The Burning Bridge

By: John Flanagan

Narrated by: William Zappa

Length: 7 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

As the Kingdom of Araluen prepares for war against Morgarath, Will and Horace accompany the Ranger Gilan on a mission to Celtica. But Celtica's villages and mines are silent. Only an exhausted and starving girl called Evanlyn can tell them why: Morgarath has sent his foul creatures to enslave the Celts. While Gilan rides swiftly back to Araluen to report this news to the King, Will and Horace discover the true purpose behind Morgarath's actions. The Kingdom is sure to be defeated in a surprise three-sided attack – unless they can find a way to prevent it.

©2005 John Flanagan. (P)2007 Bolinda Publishing

Great story

My grandson is 10 he loves these stories he
can’t wait for the next one

Enjoyed the story

If you could sum up The Burning Bridge in three words, what would they be?

A fun adventure with charming young folks. It was fun to see the young apprentice grow in capability and daring. The young princess was courageous also.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I liked Will, because he started with so little in the way of stature, birth and schooling; but managed to develop strength and skill against all odds.

What about William Zappa’s performance did you like?

He read the story like a story, and kept me involved.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

A David and Goliath film, and a trio of young adventurers similar to Harry Potter, Ron and Hermione.

Any additional comments?

fun read.

Even better than the first book

Our obsession with Rangers continues. My boys love the books. Makes for a quiet car trip. This book ramped up the excitement and suspense - can't wait to download the next one.

great series

I love this series this is the secoundvtime through and love it more than the first time

What a shame it's missing four chapters...

What did you like best about The Burning Bridge? What did you like least?

I bought this audiobook, along with the others recorded by William Zappa, for my reluctant reading son to follow along with on Kindle... and we discovered that this version is missing four chapters and subsequently a funny sub-plot that is mentioned later in the series. Otherwise it would been 5 stars all round!!!

The recordings did the trick however, and he is now hooked. It is a shame that Audible have not yet purchased rights to distribute books 4-6 by the same publisher and recorded with William Zappa. In addition, the American recordings are not available in the international market.

What did you like best about this story?

Friends got my 16 year-old daughter onto the series... and she got me. It was only a matter of time before my 12 year old son to wanted in on the act and the audiobook enabled that.

John Flanagan uses rich language and there's never a dull moment. Fantastic storytelling, though a little predictable at times.

What does William Zappa bring to the story that you wouldn???t experience if you just read the book?

Born and raised in Canada, I now live in New Zealand... and I choose William Zappa's recording over the American narrator because he seemed more natural given the roots and setting of the story - Araluen ain't America folks...

Zappa is a highly skilled orator with clear enunciation and narrates at a perfect cadence. He commands a host of brilliant voices, bringing life to Flanagan's stunning cast of characters. Listening to Zappa recreated the reading experience; he brings the story to life and entices your imagination.