The Fire Chronicle

The Books of Beginning, Book 2

By: John Stephens

Narrated by: Jim Dale

Length: 12 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

It's been six months since Kate, Michael, and Emma confronted the Dire Magnus, but the trail to their long-missing parents remains cold. Then Michael and Emma find a man who saw them ten years ago - three days after they disappeared. He knows about a map of a distant land, a place shrouded in mystery that may lead them to their parents.

Meanwhile, Kate's connection to the Book of Time is growing stronger and stronger, until a dangerous trick gets her stuck in the past, searching for a friend to help her.

Only a perilous quest and a daring risk will help the children to harness the power of the Books of Beginning. But will it be enough to save them?

©2012 Listening Library; 2012 John Stephens

Critic reviews

“Fans of The Emerald Atlas will find much to love: the adventure-driven plot, a scattering of deliciously scary moments, and Stephens’s offbeat take on Tolkienesque dragons, dwarves, and elves are sure to delight." (Publishers Weekly, October 8, 2012)

“Fans of the first book won’t be disappointed, and will eagerly anticipate the next one. The Emerald Atlas was very good. This one is even better." (School Library Journal, starred review)

"Irreverent humor and swashbuckling adventure collide in a fetching fantasy." (Kirkus Reviews)

Jim dale is wonderful as always. good story,

endless cliffhangars, derived from many prior books such as harry potter and lord of the rings, enjoyable anyway

As wonderful as the first book

John Stephens has continued to keep the quality of his wonderful new series high and interesting. The value and enjoyment of these books are even greater because of Jim Dale's award winning skills as a narrator. If you liked the first book you will also like this one. It's definitely a series for younger people but that never stopped me from enjoying a book. Have fun!

Entertaining for all ages

Jim Dale is a excellent narrator for this type of adventure and much loved from his Harry Potter readings. That may explain why this series and plot thus far are so similar to Harry Potter. Michael with glasses and Harry with glasses! Even the studies of dwarves, elves, dragons and trolls appear borrowed from J.R.R. Tolkien. So while the first 2 books are enjoyable, it’s surprising how much of the stories influenced each other to become shared ideas.

Very entertaining

I am an adult, and as such not really the target audience for this series. Just an FYI. I chose this because I loved the work that Jim Dale did in the Harry Potter series.

This story is very good. Compelling, and keeps moving forward. The kids actually behave in reasonable ways. The magic is fun. I enjoyed it.

The one difficulty that I had was actually with the Dale narration: He uses a variety of voices and does them well, but it sounds odd when there is an echo of one of the Potter characters in the "voice" of characters in this series. It's just a bit disconcerting.

Still, very well done with plot, ends nicely, and I do love the narrator.

Thoroughly Enjoyable

Even if a bit predictable, it is a well written, and a well constructed story that you can lose yourself in. And Jim Dale is the best performer so it is highly recommended.

love it!

Where does The Fire Chronicle rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Was an amazing part two would recomend any child or adult to listen to this story because it will keep you interested and entertained the while time

Another exciting trilogy!

If you could sum up The Fire Chronicle in three words, what would they be?

An excellent sequel! Can't wait to read the 3rd volume!

What did you like best about this story?

The magic!

What about Jim Dale’s performance did you like?

Always wonderful! It is hard to set aside "Harry Potter Voices" when you hear him read.. but there was no problem here...

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

The escape!

Any additional comments?

Hope the 3rd one comes to Audible soon!

best second book in a series ever!

Action packed adventure and surprised along the way! Loving this series and starting the third book right now. Bravo!

Don't start the series if you are emotional!

Would you listen to The Fire Chronicle again? Why?

Yes! There is a rollercoaster of emotions within this story. I bet if I listen or even read it again, there will be something that cuts onions on me.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Fire Chronicle?

Every moment where Michael takes on a challenge. The fear and emotions he faces and the way he deals with it.

Which scene was your favorite?

Raif describing his past. I felt like I was there hearing the tale in person.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

If I had alotted the time I would have.

Any additional comments?

I should not have gotten started in this series. Too late..now I am emotionally attached to every character in this book, and I have no idea when the 3rd is coming out. Such torture!! Morever, I sometimes I would imagine my children in similar circumstances and i had to take a step back from that emotional cliff.

I feel like John Stephens stepped it up a notch with the maturity level of the story, much like J.K. did with her series, but within one book. The challenges that Michael faces are daunting and take a heavy toll even in his victories. Nothing the children face is ever that simple. The weight of every decision weighs on them. One even finds themselves empathizing with the potential/known villain. All of a sudden bravery, the right choice, and best effort are NOT all you need for a good outcome.

The only issue (if you call it that) I had was with the narration. Ironic, I know! It's Jim Dale! The narrator of narrators of Juvenile fiction. But, much of story takes place in the Northeast United States, and a majority of Jim's characters ( with the exception of Jake and Beatle) sounded British, Irish, and Scottish. They were brilliantly characterized, and Jim's narration was mesmerizing, but it would have made better sense if it took place in England. A small matter though.

Jim Dale never disappoints!

Fun story. Looking forward to more from the series. Jim Dale is my favorite narrator!