MEDIA

The Forbidden Library

by Django WEXLER

7 CDs. 8:42 hrs. Listening Library. 2015. $40. ISBN 9781101891124. digital download.

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Gr 5–8—Following the disappearance of her father, whom she believes has met with foul play from a fairy named Vespidian, Alice Creighton is living with her mysterious uncle, Geryon. A talking cat leads her into the forbidden library against her uncle's orders. Alice quickly discovers a whole new world of creatures inside the books. To survive, she must harness the power from the creatures and make it her own. After learning she is a Reader, she agrees to become Geryon's apprentice. Throughout her adventures, Alice never loses hope that she'll learn the truth about what happened to her father. Wexler incorporates familiar themes in a fresh, new fantasy world. He delivers imaginative characters and action-packed story lines. Cassandra Morris narrates with perfect timbre and inflection. The transition between character voices is seamless.

VERDICT This audiobook is recommended for fans of Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland.

Reviewed by Alice Davidson, Indianapolis, IN

Pulled in by narrator Morris’s fresh, youthful voice, listeners follow twelve-year-old Alice into an enchanted world where books are portals and Readers control the creatures within. Morris captures spunky Alice’s intrepid curiosity as she battles wits with the mysterious boy Isaac, whose snarky barbs draw Alice into the forbidden library. Wexler’s complex language morphs into spoken wordplay as Morris conjures both fantastical creatures and scheming adults with distinctive characterization. Spine-chilling details heighten the sinister mood as Alice’s adventures lead to mortal danger and set the stage for the sequel, The Mad Apprentice (rev. 3/15). An engaging production with wide appeal, an ideal fantasy for family listening. mary burkey

, Jun 01, 2015

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