Audio Book Review: The Dragonet Prophecy (Wings of Fire #1) by Tui T. Sutherland

I enjoyed this dragon story which had good lessons for children although there was violence.
The Dragonet Prophecy (Wings of Fire #1)
Series: #1 of Wings of Fire
Written by: Tui T. Sutherland
Narrated by: Shannon McManus

Duration 8 hours 32 minutes
Release date: 07-01-12
Publisher: Scholastic Audio
Genre: Action & Adventure, Dragons, Fantasy, Growing Up
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Summary
A thrilling new series soars above the competition and redefines middle-grade fantasy fiction for a new generation! The seven dragon tribes have been at war for generations, locked in an endless battle over an ancient, lost treasure. A secret movement called the Talons of Peace is determined to bring an end to the fighting, with the help of a prophecy -- a foretelling that calls for great sacrifice. Five dragonets are collected to fulfill the prophecy, raised in a hidden cave and enlisted, against their will, to end the terrible war. But not every dragonet wants a destiny. And when the select five escape their underground captors to look for their original homes, what has been unleashed on the dragon world may be far more than the revolutionary planners intended . . .

Review:
Five unique dragonets have been raised together hidden deep underground. The five are supposed to be the elements of a prophecy to end the continual wars between the seven dragon tribes. There are problems though because these five dragonets are not all of the intended original babies. At least two of the selected eggs had to be replaced.

The dragon ‘nannies’ have been faithful, although a bit harsh, in trying to train the young dragonets whom they deride and often seem frustrated by and disappointed in. Each of the dragonets has their own strengths but it is not clear they will be able to survive once they enter the world and face the threats of many dragon tribes who don’t want peace.

There is a set time that the dragonets are supposed to venture out in accordance with the prophecy but the young friends fear one will be killed if they don’t escape, especially after another of their friends has been taken out by his tribe leader. It doesn’t take long before the escaped dragonets are being chased by warring dragons seeking to destroy them.

This first story focuses on Clay, a mud dragonet. Clay is quiet and hasn’t been able to learn to fight in spite of his trainers abusively pushing him. It is sweet to watch Clay take a position of leadership among his friends even though he doesn’t seek that responsibility.

This has been on my TBR for a while and I pulled it out since my granddaughter was reading it too. I liked the unique characters of the dragonets and watching them discover their talents. There is violence in the forceful training and more out in the world when the young friends face the warring dragons. But the reader can see that the dragonets are willing to seek alternatives to avoid the extreme violence. The next stories are intended to tell the stories of each of the five dragonets but the series is now up to book 15. I think they would be interesting, although I may not jump to get more. I do recommend that fans of dragon fantasy characters should try this series.

Audio Notes: Shannon McManus does a good job providing distinct voices for the characters. There is also clear energy although there is some girly sound in the early part of the book. Overall I did enjoy listening to this story.

Source: 7/5/2018 won with 7 other titles from Audiobook.com through Beth Fish Reads. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: North! Or Be Eaten The Wingfeather Saga, Book 2 by Andrew Peterson

This is book 2 of an engaging children’s series.

North! Or Be Eaten
The Wingfeather Saga, Book 2
By: Andrew Peterson
Narrated by: Andrew Peterson

Length: 12 hrs and 1 min
Release date: 01-05-21
Publisher: Listening Library
Genre: Action and Adventure, Growing Up, Family Life, Religious Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
First they found themselves On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. Now they must make their way North! Or Be Eaten....
Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby thought they were normal children with normal lives and a normal past. But now they know they're really the Lost Jewels of Anniera, heirs to a legendary kingdom across the sea, and suddenly everyone wants to kill them.
In order to survive, the Igibys must flee to the safety of the Ice Prairies, where the lizardlike Fangs of Dang cannot follow. First, however, they have to escape the monsters of Glipwood Forest, the thieving Stranders of the East Ben, and the dreaded Fork Factory.
But even more dangerous are the jealousies and bitterness that threaten to tear them apart. Janner and his siblings must learn the hard way that the love of a family is more important than anything else.
Full of characters rich in heart, smarts, and courage, North! Or Be Eaten is a tale children of all ages will cherish, families can listen to together, and readers' groups are sure to enjoy discussing for its many layers of meaning.
This audiobook includes a PDF of maps, illustrations, and more.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
©2020 Andrew Peterson (P)2020 Listening Library.

Review:
Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby are still on the ‘run’ with their mother, grandfather and a few other adult guardians. There are enough dangers on the journey but there are also petty squabbles among the children who have not yet accepted, much less understood their roles as the royal Lost Jewels of Anniera.

There are also dangers from betrayal as it is hard to distinguish friend from foe. Some foes are natural but others are willing to trade loyalties for financial gain or promises of future power. There are new allies but losses to deal with too.

The characters are well defined with good uniqueness. I enjoyed the active adventures experienced by the family. I am listening to this series so I can enjoy the stories with my grandchildren. I was not thrilled with all of the violence and dishonest issues but I think it is good for parents/adults to read/listen to with children so these issues can be discussed. The series is now available to watch through Angel Studios. https://www.angel.com/ I recommend this adventure series to families.

Audio Notes: The author, Andrew Peterson, does a wonderful job on the narration. He delivers distinct voices, appropriate energy, and pacing that fits. I am glad I got to listen to the audio version.

Source: 4/8/2021 March Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

On The Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness My rating 4.25

Audiobook Review: The Mysterious Howling, Book 1 by Maryrose Wood

This is a fun and charming story for all ages.

The Mysterious Howling, Book 1
The Incorrigible Children Of Ashton Place
by Maryrose Wood
Read by Katherine Kellgren

Children Ages 8+ • 5.5 hrs. • Unabridged • © 2010
Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Children, Fantasy, Growing Up, Middle Grade
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0
Narration: 4.5

Newly graduated from England's Swanbourne Academy for Poor Bright Females, prim and very proper Miss Penelope Lumley is hired as a governess for three children living at Ashton Place. The 15-year-old Penny takes it in stride when she discovers the children were raised by wolves and communicate only in barks and growls. Katherine Kellgren's outstanding interpretation sets just the right tone in this clever and amusing tale. Her ability to speak effortlessly with varying British accents—from aristocratic to Cockney—allows listeners to become completely absorbed. Kellgren's reserved Miss Lumley rises to the challenge when the snobbish Lady Ashton insists she must civilize the three orphans before her holiday ball. Kellgren's charming narration will leave listeners howling for the next installment. L.A.C. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2010]

Review:
Miss Penelope is just 15 years old when she accepts her first governess position. She has just graduated from England's Swanbourne Academy for Poor Bright Females and expects to be prim and proper for her new position. She doesn’t expect to find three feral youngsters who were raised by wolves. Lord Ashton has taken the children on as curious wards. His new, young wife wants nothing to do with the children, except that he insists. Lady Ashton claims the children are incorrigible and is ready to send them away unless Penny can prepare them to behave properly for the holiday ball she will be hosting.

Penny has always worked well with animals and she quickly manages to establish a report with the children, allowing them to choose their own names: Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia. They are bright and fast learners under her kind and imaginative training. The children seem to be ready for the ball but it is hard to anticipate what might happen with mischievous children. Penny becomes alarmed when she hears some of the guests talk about hunting as it sounds like they planned to hunt the wolf children! Things go fairly well with the children even prepared to provide entertainment. Then the snobbish Lady Ashton tries to drown her sorrows and the hired entertainers bring on a threatening situation causing an uproar to ensue.

I was caught into the story right away and enjoyed the light eeriness of it. Penny is a remarkable young lady and I enjoyed her undefeatable attitude and her references to the quotable wisdom of Ms. Swanbourne. The children are precious in their own growly way. This is a delightful and charming story, certainly suitable for young audiences as well as adults. I recommend this to middle graders and adults who enjoy childhood charm.

Audio Notes: Katherine Kellgren does a wonderful job with the narration. The British accents are precisely fitting from lofty to low, and she has fun with the howls and grunts of the children!
This is definitely a fun experience in audio.

Source: SYNC 2013 Download. This qualifies for 2018TBR, Audiobook and Alphabet Challenges.