Read by: Neil Gaiman
Short Review: A solid book of short stories read beautifully by the author.
Eclipse (Twilight Saga, Book 3)
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Reader: Ilyana Kadushin and Matt Walters
Short Review: Meyer gets better with each book. With this book, she has found a good rhythm. The quieter bits of this story have a stronger voice than those in the first 2 books of the saga. Book 3 digs deeply into Bella's relationships and finally starts to ask the question of "Why?". We still get good action scenes (because there is always action in a world that has vampires and werewolves) - but we also see Bella make conscious choices with an eye to the consequences in her future.
Across the Nightingale Floor (Tales of the Otori, Book 1)
Author: Lian Hearn
Readers: Kevin Gray and Aiko Nakasone
Short Review: Look Mom—I’m panning a well-loved book!
A fantasy/faux history of feudal Japan read by two readers—one of whom can’t …
Reader: Ilyana Kadushin
Short Review: The good: a fresh and creative version of vampire and werewolf legends with characters you care about and great action scenes. The less good: lots and lots of Bella's internal angst-ridden dialogue (not that there is anything wrong with that, if you have a taste for that sort of thing).
Twilight (The Twilight Saga, Book 1)
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Reader: Ilyana Kadushin
Short Review: One 17 year old girl who always felt different (and is a klutz to the extreme) crosses paths with a family of exquisite vampires. Romance and intrigue ensues. It grew on me, but it took a while.
The Dark Is Rising Sequence, Book One: Over Sea, Under Stone (The Dark Is Rising Sequence)
Author: Susan Cooper
Reader: Alex Jennings
Short Review: This timeless story will spirit you away to a summer in Cornwall to join Simon, Jane, and Barney on a great and noble quest. Alex Jennings creates distinct voices for all the characters (especially for the three children) - and knits together a magical world for your enjoyment.
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: A Novel
Author: Susanna Clarke
Reader: Simon Prebble
Short Review: A gorgeously read version of a Hugo Award winning modern epic I absolutely love. Clarke’s novel is part Harry Potter, part Tolkein, part comedy of …
The Goose Girl
Author: Shannon Hale
Reader: Full Cast Audio
Short Review: A magical fairy tale brought to life by an amazing cast of readers. This modern retelling of a Grimm's tale follows Ani, Princess of Kildenree, as she finds her own inner strength and true path in life. It is officially listed for Grades 6-9, but I am here to tell you that it is a fine choice for any adult interested in getting swept along by a well told tale of magic and strength.
Short Review: The third and final book in a wonderful trilogy, well-read by the author and a full cast.
Reader: Lloyd James
Short Review: Amazing storyteller + multiple fabulous characters + a rollicking fantasy adventure + the perfect voice to pull it all together = one darn good fantasy audio book experience.