Beyond the Deepwoods

The Edge Chronicles, Book 1

By: Paul Stewart, Chris Riddell

Narrated by: Clive Mantle

Length: 6 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

Far, far away, jutting out into the emptiness beyond, lies the Edge. Filled with strange peoples and terrifying creatures, this is a world unlike any other, where action - and danger - await at every turn. Abandoned at birth in the dangerous Deepwoods, young Twig has been brought up by a family of woodtrolls. He has always thought he was one of them, until, one cold night, he finds out he’s not. Soon, he sets off to find out who he really is, and he does the unthinkable - he strays from the path.

So begins the heart-stopping adventure that will take Twig through a nightmarish world of goblins and trogs, bloodthirsty beasts and flesh-eating trees. Only two things keep Twig going: the hopes of discovering his true identity and finding his destiny.

Step to the Edge and enter a thrilling new fantasy series filled with amazing characters and unimaginable adventures - and see for yourself what lies beyond!

©1998 Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell (P)2005 Random House, Inc. Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group

Critic reviews

"A tremendously exciting fantasy....An inventive, promising start to a series." (Publishers Weekly)

Great book for the young and old!

I remember listening to this book when I was younger, I think 7 or 8 I'm 24 now and it was still a great listen.

Childhood favorite

I grew up absolutely enchanted by these books, and I’m delighted to find some of them on here. The narrator is decent, some of the voices are a bit shrill but overall I enjoyed it and will happily listen to the next books in the series!

An intriguing adventure

My friend had loved this book as a child, so when i asked for a recommendation he immediately directed me towards the edge chronicles. I'm 23 so I'm well-above the intended age group for this story, nevertheless i was entertained. Twig is a character I can relate to. He's been thrust out into the world, rejected by his people and family, with nothing to his name except for his Naming Knife. I found Twig unbearable at times. He was whiny, always getting into trouble and near-useless at the best of times. But then I took a moment for reflection. Often times I myself can come across as nothing more than a whining mess, but it's only because life is hard and I'm struggling. Just like Twig. For poor Twig, it's just one thing after another and the moment he thinks he's safe or found a place he belongs, it's ripped out from under him. I find his downward spiral of never-ending bad luck relatable.

The writing had incredible flow and despite my initial disinterest I wanted to finish the story. The ending, while predictable, wasn't an entire disappointment. I enjoyed the story and its themes of facing the unknown and finding oneself. The narrator was incredible and kept me hooked with his enthusiastic reading. I enjoyed this book.

AMAZING!

This book is an amazing adventure filled with danger, diverse characters, and a landscape only found on The Edge. It's a great coming of age story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, waiting to see how Twig fairs against the dark Deep Woods.

Always loved the series

I read the whole original 3 trilogies over ten years ago and stumbled upon this and listened through it in one day. I loved this series as a kid and still love as an adult now. although twig is whiney in this book, I wish the narrarator didn't sound so annoying when voicing him.

Twig asks the right question

Twig. A foundling who does not fit in and is literally unable to keep to the path. Not all that unusual among protagonists. A parade of death and near death experiences until he asks the "Why why all this?"
Beats me. None of the experiences were really necessary for the outcome.

FABULOUS!!!

I don't care what anybody else says about this book! I LOVED IT! It was a fabulous story of a boy named Twig in big world trying to make friends and fit in. I don't think they have the three other books in the series on www.audible.com, but I would definately pick them up at your local library. They were all so great. I'm a very picky thirteen-year-old when it comes to books, but these honestly blew me away. GET THESE BOOKS....NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wish it was longer!

This was an amazing read to enjoy and experience, I wish it was longer! Thank You!

Great book!

Fantastic book series. Lots of interesting creatures, fun twists, and engaging characters. Also, I love the pictures in the books.

Excellent writing and narration

Excellent writing and narration, great and underrated. Highly recommend this, a more solid mythology than Harry Potter books.