Aster's son, Crispin, has always lived on the edge of his world--separated physically and emotionally from the others in his medieval village. But after his mother dies, he learns that he must flee his village to save his life. Ron Keith's rough British accent and low tones lure the reader into a world where, for most people, their village is all they ever know, disease is a constant danger, and one word from a powerful person means death. Keith's slow pacing creates a world of confusion and inner strength for Crispin, building the tension as he is hunted down while fitting together the pieces to the puzzle of who he really is. Keith's multi-voiced narration adds to the subtle differences between the characters. Although the ending is not entirely realistic, this is a great historical fiction/suspense story.
(Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2002
Duration: 6 hrs, 15 mins
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A classic story of high adventure and conflict between good and evil placed in the mythical land of Prydain, The Book of Three is read grippingly and enchantingly by Chris King. Vocal switches are mostly smooth with a few minor pronunciation slips which are quickly corrected. King's voice is clear, easy to understand and memorable, giving the listener a sense of the characters as well as a pronunciation guide to those incredible Gaelic names Alexander uses. Both the characters and the story linger in the mind's eye because of the quality of narration. This is surely a reading that can be listened to again and again and will leave the listeners asking for the entire Prydain series on tape.
AGES 8+Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 5 hrs
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Posy Bates is back, this time with a dog left over from a pet show. Back also are baby Fred and her friend, Sam. But the star of the show is Posy herself, an energetic nine-year-old with a penchant for misadventure. Judy Bennett's rendering of each of the characters in this episodic family story is right on the mark. Her enunciation and impeccable timing clarify the idiomatic text so that its unusual words become another aspect of the book's pleasure. The irrepressible Posy is her greatest challenge, and Bennett gets high marks. She bubbles with enthusiasm, wails and squeals, and dies over and over again. "It's positively brilling!"
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 1 hr
Publisher: BBC Audiobooks America/ Chivers
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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