Narrators Whitney Dykehouse and Jake Mate portray Rachel Cartland and Samuel Bold, aspiring paleontologists whose fathers are famous in the field and bitter rivals. Oppel's layered mystery features a strong sense of place and two vibrant young scientists. Dykehouse and Mate bring intensity, spirited characterizations, and fresh energy to their performances. Their pacing keeps the listener's adrenaline high as the story unfolds and makes the young protagonists as engaging as their fathers are unlikable. This audiobook is more adult in theme and content than some of Oppel's other work, and some background knowledge of the eighteenth century would aid listeners in understanding the world of this story. Recommended for fans of dinosaurs, Westerns, and star-crossed lovers.
(Historical fiction. 14-17)Pub Date: Oct. 11, 2016
Duration: 9 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781522690535
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Listeners follow Merry, the longbow girl, one of the best archers in her town. When she finds a magical portal in the forest that takes her back to sixteenth-century Wales, she must use her skills to win an archery contest in order to help her ancestors keep their land. While narrator Emily Wilden brings protagonist Merry to life with a rich Welsh accent, her narration seems uneven at times. All the period characters have accents that reflect the setting of the story and transport listeners to Wales. Listeners who enjoy historical fiction and a bit of fantasy will be charmed by this tale of determination, hope, and family.
Young AdultPub Date: N/A
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781501916793
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In 1832 thirteen-year-old Charlotte Doyle is sailing from Liverpool to Rhode Island to rejoin her family. Shocked to discover that the families who were to have been both guardians and companions will not accompany her, Charlotte embarks on a journey filled with terror and swashbuckling adventure. The first-person narrative makes this Newbery Honor book a wonderful choice for recording. O'Karma's reading, with its hint of cross-gender differentiation, allows the listener to feel as if Charlotte Doyle herself were relating the tale. This story should be particularly alluring to adolescent girls although the fast-paced action and the nautical setting will also appeal to male listeners. Ages 12-adult.
Ages 12+Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 6 hrs
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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