Gagzy, Gogzy and the Fae

The Wrath of Sabmar (The Escapades of Gagzy and Gogzy, Book 1

De: James Rae

Narrado por: Melissa-Marie Shriner

This is a fantasy/adventure story, 50,000 words plus. It can be enjoyed by any age group. The main characters are Gagzy and Gogzy, sisters with an extraordinary sensory insight. They see into other dimensions. The setting is the Isle of Bute in Scotland, and it includes visits to an underworld known as the Kingdom of the Fae.

In the opening chapter, the girls are spending Easter on the island, when they encounter Sabmar, a powerful sorcerer who is engaged in a clash with Ainodelac, an Elven champion to the King and Queen of Suidhe.

This encounter will impact the development of the story.

The second chapter sees the girls’ mother being summoned to their school to discuss her daughters’ bad behaviour, in scaring other pupils with stories of goblins, dragons, ogres, etc.

The outcome is that mum decides to give them a summer break on the island, to try to absolve their minds and change their ideas about other-worldly beings.

But the opposite happens, and they become drawn into the island’s folklore and its connections with faeries, elves, and other unearthly beings. On the ferry trip to great gran’s island cottage, Gagzy overhears a conversation between four men in which they plan to explode bombs on the island. Their purpose, under orders from Sabmar, is to weaken and finally break the Highland boundary fault line, which lies below the surface of Bute, and split the island in two. If the island is split, so too will be the underworld below, releasing dark, forces onto both the island, and the Kingdom of the Fae.

Gagzy and Gogzy, together with the Queen’s twin children, Alaun and Nuala, and a faery named Luana, fill a key role in foiling Sabmar’s plot.

Also woven into the story are instances of time travel. Sabmar does this twice to Gagzy and Gogzy. The first time he transports them back 100 years, to 1924, and the second time, 1000 years to the time of the Viking invasions. On both occasions they must find their own way back to 2024.

©2024 James Rae (P)2025 James Rae

So many adventures!

What a delightful story! So many wonderful characters and fun adventures. I was blown away by Melissa-Marie Shriner's narration-she came up with some fantastic character voices!

Fantastic characterization!

I'm excited to have my granddaughters listen to this book! Besides being well-written, it is excellently narrated and mastered by Melissa-Marie Shriner. She narrates each voice distinctly, so there's no confusion for the listener at all. On top of all that, she nails the Brogue accents! I want to listen to all of her narrations!

A Fantastic Audiobook for Young Fantasy Fans

“Gagzy, Gogzy and the Fae” is exactly the kind of enchanting, heart-thumping fantasy kids deserve, and the audiobook version elevates it even further thanks to the incredible performance of Melissa-Marie Shriner. Her narration is nothing short of astonishing—energetic, warm, and wonderfully distinct. She gives every character their own voice and personality, making it easy to imagine elementary-school listeners (ages 6–12) sitting on the edge of their seats, completely immersed. Her delivery alone makes this audiobook worth every minute.

James Rae’s storytelling has a delightful, nostalgic charm—think The Hobbit, Stuart Little, and Harry Potter blended into something fresh, inviting, and perfectly suited for younger fantasy fans. I would place the ideal audience around ages 6–12, and Rae absolutely nails that age range. The two young sisters, Gagzy and Gogzy, are lovable, curious, and instantly memorable. This book feels like the gateway fantasy adventure for kids—especially young girls who want heroes that look and act like them.

The worldbuilding is another standout. Roe constructs a rich, lore-filled setting full of fae kingdoms, sorcerers, elves, and ancient threats, yet the complexity never overwhelms the intended audience. The backstory has the depth of a Harry Potter-style tale, but it remains wonderfully accessible, even for younger listeners.

The pacing is fast and engaging—the hours flew by as I listened. There is never a dull moment, from time-travel sequences to underworld adventures and a dark plot that threatens both Scotland and the Kingdom of the Fae. Every character, from the sisters to the faery Luana and the Queen’s twins, feels alive and distinct. And the ending delivers exactly what the audience hopes for: a heartfelt, joyful, triumphant finish.

This is one of those rare audiobooks that is both wholesome and thrilling, perfect for car rides, classroom listening, bedtime chapters, or introducing kids to fantasy for the very first time. With memorable characters, a fast-moving plot, and an A+ narration, this story shines from start to finish.

Highly recommended. A magical adventure the whole family can enjoy—and an absolute must-listen for kids ages 6–12.

Out of this world adventure!

Highly recommend this excellent read by James Rae. Addictive and enjoyable escapism following the adventures of our young mystical protagonists as they encounter a magical other world beyond the mists of their Great Grandmother's Scottish island home. The narrative flow is maintained throughout, the pace of the storyline never relents and the characterization of the girls and their many strange friends draws the reader deeply into their fantasy world. Compelling first novel in a promised series. Looking forward immensely to continuing the adventure in subsequent releases. Excellent, must read first novel from this new author. Highly recommended for readers of all ages.