This steampunk homage to PETER PAN pits German marauders against young survivors of war and a deadly virus that decimated the adult population. On the run in Everland (postwar London), Gwen may be "the immune"—the key to the world’s survival. Fiona Hardingham and Steve West narrate chapters, alternating between the points of view of Gwen and Hook, the German captain. West, as Hook, slowly reveals a depth of feeling below Hook’s icy and villainous exterior, waiting for the narrative to reveal clues first. Hardingham's excellent character voices and variety of accents help the listener differentiate the large cast of youthful characters including Gwen and her siblings; Gwen’s love interest, Pete; the Lost Boys; and Pete’s young sidekick, Bella. Hardingham handles the few sentimental scenes with aplomb.
(Urban fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: May 10, 2016
Duration: 9 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780545945912
Publisher: Scholastic Audiobooks
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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