Saturday, October 31, 2015

Flunked by Jen Calonita-4.5 stars



Calonita, Jen, Flunked. 5.17 hrs (unbar.) Dreamscape Media, 2015. $34.99. Audible Download.

Source: Bought

When Gilly is caught stealing bread for her family, she is sentenced to three month at the Fairy Tale Reform School. The school would be a dream place to live it weren’t for the former villain teachers who may or may not have given up their evil ways. Something sinister, however, is going on at the school. When the royal princesses come to inspect the school and someone tries multiple times to kill the, Gilly wonders if someone is trying to start a war or worse. She enlists the help of her friend, Jax. He, however, is hiding something. Can Gilly save the school and her new friends? Can she trust Jax? Who is trying to sabotage the school? 

Narrator, Kristin Condon brings to life Gilly’s world with her unique intonations and easy to follow voice. Her unique voices bring out the characters’ personalities and make them easy to relate to. The plot is well developed, engaging, and has lots of plot twists. Kristin navigates the different scene paces and plot twists with ease without losing the reader.  Fans of fairy tale retellings, snarky main characters, fantasy, and mystery will enjoy listening to this audiobook. 

4.5 stars, Grades 6 to 10

Friday, October 30, 2015

As You Wish: The Inconceivable Tales From the Making of the Princess Bride by Cary Elwes-5 stars



Elwes, Cary, As You Wish: The Inconceivable Tales From the Making of the Princess Bride. 6 CDs. 7.01 hrs.  $22.49. Simon and Schuster Audio, 2014. mp3 download. 

Source: Bought

Do you remember watching Princess Bride for the first time? The magic that came as you watched the swashbuckling fantasy adventure romance unfold? Hear Cary Elwes tell his own story of how he came to be a part of the Princess Bride, what his experiences were being on set for the first time, what is was like to learn to sword-fight, and more. Experience Princess Bride for the first time all over again.

Cary Elwes does a fantastic job of narrating his story. The addition of some of the other cast members narrating their parts of the story was unique and fun to listen to as well. The mix of humor with internal dialogue was well depicted and easily drew listeners into the book. The chapter set up made sense and helped to paint a picture for listeners of how the film unfolded in its creation. Fans of Princess Bride or who like Cary Elwes in other productions will enjoy listening to this audiobook.


5 stars, Grades 7 to ADULT 

Friday, October 23, 2015

Library of Souls by Ransom Riggs-5 stars



Riggs, Ransom, Library of Souls. 12 CDs. 14:09 hrs. Blackstone Audio, 2015. $22.95. Audible Download.

Source: Review Copy

The peculiar children are on a mission to save Miss Peregrine and the others who were stolen out of their time loop by evil wights and monstrous hollowgasts. Their journey takes them on an action-filled adventure filled with many perils. As new friends and old friends alike try to save Peculiardom from destruction, will the peculiar children be able to save their missing friends?

Narrator, Kirby Heyborne brings to life the unique characters of Miss Peregrine’s world. His vocal intonations masterfully keep pace with the various paces of the scenes in the book. His unique voices add depth to already fully developed characters and makes the reader step easily into their shoes. Readers who enjoy narrators like Jim Dale and/or love a book that keeps on the edge of their seat will enjoy listening to this book. This book would be a great family listen for people with a little bit older kids. It is recommended, however, that you read the first two books, since this book picks up where Hollow City left off. 

5 stars, Grades 6 to ADULT

Thursday, October 22, 2015

The Scam by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg-5 stars



Evanovich, Janet, and Goldberg, Lee, The Scam. 6 CDs. 6:55 hrs. Random House Audio, 2015. $35. mp3 download.

Source: Review Copy

Nicolas Fox and Kate O’Hare are back and this time are bringing down a casino baron. Evan Trace runs a money-laundering scheme through his casino and the FBI wants to stop him. The duo goes undercover with Kate’s father, some former associates, Billy Dee and Boyd Capwell. Will the group be able to pull off the scam and bring down Trace or will this job be too much for them?

Narrator, Scott Brick does a great job of bringing the world of Kate and Nick to life. His voices are unique and make the well-developed characters easy to distinguish.  The dynamics between the characters is humorous and realistic. The plot is a well developed page turner that grabs the reader from beginning to end. This book is a delightful addition to the Fox and O’Hare series. Readers that have enjoyed the other books in the series will have a hard time putting this audiobook down. 

 5 stars, ADULT