Review: DRIVE by Stephanie Fournet
I have loved everything I’ve read from Stephanie Fournet, and DRIVE did not disa[...]
The Spindlers by Lauren Oliver,
read by Simon Vance
Publisher: Harper Audio
Release Date: October 2, 2012
Format: Audiobook (4 hrs, 51 min)
Source: Publisher
Genre: MG, Fantasy
Buy: Amazon | Audible | B&N | Indiebound | iTunes
One night when Liza went to bed, Patrick was her chubby, stubby, candy-grubbing and pancake-loving younger brother, who irritated and amused her both, and the next morning, when she woke up, he was not. In fact, he was quite, quite different.
When Liza’s brother, Patrick, changes overnight, Liza knows exactly what has happened: The spindlers have gotten to him and stolen his soul.She knows, too, that she is the only one who can save him.To rescue Patrick, Liza must go Below, armed with little more than her wits and a broom. There, she uncovers a vast world populated with talking rats, music-loving moles, greedy troglods, and overexcitable nids . . . as well as terrible dangers. But she will face her greatest challenge at the spindlers’ nests, where she encounters the evil queen and must pass a series of deadly tests–or else her soul, too, will remain Below forever. (Goodreads)
I love Lauren Oliver’s young adult novels, and her middle grade/children’s book, The Spindlers, is just as fantastic!
The Spindlers is an enchanting story about a girl named Liza that goes on a quest to save her brother Patrick’s soul after the Spindlers stole it. Spindlers, as explained by her babysitter Anna, are creatures (similar to spiders) that live Below. Knowing that she must save him, Liza sets out with only a broom and Mirabella as a guide, a rat that dresses in clothes and wears makeup.
Lauren Oliver is an amazing storyteller, and I think readers of all ages will enjoy this novel. Beautifully written, The Spindlers is a story about loyalty, hope, and friendship, which I loved. All the creatures of Below fascinated me, but my favorite were the Nocturni. The Nocturni are assigned a human forever and lead them through dreams, as a protector.
Though I’ve seen this book labeled as middle grade, I think it’s aimed toward a younger audience and feel it’d really fall under children’s. The story is definitely full of adventure, but I didn’t find the “evil queen” quite so evil, and the challenges she faced were easily overcome.
I loved the audio version of this book. Simon Vance’s narration is excellent, and he’s been added to my list of favorite narrators! Fans of Jim Dale (narrator for the Harry Potter series) will really enjoy his voice and style. I highly recommend The Spindlers on audiobook!
Author Links: Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
I haven’t heard about this book before. The only children book of Lauren Oliver that I’ve read is Liesl and Po which I enjoyed. And the song they used for the book trailer of that Liesl and Po is awesome. I’ll be checking this new children book from her.
blackplume recently posted..Sapphire Blue by Kerstin Gier
Twitter: bookandlatte
says:
I haven’t read Liesl and Po yet, but I really want to. I love her writing… I think she could right a phonebook and I’d read it!
Liesl and Po is just a quick read. I think you’ll enjoy it even if you are not a child anymore 🙂
blackplume recently posted..Quotes: Every Day by David Levithan
Twitter: fakesteph
says:
I have this at home and I really need to make time to read it. So glad you loved it. I’ll probably pass it on to my nephew when I’m done. 🙂
fakesteph recently posted..The Fault In Our Stars by John Green
I really enjoyed this as well. Super cute and very enchanting. But you’re right, it would be ideal for a younger audience.
Christa recently posted..Book Review: Born Weird by Andrew Kaufman
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