The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell

I Seriously LOVE this book! It was well written, it brought back to life the fairy tale characters I grew up with. I loved the back stories to many of the characters, as well as the new characters added. I wish this were a book when I was younger. I am 22 and still appreciated this book. It was a treat to read, I was sucked right in. I had it on my iphone so I listened to it where ever I went.

There are so many, where to begin? Well for once it made me laugh. I loved the part where Conner thought that Alex was going insane. I also liked Goldilocks's character.

This is his first, and it was done spectacularly! His vocal range is amazing allowing him to voice the male and female characters quite well. His "classic" accent was just adorable.

YES! Absolutely! I couldn't because it was 9hours. But that didn't stop me from trying.

I loved this book! It brought back memories of fairytales I've listened to when I was a little girl. I'd recommend this to anyone. All ages.

I would listen to "The Land of Stories" again because it is the most entertaining, adventurous, and magical tale of any that I have listened to since joining Audible (and maybe even of any that I have read on my own). Sometimes you just need a lovely story to lift your spirit. I laughed, felt empathy for the characters - both villains and heroes alike, and rejoiced when the feel-good ending I anticipated could finally come true. This story fulfills a bunch of requirements for me, wrapped up into one fantastic book. That's why it's an instant classic and favorite for me, and I am eagerly expecting a sequel! Thank you Chris Colfer!

SPOILER! When Alex and Conner Bailey start to realize that their father had a special connection to The Land of Stories, it seems to empower them by giving them a deeper sense of self-worth as well as the hopeful feeling that their father's legacy is continuing even after his death. I felt a unique connection to this story because I read it after doing a lot of family history research and realizing the amazing family that I have come from (almost like getting to know them after they're long gone). My own awareness of my family's character and achievements has made me feel like a stronger person just as I'm sure Alex and Conner would have felt after learning of their father's family history, so that part of the story gave me a lovely and heart-felt personal connection to savor.

While I'll agree with other readers that this story contains a lot of tales that have already been told, I can't agree that this story is old in and of itself. I really appreciate the way Colfer incorporated the familiar stories and characters with a completely new take on those characters' perspectives, motives, and their current day existence in another dimension. He adds to the complexities of the old stories by further developing them in surprising ways. I'm not a particularly big fan of fairytales, but I wanted to read this book because I'm a fan of Chris Colfer's acting in Glee and I'm also an elementary school educator, so I was naturally curious about the book on different levels. Not only was I pleasantly surprised that Colfer's first book was so completely entertaining (especially the Audible listen - so fun) and thoughtful (there are some really inspiring quotes in this story), I think a large range of kids will enjoy this story as well. It is amusing to have a more modern perspective from the Bailey twins on the fairy tales we already know. If you're looking for a fun, feel-good listen then this could be it!

Haven't yet had a chance to read the print version, but the audio book was so compelling, we're buying a copy soon.

The story was well told and not at all "dumbed down" for the kids.

He performs each character differently which makes it much easier for the kids (and grown ups) to keep track of who is speaking. He is a fabulous storyteller.

We listened to much of this audio book in the car on a long trip. It kept my highly energetic kids (7 and 11) quiet and riveted for nearly 10 hours!

I downloaded this book for a car trip with our 9 and 6 year olds. The story was very engaging- they even put down their Nintendo DS's in favor of listening to the book! The review I read indicated it was for 6-11 year olds; not happy about the word 'bastardized' in the first few chapters (luckily it went over their heads). My only other negative is that the narrator did not always annunciate well, so although it was a usual speech pattern that we hear, it was sometimes hard to understand.

Yes, I believe it is as you gain insight into how he envisage this world. When you listen to this author telling the story it is quite clear that it means a great deal to him. He uses different voices for each character, which is just how a fairy tale should be read. The book is aimed at 8 and above so for children who may struggle, as I did as a child, to read by themselves the audio version is the perfect companion to the written text.

The emotions felt by each and every character leave a lasting impression. The way the story reminds us that each and every one of us has a story of how we are who we are today. Also he has obviously thought a lot about this fairy tale land and has included details that make you feel like you know the place too.

The different voices, intonation and stresses he gives to the words clearly gives you a better idea, and feeling, for what is really happening in the story. You are able to form a first impression quickly, just like you do in real life, with greater ease than if you read it yourself.

The beginning of the book made me cry, really cry. The empathy for the children was built quickly as you felt you knew them. I also laughed at the on going sarcasm of the young boy in the story.

This story is magical and I strongly recommend it. You may not want to read it to younger than 8 as its plot may be a little over the heads of most 7 year olds (causing them to be continually asking you questions..which can be good but also annoying!). I'm quite sure my 5 year old would be rather scared by some parts and very sadden by others. Other people may also not want there under 8s to hear slightly "bad" language (depending on your definition of bad, crap is said once I think) so really it's far from offensive.It has also made me go back and read the original fairy tales, I read as a little girl, to my daughter.. Not all of them as she's a scardy cat! Hope you enjoy the book, I did and I'm way outside its intended age bracket, then again I was with Harry Potter too!

At first I thought it was just another fairy tale book, kind of a rip off from the series Once Upon a Time, but I couldn't have been more wrong. Chris Colfer does an incredible job of creating a new plot from characters already known, and he has new characters, Connor and Alex live great adventures with the whole Happily Ever After gang.
The author shows wit through the characters in the book. I had more than a few laughs. I recommend this book for everyone. The whole family should read it, or listen to it. Chris does voices for ALL the characters in the book. It is amazing.
If you want to make your kids enjoy reading, this would be a good place to start.

This is the only problem I have with this audio book: Chris, please hire a narrator. Your voice is as unemotional and monotonous as Alex's interest in his teacher. I have yet to get through much of it at once because I cannot stay awake. It doesn't mean you have a bad voice; you just should not narrate unless you can at least learn to change the tone and emotion of your voice. That problem, alone, almost ruins this book for me.

Such a great story that I just did not want it to end. The tale of this sister and brother, their childhood up to this point and the great tragedy that lead them to the most amazing discovery and adventure of their life; it was truly captivating.

This one more the most part stands out on its own. If you read it your will see it reminds you of many other stories as it is meant to however the journey of these two main characters set this story apart from others.

Oh he did so wonderfully with all the accents, the vocal ranges and intensity it's hard to pick just one.

I laughed indeed just because the characters were so adorable and wonderful and cry? Well I reared up a few times for our poor twins who had to go through such hard times.

This is a great story for young and old a like. I will venture back to this book at sometime indeed.

this is a favorite of mine.

this rivals the Never-ending Story. I can't wait for a sequential!

Granmother is my favorite

both at times. These characters have never seemed more real.

I can't wait to hear about their next trip.

I would listen to this book again and so would my kids. It's great for the whole family. It was fantastic on our long car rides this summer. The length is good and because of it I know I can reintroduce it again in a few months and the kids will like to listen to it again. There is always something you miss the first time around due to distractions or potty breaks etc.