Beric the Briton (TOS Riew)

Today's review of Beric the Briton is produced by one of our favorite vendors, Heirloom Audio Productions.    This audio drama gives you  two and a half hours of non-stop action.    Once again the folks at Heirloom Audio Productions have created an amazing collage of history, drama and creativity that leaves the listener mesmerized for the entire two and a half hours.

Beric the Briton takes place during the early days of Christianity and the clash with the Roman Empire.  This audio drama covers everything from Nero's taking the throne, gladiators and Christians being fed to the lions, Queen Boadicea, the burning of Rome and the death of Nero.   That's a LOT to cover in two and a half hours, but it's done in such an exciting way that the kids don't even realize how much history they are learning!

The accompanying (digital) study guide is a wonderful way to delve deeper into the history, character and vocabulary that are part of this production.   There are three components to the study guide.   The "Listening Well" portion asks questions to see how well the listener has paid attention, and retained information.  Answers to the questions can easily be found by listening to the audio drama again.   The "Thinking Further" questions require more thought, critical thinking, a little theorizing and some research to answer.   Lastly the "Defining Words" section gives listeners an opportunity to increase their vocabulary.    At the beginning of the study guide you'll find biographies of author G.A. Henty, Nero and also Queen Boadicea.  There are also a few recipes sprinkled throughout the study.

One thing that I find especially handy is that the study guide is broken up by disc, track and time.   This allows you to quickly go to the section of the CD that is being studied.  If students are having a hard time remembering information, you can quickly look at the study guide and then use your CD player to pop over to the correct spot.   This alleviates the dreaded play, fast forward, rewind loop that can be ever so maddening when searching for something on CD. 

At the end of the study guide is a reading list for those who want to continue in their studies of Britain and Rome in the 1st Century, A.D.   There are also three brief Bible studies to help the student recognize and better understand the Biblical themes that are woven through the story line. The graphics throughout the study guide are also great visuals to help tie the story line to people and places of old.

Olivia, the history lover has thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audio production (over and over).   This has been labeled her "absolute favorite", grins.

The audio drama can be purchased for $29.97.   This price gives you the compact disc set, and the following downloadable online products:   Beric the Briton MP3 set, Beric the Briton e-book, MP3 soundtrack, printable cast poster, study guide, inspirational verse poster, unlimited access to the "Live the Adventure" newsletter and behind the scenes video.

To read other TOS Crew reviews of this product, click here.