The Woodcutter

By: Kate Danley

Narrated by: Sarah Coomes

Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

Deep within the Wood, a young woman lies dead. Not a mark on her body. No trace of her murderer. Only her chipped glass slippers hint at her identity.

The Woodcutter, keeper of the peace between the Twelve Kingdoms of Man and the Realm of the Faerie, must find the maiden’s killer before others share her fate. Guided by the wind and aided by three charmed axes won from the River God, the Woodcutter begins his hunt, searching for clues in the whispering dominions of the enchanted unknown.

But quickly he finds that one murdered maiden is not the only nefarious mystery afoot: one of Odin’s hellhounds has escaped, a pixie-dust drug trade runs rampant, and more young girls go missing. Looming in the shadows is a malevolent, power-hungry queen, and she will stop at nothing to destroy the Twelve Kingdoms and annihilate the Royal Fae…unless the Woodcutter can outmaneuver her and save the gentle souls of the Wood.

©2012 Kate Danley (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Great story

I really enjoyed this book. It cleverly incorporated many fairy tales and childhood stories into a cohesive adventure. I personally didn't like the narrator's style, particularly regarding the main character, Woodcutter, who sounded like an oaf. But aside from that minor annoyance I highly recommend this book.

Charming and so creative!

This is a charming book and I just loved it. The story is so creative and the narrator (Sarah Coomes) was perfect with different voices and accents. I was just sorry to have it end.

Only three stars because...

While being a good, even clever, mishmash of many of the more familiar fairy tales we grew up with, I think this story was a bit long and rather hard to follow. It also ran the gamut from dark to silly and back again, failing to really incorporate the two into something cohesive.

I liked the Woodcutter himself, but most of the other characters were either cliche or bland. I realise that in fairy tales Good is ever and always thoroughly Good, and Evil is wicked to the core, but a little more character development could have made this one more palatable.

The narrator was good if a little too melodramatic - however, given the mood and tone of the story, she probably didn't have much choice about how to present it. I would happily give her another listen, as she had a pleasant voice and gave the characters distinct voices.

So good!

I was very surprised by this story, it was way better than I ever expected! It made me wish I was reading the book, not because the narrator was bad, but because the story has so much detail that it would have been nice to spend more time envisioning the landscape and characters that are explained and described. I loved this story. The only thing is the narrators voices for some of the character was distracting. But overall I am very very pleased!

The best fairy tale adaptation

I don't even have the words to say how much I loved this book. So many fairy tales and myths wrapped up in one amazing adventure.

Interesting story and overall a fun listen

Would you consider the audio edition of The Woodcutter to be better than the print version?

I didn't particularly like the way the book was read. While I thought some voices were beautifully done, overall I found it to be too dramatically read. For almost everything, including the chapter titles, she used a dramatic breathy voice. So I guess the answer to this would be yes, but conditionally.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the way the author played with the different fairy tales and wove them into the story. It was fun to recognize the stories...and yet...not. And to think about some kind of presence in the background making sure everything happens as it should and things don't spin out of control. Except they did...and that is the story :)

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

The narrator could have chosen her moments to heighten the drama with her voice more carefully.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I don't want to give away any of the good bits. There were lots of moving moments. It is a fairy tale so there is lots of excitement.

Phenomenal book/great reader

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely! There is nothing like a great story re-written with a twist that makes the original story even better. Fairy tales were contrived to teach young people about the ways of the world, and Kate Danley managed to maintain that same principle while giving the familiar tales a whole new angle to look from.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Woodcutter?

The idea of the Woodcutter as a unifying element to many different fairy tales.

Which scene was your favorite?

When the Woodcutter receives the kiss of true love.

Any additional comments?

How on earth did Audible.com allow to have only one of Kate Danley's books in their catalogue??! MORE MORE MORE!

Pleasant Surprise!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. I enjoy fantasy fiction. I also love the woods, and nature.....what an amazing find for me. Listening helps me to escape the everyday problems.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Woodcutter?

When I realized characters from children's fairy tales were integrated into the story...it was a wonderful surprise. I hadn't thought of those stories for years!

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

No I never listened to her before. Actually I looked for other titles she narrated and I don't think they are for me. I think some of the reviewers were harsh. Some voices were beautiful and fit the characters. I always think it is difficult for any man or woman reader, to do the opposite sex. I have actually stopped listening to several books because the narration was really irritating to listen to. I think she did a good job.

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

No, but I did find myself wanting to listen more and more. It did make me smile a lot,

Any additional comments?

I truly enjoyed this book. It is not Watership Down, but I found it more interesting then "The Bees"! The fact that I am taking time to write a review, means that I liked it!,,, I listen to a lot of audiobooks and don't always take the time to write a review.

Delightful story & very well narrated.

I enjoyed the comfortable feeling of "known characters" while not truly knowing what would come.

Beautiful

A wonderful mix of fantasy and fairy tale. So brilliantly read that you feel like you are right there beside the Woodcutter. This is an experience!