narrative with a continuation after it. Brad Wills did a fantastic job with narrating each character.

Loved it

Its a really exciting novel with fond characters, action, heroism, misticism. A really Good listen

Great story

Would you consider the audio edition of Altdorf to be better than the print version?

Yes, the wonderful voices of Brad Wills brings the characters to life.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Fredrick, He was a strong man.

Which scene was your favorite?

When the old man beat the young man in a tournament.

Who was the most memorable character of Altdorf and why?

Seraina - She was one with the trees and land.

Any additional comments?

I loved listening about the people, customs and the description of the Alps in history. Brad Wills is the best in the business and he can keep my attention with all of the emotions of the people in the story.

Very complicated detail

I listened to the whole book while cleaning or eating meals but I think it would have been easier to follow if I had read a printed book. it was very hard to follow the flashbacks and storyline. I got lost frequently then much later would begin to piece together different parts. I won't be listening to Book 2.