Down the Mysterly River

By: Bill Willingham

Narrated by: Dick Hill

Length: 8 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's Summary

Max “the Wolf” is a top-notch Boy Scout, an expert at orienteering, and a master of being prepared. So it is a little odd that he suddenly finds himself, with no recollection of his immediate past, lost in an unfamiliar wood. Even odder still, he encounters a badger named Banderbrock, a black bear named Walden, and McTavish the Monster (who might also be an old barn cat) - all of whom talk - and who are as clueless as Max. Before long, Max and his friends are on the run from a relentless group of hunters and their deadly hounds. Armed with powerful blue swords and known as the Blue Cutters, these hunters capture and change the very essence of their prey. For what purpose, Max can’t guess. But unless he can solve the mystery of the strange forested world he’s landed in, Max may find himself and his friends changed beyond recognition, lost in a lost world....

Down the Mysterly River is the children’s book debut of Bill Willingham, the creator of the number-one New York Times best-selling graphic novel series Fables. This is a spirited, highly original tale of adventure, suspense, and everlasting friendship.

©2011 Bill Willingham (P)2011 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Bill didn’t get the memo

Said memo would have informed him that third person narratives seem to be a dying breed, that placing fantasy outside of England is sheer fantasy, and that featuring boy protagonists is so insensitive. LOVED IT. Oh, and loved the post modern twist at the end. I am guessing that Cutters are really editors.

It was a BIG surprise

At first I was a little irked at how the little boy was constantly referring to "in the mystery of..." which were his past adventures. But it totally makes since later on and it feels like a V8 commercial where you get smacked in the head. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the voices. It goes from being a kids book to being very real near the end, so its good for all ages. I highly recommend this book. Like it better than his other book. And I do hope there are more on this story line in the future.

I really enjoyed this story

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed this story. I think grade-school age boys will particularly like this adventure.

Heart-warming, and even a little thought-provoking

This is a delightful tale, that despite its (necessary) reliance upon archetypes, manages to remain fresh and fun. The novel drags a tad at the very end, but not much.

I came to enjoy Dick Hill's narration, but I must admit that his precise, staccato delivery took some getting used to, but before long I was quite happy with him (despite the odd choice to give the protagonist, who hails from the Pacific Northwest, what sounds like a Brooklyn accent).

Read it yourself

This book is a great story by a great author. Bill Willingham can tie words together, weaving a tale that will leave you enchanted.

The performance made me go out and buy the physical book.

I couldn't handle the narration. Dick Hill can do some amazing voice work but I think William Shatner might have made a parody of him when he came up with his patented pause and speak rhythms.