Spellbound

The Books of Elsewhere, Volume 2

By: Jacqueline West

Narrated by: Lexy Fridell

Length: 6 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

The mysteries grow deeper and the secrets darker in the second volume of the New York Times best selling Books of Elsewhere series - perfect for fans of Small Spaces, Coraline, and James Howe's Bunnicula classics. With no way into the McMartin house's magical paintings and its three guardian cats reluctant to help, Olive's friend Morton is still trapped inside Elsewhere. So when Rutherford, the new oddball kid next door mentions a grimoire - a spellbook - Olive sees a glint of hope. If she can find the McMartins' spellbook, maybe she can help Morton escape Elsewhere for good. Unless, that is, the book finds Olive first. The house isn't the only one keeping secrets anymore. You'll never guess what happens next in this thrilling, chilling fantasy series, perfect for fans of Pseudonymous Bosch, Septimus Heap, and Lemony Snicket.

Enchanted? Listen to more Books of Elsewhere.

©2011 Jacqueline West (P)2011 Penguin

Critic reviews

“Middle grade writing as it should be.” (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

“A suspenseful read that leaves plenty of room for the next title in the series.” (School Library Journal)

“A delightful tale filled with magic, adventure, danger and...[the] challenges of growing up.” (MonstersandCritics.com)

It's okay

What did you like best about Spellbound: The Books of Elsewhere, Volume 2? What did you like least?

The reader was good.

Would you ever listen to anything by Jacqueline West again?

probably not.

What does Lexy Fridell bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She did a good job. I wouldn't mind hearing her in another book.

Did Spellbound: The Books of Elsewhere, Volume 2 inspire you to do anything?

not really.

Any additional comments?

I read the series to see if it would get better. Nope.

Very Cute and Entertaining

What made the experience of listening to Spellbound: The Books of Elsewhere, Volume 2 the most enjoyable?

It moved at a good clip and remained interesting

What was one of the most memorable moments of Spellbound: The Books of Elsewhere, Volume 2?

While it was a story for a young reader I, as an adult, enjoyed it.

Have you listened to any of Lexy Fridell’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Lexy delivered a great voice for all the voices

Ok kids fantasy, Didnt care for reader

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Hard to say. It was mildly interesting, though Olive's actions sometimes annoyed me. (I guess I should cut her a break since she is a kid, but still its hard to watch someone make bad decisions.) I was also hoping for more closure for Morton but if that's coming it will have to wait til a later book.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

The is book 2 of a series of (at least) 4. Readers should know that this is basically a cliffhanger. You clearly need to read more books to finish the story of Olive, Morton and the cats. I'll probably read the next one but am not in a rush to do it.

Would you be willing to try another one of Lexy Fridell’s performances?

I would but I really didn't like the voices she used for the characters. Very over the top.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Yes, I think they could make a good movie if the story completes.

Attention Grabber for Kids

Where does Spellbound: The Books of Elsewhere, Volume 2 rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Excellent sequel to the original book. I couldn't wait to download the book and find out what happens. Listening to the audio really adds another dimension to reading the story. The narrator's voice draws you into the story!!!!!

Which character – as performed by Lexy Fridell – was your favorite?

The three cats - she captures their personalities to a T!

Lexy fridells voice

everything about it makes the perfect book. big, mysterious house, cats that talk, fantasy colliding with real life and a mystery to solve to go with it.

Great book.My kids love it.Looking forward to more

What did you love best about Spellbound: The Books of Elsewhere, Volume 2?

Creative, entertaining, scary, exciting, fun for my whole family.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Spellbound: The Books of Elsewhere, Volume 2?

When Olive almost gets stuck in the picture frame at the end but instead just allows the bad guy get away. Why didn't she start her on fire!!!

What does Lexy Fridell bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

An obnoxious voice. The book was great, but we didn't like the readers voice impersonations of the other authors.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No. It was just enjoyable as a whole, not really extreme emotion provoking.

Fantastic Listen for the whole family!

Another book that the family doesn't want to stop listening too in the car --- get the "awwww can't we drive around more dad?"

Fun series for all ages - we have two girls 10 and 8 - we eagerly await the 3rd book in the series... :)