This full-cast production enhances Hale’s engrossing story as the fantasy world of Bayern continues. Rin loves her forest home, but she follows her brother, Razo, to the city when her magical powers swirl out of control. Along with the queen and her magical friends, Rin confronts a vicious traitor. Especially noteworthy performances come from narrators Camille Cady-McCrea as Rin and Terry LeCass as Razo. While maintaining a measured pace, Cady-McCrea ably conveys Rin’s internal conflict. LeCass cleverly portrays Razo, whose ridiculous posturing and wiseacre personality create a good foil to the serious Rin. Production shows an equally high standard. In particular, the sound effect used for Rin’s thoughts is subtle, and twists of music seamlessly connect story segments.
Ages 10+Pub Date: Feb. 12, 2013
Duration: 11 hrs, 15 mins
Publisher: AudioGo
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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