Mature
Length10h 47m
About this audiobook
This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design. "The Sword Decides: A Chronicle of a Queen in the Dark Ages" by Marjorie Bowen is a riveting historical novel that immerses readers in the treacherous world of 14th-century Naples. At its heart is Giovanna of Naples, a queen who must navigate the intricate web of court intrigue, love, and betrayal to secure her position in a male-dominated society. The novel explores themes of ambition, resilience, and leadership as Giovanna confronts both personal and political enemies.
Parallel to Giovanna's struggle is the story of Andreas of Hungary, who arrives in Naples to claim his rightful throne amidst the somber backdrop of a dying king. Despite his disdain for Italy and yearning for his homeland, Andreas is resolute in his ambition, unfazed by ominous warnings from Hippolyta, a peasant girl who foresees the dangers he will face. As the bells toll and the scent of orange blossoms fills the air, Andreas prepares for a dramatic confrontation with the court and his destiny, setting the stage for power struggles and personal conflicts.
The narrative is further enriched by the tension-filled relationship between Ludovic of Hungary and Giovanna. Accused of her husband's murder, Giovanna passionately defends her innocence to Ludovic, who seeks vengeance for his brother Andreas's death but is torn by doubts about her guilt. Their complex interactions explore themes of justice, tyranny, and the pursuit of truth, culminating in a fragile agreement that could either restore honor or lead to further treachery.
Through vivid storytelling and emotional depth, Bowen offers a captivating exploration of power, desire, and the consequences of ambition, inviting readers into a world where the sword indeed decides fate.
Audiobook details
GenreHistorical Fiction, Literary Classics
Length10 hrs 47 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateFeb 1, 2026
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1THE SWORD DECIDES
18CHAPTER SIXTEEN. LUDOVIC THE TRIUMPHANT
2[COPYRIGHT]
19CHAPTER SEVENTEEN. THE CONTE RAYMOND PAYS
3CHAPTER ONE. THE LETTER
20CHAPTER EIGHTEEN. THE KING’S AVENGER
4CHAPTER TWO. HIPPOLYTA’S AMULET
21CHAPTER NINETEEN. THE QUEEN WINS
5CHAPTER THREE. THE ENTRY INTO NAPLES
22CHAPTER TWENTY. SANCIA DI RENATO
Show all chaptersShow less
6CHAPTER FOUR. GIOVANNA
23CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE. THE QUEEN’S LOVER
7CHAPTER FIVE. THE CONTE RAYMOND
24CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO. THE CASKET
8CHAPTER SIX. MARIA
25CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE. THE TRUTH
9CHAPTER SEVEN. THE QUEEN MOVES
26CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR. FLIGHT
10CHAPTER EIGHT. THE KING MOVES
27CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE. CAROLA OF BOHEMIA
11CHAPTER NINE. THE CONVENT OF SANTO-PIETRO-A-MAJELLO
28CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX. THE ECLIPSE
12CHAPTER TEN. THE NIGHT OF SEPTEMBER THE THIRTEENTH
29CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN. KONRAD OF GOTTIF’S WIFE
13CHAPTER ELEVEN. THE AUBURN CURL
30CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT. THE QUEEN’S SECOND HUSBAND
14CHAPTER TWELVE. THE LAST MASQUERADE
31CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE. THE BATTLE IN THE STREETS
15CHAPTER THIRTEEN. THE THUNDERBOLT
32CHAPTER THIRTY. THE CHAMBER OF THE SCARLET TAPESTRY
16CHAPTER FOURTEEN. THE EXECUTIONS IN THE PALAZZO SAN ELIGIO
33CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE. THE SWORD DECIDES!
17CHAPTER FIFTEEN. THE QUEEN’S LAST STAKE
34TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES
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