Zaria Fierce and the Secret of Gloomwood Forest

By: Keira Gillett

Narrated by: Michele Carpenter

On her birthday, Zaria Fierce finds her usual path to school blocked by an ugly river-troll. At first she’s surprised and curious, but then Olaf threatens to eat her, which is an act Zaria could not in good conscience consent to, so Zaria counteroffers. A deal is struck and she goes to school, but Zaria is about to learn the hard way that one does not trick a river-troll and expect to win.

©2015 Keira Gillett (P)2015 Keira Gillett

Great listening experience

I really enjoyed the immersive experience of being taken to a new world where anything could happen. While this was a complete story, it left me wanting more, so I will definitely be listening to the next book. I highly recommend this for anyone who enjoyed the Harry Potter series because this had a similar listening quality. Thank you Keira for giving this fun story to the world!

The book was truly amazing!

I really like how easily the author can can express the excitement she shows in all of her books! Her books really are incredible.

I’d definitely recommend it to preteens

I’m 51 years old but this story reminded me of some of my favourite books as a preteen—just enough reality (needing to be responsible enough to leave notes for parents) mixed with fantasy to be fun and encouraging. I will definitely be recommending these to young nieces and nephews and might even look for a sequel for myself.

The narrator was pretty good. Not 100% consistent with accents but close enough because the book keeps you engaged enough to not always notice. I particularly like how she voiced the main female character when she was being soft and compassionate.

I received a free copy of this book, but it didn’t influence my review.

A Masterful Paiting that Keeps You Smiling

Would you consider the audio edition of Zaria Fierce and the Secret of Gloomwood Forest to be better than the print version?

The Narrator skillfully brings the words to life. I would recommend the audio book can be listened to alone or you can read along with it.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Zaria's strength of character truly makes for an intelligent and powerful female lead.

What does Michele Carpenter bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Characterization. She makes the characters come to life.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Though it could easily be listened to in one sitting, I came back to it a few times without any confusion.

Any additional comments?

'Zaria Fierce' is filled with imagination and intrigue. As an adult, I enjoyed every page. I felt completely engrossed in the world of fantasy painted so eloquently into Zaria's, otherwise ordinary, life. As a teacher, this book is the perfect reading level for Middle School (Age 12 and up) students and up. High School students would get just as much out of it as their middle school counterparts. It's refreshing to have a book focused on a female main character, being able to show her grow in confidence and strength of character. As students begin reading, they should find it easy to relate to her initial timid, awkward personality. Her adventures may even help some students break free of their anxiety and fear of social situations and become more confident in themselves.
I highly recommend this title and the other books in this author's series for readers of all ages who feel that fire of adventure in their hearts.

entertaining

A great story for kids (boys and girls) of all ages mixing fairy tales, adventure and mythological creatures.