The Accidental Highwayman is the first swashbuckling adventure for young adults by talented author and illustrator, Ben Tripp. In eighteenth-century England, young Christopher "Kit" Bristol is the unwitting servant of notorious highwayman Whistling Jack. One dark night, Kit finds his master bleeding from a mortal wound, dons the man's riding cloak to seek help, and changes the course of his life forever. Mistaken for Whistling Jack and on the run from redcoats, Kit is catapulted into a world of magic and wonders he thought the stuff of fairy tales. Bound by magical law, Kit takes up his master's quest to rescue a rebellious fairy princess from an arranged marriage to King George III of England. But his task is not an easy one, for Kit must contend with the feisty Princess Morgana, gobling attacks, and a magical map that portends his destiny: as a hanged man upon the gallows…. Fans of classic fairy-tale fantasies will find much to love in this irresistible YA debut by Ben Tripp, the son of one of America's most beloved illustrators, Wallace Tripp (Amelia Bedelia). Following in his father's footsteps, Ben has woven illustrations throughout the story. "Delightful and charming. A swashbuckling adventure in the vein of Robert Louis Stevenson." —#1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson
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"Beautifully written, fun adventure! Great reader."
— Marcia Graham (5 out of 5 stars)
“Delightful and charming. A swashbuckling adventure in the vein of Robert Louis Stevenson.”
— Brandon Sanderson, #1 New York Times bestselling author“Readers will root for star-crossed lovers, Kit and Morgana, and delight in their ‘opposites attract’ romance, drawn onward by a rollicking plot….Fantasy readers, especially fans of Catherynne Valente’s work, will enjoy the author’s elegant turns of phrase. A first purchase for all fantasy collections.”
— School Library Journal (starred review)“While the journey isn’t quick, it never grows tedious—danger, magic, and intrigue wait at every turn. Tripp infuses his story with whimsy, humor, and derring-do, and his miniature spot illustrations and handful of lovely full-page pieces add to the overall charm.”
— Publishers Weekly“Tripp builds a richly imagined fantasy world, captured both in Kit’s dry, witty first-person narrative and Tripp’s detailed illustrations. The complex political machinations…make for a compelling and quietly sinister background thrum that builds until the exciting concluding battle, which handily leaves room for more adventures in the planned trilogy. Fans of classic adventure will find plenty to like here.”
— Booklist“Spells, wishes, and fantastical creatures aside, this rollicking yarn owes more to R. L. Stevenson than J. K. Rowling. Kit’s wry voice provides a fine pastiche of old-fashioned tale telling… enlivened by breakneck pacing, colorful similes, and a sly wit aimed at modern sensibilities….Kit himself is as brave, clever, and goodnatured an orphan lad as ever buckled a swash. The promise of more adventures to come provides happily ever after enough. They can still write ’em like they used to; hurrah!”
— Kirkus Reviews“Hold onto the reins as narrator Steve West delivers this tale of daring deeds and magical exploits past…West employs a BBC accent, which is appropriate for an eighteenth-century manservant. It is Kit’s loyalty (combined with excellent riding skills and quick thinking) that engenders his unlikely and unexpected transformation into famed highwayman Whistling Jack, who must rescue a princess from an enchanted coach. For a story told as retrospective, West conveys a contemplative mood but doesn’t forsake the breathlessness of adventure. He creates unique voices for the princess, tightrope walker Lily, senile Uncle Cornelius, and fairies Willum and Gruntle.”
— AudioFile“Delightful and charming. A swashbuckling adventure in the vein of Robert Louis Stevenson.
— #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon SandersonReaders will root for star-crossed lovers, Kit and Morgana, and delight in their ‘opposites attract' romance, drawn onward by a rollicking plot…. Fantasy readers, especially fans of Catherynne Valente's work, will enjoy the author's elegant turns of phrase. A first purchase for all fantasy collections.
— School Library Journal, Starred ReviewSpells, wishes and fantastical creatures aside, this rollicking yarn owes more to R.L. Stevenson than J.K. Rowling. Kit's wry voice provides a fine pastiche of old-fashioned tale-telling… enlivened by breakneck pacing, colorful similes and a sly wit aimed at modern sensibilities…. Kit himself is as brave, clever and good-natured an orphan lad as ever buckled a swash. The promise of more adventures to come provides happily-ever-after enough. They can still write 'em like they used to; hurrah!
— Kirkus ReviewsWhile the journey isn't quick, it never grows tedious--danger, magic, and intrigue wait at every turn. Tripp infuses his story with whimsy, humor, and derring-do, and his miniature spot illustrations and handful of lovely full-page pieces add to the overall charm.
— Publishers WeeklyTripp builds a richly imagined fantasy world, captured both in Kit's dry, witty first-person narrative and Tripp's detailed illustrations. The complex political machinations… make for a compelling and quietly sinister background thrum that builds until the exciting concluding battle, which handily leaves room for more adventures in the planned trilogy. Fans of classic adventure will find plenty to like here.
— BooklistBe the first to write a review about this audiobook!
Ben Tripp is a storyteller in many media who has worked with major entertainment companies and motion picture studios for more than two decades. A prolific artist and writer, he is also one of the world’s leading designers of public experiences, with a global portfolio of projects ranging from urban masterplans to theme parks and resorts. Rise Again is his first novel.
Steve West, the winner of multiple Earphones Awards for narration, is an international actor who has starred on London’s prestigious West End stage, including productions of Mamma Mia! and Oh, What a Night! He is widely known for his television and film work in both the United States and the UK, and he has performed for Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. He hosts his own television show for the UK live from Los Angeles.
Erik Singer’s theatrical credits include the title role in The Hostage (off Broadway), A Life in the Theatre, Greetings!, and national tours of Othello and The Taming of the Shrew. He has also appeared on All My Children and As the World Turns, and was the voice of Vincent van Gogh in the A&E Biography about Van Gogh and Gauguin. His audiobook narration has twice won him the AudioFile Earphones Award.
Steve West, the winner of multiple Earphones Awards for narration, is an international actor who has starred on London’s prestigious West End stage, including productions of Mamma Mia! and Oh, What a Night! He is widely known for his television and film work in both the United States and the UK, and he has performed for Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. He hosts his own television show for the UK live from Los Angeles.