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Gabriel Finley and the Raven's Riddle Audiobook
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Publisher Description
“A first-rate fantasy for middle-grade readers,” declares Booklist in a starred review, comparing Gabriel Finley to Harry Potter, Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials series, and The Mysterious Benedict Society.
A tangle of ingenious riddles, a malevolent necklace called a torc, and flocks of menacing birds: these are just some of the obstacles that stand between Gabriel and his father, Adam Finley, who has vanished from their Brooklyn brownstone. When Gabriel rescues an orphaned baby raven named Paladin, he discovers a family secret: Finleys can bond with ravens in extraordinary ways. Along with Paladin and three valiant friends, Gabriel sets out to bring his father home. They soon discover that Adam is being held captive by the evil demon Corax—half man, half raven, and Adam’s very own disgraced brother—in a foreboding netherworld of birds called Aviopolis. With help from his army of ghoulish minions, the valravens, Corax is plotting to take over the land above, and now only Gabriel stands in his way.
“A vivid, compelling fantasy that sends you off to a world you will not soon forget.” —Norton Juster, author of The Phantom Tollbooth
“A great read for fantasy lovers who have worn out their copies of Harry Potter.” —School Library Journal, Starred
“Brimful of antic energy and inventive flair, like the best middle-grade fantasies; readers, like baby birds, will devour it and clamor for future installments.” —Kirkus Reviews
From the Hardcover edition.
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“Listeners will find MichaelGoldstrom’s warm, inviting voice a reassuring presence in Hagen’s inventivestory of ravens, bravery, and the battle between good and evil. His voice has ahint of brassiness, which shines in his portrayals of the cunning, raspy birds.There’s also a boldness in his depictions of the human characters, the fieryyoung Gabriel and his friends. Younger listeners will find companionship withthe courageous and offbeat teens, while older listeners will respond to thedarker themes and complex history of the battling ravens. Wordplay andGoldstrom’s cleverly nuanced delivery add levity to dark moments, making this arewarding listen for all ages.”
— AudioFile
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A first-rate fantasy for middle-grade readers. Like Harry Potter,... Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials series,... and Trenton Lee Stewart’s Mysterious Benedict Society books.
— Booklist, Starred -
A great read for fantasy lovers who have worn out their copies of Harry Potter.
— School Library Journal, Starred -
...brimful of antic energy and inventive flair, like the best middle-grade fantasies; readers, like baby birds, will devour it and clamor for future installments.
— Kirkus Reviews -
“Adult author Hagen (The Laments) makes his children's debut with a fantasy adventure touched with whimsy, satire, and the quirky love of urban fauna that characterizes New Yorkers.
— Publishers Weekly, Starred -
Both startling and moving—a vivid, compelling fantasy that sends you off to a world you will not soon forget.
— Norton Juster, author of The Phantom Tollbooth -
“Never less than engaging. At times, it is enchanting.”
— New York Times Book Review -
”Adult author Hagen makes his children’s debut with a fantasy adventure touched with whimsy, satire, and the quirky love of urban fauna that characterizes New Yorkers…With an unlikely crew of mismatched Brooklyn schoolmates, Gabriel takes up the mantle of the ancient, bittersweet relationship between humans and ravens in order to untangle the even more twisted relationships between human and human. Though familiar tropes abound, Hagen’s sensibility is unique—the desk-wrangling scene is not to be missed. There’s a hint of sequels to come, but this quest is more than satisfying on its own.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review) -
“Hagen has crafted a tale that contains riddles, magic, courage, loyalty, and compassion in a way that is sure to engage readers. Gabriel inhabits a dark world where friendship is the guiding light and differences are respected and valued. This is a great read for fantasy lovers who have worn out their copies of Harry Potter. The ending suggests that more is to come, and more will be welcome.”
— School Library Journal (starred review) -
“Hagen offers a first-rate fantasy for middle-grade readers,…This story, told from several points of view, is fresh: full of ravens, riddles, and the ongoing urge to make things right in a world where much has gone wrong. Though the narrative is a bit choppy in places, the characters carry the day, with their humor and strength. Humor is, in fact, one of the book’s selling points, often in the form of the characters’ witty repartee. Middle-graders looking for a soaring fantasy that’s not too hard, not too easy, will find this just right.”
— Booklist (starred review) -
“Brimful of antic energy and inventive flair, like the best middle-grade fantasies; readers, like baby birds, will devour it and clamor for future installments.”
— Kirkus Reviews -
“Both startling and moving—a vivid, compelling fantasy that sends you off to a world you will not soon forget.”
— Norton Juster, author of The Phantom Tollbooth
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About George Hagen
George Hagen is the author of two novels for adults: The Laments, a Washington Post bestseller and recipient of the William Saroyan International Prize for writing, and Tom Bedlam. George had lived on three continents by the time he was twelve. The father of three children, he now lives in Brooklyn, New York. Gabriel Finley and the Raven’s Riddle is his first book for children.
About Michael Goldstrom
Michael Goldstrom is a Juilliard-trained actor and comedian. He has appeared on Comedy Central, HBO, A&E, NBC, and ABC, as well as on and off Broadway. His audiobook narrations have earned several Earphones Awards.