What a pleasant surprise! This book was for me a great find, as I have never read a Mark Helprin before. The story was well paced and beautifully developed. Despite the fact that it described the horrors of warfare and terrorism, the morality of the good guys remained an inspiration. The interwoven love story was also inspiring and on a wholesome plateau. The story is long, but to my mind it ended too soon - it was simply that good. I highly recommend this book.

I really enjoyed this book. It had something for everyone, love, military strategy, a court trial, politics. The incredible detail of this book really lends it authenticity Also the narrator was first rate. Bravo!

Mark Helprin's book "The Oceans and the Stars" was one of the most moving books that I've ever read. His metaphors and observations on life are great. Cole

I enjoyed this book. It’s refreshing for a character like Rensselaer to follow his instincts and “ do the right thing” And be recognized for this in the end.

The story dragged and dragged with purple prose.

Fabulous. Beautifully written, detailed but purposeful. I will think of this book for a very long time.

was a bit worried at the start as the book is a slow starter. this was one of the best books I have listened to on the entire site. not my normal style but I enjoyed every minute of it after chapter 1. amazing

These type of things help me sleep. thank you

Very engaging and well-written. Narrator perfectly matched. I'd love to see this made into a movie.

This book was very detailed and technical (a bit more than the “novice” might like) but even though I am not military, or naval, the story itself was interesting and I listened to ALL 32 hours of it! The author might consider an abridged version for those who don’t want quite as much detail. The narrator was good, but tends to drone instead of the highs and lows to help keep a listener more focused. All in all, I did not find the book a waste of time and was glad I listened to it.

Narrator was excellent, the story was great.

Very written.

It is a talent for an author to keep you engaged for over 20 hours and he did! Also some of the content is incredibly relevant to today which only made it more interesting. I would recommend.

It was a good story. The author is attempting to weave a tapestry while wielding a sledgehammer. There are reviews mentioning "purple prose" which is unwarranted due to the specific mention within the description that elaborate detail is taken. This is not purple prose, it is extreme exposition. Despite that, the story itself is engaging and elaborately expressed. The narrator even gives the option to skip a segment should you not desire to understand the specifics of Athena herself. I wasn't here to be skipping anything. As a VIP purchased book, it was worth the credit. I would recommend picking it up should you see it on your list.

I cannot believe this was a free audiobook. The story and the narration is incredible. I expected nothing but was delivered everything a book should be.

Superb! This is a fabulous book! It had me hooked from the beginning with Captain Rensselaer's personal character, dedication to not only duty, but the truth. The leadership qualities, and ingenuity employed in every difficult scenario that they face. A book so good, I gave it to my brother-in-law.

An epic read (listen). I initially thought it was going to be a bit dry and quite technical as there is a lot about ships and their construction, and the protocols of the navy, especially quite early on. However, I ended up being totally enthralled by this layered and fascinating story. The characters are well developed and believable - as is the plot. I was sad to finish it and highly recommend it. Not a book I would have usually chosen had it not been on your VIP list but will look out for this author again as I thoroughly enjoyed it.