The Emerald Atlas by John StephensMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Kate's mother entrusted Kate with her two younger siblings. Kate was four years old. Flash forward ten years where the three siblings are shipped off to yet another orphanage. The eldest, Kate, desires to keep her family together. Michael continues to explore the world of dwarfs through a book from his father. Emma, the youngest, picks a fight with, well, anyone who crosses her. Their goal as a family is to remain together until their parents find them.
Cambridge Falls is their new location. They meet the adults of the orphanage Miss Sallow, Abraham and Dr. Stanislaus Pym. They explore their new home and find a blank book with an emerald cover. By sticking an old photo in the pages they are transported through time: Cambridge Falls in the past. New and ancient characters come to play - the Countess, Screechers, the Secretary and creatures from the mountain.
Stephans creates a fabulous fantasy novel. It's reminiscent of Lord of the Rings trilogy with magic, creatures and the hunt for a prized possession. Other reviewers comment about elements similar to Harry Potter and the Chronicles of Narnia. It was very compelling read. The next book cannot come soon enough.
Jim Dale returns to read this new trilogy. He's a solid reader for such a fantastical tale. I hope the publishers will continue using Dale for the next installments.
Audio Book Details...
The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens
Series: Book 1, The Books of Beginning
Read by Jim Dale
Produced by Listening Library
Number of Discs: 10
Total Time: 11 hours, 38 minutes
I loved this audiobook, too! Jim Dale does such a fantastic job with the characters' voices. I feel like I enjoyed the book so much more because of Jim Dale's reading, especially with the Scottish-accented dwarves! I thought the same about the story feeling like LOTR, HP, and Chronicles of Narnia.This is one I will be recommending to my elementary-aged patrons!
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Kimberly-Little Chute Library
I'm so glad you enjoy Emerald Atlas! Be on the look out for The Fire Chronicle (Book 2) coming later this year. I can't wait to hear what happens next in the Books of Beginning series!
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