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Friday, September 6, 2013

Audio Review: The Spindlers by Lauren Oliver

Title: The Spindlers
Author: Lauren Oliver
Narrator: Simon Vance
Publisher: Listening library
Format: Unabridged Audio
Length: 4 hrs: 50 mins
Publication: October 2, 2012
Source: Library
Genre: Middle Grade


Synopsis: Evocative of Alice in Wonderland, this novel from New York Timesbestselling author Lauren Oliver is a bewitching story about the reaches of loyalty and the enduring power of hope.

Looking across the breakfast table one morning, twelve-year-old Liza feels dread wash over her. Although her younger brother, Patrick, appears the same, Liza knows that he is actually quite different. She is certain that the spindlers—evil, spiderlike beings—came during the night and stole his soul. And Liza is also certain that she is the only one who can rescue him.

Armed with little more than her wits and a huge talking rat for a guide, Liza descends into the dark and ominous underground to save Patrick's soul. Her quest is far from easy: she must brave tree-snakes, the Court of Stones, and shape-shifting scawgs before facing her greatest challenge in the spindlers' lair, where more than just Patrick's soul is at stake.

My Thoughts: This is the incredibly cute story of Liza's journey to save her brother's soul. The spider like spindler creatures have captured Patrick soul and replaced him with a changeling. Liza faces some big challenges including navigating the underground realm and a toxic river. This is a great read for middle grade readers. It is full of adventure and mystery. 

Liza is strong willed and determined. These characteristics bode well in helping her complete the task she has set out on. Liza's judge of character may be questioned during the story, however, she must work with what she is given. 

This is an unabridged single voiced audio. The original work is appropriate for audio adaption. Simon Vance did a wonderful job with the narration. It was not difficult to identify the various characters during the production. His performance brought each character to life. Pacing was well maintained throughout the production and the plot flows without interruption.


1 comment:

  1. I really enjoyed Lauren Oliver's book Before I Fall and her Delirium series. I look forward to reading this book. Thanks for your thoughts.

    ReplyDelete