The Master's Apprentice cover art

The Master's Apprentice

A Retelling of the Faust Legend (Faust, Book 1)

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The Master's Apprentice

By: Oliver Pötzsch, Lisa Reinhardt - translator
Narrated by: Malcolm Hillgartner
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About this listen

A young man’s destined quest becomes a dance with the devil in a mesmerizing retelling of the Faust legend by the bestselling author of the Hangman’s Daughter series.

It’s the fifteenth century and only heretics are curious about the universe.

Germany, 1494. Born under a rare alignment of the stars, Johann Georg Gerlach, "the lucky one" to his mother - is fated for greatness. But Johann’s studies and wonder at the sky have made him suspect. Especially in wake of the child disappearances that have left the God-fearing locals trembling and his one true love trapped in terrified catatonia. Her only words: "I have seen the devil..."

Banished from Knittlingen as cursed, Johann crosses paths with Tonio del Moravia. The traveling fortune-teller and master of the arcane arts recognizes something extraordinary in the wanderer. Taking Johann under his wing, Tonio promises a new world of knowledge and sensations. But with it comes a sinister web of deception and a chilling prophecy.

The stars are set to align again. Now Johann must draw on the skills of his apprenticeship to solve the dark mystery that grips his village in fear and the deepening mystery of his own destiny.

©2018 Oliver Pötzsch and Ullstein Buchverlage GmbH (P)2020 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved. Translation © 2020 by Lisa Reinhardt Action & Adventure Destiny Fantasy Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Renaissance

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After reading all of Oliver Pötzsch's Hangman's Daughter books, I was bereft as I'd come to the end of the series to date. Pötzsch is such a brilliant story-teller I just wanted to read more of his work. I had seen the Master's Apprentice title but couldn't imagine it would live up to the Hangman books. I was amazed to see that it did and it is on par with it. The story is told masterfully and I was hanging on every twist and turn of this tale. I've pre-ordered the next book in the series and can't wait to listen to that!

Masterly re-telling

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I really loved this book. Oliver Pötzsch is one of my favourite contemporary writers and spins a great yarn. This book, although it is described as a retelling of the Faust Legend, retains the literary and linguistic style of Oliver Pötzsch. This is a translation from the original German language edition and whilst I have not yet read or listened to that original language version, the translator Lisa Reinhardt has done a great job in invoking the atmosphere and feel of the book. I trust that the translation is accurate and have no reason to doubt. Malcolm Hillgartner was a great choice for narrator and he paced his reading perfectly, not too fast or slow. Malcolm Hillgartner gave the right voice to each character and I found his own accent as narrator easy on the ear and relaxing. I will certainly now select the next book.

Fantastic retelling of a great classic

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I've never heard of the author before but the title and description intrigued me. I was not disappointed. This is a beautifully written retelling of an old tale. Listen to the sample and be drawn in.

An unexpected delight

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brilliant book. Love this author. as good as hangman's daughter all 7 books. highly recommended.

couldn't stop thinking, what's next...

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A fantastic mix of history, fiction, non fiction and an easy listen despite the length. It keeps you listening with avid attention and Oliver Pötzsch’s style and family history make it all the more enjoyable and believable with some very interesting insights into the history of the regions is books are based on.

Another literary great from an amazing author

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An easy listen that keeps one interested. There was something about the style which made it feel like it was targeted towards a high school class. And I’ve no idea how close it is to the traditional Faust story. Narration was good, but a N.American reading a near medieval European story takes time to get used to. Overall, OK.

Really OKish.

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This was the usual high standard of story which we have come to expect from this author.

An enthralling story.

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Such an enjoyable book to listen to. This was gripping and emotional all the way through so never a dull moment.

Fantastic

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I struggled with this book. It’s well written and narrated just found the story a bit dark and unrelenting.

A bit bleak

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