Reviews of Young Adult Audio Books
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Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld (Leviathan Trilogy)
Reader: Alan Cumming
Bonus: Endnote read by the author detailing what is fact and what is fiction Short Review: In this stunning follow up to Leviathan, Alek and Deryn continue on their intricate path through the steampunk inspired alternate World War I created by Westerfeld. In this rollicking adventure we weave through the back streets of Istanbul, eggs are hatched, some secrets are revealed while others stay safely hidden.
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The Tiger in the Well by Philip Pullman
Reader: Anton Lesser Short Review: The third Sally Lockhart mystery continues Pullman's engrossing story of a young Victorian woman, expertly read by Anton Lesser. This book delves further into questions of women's and children's rights in Victorian Britain and also examines worker's and immigrant's rights and anti-semitism. Warning! If you have not yet read The Shadow in the North, stop reading this review. There's no way to review this book without giving spoilers for the previous book in the series.
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The Shadow in the North by Philip Pullman
Reader: Anton Lesser Short Review: The slightly-less brilliant sequel to The Ruby in the Smoke, read just as brilliantly by Anton Lesser.
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The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman
Reader: Anton Lesser Short Review: A beautifully read story about a resourceful young woman who finds herself orphaned and embroiled in a deadly mystery.
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Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
Reader: Alan Cumming
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Catching Fire (Hunger Games, Book 2) by Suzanne Collins
Reader: Carolyn McCormick WARNING: Have you read The Hunger Games yet? No? Then stop and go listen to that before reading this review. There is NO way to even describe this book without huge spoilers of book one. Short Review: Strong sequel, with a slightly different pace than the original. Our protagonists are barely out of the arena on their way back to District 12 as they begin to realize the strangle hold the capitol still has on their lives. More characters, more suspense - a fun, if dark ride.
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3 Willows: The Sisterhood Grows by Ann Brashares
Reader: Kimberly Farr Short Review: The summer before high school, three old friends grow, change, and find their way back to themselves.
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The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak
Reader: Allan Corduner Short Review: This is absolutely a fantastic audiobook. When next I need to convince someone that audiobooks are worth considering, I'll recommend this book first. It's gorgeously written, and beautifully read. Moreover, it's a book that truly matters.
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The Joys of Love by Madeleine L’Engle
Reader: Maggi-Meg Reed Short Review: This sweet story of romance and self-discovery is lovely. We join twenty-year-old Elizabeth's for week of working in a summer theater in 1946. Beautifully read - a nice story for a dreamy afternoon.
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Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
Reader: Martin Jarvis Short review: One of my favorite humorous novels, expertly read by Martin Jarvis. I'm sure I'll listen to this book over and over again.
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The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place by E.L. Konigsburg
Reader: Molly Ringwald
Short Review: Solid story and well read. Twelve year old Margaret Rose's summer turns into an exploration of what is important in life - and what you are willing to do to defend uniqueness, beauty and love. -
The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams
Reader: Jenna Lamia Short Review: A good book about a controversial subject, improved by an excellent reading by Jenna Lamia.