This cross between MOBY-DICK and DUNE pits various heroes against a range of villains and perils in an earth-like postapocalyptic world. The story is sometimes wild and outlandish and sometimes mundane. Jonathan Cowley’s narration is acceptable in every way but not gripping. Consequently, the author’s quirky narrative is not much amplified on audio—and might have been stronger for it. Cowley strives mightily to deliver the story’s minimal excitement, and he often succeeds. Further, his pacing is good. But his voicings of Mieville’s sometimes jerky dialogue fail to rescue the weaknesses in the writing.
Young AdultPub Date: 2012
Duration: 10 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780307967367
Publisher: Random House Audio
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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