The Worlds Next Door

By: C.E. White

Narrated by: Danny Montooth

Length: 7 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's Summary

Twelve-year-old Janie Rutland somewhat grudgingly befriends Reggie Rankin - the weird new kid at school - and finally has someone to investigate her curious sightings in the abandoned house next door. When they find there's an impossible world in danger of total destruction, they face a choice. Do they have what it takes to save it?

An eccentric fellowship gathers as they embark on a perilous quest in a race against time and their own fears. Traveling in what can only be described as a pirate hover ship, they're threatened by monsters and storms, shipwrecks, and death. Can they find the answers they need to save Sian - and maybe all worlds?

©2017 Connie E. White (P)2018 Connie E. White

Fun story, cool characters, great narration.

The Worlds Next Door has a Wrinkle-in-Time feel, especially the beginning parts. Two social misfits encounter one another and then explore a mystery, which leads them to the portal that goes between worlds. (That's not a spoiler -- you figured out that much from the title already.) In the portal they're given a choice, and when they choose to help, they enter another world that's on the brink of destruction. THere's a quest, a madman genius whose true motivations are in doubt, a Han Solo type smuggler figure who won't tell you how he got his name, and kids looking at internet pictures of cats. Overall, it's quite a bit of fun.

A Fine First First Offering From Newcomer CE White

This review comes with the disclaimer that I know the author, having worked with her husband some years ago. However, I'd mostly lost touch with them when I found out to my surprise and fascination that Mrs. White had written a book. Even more to my delight, it has an audio production, as well!

Knowing that this was an independently-published work, I was prepared for a wide range of possible experiences, and I can happily say that I came away satisfied and impressed.

The main thrust of the story is very reminscent of many famous teen adventure novels, but I was at once struck with the exploration and development of the dimension-traveling mechanism. There are some obvious science-fiction writing chops on display in the first act, providing a setup that was delightfully original and fanciful. I was reminded of the imagination and wonder in C.S. Louis' first space adventure as the setup was revealed.

I would assume this novel to be classified under a pre-teen/teen Christian fiction, as it does provide some moral messages which parallel the Christian tradition, so parents of faith will find something deeper in the book. To her credit, I found the author does a nice job of avoiding heavy-handed messaging which may have weighed down the narrative. I'm not a person of faith, yet I never felt the book to be too "preachy," as works by many young authors are inclined to do.

The voice of the narrator is smooth and calming, although keen ears for accents may be bothered by some inconsistencies in his numerous deliveries of diction given to various characters. However, he does a fine job of imbuing each character with enough vocal distinction that the listener can follow which character is talking at any given moment with ease. Audio quality is top-notch.

If I were to pick some weaknesses, I think there are spots where pacing and character motivation could have been fleshed out a bit more, and I would have loved even more focus on the sci-fi elements, as they are done so well in the opening exposition of the story. Still, in light of the worlds ("next door") provided and the adventure at hand, I foresee the target audience of this book will have no issue connecting with the characters and quest on display.

Part "Chronicles of Narnia," part "Out of the Silent Planet," with a delightful bit of approachable sci-fi a la "Star Trek" and Disney's "Treasure Planet," "The Worlds Next Door" is a fine first offering from CE White. I will be reading her next work, without a doubt!

Enjoyable Middle Grade Fantasy

Janie and Reggie are likable protagonists. Their companions, are fantasy creatures that resemble polar bears and a catlike being as well as a human who is a gold-seeking smuggler.
Written in an omniscient voice, it took me a bit to get into the story but once I did the action was well-paced with a good message at the end. It’s a portal fantasy for fans of the Chronicles of Narnia or the Golden Compass series (except with a better message than the latter).
The protagonists are twelve but seem a bit older. I think this book is appropriate for 10-12 year olds.

Unique, Original Adventure

This was a unique, original fantasy adventure with an engaging storyline, and fascinating world building.

Rivals A Wrinkle in Time!

What a way for a brand-new author to break onto the scene! C. E. White takes us to new worlds with smart twists and turns intertwined with subtle Biblical principles.
The depth of this book was astounding to me. I laughed and cried with the characters as I was wrapped up in their worlds and emotions. There were moments that I wept for myself as the realization of a spiritual truth was brought out in the adventure these children were on.
Favorite moment of the book? Peter. I want say more so I won't give it away. :-) Smart! So smart. Great job C. E. White!

A Story For All Ages...

This story reminds me of C.S. Lewis' Narnia series. Listeners are transported to another world in order to learn more about not only our world, but who we are on the inside, and He who created us. Connie White is a gifted author that will challenge beliefs, prejudices, and assumptions through a story that requires reflection and introspection. I highly recommend this book for young adults and older!

Good, Fun Book for young adults!

This book is a tween adventure story. It dragged in a few places but very well done. The performance and reading was incredible. Definitely worth the time to listen too!