Heres a review of the audio CD version of **Blue Horizon** by WilburSmith, as narrated by TimPigottSmith.
---
### What works very well
* The narrator TimPigottSmith brings a strong, confident voice to the production he handles a variety of character types (colonial adventurers, tribal hunters, scheming antagonists) with clear differentiation and keeps the pace engaging.
* The story is a classic Smith adventure in every sense: sweeping landscapes of 18thcentury southern Africa, exotic locations, the Dutch colonial presence, wild animals, tribal warfare, and a young Courtney protagonist who takes big risks. Because of this dynamic setting, it fits very well for audio listening the action and movement are wellsuited to an immersive audio experience.
* The combination of romance, danger, survival, wilderness traversal and moral conflict gives the story both breadth and texture. The listener is drawn into not just the physical journey but the emotional stakes (loyalty, family legacy, colonial power dynamics).
* For fans of historical adventure fiction, this audiobook offers plenty of escapism: youre taken into rugged terrain, long journeys, vivid conflicts. That makes it very appealing for long listening sessions drives, travel, or dedicated listening time.
---
### What to be aware of (and possible downsides)
* One important caveat: the version narrated by TimPigottSmith is listed as **abridged** in some cataloguing data. If you are acquiring the CD set, check whether it is indeed unabridged or a shortened version abridged versions will omit scenes, description or sideplots.
* Because the story covers a lot of territory (travel, political intrigue, wilderness survival) there are stretches where the pace slows somewhat for exposition or settingup of scenes. In audio, these parts can feel a little less charged compared to the big action sequences; if you listen in short bursts it may feel like the momentum dips.
* Some of the thematic or descriptive material (colonial trade, tribal customs, long treks) may feel heavy or detailed rather than purely actionfocused. If you prefer lean, minimalist storytelling, you might find certain passages of description or background less compelling in an audio format.
* As is common in Smiths work, there are numerous characters and shifting alliances keeping track of them is easier in print where you can glance back. On audio, it may help to pay attention or follow along if youre unfamiliar with the cast of characters.
---
### 🎧 My verdict and listening tips
Overall: **Recommended**, especially if you enjoy historical adventure fiction and longform listening experiences.
**When it shines:**
* If you can listen in larger blocks (for example on a road trip or during a few uninterrupted sessions) youll benefit from the immersive style and the narrators consistent performance.
* If you enjoy richly described settings (African wilderness, colonial trade routes, tribal conflict) then this will deliver a vivid audio journey.
**When it may require effort:**
* If you only can listen in very short fragments (say 10 minutes at a time) you might find that you lose the thread during slower descriptive stretches.
* If youre looking for very tight thrillpaced storytelling without many interludes of worldbuilding, this version might feel a bi
