The Cat of Bubastes (A Homeschool Crew Review)

Regular readers of my blog will know that Heirloom Audio Productions are one of my absolute favorite companies.  We've been so blessed to have had the opportunity to review four of the five previous releases and they have quickly become cherished recordings that will hopefully be passed on to my children's children.   Just recently, Heirloom Audio released their 6th release, The Cat of Bubastes and members of the Homeschool Review Crew were once again given the wonderful opportunity to review it.  

The Cat of Bubastes is based on the book by the same name by G.A. Henty and is part of Heirloom Audio Productions series "The Extraordinary Adventures of G.A. Henty".   It is also my favorite book (so far) by G.A. Henty and the Heirloom Audio Production of the story did not disappoint. 

What We Received:

I was given the opportunity to review the 2 CD performance of The Cat of Bubastes presented in a visually stunning, full color trifold case.  I also received the accompanying Study Guide as well as the extras that included access to the MP3 download of the performance, an Ebook copy of The Cat of Bubastes by G.A. Henty, The Cat of Bubastes Soundtrack MP3 download, a printable cast poster, a printable poster containing an inspiration quote from 1 Chronicles 17:20 , access to the newsletter website and access to the documentary of behind the Scenes of producing The Cat of Bubastes. 


Review:

As mentioned above, The Cat of Bubastes is my favorite of the G.A. Henty books, at least those that I have read so far.  So I was really excited for the release of this particular release.  Like all other Heirloom Audio productions, the stories are brought to life through the amazing voice actors and great sound affects.  Just as every other Heirloom Audio Production, an all star cast and an amazing soundtrack by John Campbell leads to a 3 hour journey that engulfs you in the story, transporting the listener this time to Ancient Egypt around 1250 B.C. 

The story opens with the young prince Amuba being carried away as a captive to Egypt after his father, the King of Rebu, is killed in battle with the Egyptian Army and the Rebu nation is conquered.  Along with Amuba is his faithful guard, Jethro.  Upon their arrival in Thebes, Amuba becomes the servant and companion to Chebron, the son of Ameres, the high priest of Osiris. 

Amuba and Chebron find themselves in several difficult situations such as uncovering plans of murder within the ranks of the priesthood, a murder they are unable to prevent. They also have the unfortunate experience of accidentally killing Paucis, a cherished cat who is to be the successor to the Cat of Bubastes, one of the most sacred animals of Egypt.  As the results of these situations come to the front, Amuba, Chebron and Jethro find themselves returning to Amuba's homeland.

Once again, Brian Blessed (Star Wars, Tarzan)  returns to the sound room to voice our story teller, G.A. Henty. Other well known voices are John Rhys-Davies (Indiana Jones, One Night with the King), Anthony Daniels (Star Wars) and Sylvester McCoy (Dr Who, The Hobbit). 

As with every other Heirloom Audio Production, the purchase of either the physical CDs or the MP3 downloads come with the complementary full color, downloadable study guide and Discussion Starter Ebook. These study guides are always a welcome addition with the audio as they provide a good amount of information in the life and history behind the period of time the story takes place. The Study Guide is a wonderful addition as it allows me to ask the kids the questions as we progress through the CD's and check to see how much they are actually picking up from the recording. 

Time stamps are included at the top of each page in the study guide.  This makes it extremely easy for people like myself who prefer the convenience of  listening to the MP3 format on tablets, computers or phones to jump ahead quickly to find the proper track to match with the guide, as the MP3s are not divided into individual tracks. 

Included in the 47 page ebook Study Guide: 

Listening Well Questions:  These provide the perfect opportunity to test listening comprehension in regards to what your child has heard and remembers. All answers are easily found within the listed track. 

Thinking Further Questions:  These questions require a bit of independent research or deeper thinking beyond just what was heard.  These are great for older students as a platform for independent study on the various topics covered in the recording. 

Defining Words:  These provide vocabulary lists of words that were used in the recording that students might not be familiar with.  These words are easily found within a standard dictionary. 

Expanding Your Learning:  New with this particular study guide, the Expanding Your Learning section includes short tidbits of information pertaining to Egypt such as Ancient Egyptian Diet, Hierarchy, and Mummification.  These short extras do not directly relate to the story but do provide interesting information about the time period and the way people lived in Ancient Egypt as well as insight into their beliefs. 

Bible Study:  A three page study is also included.  Each page uses Bible verse to allow students to see what the Bible says in regards to the fact that with God nothing is by luck with a study called "God Meant it For Good",  how men run away from God with a study entitled "The Knowledge of God", and how man has failed to follow God but instead created false gods in order to follow their own lusts with "Idolatry and Tyranny". 


The study guide ends with a few page that discuss the ancient Egyptian civilization and their practice of polytheists as well as their high regards and reverence of cats. 

In addition to the Audio production and the Study Guide, Heirloom is generous and also includes a downloadable full text version of the original G.A. Henty book that the recording is based off of.  This ebook is in the popular PDF format which can be read on most tablets, phones and computers and is published in full color with beautiful photographs as a backdrop for the story.  I always enjoy this extra as I can easily transfer it to my Kindle and read it at my own leisure.    It's also something I look forward to giving to the kids when they begin to read the Henty books on their own as I find it to be so much better than just reading the plain black and white text on a reader.  

Both the entertainment as well as the educational value of Heirloom Audio productions puts them high on my favorites list.  These are recordings that families will enjoy listenig to over and over again - from long car trips to just quiet evenings at home instead of watching the television.

And I'm already making my Christmas list and waiting with baited breath for the next release.. A Story of the French Revolution. Tentatively due to release on 10.17.2016.  

For more information about The Cat of Bubastes and the many other wonderful Heirloom Audio recordings, visit their website or one of these social media websites. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeirloomAudio

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeirloomStories 

Google+: https://plus.google.com/b/114534826166314080647/114534826166314080647  

Instagram: @HeirloomAudioOfficial 

Beric The Briton (A Schoolhouse Crew Review)

One of the greatest perks of homeschooling is that not all learning comes from a textbook.  Whether it's videos, virtual "field trips", living books or hands on, learning can be done utilizing so many different tools accessible to families.  One of my families favorite learning platforms would be the audio theater offered by Heirloom Audio Productions.  Heirloom Audio Productions recently released their 5th audio theater production, Beric the Briton, and we were absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to review it.


Beric the Briton is based on the book by the same name by G.A. Henty and is part of Heirloom Audio Productions series "The Extraordinary Adventures of G.A. Henty".

What We Received:

I was given the opportunity to review the 2 CD performance of Beric The Briton presented in a visually stunning, full color trifold case.  I also received the accompanying Study Guide as well as the extras that included access to the MP3 download of the performance, an Ebook copy of Beric The Briton by G.A. Henty, Beric The Briton Soundtrack MP3 download, a printable cast poster, a printable poster containing an inspiration quote, access to the newsletter website and access to the documentary of behind the Scenes of producing Beric the Briton. 

Review:

If you've read any of my previous Heirloom Audio Production reviews, you'll already know that they are one of our absolute favorite companies.  As soon as the package arrived, we ripped it open and were completely blown away by the cover art - it's very striking and symbolic in so many ways, from the Lion representing both the Roman prosecution and execution of Christians as well as Christ himself, the army's clashing against each other and the Roman Colosseum looming ominously in the back ground.   Without a doubt, I do believe this is the best looking cover Heirloom Audio has done yet and I've thought all of them were very striking.

Heirloom Audio productions always tell a story of characters overcoming hard times and rising above them through their faith in the Lord.  Beric the Briton is much the same as it tells the tale of a young Briton named Beric who watches the fall of his queen to the Roman Empire. Beric is captured and placed in Gladiator school. After his friend Julius is given to the lions for his Christian beliefs, and act of bravery puts Beric into the good graces of Nero, the Roman Emperor, who then places Beric into a high position of honor.  However, Beric's own personal convictions leads him to conflict with Nero when a command he is given goes against his beliefs.  

This particular story came at a perfect time for us as the kids are currently learning about the history of Britain and we've been discussing the various invasions of Britain by the Roman Empire and how the Romans captured the conquered in order to have them fight for their entertainment. We also have been discussing about how Christians were prosecuted and killed for their beliefs both during the time of the Roman invasions but later in history during the times of Queen Mary.  It made it a really easy transition to go from what we had been learning in our books and then apply it to what we were hearing in Beric the Briton. 

As with every other Heirloom Audio Production, an all star cast and an amazing soundtrack by John Campbell leads to a 3 hour journey that engulfs you in the story. While the main characters are fictionalized, many of the supporting characters are integral parts of history, leaving the listener with an entertaining, action packed story seeped in history that educates the listener to the situations many Christians faced during that period of time. 

Once again, Brian Blessed (Star Wars, Tarzan)  returns to the sound room to voice our story teller, G.A. Henty. Other well known voices are Brian Cox (Braveheart) as Nero, John Rhys-Davies (Indiana Jones, One Night with the King), Cathy Sara (Downton Abbey) and Tom Baker (Dr Who). 

As with every other Heirloom Audio Production, the purchase of either the physical CDs or the MP3 downloads come with the complementary full color, downloadable study guide and Discussion Starter Ebook. These study guides are always a welcome addition with the audio as they provide a good amount of information in the life and history behind the period of time the story takes place. The Study Guide is a wonderful addition as it allows me to ask the kids the questions as we progress through the CD's and check to see how much they are actually picking up from the recording. 

Time stamps are included at the top of each page in the study guide.  This makes it extremely easy for people like myself who prefer the convenience of  listening to the MP3 format on tablets, computers or phones to jump ahead quickly to find the proper track to match with the guide, as the MP3s are not divided into individual tracks. 

Included in the 49 page ebook Study Guide: 

Listening Well Questions:  These provide the perfect opportunity to test listening comprehension in regards to what your child has heard and remembers. All answers are easily found within the listed track. 

Thinking Further Questions:  These questions require a bit of independent research or deeper thinking beyond just what was heard.  These are great for older students as a platform for independent study on the various topics covered in the recording. 

Defining Words:  These provide vocabulary lists of words that were used in the recording that students might not be familiar with.  These words are easily found within a standard dictionary. 

Bible Study:  A three page study is also included.  Each page uses Bible verse to allow students to see what the Bible says in regards to The Importance of Studying History, Thou Shall Not Kill and that there is only One Way to God. 

The study guide ends with a few page that discuss the Significance of the Colosseum in Christianity, the site of the martyrdom of many Christians. 

In addition to the Audio production and the Study Guide, Heirloom is generous and also includes a downloadable full text version of the original G.A. Henty book that the recording is based off of.  This ebook is in the popular PDF format which can be read on most tablets, phones and computers and is published in full color with beautiful photographs as a backdrop for the story.  I always enjoy this extra as I can easily transfer it to my Kindle and read it at my own leisure.    It's also something I look forward to giving to the kids when they begin to read the Henty books on their own as I find it to be so much better than just reading the plain black and white text on a reader.  

We can't say enough how much we love Heirloom Audio Production as a family.  They provide a entertaining yet educational product that allows us to turn off the TV, pop some popcorn and just pile up in the living room and listen. I also love that it it engrosses the kids to the point that they ask questions, which tells me they are truely listening and trying to process what is going on with the story.   As far as Beric the Briton, we found it to be action packed and Charles even said that this is one of Heirlooms best.

For more information about Beric the Briton as well as the other 5 Heirloom Audio Production Audio Theater selections, be sure to visit their website or any of the following social media platforms:

Beric The Briton FB Page

https://www.facebook.com/BericTheBriton

The Extraordinary Adventures of G.A. Henty series FB page

https://www.facebook.com/TheExtraordinaryAdventuresOfGAHenty

Heirloom Audio Productions social pages

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeirloomAudio

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeirloomStories 

Google+: https://plus.google.com/b/114534826166314080647/114534826166314080647  

Instagram: @HeirloomAudioOfficial 

The Dragon and the Raven (A Schoolhouse Crew Review)

Prior to becoming a member of the Schoolhouse Review Crew, I was unaware of Heirloom Audio Productions or the wonderful world that is G.A. Henty.  Then, roughly a year ago, I was asked to write a review for the audio production of In Freedom's Cause, the story of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, and I absolutely fell in love.  Later that year, I was once again asked to review Heirloom Audio Productions release of With Lee In Virginia and once again found my family completely immersed in the rich audio experience that these products provide.   As a member of the 2016 Crew, I jumped at the chance to get my hands on the latest release by Heirloom Audio Productions -  The Dragon and the Raven.  Once again Heirloom Audio productions knocks it out of the ball park with this fourth installment t o their The Extraordinary Adventures of G.A. Henty series.  This time around is the telling of the story of Alfred the Great, King of Wessex, as his people are terrorized by the Danes.  Together with his loyal thane, Edmund, King Alfred's story teaches about forgiveness, loving your enemy, and how the Lord can use anyone to make a difference in the lives of others. 

 
What I Received:
I was given the opportunity to review the 2 CD performance of The Dragon and the Raven presented in a visually stunning, full color trifold case.  I also received the accompanying Study Guide as well as the extras that included access to the MP3 download of the performance, an Ebook copy of The Dragon and the Raven by G.A. Henty, The Dragon and the Raven Soundtrack MP3 download, a printable cast poster, a printable poster containing King Alfred's Hope (Proverbs 21:31), access to the newsletter website and access to the 50 minute documentary about the making of The Dragon and the Raven. 

Review:

As with every Heirloom Audio Production previous,  we ripped this one open and instantly started listening to it as a family the day it arrived.   

There are a few things I've really come to expect from an Heirloom Audio Production.  Two of these would be Brian Blessed and an All-Star cast.  The Dragon and the Raven once again delivers on both of these expectations. 

Brian Blessed again returns as our storyteller, G.A. Henty, and as always he is amazing.  Brian has a great voice for audio.  However, John Rhys-Davies is by far one of my favorite screen actors so seeing his name attached to this production along with Brian Blessed was more than I could ask for.  John Rhys-Davies also has one of those very distinctive voices and while I typically enjoy his talent on the big screen, he does a great job in this audio production as well.   Other well known talent included in The Dragon and the Raven include Sylvester McCoy (although, I'll be honest, hearing him I kept picturing Radagast the Brown from the Hobbit in my mind), Helen George (Nurse Trixie Franklin from Call the Midwife) as love interest Freya and Stuart Pendred who you might remember as William Wallace in Heirloom Audio Productions In Freedom's Cause.  

Another thing I've come to expect is a spectacular soundtrack from John Campbell. Campbell has produced the audio soundtracks for the past productions and has a very distinct style that I've come to enjoy.  Once again, Campbell provides the perfect musical backdrop that does not distract from the action but indeed enhances the listening experience. 

Finally, I've come to expect "edge of your seat" action and a story you get emotionally invested with but that ties to an overall message about spirituality and faith, which once again, they deliver.  These audio stories really allow the listener to get immersed into the tale being woven.  Listeners experience the emotional ups and downs through characters victories, defeats and loses.  Always, the characters lean on God and their faith to overcome hardships or celebrate the Lord for the blessings given to them, reminding the listener to do the same. 

Study Guide:

As with every other Heirloom Audio Production, the purchase of either the physical CDs or the MP3

downloads come with the complementary full color, downloadable study guide and Discussion Starter Ebook.  These study guides have always been a welcome addition with the audio as they provide a good amount of information in the life and history behind the actual person.

One new addition that I really enjoyed is that time stamps are now included at the top of each page in the study guide.  This makes it extremely easy for people like myself who prefer the convenience of  listening to the MP3 format on tablets, computers or phones to jump ahead quickly to find the proper track to match with the guide, as the MP3s are not divided into individual tracks.  I think this addition is a great feature and I was extremely thrilled to find it this time around.


Included in the 49 page ebook Study Guide:

Listening Well Questions:  These provide the perfect opportunity to test listening comprehension in regards to what your child has heard and remembers. All answers are easily found within the listed track.

Thinking Further Questions:  These questions require a bit of independent research or deeper thinking beyond just what was heard.  These are great for older students as a platform for independent study on the various topics covered in the recording. 

Defining Words:  These provide vocabulary lists of words that were used in the recording that students might not be familiar with.  These words are easily found within a standard dictionary. 

Bible Study:  A three page study is also included.  Each page uses Bible verse to allow students to see what the Bible says in regards to God's Law and the Nations, Loving Your Enemy and Literacy. 

I really enjoy the value that comes with an Heirloom Audio Production.  Each of these recording contain more than 2.5 hours of amazing story telling and each time you listen to it, you'll learn something new.  Because of this, Heirloom Audio Productions quickly became a favorite in my homeschool and in my household.  We've Enjoyed these CD's during long, cross country road trips as well as just lounging around the house on a lazy Sunday afternoon.  

While the original texts by G.A. Henty would easily be considered in the category of "Living Literature" by Charlotte Mason standards, these audio productions take his books and literally give them life.  I highly recommend them.  

There are currently four audio recordings in the series with plans for many more in the upcoming future.  Recently announced, The Cat of Bubastes is currently in production and will feature the voice talents of Anthony Daniels (Star Wars C-3PO) and is set to be released sometime this spring.    All of the currently available recordings can be purchased at Heirlooms Audio Production's Website. 

With Lee in Virginia, The Dragon and the Raven and In Freedom's Cause .  Not Pictured: Under Drake's Flag

Heirloom Audio Productions Social Media Sites:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeirloomAudio
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeirloomStories Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HeirloomAudioOfficial/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/b/114534826166314080647/114534826166314080647/posts


The Dragon and The Raven product specific facebook page:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDragonAndTheRaven 


The Extraordinary Adventures of G.A. Henty specific facebook page:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheExtraordinaryAdventuresOfGAHenty 

With Lee In Virginia ( A Schoolhouse Crew Review)

Stories by G.A. Henty are extremely popular with many homeschool families.  A masterful storyteller, Henty wrote amazing historical fiction that centered on main characters who displayed faith, loyalty, and good morals that students can relate to.  Heirloom Audio Productions has taken these amazing stories to an entirely new level with their "The Extraordinary Adventures of G.A. Henty" series of audio theater productions.  Heirloom Audio made a name for themselves with their release of "Under Drake's Flag", followed by "In Freedom's Cause". The third installment of this audio series, "With Lee in Virginia" once again falls into the level of audio masterpiece along with the first two.

What I received:

 I was given the opportunity to review the 2 CD performance of "With Lee In Virginia", the accompanying Study Guide as well as extras that included access to the MP3 download of the performance, an Ebook copy of "With Lee in Virginia" by G.A. Henty, the official soundtrack, a printable cast poster, a printable quote by Robert E. Lee and access to the newsletter website.

Review:

As with each of Heirloom's productions, this story starts out with an accidental meeting between the narrator and two young men on a train. This meeting leads into the main story as the narrator begins to tell these young men the story of Vincent, a young man much like them, who lives on a plantation in Virginia and owns several slaves, one of which is Dan.  Vincent feels obligated to join the Confederate forces at the start of the Civil War.  The story concentrates on Vincent who, through the story, experiences several losses, injuries, is captured by the Union Army and escapes thanks to Dan. 

With so much attention on the Confederate Flag and what it represents in the news these days, I found this production a perfect lesson for the kids to understand that there was much more to the Civil War then about the mistreatment of slaves.  This production does a perfect job of showing the relationships between many slaves and their masters; that there many cases of respect and friendship between the two.  It also shows the flip side, the abusive owners, and how they were viewed by others around them in the community as well as how those who treated their slaves wrongly many times treated others around them poorly. The main focus of this recording, however, is Duty and Heirloom does a great job of showing that many who fought on either side of the war did so not because of slavery but instead because of a sense of duty.

Heirloom audio pulls out a star studded cast for this audio adventure. Brian Blessed returned once again to narrate the story while Kirk Cameron and Sean Astin both lend their voices to the cast as well.   But even with such big names, I would have to say that Andre Soggliuzzo's performance as General Robert E. Lee is the show stopper this time around.  His performance of Lee really lets the listener get a feeling as to why Lee was so well respected, even by Ulysses S Grant.

A 48 page downloadable study guide is also included with the purchase of the 2 CD audio set. Unlike previous study guides, Heirloom Audio made improvements to include on each page the track number in which the material is presented, making it much easier to follow along.  The full color guide includes beautiful photographs and artwork depicting the Civil War and the soldiers who fought on both sides as well as information about Henty, Robert E Lee, Stonewall Jackson.

Listening Well Questions provide the perfect opportunity to test listening comprehension and test what your child has heard and remembers.  All answers are easily found within the listed track.

Thinking Further Questions are also provided. These questions require a bit of research or deeper thinking beyond just what was heard.  These are great for older students as a platform for independent study on the various topics covered by the recording.


Defining Words provide a vocabulary list of words that were used in the recording that students might not be familiar with.  These words are easily found within a standard dictionary.

A two page Bible Study is also included in the Study Guide. Each page uses Bible verses to allow students to see what the Bible says in regards to Duty and Loving Thy Neighbor.

Overall:

I highly recommend all of the Heirloom Audio Productions as they are entertaining and have such a high educational value. This is true also with this new production. "With Lee in Virginia" immerses the listener into the times of the Civil War and brings the characters (both real and fictional) to life and will capture your child's attention much more than a cut and dry documentary.


Heirloom Audio Productions can be found on the following social media: With Lee In Virginia Facebook,  Heirloom Audio Production Facebook, Twitter, and Google +.

In Freedom's Cause (A Schoolhouse Crew Review)

When most people hear the name William Wallace, their minds instantly flash to a blue faced Mel Gibson wearing a kilt and yelling “Freedom” in Braveheart. While Braveheart was a great movie and brought the story of Wallace to a lot of people who otherwise wouldn't have known who he was, it altered facts regarding his life as well as how his life intertwined with Robert The Bruce. Heirloom Audio Productions helps to correct this mistake by creating an audible journey into the lives of Wallace and Bruce in their latest production, In Freedom's Cause. I was recently asked to review the In Freedom'sCause Single CD Package after listening to it with my family as well as review the bonus materials available as digital downloads.

 

In Freedom's Cause is based on the book of the same name by English novelist G.A. Henty (1832-1902). Set in the 13^th century while Scotland's people suffered under the cruelty of King Edward the 1^st (Edward Longshanks), In Freedom's Cause weaves a story of Scotland's struggles for freedom with the leadership of William Wallace and Robert Bruce. The story is told from the view of a fictional Ned Forbes who at a young age finds himself aligned with Wallace and fighting side by side with him. The tale continues through the death of Wallace's wife, the Battles of Biggar, Stirling Bridge, and Falkirk , the betrayal of Wallace by John Menteith leading to his execution and the resulting actions of Robert the Bruce.

What Is Included with the In Freedom's Cause Single Package:

Full Color Trifold Case with Wallace Prayer Printed Inside

 One Set of 2 CDs in a visually stunning full color trifold case.

Digital Bonuses with online access:

- Instant access MP3 copy of In Freedom's Cause for download.

 - The complete In Freedom's Cause eStudy Guide and Discussion Starter.

 - A printable copy of The Prayer Of William Wallace (Psalm 23 in the Latin Vulgate). 

 - The In Freedom's Cause Soundtrack MP3 download.

My Review:

I ended up listening to the full 2.5 hour recording twice within the first 24 hours of receiving In Freedom's Cause. The first time with my three kids (ages 15, 8 and 6) and the second time with my husband. That should be an indicator as to how excited my family was to listen to it.

Alyssa looks over the CD Case while listening to In Freedom's Cause

Playstation Visuals while Listening to In Freedom's Cause

The morning we opened the package, my kids instantly wanted to listen to it. My two youngest brought out their pillows and their blanket and made a comfy pallet on the floor and we popped the first CD into our Playstation 3 (Note: the CDs will not play on an Playstation 4 because of Sony programming). My oldest was home that morning so she joined us as well and together we listened to the recording completely through. In Freedom's Cause was a hit with the kids, especially with my 15 year old and 8 year old. My daughter immediately asked if I could upload the digital MP3 onto her Kindle so she could listen to it again on her own. 

I was originally very hesitant about listening to this recording with my husband. This household is all about Scotland: my husband is a proud member of Clan Campbell and wears a kilt, my son is learning to play the bagpipes and my youngest daughter wants to learn Highland Dancing. More then that, however, is that my husband and children are descendents of Robert the Bruce (he's my husbands 20^th great grandfather). While we enjoyed the movie Braveheart, the “betrayal” of Wallace by Robert the Bruce is a bit of a sore spot for us. It makes for great Hollywood but it isn't factual. This recording (and the book that its based on) follows the theory that it was John Menteith who betrayed Wallace. Either way we cannot escape the fact that someone in my husband's ancestry betrayed one of the great heroes of Scotland (Menteith is also my husbands 20 great grandfather lol) but since nobody ever brags about being related to Menteith, this isn't a big deal for us. My husband thoroughly enjoyed this audio recording and had absolutely no complaints about the way his ancestors were presented. He liked it so much he told me that I need to buy Under Drake's Flag (Heirloom Audio's first production) and keep up to date with when the next recording comes out (more about that towards the end). 

The only negative I can come up with for our listening experience was that my kids have now begun to calling each other “dunderhead" (and I say that with a lighthearted chuckle) and making sounds of the "goat woo".   

The voice actors for this production are great. Most notably, Brian Blessed is absolutely amazing as the narrator of this story. The tone of his voice and the intonation as he speaks lures you into the story almost instantly. He has a very distinctive sonorous voice and after hearing him narrating, I can't imagine anyone else doing it. There is a reason why people like James Earl Jones reads the Bible and not Steve Buchemi – Brian Blessed is indeed up there with James Earl Jones. The other actors are equally as wonderful in their parts. A number of them are familiar names such as Joanne Froggatt (Downton Abby), Billy Boyd (Lord of the Rings), James Cosmo (Game of Thrones) and Skandar Keynes (Chronicles of Narnia). I will say that a few of them do sound like Englishmen trying to sound Scottish but it's not too bad and unless someone is pretty familiar with an authentic Scottish brogue you're not going to know any different. If you're the type who picked apart dialect in either Braveheart or the Outlander series, you'll possibly find it annoying. Classical Baritone singer Stuart Pendred makes for a really great William Wallace and pulls off a great performance. 

The audio recording itself is very crisp and clear. Put your headphones on and close your eyes and you'll start to think you're really in 13^th century Scotland. The production team really went well above and beyond just sitting in a recording studio in order to make this an experience that the listener is truly immersed into. When a door at Dunfermline Abbey creaks, you're not hearing a random door sound effect generated on a computer soundboard, you're hearing the actual door at Dunfermline Abbey in Scotland that sound engineers painstakingly recorded for this audio production.

There are many themes woven throughout the telling of this story such as revenge, freedom, family and forgiveness.  Most prominent is the theme of Faith. Wallace is portrayed as very spiritual and his faith is represented throughout the production  both in symbolism as well as items such as Wallace's psalter. Probably my favorite is the way trinity of the Celtic knot was tied into the story and how it tied Faith in God, Faith in Mankind and Faith in Country all together. 

Wallace's Celtic Knot and what it Represents

The 23rd Psalm is also a very important part of the story line and is used to tie young Ned (and his father) to Wallace.  It is an element that ties the entire story together and brings it full circle (the story starts with the 23rd Psalm and ends with it as well).  The presentation of the 23rd Psalm is worded in the Latin Vulgate and is unlike any other version I had heard before.  I do believe that people are so familiar with the 23rd Psalm that we don't really listen to it anymore but many times just recite it out of habit. However, this particular version pulls you out of your familiarity and forces your attention. An added bonus with the purchase of In Freedom's Cause (regardless of the package) is a downloadable PDF file of this version of the Psalm which is suitable for framing.

The PDF format e-study guide is provided as a digital download. It is a 49 page full color companion file which provides historical information in regards to G.A. Henty, William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. It provides vocabulary words, maps, listening questions and images that correspond with each track on the CDs. There are also questions that make students think beyond just what is being heard as well as suggestions for further research. The last few pages of the guide contains a short Bible Study with scripture suggestions that reiterate topics of faith and spirituality found throughout the recording.

Finally, the soundtrack for this production is amazing. One of the bonuses that comes with the

Single Package was the digital download of the entire soundtrack in MP3 format and I do believe that has been my son's favorite part of this experience. The soundtrack is produced by Emmy-winning composer John Campbell (yeah, Clan Campbell!!!) and is very well done. The scores are on par with anything found on today's big screen and add to the story rather than distract from it. The titles "The Betrayal" and "The Scottish Avengers" are two of our favorites but the entire soundtrack is worth listening to.

Final Verdict:

Heirloom audio did an incredible job with this production and it would make a great addition to any homeschooling curriculum either as a literature unit or as a history unit. If the worst thing my kids come away with from listening to this is the word "dunderhead" and making sounds of a "Goat Woo"  (You'll have to listen to In Freedom's Cause to understand that one ) then I am pretty confident in saying this is a very kid friendly 2.5 hours of entertainment. The fact my husband didn't baulk at the presentation of his bloodline speaks volumes of the presentation of these historical figures.  The study guide is extremely well done with vocabulary words and questions that really draw students into critically thinking about what they are hearing. The study guide was a bit too old for my young kids to use this time around but it just means that I have a reason to go back and use these CDs again as a study unit. The CDs have a high repeatable entertainment value to them and are something that I would have no problem listening to multiple times much like I would read one of my favorite books. The soundtrack is AMAZING and by itself is worth the investment. The MP3

versions of the CDs played very well both streaming on the internet and when downloaded to both my computer and kindle and was just as crisp and clear as the CDs.

I would highly recommend these to anyone without hesitation and cannot wait til the next installment of the G.A. Henty series when Heirloom audio visits the American Civil War in With Lee in Virginia which is due out around Memorial Day

.In Freedom's Cause Single Package can be purchased on Heirloom Audio's website $29.97 plus S&H for the physical product with the digital bonuses.

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