Entering the world of Lyra and her friend Will is not a singular task, nor a single world as the children frantically cut through from one world to the next, using the magical knife introduced in the second of Pullman's trilogy, THE SUBTLE KNIFE. If listeners persevere, they are likely, eventually, to sort out what is happening within the many layers of plots and the metaphysical explorations, not to mention the fast-paced action of battles and escapes. The best approach may be what children do so well--just hold on to what interests you and let the rest go. You can enjoy the armored bear, Iorek Byrnison, played magnificently by Sean Barrett, or the daemons, each character's soul or spirit or perhaps alter-ego. For science fiction/ fantasy buffs, the elephant-like "mulefa," who get about on wheels, may hold your interest. The production, recorded with so many characters, and with such care and sureness, is a masterwork. Don't even try to drop into this world unprepared; start with THE GOLDEN COMPASS and savor every word.
(Fiction. 12-18)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2001
Duration: 15 hrs
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Myths come to life through Bahni Turpin and Robin Miles's stellar narration of this young adult fantasy. Marisol and her mother left their home in the Caribbean to live in Brooklyn. Marisol hopes to leave their island traditions and her family's magic behind. Genevieve grew up listening to her white father's mythical stories from her unknown mother's homeland. When the teens' lives collide, both discover secrets that change their views of their worlds. It's no surprise that both Turpin and Miles are Golden Voice narrators. Their skills bring Genevieve's and Marisol's stories to life as they capture the teens' personalities. Miles exquisitely delivers Marisol's Caribbean accent, while Turpin channels Genevieve's frustrations with her family and her own health. Simply magical.
(Verse fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: Feb. 11, 2025
Duration: 6 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063395589
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This dark science-fiction story about three teens who participate in a doomed space mission is commendably narrated by Casey Holloway. Varied accents for the three teens—who are from France, Japan, and Norway—and strong pacing showcase Holloway’s talent as a narrator. As panic sets in among the astronauts and the teens find their adult companions to be unreliable, Holloway easily delivers the rising tension, and her quiet intensity draws listeners toward the story’s chilling conclusion. Harstad’s story will leave listeners contemplating the fate of humanity in the vast reaches of space.
(Science fiction. 12 & up)Pub Date: April 17, 2012
Duration: 9 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781611134094
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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