Review: A Whole New World: A Twisted Tale

A Whole New World begins a new series of Twisted Tales by Liz Braswell. A Whole New World is a dark new telling of Disney's Aladdin. Jafar takes center stage when he takes possession of the lamp and leaves Aladdin to die in the Cave of Wonders.

The known Disney characters do appear in the story - genie, Abu, Rajah, Iago, Sultan, Jasmine, Jafar, Aladdin, and magic carpet. Liz Braswell also introduces a tribe of street rats. Aladdin knows them but doesn't associate with them because they steal more than they need. But as the darkness of Jafar's rule overshadows Agrabah, he seeks out his old friends. It is time to unite and overthrow Jafar and his mad rule.

I need to begin with applause for Liz Braswell for recreating a classic Disney tale. Readers will either love it or hate it if they have strong feelings toward (or against) the original story. I grew up watching Aladdin and it was a fun, fresh movie. I would not place it as a top favorite or leave it on a dusty shelf to be forgotten either. I guess I'm middle of the road, so I gave A Whole New World a listen. (Rewritten fairy tales also are a favorite genre of mine, too.)

The story begins very closely to the Disney movie version. There a some small twists and turns along the way until Jafar takes the lamp and leaves Aladdin to rot in the cave. Genie (or jinn) is still strange - knowing more than he should about places afar and trying to be humorous. He was okay. I would have liked to hear about a more classic/historical type jinn character, but it is what it is. Jasmine and Aladdin meet in Agrabah and Aladdin is fascinated with her. It goes so far as to talk about Jasmine's cinnamon breath. The romance is stronger than the movie. The dark madness of Jafar is creepy and shocking at times. I don't want to give anything away, but there was a moment or two a gasped aloud while listening.

I appreciated having the animals in the story. The best part of having the animals was that they were animals! No anthropomorphism. Thank you, Ms. Braswell. The magic carpet could also be placed here as well. It was more rug than character. Well done.

I would recommend this title to young adults or adults. The darkness and romance could be too much for some late grade schoolers or middlers. I probably won't listen to it again.

James Patrick Cronin narrates A Whole New World. This is the first time I've heard him narrate a book. I think it was well done. The characters were given different voices. The ladies voices were believable. His voice was youthful so it fit well with the young Aladdin. Blackstone Audio added intro and exit music and other than that each track flowed into the next.

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

Audio Book Details...
A Whole New World: A Twisted Tale by Liz Braswell
Read by James Patrick Cronin
Produced by Blackstone Audio
Number of Discs: MP3 download (28 parts)
Total Time: 8 hours, 38 minutes
Release Date: September 2015
ISBN: 9781504650120

Review: The Terrible Two

The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett and Jory John


Miles moves to a new town - Yawnee Valley. He is unimpressed with the new town that is known for their cows. Miles plans to be known as the prankster at his new school, Yawnee Valley Science and Letters Academy, as he begins his school day. Unfortunately, he is greeted by one of the greatest pranks he's ever seen - the principal's car blocking the front door to school! Before he knows it, Principal Barkin is accusing Miles of this prank and Miles is introduced to Niles, the school helper.

Authors Mac Barnett and Jory John have created a fun new book for older elementary and middle school students. It's been said that there will be more books to follow, but The Terrible Two is a great standalone book. It's a great book of humor and friendship. The characters can be extreme, like Principal Barkin being upset and red-faced most of the book, but it works! I can see readers loving this story. I think parents would be amused as well if families wanted to listen together during a car ride.

The book is illustrated by Kevin Cornell, but when you listen to the audiobook the only illustrations are in your imagination. I did not feel cheated by not seeing the illustrations.

Adam Verner narrated The Terrible Two. This is the first audiobook I've heard him read. It was well done. The characters were different and I think they're personalities showed through the voices he created. One character in particular got under my skin - Stuart. He liked to shout about the happenings in the story, so his voice needed to be "shouty." Stuart was definitely shouty ... and annoying. Currently, Stuart is a minor character, so I could live with his maddening voice. If the series continues, I hope Mr. Verner returns to narrate the rest of the Terrible Two saga.

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

Audio Book Details...
The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett and Jory John
Series: Book 1, The Terrible Two
Read by Adam Verner
Produced by Blackstone Audio
Number of Discs: MP3 download (38 parts)
Total Time: 3.4 Hours
ISBN: 9781481515290

The Incredible Journey

The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford

The only reference I had for The Incredible Journey was watching Disney's 1993 movie: Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey when I was younger. I figured it was (finally) time to read the original.

I checked out the Incredible Journey from my library's Overdrive collection, so I could enjoy it while I walked. It made an excellent companion because the animals were on the move and so was I! It also kept my interest as I relived that the Disney movie was far from the book. (But aren't most movie adaptations far from the book?)

I'll try not to play the comparison game between the two media forms. Each are great in the their own way. The biggest different was the location of the book - it's not America, it's Canada! The location made the journey so much harder because winter was coming. I say winter in Canada is harder because it is further North than the US. It's also wilder, less populated in certain parts of their country. (This book was written in 1960, when less people populated the earth and technology wasn't at everyone's fingertips.)

I appreciated that Burnford wrote about her animals as animals. They were not speaking to each other or holding conversations with humans or other critters. The author observed and reported the happenings on the journey. It made the story come alive in reality, rather than fantasy.

The audiobook version was narrated by Megan Follows. It took me a little bit to realize who was reading. (I checked out the book without paying attention to the narrator.) Her voice was so familiar and when I looked it up I was so pleased to read the name Megan Follows! She is known for her role as Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables. (One of my favorite film series.) Follows has a fine voice for narration. I also appreciated that Listening Library hired a Canadian to narrate a Canadian story. Something different in the recording was the use of music in the story. The music faded in when their were intense moments of the story. I thought that was very interesting. I think it was added to either warn younger readers about trouble ahead or heighten the emotions of the listener. Either way it was interesting. I don't think it took away from the story, but I'm not sure if it added anything either.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Audio Book Details...
The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford
Read by Megan Follows
Produced by Listening Library
Number of Discs: MP3 download (3 parts)
Total Time: 3 hours, 7 minutes
ISBN: 9780739360538

The Hero's Guide Series

The Hero's Guide Series by Christopher Healy, read by Bronson Pinchot
Book 01 - The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom
Book 02 - The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle


The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom was published in  2012. Being a fan of retold and fractured fairytales, I immediately added it to my to-read list. As more titles in the series were published my list got that much longer. Finally, I took the time to checkout and listen to Healy's manly retold fairytales.

They are laugh out loud hilarious! I enjoyed listening to them so much, I recommended them to others before I even finished the books. Christopher Healy focuses on the Prince Charmings, and/or Princes Charming, of various famous tales and gives them a country and a back story. Each prince has a different family life, different strengths and weaknesses, and different wardrobes. It's odd to mention wardrobes, but wardrobes do mean something in these tales. The princesses are also unique in personality as well as their strengths and weaknesses.

The first book brings all the princes together for the first time. They are fighting the bards' silly songs that don't share the truth of their stories! As they try to bring the truth to their lands, they stumble upon a nasty plot to bring down all the kingdoms. They need to work together to save everyone and their lands.

The second book follows up with the princes and their princesses. After their *soiler alert* success at saving their kingdoms, they need to handle their fame and their futures. The princes return home, but soon enough they need to band together. They need to save a powerful weapon that's in the wrong hands. As the title states, it is a Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle.

Between book one and book two, the characters and their personalities remained strong and sure. The consistency was fabulous. Book two brought well-known characters and new characters into the storyline. The danger, surprise, and plot twists in each novel were fantastic.

What truly brought the Hero's Guide series to life was narrator Bronson Pinchot. He gave each kingdom their own accent and each character their own voice and flair. I was astounded. Mr. Pinchot was amazing! The hilarious storyline brought together with the remarkable reading truly created a fantastical piece that will be well remembered. I cannot wait to hear the final installment of the Hero's Guide series, The Hero's Guide to Being an Outlaw.

Audio Book Details...
The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy
Series: Book One, Hero's Guide
Read by Bronson Pinchot
Produced by HarperCollins
Number of Discs: MP3 download (8 parts)
Total Time: 9 hours, 4 minutes
ISBN: 9780062222275

Audio Book Details...
The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle by Christopher Healy
Series: Book Two, Hero's Guide
Read by Bronson Pinchot
Produced by HarperCollins
Number of Discs: MP3 download (10 parts)
Total Time: 10 hours, 20 minutes
ISBN: 9780062329493

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

The Wig in the Window

The Wig in the Window by Kristen Kittscher


Meet Sophie Young and Grace Yang. They are seventh grade detectives as well as BFFs. Their newest case features Luna Vista's unbelievable middle-school counselor, Dr. Charlotte Agford. Young and Yang are teaming up to find out what's wrong the sickeningly sweet, fake counselor.

I selected this title, because it looked like a winner for young ladies who love mysteries. When I started listening, I thought it could be an alternate universe for pre-teen Veronica Mars and her friend Lily. But no, it is not an alternate universe for Marshmallows. Kittscher wrote her own standalone tween crime novel. It took me a while to appreciate this piece. The ridiculous body humor didn't appeal to me, but I can see it causing snickers in a middle school library.

The investigation became more complex as the story unfolded. I appreciated the plot twists (which I won't share, because I don't want to give anything away). The friendship storyline was also well written. Young and Yang are complete opposites, which can work well together, but also create some strife at times. Yet true friendship will stand the test of time and a dedicated detective will always get their man (or woman)!

This is the first time I have heard Amanda Philipson narrate a book. Her voices is well suited for bringing teenagers to life. She also had wonderful enthusiasm!

Reviewed from a library copy.

Audio Book Details...
The Wig in the Window by Kristen Kittscher 
 Read by Amanda Philipson
Produced by HarperCollins
Number of Discs: MP3 download (7 parts)
Total Time: 7 hours, 56 minutes
ISBN: 9780062283641

SYNC is Returning!

 SYNC 2014 is coming! Their blog just announced that another summer of amazing audiobooks are returning. If you're never heard of SYNC it is "the audiobook publishers’ and AudioFile Magazine’s commitment to introducing the listening experience to your young adult audience."

Over the summer they offer a pairing of two audiobooks each week. Typically they pair a classic title with a modern Young Adult piece. Something for everyone all summer long! They'll be announcing their lineup in late January. Be sure to check out their schedule next year!

Mr. Lincoln's High-Tech War

Mr. Lincoln's High-tech War by Thomas B. Allen


The Civil War is of great interest to thousands of Americans. It's a war that divided the nation. Authors Thomas B. Allen and Roger Macbride Allen focused on the war, but with a new aspect - the technology of the times. The main theme is technology and how Lincoln loved it and utilized it when possible.

For any Civil War enthusiast or history lover, this is an excellent non-fiction piece. The Allens shared information about Lincoln's patent (the only President to have one), the telegraph, the railroad, hot air balloons, the navy, and more. It's a fascinating look into history and how history influenced today's machinery and war tactics. I would recommend this title to anyone, whether they're young students or retired adults.

Fred Sullivan narrates Allen's book. It's an easy listen on the ears. The text doesn't call for dynamic reading, but Sullivan adds a bit of flair when needed. I would listen to a book narrated by Sullivan again.

Reviewed from an Audiobook Jukebox copy. Thank you, AudioGo!

Audio Book Details...
Mr. Lincoln's High-Tech War by Thomas B. Allen
Read by Fred Sullivan
Produced by AudioGo
Number of Discs: MP3 Download
Total Time: 4 hours, 10 minutes
ISBN: 9781620648759

Dad is Fat

Dad Is Fat by Jim Gaffigan


Dad is Fat by Jim Gaffigan is a specialized book. Gaffigan is a comedian, but also a dad. He wrote essays about parenting and put them together in book. It's not a book about parenting tips and tricks, it's about his observations and interpretations, as well as, life events as a parent. He's a father of five children in a two bedroom apartment in New York City. Quite a different lifestyle then my life, but I can enjoy the humor of it. If the reader is familiar with Gaffigan's comedy routines, they will hear (or read) some of comedy segments, but they are part of the story not a written standup act.

Gaffigan stayed true to reading his book. He's a fun and unique comedian, but his standup is very different from his reading of the book. It's a non-fiction book, yes, it's humorous, but no it's not going to be dynamic with crazy voices.


Reviewed from a library copy.

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Why is an adult audiobook on the Adolescent Audio Adventures blog?

Every once in a great while, I switch up my books. I enjoy Gaffigan's comedy and was excited to see his book available as an audiobook. I added it here, because this is my audiobook blog and parenting is a part of childhood. No, I would not recommend this title for children, but parents might appreciate it. Happy listening, friends!

A Tangle of Knots

A Tangle of Knots by Lisa Graff

Everyone has a talent - someone can whistle, someone can spit, another can knit, and one can bake amazing cakes. Each talent is unique and special. Some people know their talent and use it, while others continue to look for their talent. Everyone's stories and talents intermingle as history and modern events collide.

A Tangle of Knots was touted as a story similar to Savvy by Ingrid Law. I loved Savvy, so I requested this title as soon as I was able! Yes, the book reflects similar talents that characters discover and use. Yes, it can stand on its own. It also reminded me of Abby Carnelia's One and Only Magical Power by David Pogue. (I did prefer Savvy or A Tangle of Knots to Abby Carnelia.)

As the story unfolds, more characters (with their talents) are introduced. The stories are woven together as events evolve. One mysterious man (with a talent for knots) always seems to pop-up at fortunate and unfortunate times. The first couple chapters can be confusing, but as the story continues, it's a fun and adventurous tale. In addition to the interwoven tale, the author also includes cake recipes for the characters in the book.

Katie Honaker was a fun and creative narrator for this story. Her characters were distinct and varied. She read the recipes as well as the story. I was impressed with the sharing of the recipes. The recipes were timed well and they had fun sound effects and music underneath each recipe.

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

Other Audiobook Reviews...
http://hauntedorchid.blogspot.com/2013/02/audiobook-review-tangle-of-knots.html
http://www.goodbooksandgoodwine.com/2013/03/a-tangle-of-knots-lisa-graff-audiobook-review.html


Audio Book Details...
A Tangle of Knots by Lisa Graff
Read by Katie Honaker
Produced by Penguin Audio
Number of Discs: MP3 Download
Total Time: 4 hours, 9 minutes
ISBN: 9781101601877

The Mysterious Howling

Have you checkout Audiobook SYNC yet? It's an amazing summer celebration of free audiobooks! SYNC began week two with The Mysterious Howling and Jane Eyre. I've previously enjoyed The Mysterious Howling and adored it! (Below is my original review from GoodReads.) I would highly encourage you to give it a listen. Wood and Kellgren make an outstanding team!

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The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood


The beautiful cover art by Sarah Hoy drew me to The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place. Another bonus, I adore historical fiction. After reading the brief synopsis of the book, I knew that I had to read it, well, listen to it. Briefly, the story is about the common phrase, "You must have been raised by wolves!" Lord Ashton of Ashton Place found three children in his woods and decided to keep them. (Can you play finder's keepers with people?) Ashton and his newly wed wife employ fresh-faced Penelope Lumley to take the children in hand. The story follows Miss Lumley as she strives to train and education three rambunctious children.

Reader Katherine Kellgren gives an outstanding performance that will be enjoyed by the whole family. Each voice is very distinguishable and full of life. The story unfolds so humorously and mysteriously that I cannot wait to read the second installment of Maryrose Wood's series. If you enjoy topics such as England, governesses, English Literature and a good laugh, you will definitely enjoy this book. Happy reading!


Reviewed from a library copy.

Audio Book Details...
The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood
Series: Book One, The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place
Read by Katherine Kellgren
Produced by Listening Library
Number of Discs: 5
Total Time: 5 hours, 28 minutes
ISBN: 9780307711229

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If you enjoyed The Mysterious Howling, continue the adventure with ...
Book Two, The Hidden Gallery
Book Three, The Unseen Guest
Book Four, The Interrupted Tale (Coming September 2013)

Iron Hearted Violet

Iron Hearted Violet by Kelly Barnhill


Can you describe a princess? It's all relative. It's also changeable.

Violet is the Princess, but she's also extraordinary. She doesn't look like a beautiful princess told in stories all over the Multiverse, but she's courageous, imaginative, and friendly. She befriends Demetrius and they explore her castle with abandon, only to stumble upon a secret room and uncover a dark secret. The secret grows and brings unrest to their world. Destruction follows, but if they work together and uncover the truth, the kingdom can survive!

I listened to Barnhill's book between other stories and books, so it wasn't as smooth as my usually audiobook timing. I enjoy the fantasy genre and this ranks at the top for middle schoolers. If listeners (or readers) enjoy dragon tales, this would be a great pick for them. It also contains mystery, storytelling, and unlikely heroes. It's not a happy-go-luck, but mysterious while dark and sorrowful at times. I wouldn't recommend this to every reader, but if you're interested in fantasy or dragon stories, I would recommend you to give it a go! It's very unique, especially, because Violet doesn't share her story, but the castle's storyteller: Cassian.

Simon Vance narrates Iron Hearted Violet. As stated previously, the storyteller is a male voice, so having Mr. Vance read the story works very well with the text. He's a stellar reader and he offers a nice range of characters from ladies to gents and fantastical creatures.



Reviewed from an Audiobook Jukebox copy. Thank you, AudioGo!

Audio Book Details...
Iron Hearted Violet by Kelly Barnhill
Read by Simon Vance
Produced by AudioGo Ltd
Number of Discs: MP3 Download
Total Time: 7 hours, 21 minutes
ISBN: 9781619696006

SYNC is Coming!

"SYNC is the audiobook publishers’ and AudioFile Magazine’s commitment to introducing the listening experience to your young adult audience."

And they are amazing! Over the summer they strive to introduce listeners to a wide range of books. The extraordinary part of the SYNC project ... it's free! (Thank you! Thank you!! Thank you!!!) Every week they offer a new titles - one Young Adult title paired with one Classic title. They also offer a free tool kit for Libraries, Educators, Bloggers & Press to help share and promote this amazing service.

I cannot wait for May 30th! The summer begins with titles provided by AudioGo. They are sharing Of Poseidon by Anna Banks and The Tempest by William Shakespeare.