The Finding

The Legend of Oescienne, Book 1

By: Jenna Elizabeth Johnson

Narrated by: Michael Ferraiuolo

Length: 12 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

When the dragon Jaax receives word that a human infant has been found in the province of Oescienne, he doesn't dare believe it. Humans have been extinct for centuries, trapped by a terrible curse and left to live out their existence in the form of dragons. Despite his doubts, however, Jaax assumes responsibility for the baby girl, only to discover that what he has been seeking for so many years has finally been found...

Jahrra knows all about the legends and sagas of Oescienne, but never in her wildest dreams would she believe that she played a part in one of them. She's far too busy dodging the bullies at school and seeking out new adventures with her friends to worry about what secrets her dragon mentor might be keeping from her, or that her every move is being watched by something living in the forest surrounding her home.

But the secrets run deep, and as Jahrra fights to earn her place in this extraordinary world, she will begin to unravel the truth of it all: that she isn't as safe as she thought she was, that danger lurks around every corner, and that her role in this unfurling tale is far more significant than she could possibly imagine.

©2009 Jenna Elizabeth Johnson (P)2017 Jenna Elizabeth Johnson

DNF

I read and listened my way through over half of the book. I admit to mostly reading the book on kindle because I was disappointed in the audible version. Reading, instead of listening, did not improve the story.

Fantastic Narration!!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Finding?

There was a moment where a music queue (ps how cool is it to have music in an audiobook??) really set the tension as a mysterious character appeared.

What about Michael Ferraiuolo’s performance did you like?

Simply put, everything. The voices, the pacing, the emotion, the humor, all of it! I find that most male narrators have a hard time voicing female characters but Michael's voices seem natural and suitable to each character. I'd have to say I like Hroombra the best. This is the first book I've listened to Michael narrate but it surely won't be the last. He elevates the material and creates a work of performance art.

Any additional comments?

While the pacing and overall story seemed to move slowly, The Finding is a fine first entry into a new fantasy world. I would say the narration and music really set this audiobook apart and elevate the material to another level.

A Saviour for Oescienne

The child of prophesy has come into the world and the dragons who kept looking for this child hide her among the common folk.

Love listening to the narration of Michael Ferraiuolo. The character's voices come alive and one can feel the story unfold and begin to build into a wonderful fantasy.

Congratulations to Ms Johnson and the world she has created. Definitely want my grandchildren to read and listen to this tale of dragons, elves, and strange lands.

Pleasantly Surprised

I didn’t think that I would like listening to this story narrated by a man, but I was very surprised to find that it worked very well. I liked how he changed his voice for the dragons and even the girl voices weren’t laughable which is what usually happens when men try girl voices. Very good.

Very nice

I may be in the minority here but I love slow books that tell us about the protagonist's childhood. It makes me become more attached to the characters. However, this book seemed a bit TOO slow. Although that won't stop me from listening to the next book.

The premise is very interesting and I'm a sucker for "chosen one" tropes.

If you have the time and patience to sit through 12 hours of an epic tale that is just beginning, this is for you.

Excellent 1st book of series

I don't review very often but I must say that I really enjoyed the 1st story of this series.

I really appreciated the slow pacing of this story combined with the narrator's excellent pairing with the story and even the peaceful musical strains combined with with the author's drawing together of a chapter.

I do enjoy other fantasy titles such as Lord of the Rings and Eragon. This story in at least it's early stage seems to define a niche of it's own with the author's excellent descriptive qualities. I listen to many audio books and so often the stories fail to bring you into the environment of the story. I see this story as a less is more combination. (The descriptions are more, but the action is less, yet it really works.)

I picked this story out for a short travel with a younger niece and nephew. They were very attentive to the story and my niece told me she would like to listen to the whole story.

There is one quite big negative with this story. None of the other books of this series are on audiobook. The narrator is wonderful, the story is very entertaining. I would certainly love to continue through audiobook. I will however continue the series on Kindle.