We really enjoy audio books, so I was eager to review In the Reign of Terror! from Heirloom Audio Productions.
What’s Included?
I received a 2-CD set containing over two hours of audio adventure, and access to the Live the Adventure Club.
The CDs brought to life a work by G.A. Henty. A dynamic cast did a terrific job of adding dimension to this audio drama. With names such as Brian Blessed (Star Wars, Robin Hood), John Rhys-Davies (The Lord of the Ring, Indiana Jones), and Cathy Sara (Downtown Abbey), the entire production is high quality.
There are numerous resources available thanks to the club. The study guide was incredibly well done. It included:
- Biographies from historical people important to the story
- Expand Your Learning sections explaining further historical elements from the story
- Discussion questions for each track
- Questions that require deeper thought
- A list of vocabulary words to define
- Recommended Reading
With pages for each track, you can stop the audio and discuss right then, or go back later. It’s a versatile resource that really strengthens the understanding of this period of time. I didn’t use the study guide with the kids this time around, but when we tackle world history in a couple years, I know I’ll be pulling it back out as we relisten to the story.
In addition to the study guide, the Live the Adventure Club offers additional bonus material. There was:
- A streamable version of the book
- The soundtrack for the book
- A downloadable copy of the script
- Desktop wallpaper
- and more!
What’s the Story About?
The 22 chapters of this historical fiction tell the story of Harry, a teen boy who travels from England to France. He’s to serve as an English tutor at Marquis’s Chateau. Though he’s just a tutor, some of his actions lead to him becoming friends with the noble family. Over the course of a couple of years, they become close.
During his stay, the historical events of the French Revolution occur. It starts with small uprisings, and quickly strengthens in intensity. Eventually people are charged with death just for being noble. It turns into an extremely violent time, and Harry is asked to help the Marquis children escape.
Harry faces conflict and violence as he tries to help his friends get to England. His faith is tested multiple times, and he wonders if he’ll survive. It truly was a reign of terror, with people turning away from God.
Throughout the story, comparisons between the American Revolution and the French Revolution are made. Justice, freedom, and equality Violence was a last resort in the quest for freedom for Americans. Entire families weren’t executed because they still were loyal to the crown. It was a stark contrast to the utter terror of the French Revolution.
What Did I Think?
This was my first time listening to a story by Heirloom Audio Productions, and I was impressed. I loved this quote from the CD insert:
The Bible admonishes us to constantly “remember” and to teach our children to do the same. That’s why it’s so important to know where we’ve come from and who we are as Christians. If we forget our history and allow ourselves to become culturally conditioned by the world, we will lose our greatest possession.
To see what other crew members thought of In the Reign of Terror! and the downloadable study materials, click on the banner below: