Review: A Frozen Heart

Disney's Frozen is one of the top animated films right now. There have been numerous books and audiobooks about the story. A Frozen Heart by Elizabeth Rudnick is another one you can add to the list of available books. Rudnick's rendition of Frozen is a chapter book for older elementary readers. She focuses on the characters of Anna and Hans. She created backstory for the characters and offers their perspective of the events that the movie shares with the audience.

A Frozen Heart was a fine story. I played the audiobook hoping for a twisted tale of Frozen. I was disappointed. It was Frozen. I wanted to stop the book and start a different one, but I was all ready committed. I listened to all 6 CDs. If you're a Frozen fan, by all means find a copy and give a listen! If you're looking for something completely different on this new classic, you could pass.

Narrator Andrew Eiden did a fine job sharing the story between two characters. He was not dynamic with voices, but he gave the characters different nuances. I previously heard him narrate another Frozen tale: Journey to the Lights. I would listen to him again.



Reviewed from a library copy.

Audio Book Details...
A Frozen Heart by Elizabeth Rudnick
Read by Andrew Eiden
Produced by Disney / Blackstone Audio
Number of Discs: 6
Total Time: 7 Hours, 32 minutes
Release Date: September 2016
ISBN: 9781504751049

Review: Frozen Northern Lights: Journey to the Lights

Welcome back to the world of Frozen!  Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and friends continue their adventures in Frozen Northern Lights: Journey to the Lights! A rock troll, Little Rock, is ready for a new crystal and with the help of his friends he will earn his tracking crystal.

I felt that author, Suzanne Francis (Disney Press) captured the character very well. Olaf was so Olaf and everyone else seemed true to their personalities first introduced in the movie. If readers want more Frozen, this is a fine book. I could hear the kid appeal. I was intrigued to see where the story would go as I did enjoy the movie. I doubt that I would listen to this book again. I would recommend this book to Frozen fans or young listeners who are earning badges.

Narrator Andrew Eiden was a fine narrator for Frozen Northern Lights: Journey to the Lights. He had different character voices and youthfulness in his narration. I would listen to him again.

Reviewed from an Audiobook Jukebox copy. Thank you, Blackstone Audio!

I received this audiobook for free from Audiobook Jukebox for an honest review.

Audio Book Details...
Frozen Northern Lights: Journey to the Lights by Suzanne Francis
Read by Andrew Eiden
Produced by Blackstone Audio / Disney Press
Number of Discs: MP3 download (20 parts)
Total Time: 2 hours, 23 minutes
Release Date: July 19, 2016
ASIN: B01INXXGJW

The Family of Jesus

The Family of Jesus by Karen Kingsbury

Many readers have fallen in love with Karen Kingsbury and her many, many books and series. I cannot recollect picking up one of her titles until now. Her previous titles were set in modern times with modern themes. I typically read historical fiction. The Family of Jesus is one of her newest titles and it is historical fiction. It's also a creative insight to Bible stories.

Kingsbury created a book that follows the life a Jesus through the eyes of His relatives. Kingsbury's timeline for this book goes from Mary and Joseph's betrothal to Jesus death and resurrection. The order of individual is Joseph (Jesus' stepfather), Zechariah (father of John the Baptist who is Jesus' cousin), John the Baptist (Jesus cousin), Elizaeth (mother of John the Baptist who is Jesus' cousin), James (step-brother of Jesus), and Mary (mother of Jesus).

The moments shared between the people in Jesus' life overlap a little, but Kingsbury wove a start to finish story. Joseph relays his betrothal to Mary, angel visits, Jesus birth, and Jesus visit to the temple when he was 12. Zechariah shares his lot during Passover, the angel visit, John's birth, and John's life before his step into ministry. John the Baptist talks about his ministry, his cousin Jesus, and his arrest by the king. Elizabeth bares the pain of John's death with Zechariah and the blessing of a visit from cousin Mary (Jesus' mother). James' reflects on the craziness of his brother Jesus and His strange ministry to say that He is the son of God. James follows him all the way to the Crucifixion. Mary concludes the short stories with her knowledge of the Messiah, her son. She follows him until the end - Jesus' death and resurrection from the dead.

Listeners (and readers) keep in mind that Kingsbury anchored her storytelling in the Bible. She placed moment in the Bible first in her timeline, when wove a story around those moments. It's not a question of did it happen, but could it have happened. I believe that her goal was to give listeners (and readers) a deeper understand about the people in the Bible - how they might have felt, what trials they were going through, how they relied on each other and loved each other. These short stories are perfect to hear (or read) and reflect upon.

These stories were meant for a Bible study series, either personally or in a group. MP3 files of the Bible study are available on the last disc. I would have preferred pdf files to print off the Bible study, but my copy was an audiobook copy. I'm not sure if they could add pdf files to an audio disc or if the publisher would have needed to add an additional disc to the collection. Perhaps on the next collection they can investigate printable files...

All in all this was a very fast and very enjoyable listen. The stories reminded me of a mix between the 1980's You Are There dramatized Bible stories and Adventure in Odyssey Bible retellings which I grew up enjoying. If you are of fan of dramatized Bible stories, I would highly recommend this book. I think it would be a very interesting Bible study series with a group of friends as well.

Two narrators shared the stories from The Family of Jesus. Kirby Heyborne represented the four males and January LaVoy represented the two females. I have heard Heyborne before, but LaVoy was a new narrator for me. I enjoyed Heyborne's renditions of the various Bible characters. He had a serious, straight forward approach with caring in his voice. Each voice was slightly different, but nothing too exaggerated. It was very pleasant.

LaVoy's voice came across a bit more forceful. Mary and Elizabeth were fine and had different vocal qualities, so the listeners could sense the difference of age between the cousins. Her male voices came off strange. They sounded forced in way that LaVoy's range didn't reach that far down on the scale. I understand the difficulty of narrating male voices, so it is what it is.

I'll be interested to see who narrates the following books in the Life-Changing Bible Study series. The next book is set come out in Summer 2015. I'm looking forward to it!

Reviewed from an Audiobook Jukebox copy. Thank you, Simon & Schuster Audio!

Audio Book Details...
The Family of Jesus by Karen Kingsbury
Series: Book 01 Life-Changing Bible Study Series 
Read by Kirby Heybourne and January LaVoy
Produced by Simon & Schuster Audio
Number of Discs: 5
Total Time: 6 hours
ISBN: 9781442364547

Review: Frozen: The Junior Novelization

Frozen: The Junior Novelization by Walt Disney Company

As the title suggests, Frozen: The Junior Novelization is a written out story of the Disney movie Frozen which came out in 2013. The audio of Frozen the chapter book came out in 2014.

Overall the stories are very similar, but the novel fleshes out the storyline a bit more. The songs are not sung in the audio, but the atmosphere of the celebrations are mentioned. The story follows the movie closely. Only two strange items were mentioned that caught my attention - Kristoff's wagon and someone wearing goggles. I don't recall Kristoff driving wagon, but a sled and I don't remember any goggles in the movie. Those two items stood out for me, but all in all that is very minor. Frozen fans will enjoy this version of the popular movie. It is a chapter book, so it might be advanced for little listeners, but if the youngsters want to listen -- by all means share the story!

Andi Arndt narrators the Frozen story. She did a fine job. It was not overly exciting or dry and dull, but right in the middle. If readers are expecting the different characters voices, please remember that the book is read by one narrator. The voices will be slightly different from each other, but they won't be as different as a separate reader for each person.

Reviewed from an Audiobook Jukebox copy. Thank you, Blackstone Audio!

Audio Book Details...
Frozen The Junior Novelization by Disney Press
Read by Andi Arndt
Produced by Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Number of Discs: MP3 download (2 parts)
Total Time: 2 hours, 18 minutes
ISBN: 9781483019635

OverDrive & For Young Women Only

Are you familiar with OverDrive? They are a digital resource that shares eBooks and Audiobooks. It typically can be found through your local library. With your library card, you have access to an amazing amount a free materials.

Previously, I only used OverDrive for my eReader. It's free, fast, and works with a wide range of devices! Recently, I downloaded the app for my super phone and figured out how to download an audiobook.

Wow! What a smooth way to enjoy an audiobook! I downloaded an available book and listened to the whole thing in two days. (I started with a short title, so it could be enjoyed quickly.) With the fast turnaround, I feel that the world is at my fingertips! I cannot wait to dive in and enjoy more audios via my super phone.

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For Young Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn and Lisa Author Rice

For Young Women Only was created to give young women a glimpse into how males process information, build relationships, and relate to women. The information shared in this brief book was garnered from a nation-wide survey and focus groups. (The survey results can be viewed on the book's website.) Shaunti shares the results and adds tidbits of information from her other book, For Women Only as well as a few Bible passages throughout the text. I appreciated the time they took to research and share their findings. Lots of food for thought! I think this title can be read (or heard) multiple times over and enjoyed each time.

Ms. Feldhahm was the narrator for the book For Young Women Only. I originally heard Shaunti Feldhahn in an interview on the radio several years ago. It was good to hear her voice again as she shared her book. I would enjoy listening to her again.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Audio Book Details...
For Young Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn and Lisa Author Rice
Read by Shaunti Feldhahn
Produced by Oasis Audio 
Number of Discs: MP3 download (3 parts)
Total Time: 3 hours, 18 minutes
ISBN: 9781608142194

Fairy Realm 6 in 1 Collection

Fairy Realm 6 in 1 Collection by Emily Rodda

Fairy Realm 6 in 1 Collection contains the first six books of the Fairy Realm series by Emily Rodda. The complete series is as follows...

Book 01 - The Charm Bracelet
Book 02 - The Flower Fairies
Book 03 - The Third Wish
Book 04 - The Last Fairy-Apple Tree
Book 05 - The Magic Key
Book 06 - The Unicorn
Book 07 - The Star Cloak
Book 08 - The Water Sprites
Book 09 - The Peskie Spell
Book 10 -  The Rainbow Wand

Since I read The Fairy Realm series a few years ago, I only listened to book one, The Charm Bracelet. If you know of young readers you enjoy fantasy stories, I would highly recommend this series. The books average around 120 pages, so these books would be appropriate for readers interested in their first chapter book (usually around third grade).

The audiobook was produced by Bolinda Audio located in Victoria, Australia. This is my first listen from Bolinda Audio. The chapter headings were read by a gentleman, but the chapters were read by a woman, Lucy Bell. Music was added at the opening and close of each chapter as well as the segments when the story led to The Fairy Realm. The delicate, music box like melody fit the book well.  Lucy Bell shares the story fittingly. Her Australian accent is not usual to hear in the US, but it does not take away from the story. I believe young listeners will enjoy her voice.

An interesting side note was the echoing quality of the recording. I would attribute it to the recording room, but it could have been added as a sound effect.  The faint echo was bothersome to me, but I will let other listeners decide for themselves. At different points during the tale, the echo effect worked very well for the story setting.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Audio Book Details...
Fairy Realm 6 in 1 Collection by Emily Rodda
Read by Lucy Bell
Produced by Bolinda Audio
Number of Discs: 12
Total Time: 10 hours, 55 minutes

The Fire Chronicles

The Fire Chronicle by John Stephens

The three siblings return to another orphanage in hope of safety from their enemies. Unfortunately, their enemies find them and the children are on the run. Kate took ownership of the Emerald Atlas and reigned over traveling through time. Yet, as she escaped from an enemy she lost consciousness and trapped herself in the past. With Kate missing, Michael is head of the family and is entrusted to care for his little sister, Emma. Michael, Emma, Dr. Pym and Gabriel join forces to fight the their enemies, find the Fire Chronicle, and look for a way to bring Kate back to them.

Oh, John Stephens! There were no words when I finished listening to The Fire Chronicle. I could only give a loud shout of protest that the story was done. I don't want to give any details away from this amazing story. I want you to read it or listen to it. Stephens continues the chase scenes and the fight between good and evil. You think you can follow the story then an amazing twist arrives to make you stop and ponder, "What will happen next!?" It was so difficult to wait for The Fire Chronicle and now the waiting has intensified for book three. I think book three will be the most anticipated book for 2013.

The amazing Jim Dale returns to read The Fire Chronicle. His characters remain true to the first book and the new characters are equally fun and imaginative. My favorite voices were, well, come to think of it, hard to pinpoint. It was just amazing. I hope Dale will read the next installment of The Books of Beginning.

Reviewed from a library copy.


Audio Book Details...
The Fire Chronicle by John Stephens
Series: Book Two, The Books of Beginning
Read by Jim Dale
Produced by Listening Library
Number of Discs: 10
Total Time: 12 hours, 30 minutes

Floors

Floors by Patrick Carman

Welcome to the Wippet Hotel! The Wippet was created by an excentric gentlemen who excelled at creating strange inventions. Each floor of the hotel is unique and full of surprises and adventures. No one knows the ins and outs better then the janitorial staff of the Fillmore family. Leo Fillmore discovers all this and more when a mysterious box is discovered...which leads to more myserious boxes.

Carman writes an amazingly imaginative tale that will appeal to a wide range of listeners. If you need a book that needs to span a range of ages during a roadtrip, this is an excellent selection. The older listeners might be able predict the some plot points, but there are plenty of surprises along the way. The ending wraps up happily with hints at more Wippet adventures.

Jesse Bernstein reads the first Floors novel. The narrator is well-known for his reading of The Lightning Thief and the Percy Jackson series. His voice is youthful and he differentiates between the characters. I prefer consistancy between books, so if the Floors series continues, I hope Berstein will return to tell the tale.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Audio Book Details...
Floors by Patrick Carman
Series: Book One, Floors
Read by Jesse Bernstein
Produced by Scholastic Audiobooks
Number of Discs: 5
Total Time: 6 hours, 10 minutes

The Flint Heart

The Flint Heart by Katherine Paterson

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Jump into the world of British fairy tales! John Paterson and his wife Katherine freely adapted Eden Phillpott's original story, The Flint Heart. They modernized the tale for today's readers. If you are a lover of fairy tales, find this treasure. Brilliance Audio also included an amazing afterword with Katherine Paterson.

The story reminds me of Alice in Wonderland. The pieces fit together, but in unexpected ways. Mysterious creatures and inanimate objects come to life! Reader Ralph Lister is enjoyable to hear. His UK training is appreciated considering this is an English story.

When you finish this tale, you might be interested in finding the original. The Flint Heart is an old story and isn't easy to find. I recommend Google Books to view of copy of Philpott's original tale.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Audio Book Details...
The Flint Heart freely adapted by Katherine Paterson & John Paterson
Read by Ralph Lister
Produced by Brilliance Audio
Number of Discs: 4
Total Time: 4 hours, 10 minutes

Fablehaven

Brandon Mull created the world of Fablehaven in 2006. The idea of a sanctuary for mystical creatures intrigued me and I set the book on my "to-read" list. It wasn't until I discovered the audiobook of Fablehaven at the library in 2009. What a great solution! I will listen to Fablehaven. I was blown away by the story and the narrator E. B. Stevens. I was also thrilled to have jumped in late as a reader. I only needed to wait one year for the last installment of Fablehaven. I don't want to give too much information away, but I want to interest every reader (or listener) to find Fablehaven and enjoy Mull's creation.

Fablehaven opens with Seth and Kendra being dropped off at their Grandparent's home. They have never been there and they would rather not be there. Grandpa welcomes his grandchildren and shares a mystery with Kendra. Kendra uncovers a secret and precocious Seth follows right along (at least when he's not running ahead and getting into trouble). When the siblings realize the enormity of Fablehaven's existance, there is no going back to living normal. Their journey continues as they meet friends, enemies, creatures of light and creatures of dark. Friends and loved ones come and go, but Fablehaven needs to stand so the Sorenson family has a home and the world will not be overrun by dark creatures.

I could listen to this series over and over again. Mull's play with words is fantastic. He doesn't use simple words for little listeners (or readers). Adults, teens and tweens will enjoy these novels. Similar to Rowling, Mull doesn't shy away from difficult subjects including betrayal, loss and battle. As people have stated for years..."I laughed, I cried, it was great!"

The narrator, E. B. Stevens is amazing. Stevens created so much feeling with each character. Some characters required a some computer enhancing, but it did not take away from the storyline. I believe it enhanced the characters. Stevens creativity places next to Jim Dale in my book. I look forward to hearing Stevens' voices again.

Fablehaven (2006)
8 CDs and 9 hrs, 30 mins
Rise of the Evening Star (2007)
10 CDs and 12 hrs
Grip of the Shadow Plague (2008)
11 CDs and 13.6 hrs
Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary (2009)
12 CDs and 15.6 hrs
Keys to the Demon Prison (2010)
14 CDs and 17 hrs, 45 mins

Fear Itself

Fear Itself by Andrew Clements

Fear Itself is the second book in the Benjamin Pratt & the Keepers of the School series by Andrew Clements. Clements continues the story right immediately from book one - We the Children. The closing scene involves preparations for a boat race. The opening scene is the boat race. Mystery, adventure, and believable characters keeps these tales moving! Clements uses cliffhangers very well in Keepers of the School. I'm at the edge of my seat waiting for book three - Whites of Their Eyes - coming January 2012.

I was pleased to hear the return of narrator Keith Nobbs. Continuing with the same reader for books in a series is very appreciated! I hope to hear more from Nobbs in 2012.

Reviewed from a library copy.


Audio Book Details...
Fear Itself by Andrew Clements
Series: Book 2, Benjamin Pratt & the Keepers of the School
Read by Kevin Nobbs
Produced by Simon Schuster Audio
Number of Discs: 3
Total Time: 3 hours, 30 minutes

Flawed Dogs: The Shocking Raid on Westminster

Flawed Dogs: The Shocking Raid on Westminster by Berkeley Breathed



The idea of Flawed Dogs is very catchy. Who doesn't want to see an underdog succeed? The adorable dachshund on the cover with a ladle for a leg peaked my curiosity. I am sad to say that the story didn't meet my expectations. The storyline jumped between scenes quickly. Many times I hit rewind to repeat sections of the novel. Johnny Heller read very well. Sadly, Berkeley Breathed wrote a choppy novel that has a time setting of three years (with a year unwritten because of the horrible events that take place at that time.) I wonder what the author was reaching for in this novel: revenge, redemption, creating an anti-hero or even a Byronic hero. I can't put my finger it. My heart broke listening to the outcome of Sam the Lion. Incidentally, the Flawed Dogs troupe had very minimal appearances or action throughout this story. A brief introduction and then the shocking raid on Westminster. Regretfully, I cannot urge you to listen to this book. Perhaps it is a better book story, then a CD story. How do you rate this book?

Reviewed from a library copy.


View all my reviews

Audio Book Details...
Flawed Dogs: The Shocking Raid on Westminster by Berkley Breathed
Read by Johnny Heller
Produced by Recorded Books
Number of Discs: 4
Total Time: 3 hours, 45 minutes