Stephen Briggs's sharp insight and sharper delivery are an excellent match for Pratchett's engrossing reimagining of the Pied Piper legend. Never missing a joke, Briggs deftly embodies the cunning, stubborn Maurice and his loyal, intrepid rats with an acuity that is befitting of this clever and profound text. His pacing captures the jaunty rhythm of the travelers' journey, while his tone balances the humor and menace as the band encounters danger and resistance. His dry, rumbling baritone fits the raspiness of the animals and the bumbling energy of the humans, and his personification lends resilience to the rats, who struggle with the burden of having thoughts and desires. Listeners will find themselves captivated by Briggs in this intriguing adventure.
Ages 10+Pub Date: Nov. 12, 2013
Duration: 6 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780062329523
Publisher: Harper Audio
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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