Emily Ellet narrates this captivating fantasy about a sword-wielding librarian in a world of sorcerers, demons, and grimoires with unique personalities. Ellet enchants the listener from the very beginning as magical grimoires whisper at apprentice librarian Elisabeth. However, the magic of the story is frequently interrupted by several small production edits, and the listener may find this distracting. Additionally, Ellet's narration is so quiet for the soft-speaking characters, such as the demon Silas and some of the grimoires, that listeners may find themselves constantly adjusting their volume. The edits and volume discrepancies are enough to break immersion into the story. Otherwise, Ellet is a captivating narrator who adds personality to a wide cast of characters.
(Fantasy. 14-adult)Pub Date: June 4, 2019
Duration: 14 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781508282877
Publisher: Simon & Schuster 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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