Brianna

I was very surprised by some of the reviews I saw for this audio book. I have the entire series and have loved them since I was seven or so years old (now 22). My dad used to play them for me when I was going to sleep at night--I would be carried off into the land of hobbits within seconds of starting the story, and soon I would be sound asleep. It was also good for keeping out the monsters under the bed...the the ring wraiths are rather scary.

I can see why some of the voices might annoy some first time listeners, but for children or those still light at heart and willing to really give it a chance, I think it is a wonderful way to enjoy the book when you don't have that much time.

If you don't like the American accents , think they sound too much like cartoon characters, or just want the unabridged version, I suggest the CD set read by "Rob Inglis." He does a wonderful job of reading the story, and should satisfy those of you who are not looking for what is offered here.

As a final note, Gandolf's voice is probably one of the deepest, so if you can't stand the first bit, you probably won't like the rest of it.

This review is a long time in coming. I first purchased this audio book on a whim back in 2007. Probably close to the time it first came out. At that time I had no idea who D.M. Cornish was, and had very little idea of what the book was about. I certainly didn't expect the rich and wonderfully detailed world that I found within. Not that I can say I regret it in the least. :-)

The Monster Blood Tattoo trilogy/series (In the US: The Foundling's Tale), is a classic adventure in many ways. There is an Orphaned boy. He goes on an adventure. Mysterious things happen. His prior views of the world are brought into question. The character grows... But the texture and detail of the world that it takes place in takes a fairly basic (though enjoyable) tale and turns it into something much more. This story has stood the test of time with me. I do not listen to it constantly, but it is a story that I come back to again and again. The trilogy is over, but I cannot wait for this man to write another book.

As for this particular book in the series, it is a gentle start. It reads as though it was written with children in mind, but for kids that are able to stomach a bit of fighting here and there and even the occasional scary moment. Nothing too horribly graphic in this story, but if you have a sensitive or very young child I suggest listening to it once first.

The reader has a very pleasant voice. Not too deep, not to high and his accent adds an extra sense of mystique to the story.

In short, this is a fantastic series that should be on every fantasy and adventure lovers shelf. If you happen to be a child, that's fantastic and I hope your imagination adds even more depth to this already fabulous world, but if you are an adult don't let that scare you away. If you like fantastical tales, adventures, and stories where the main character goes on a quest to ultimately find themselves at the end of it, then this is a good story for you.

Mr. Quin is like no other Detective you have met...in fact, one could say that he really is not the detective of these stories--but what a wonderful character and mystique he adds to them! Agatha Christie may be famous for Poirot and Ms. Marple, but in my opinion the short stories of Mr. Quin take the cake.

In this series of short stories you can expect to meet a mysterious dark man, an older gentleman that loves to watch--and participate--in human drama as it unfolds, and a wide variety of mysteries to slake your thirst. Some of these mysteries are more of the standard affair: A dinner where the diners try to solve the mystery of a suicide, a Murder Mystery, or a disappearance. Other stories however focus on a mystery that is only a mystery as the story unfolds. What the mystery is must be slowly discovered like the fragrances of a delicate chocolate slowly melting on the tongue. Then, at the end, a delightful solution.

If you enjoy mystery and that feeling of magic in the air with a touch of detection, this is the series of short stories for you!

If you loved A Wrinkle in Time, you will certainly enjoy this revisit to Earth with the classic characters of Meg, Calvin, and Charlie--plus there are a few new favorites to add!

Whereas A Wrinkle in Time explored the Universe and the concepts of time and distance--not to mention an all power evil--A Wind in the Door brings Meg and the rest of the gang back together in an exhilarating ride to save Charlie's life.

If you have ever wondered if there might be an entire universe within your own body, perhaps a solar system expanding within every cell, than this book is for you!

Quirky and spontaneous, logical, and yet completely not, Madeleine L'Engle is one of the must-read children's authors of our time (yes, even for adults!).

I have loved these books for as long as I can remember, and now--as an adult revisiting them--I can truly say that she has put together a masterpiece.