Blythewood

By: Carol Goodman

Narrated by: Leslie Bellair

Welcome to Blythewood.

At seventeen, Avaline Hall has already buried her mother, survived a horrific factory fire, and escaped from an insane asylum. Now she’s on her way to Blythewood Academy, the elite boarding school in New York’s mist-shrouded Hudson Valley that her mother attended—and was expelled from. Though she’s afraid her high society classmates won’t accept a factory girl in their midst, Ava is desperate to unravel her family’s murky past, discover the identity of the father she’s never known, and perhaps finally understand her mother’s abrupt suicide. She’s also on the hunt for the identity of the mysterious boy who rescued her from the fire. And she suspects the answers she seeks lie at Blythewood.

But nothing could have prepared her for the dark secret of what Blythewood is, and what its students are being trained to do. Haunted by dreams of a winged boy and pursued by visions of a sinister man who breathes smoke, Ava isn’t sure if she’s losing her mind or getting closer to the truth. And the more rigorously Ava digs into the past, the more dangerous her present becomes.

Vivid and atmospheric, full of mystery and magic, this romantic page-turner by bestselling author Carol Goodman tells the story of a world on the brink of change and the girl who is the catalyst for it all.

Critic reviews

Praise for Blythewood

"A beautifully evocative tale perfect for fans of Libba Bray and Tiffany Trent. First in a trilogy, Goodman's story is intriguing, romantic, eerie, and adventurous...a multifaceted and mature fantasy."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

"...a beautifully told fantasy, ripe with magic, forbidden love and unspeakably dark forces...a journey well worth taking." —Kirkus

"...a treat for lovers of the gothic." —Booklist

"Heavy in atmosphere with just enough romance, this novel is sure to find an appreciable following." —School Library Journal

“Carol Goodman’s Blythewood is reminiscent of both Harry Potter and The Diviners, but in a way that doesn’t distract from the entertaining story within.”—Forever Young Adult

Love the voices produced by the narrator.

just plain perfect. great rainy day read. Absolutely blew me away. wasn't expecting this.

Another wonderful book by Goodman

What did you love best about Blythewood?

The story was very unique. All of the characters were so well written they came to life.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Helen

Highly recommend

This story held my attention from beginning to end!
Narrator was exceptional.
I will listen to more from this author!

Really Great Listen

Like all Carol Goodman books, this was a wonderful, rich story that completely captivates. Thoroughly enjoyed this one!

odd

It seemed to be like a girl version of Harry Potter. I am not a fan of harry potter.

Cozy comfortable read

No it did not meet my expectations, I was expecting more in the way of people shifting into creatures. However it was a good read and enjoyed very much, and will read book 2 in the series. Narrator did a fine job, and I will check for other books by this author.

Immediate feelings only

I have just started this book, and though I have nothing yet to say about the story, I will comment on the narration. Why don’t the authors make sure their narrators can accurately pronounce words? It’s so distracting and frustrating. “Chaise LONG” (I was hoping I heard wrong, but then she said it again!) and “Carry-ON Crow”? SMH. Like the narrator that pronounces “library,” “liberry.” If the narration keeps up like this...!
Edit: The narration has not improved. (“candleLABAlum” over and over! REALLY??) Also, it’s very hard to distinguish who’s talking based on her voices; she’s seems to only have a repertoire of about 3. Not does she give the correct emotion to the voices. For example, at one point Nathan is concerned and out of breath, but instead sounds happily-excited without a trace of the physical exertion he just endured.

Loved this book from a favorite author!

I've been a fan of Carol Goodman's work since I read Lake of Dead Languages years ago. This is my first time reading/listening to one of her YA books and I loved it. Immediately purchased Ravencliffe with one of my credits. Audible, please make an audio version of Goodman's final book in the series, Hawthorn!

wonderful

this book is a delight to listen to! just downloaded book two. going to go enjoy it now.

Too many faults

I got this book first, because I had enjoyed Goodman's audiobook River Road. And second, because a review said it reminded them of Harry Potter's world with the fantasy creatures and magic. Having said this I have to say this is the farthest thing from Harry Potter I have ever read or listened to. There is no playfulness, very poor character development and the plot leaves a lot to be desired. The narration is just as bad and difficult to distinguish one character from another. Leslie's main distinction being one girl who sounds like she's got a stuffy nose and the other doesn't. This book may be ok for a preteen but seems way too immature for an adult.