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The Cabinet of Wonders: The Kronos Chronicles: Book I Audiobook
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(3.03) - 1,647 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Marie Rutkoski's startling debut novel, the first book in the Kronos Chronicles, about the risks we take to protect those we love, brims with magic, political intrigue, and heroism.
Petra Kronos has a simple, happy life. But it's never been ordinary. She has a pet tin spider named Astrophil who likes to hide in her snarled hair and give her advice. Her best friend can trap lightning inside a glass sphere. Petra also has a father in faraway Prague who is able to move metal with his mind. He has been commissioned by the prince of Bohemia to build the world's finest astronomical clock. Petra's life is forever changed when, one day, her father returns home – blind. The prince has stolen his eyes, enchanted them, and now wears them. But why? Petra doesn't know, but she knows this: she will go to Prague, sneak into Salamander Castle, and steal her father's eyes back. Joining forces with Neel, whose fingers extend into invisible ghosts that pick locks and pockets, Petra finds that many people in the castle are not what they seem, and that her father's clock has powers capable of destroying their world.
The Cabinet of Wonders is a 2009 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.
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"This book features a rich and interesting magical world, including elements of steampunk (a magical clock and living clockwork animals), real history (this city of Prague and some characters, such as John Dee, are inspired by real history), and plenty of interesting twists on how magic works. My two 4th graders loved it, and their favorite character, as well as mine, is probably the tin spider, our hero Petra's companion. I admit to never quite being able to get a grip on the whole stolen eyes thing - but maybe that's just my admitted phobia about eye damage! I also found the ending slightly unsatisfactory - I appreciated the author's honesty in pointing out to Petra that her heroic adventure may not actually have been a great idea, but even when we're setting up for the sequel I like a little more closure in each book. However, overall this was a rollicking adventure in an intriguing magical world."
— Anne (4 out of 5 stars)
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“It was like a mix of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings.
— A YALSA YA Galley Teen Reader -
“Rutkoski effectively uses the romance of the region and the mystique of gypsy legends to evoke an atmosphere of danger and adventure. Her well-crafted fantasy world is a mix of magic and technology . . . that, along with the thoroughly likeable characters, will quickly draw readers in and have them eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.
— Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books -
“Though Rutkoski wraps up her magical tale beautifully, her lovable cast and intriguing scenarios are certain to bring readers back for a second round in The Kronos Chronicles.
— BookPage -
“Rutkoski's fantasy features quirky characters, imaginative world building, and a hint of trouble to come that will create demand for the next book in the planned Kronos Chronicles series.
— Booklist -
“The Cabinet of Wonders is just that--a book to get lost in, to be amazed and astonished by, to explore with curiosity and delight.
— Books & Books, Miami, Florida -
“Rutkoski poses searching questions about perception and judgment, and plants plenty of seeds for future installments, but this first novel of adventure, loyalty and familial love (not to mention magic) wraps up quite satisfyingly.
— Shelf Awareness -
“Fresh and fortuitous.
— The Horn Book -
“For those who like their fantasy with a splash of history, or their history with a twist of magic, this book is ideal.
— School Library Journal -
“Loved this book. Strong girl character. Fascinating alternate Bohemia world. Clever silhouette cover.
— BOUND, MSN Entertainment Book Blog -
“Add this heady mix of history and enchantment to the season's list of astonishingly accomplished first novels. . . . [Petra] proves herself a worthy relative of, say Philip Pullman's quick-thinking, fearless heroines. . . Infusions of folklore don't slow down the fast plot but more deeply entrance readers.
— Starred, Publishers Weekly -
“Like Phillip Pullman's young Lyra, [Petra] matures in worlds more complex than she had imagined.
— The Chicago Tribune -
"Readers . . . who enjoy literary fantasy are likely to savor Marie Rutkoski's debut novel, which was inspired by the grisly legend associated with the famous astronomical clock in Prague's Old Town Square.
— The Wall Street Journal -
“In this utterly engrossing book, Marie Rutkoski combines sixteenth century European history with magic-rich fantasy to create a story that readers will find irresistible.
— Through The Looking Glass Children's Book Review -
“...a sweet and charming fantasy, perfect for fans of ELLA ENCHANTED or THE PRINCESS ACADEMY.... Lorelei King is a talented narrator whose superb creation of whimsical characters is beautifully done.
— AudioFile, Winner of an Earphones Award
Awards
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Among longlisted titles for Hawaii Nene Book Award Master List
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Among longlisted titles for Utah Children's Book Award Master List
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Among longlisted titles for Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year, 2009
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Among longlisted titles for Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year, 2008
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Among longlisted titles for Utah Beehive Book Award Master List
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Among longlisted titles for Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List
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Among longlisted titles for An Indie Next Kids' List Great Read, 2008
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Among longlisted titles for Vermont Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award ML
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Among longlisted titles for Utah Beehive Book Award Master List, 2011
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Among longlisted titles for Utah Beehive Book Award Master List, 2010
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Among longlisted titles for Vermont Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award ML, 2009
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Among longlisted titles for Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List, 2011
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Among longlisted titles for Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year
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Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2008
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Among longlisted titles for Louisiana YR Choice Book Award Master List, 2011
The Cabinet of Wonders Listener Reviews
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" Very intriguing and full of adventure. "
— Emma, 2/16/2014 -
" I had a hard time getting into it (though I don't know why because the beginning was equally interesting) but when I finally was able to sit down in peace and read it for a long time I got really into it and I think it was absolutely amazing!!!! It is now one of my favorite books!! "
— MarinaISD, 2/14/2014 -
" i thought it was ok...sometimes not a page turner...but it was ok! "
— Yvonne, 1/29/2014 -
" Pretty good, if a bit uneven. A complex story, slightly dark, mixing Eastern European Renaissance history with some magic and myth. Looking forward to the next one. "
— Juliefrick, 1/29/2014 -
" Best youth/young adult start of a series I have ever read. I'm so excited to read the next one. I love that the setting is not in the USA. I enjoyed the brusk turns from what we all believe to be reality to magic and fantasy elements. It was enjoyable to see the author give details and not need to over-explain them. It's a fictional story that is a wonderful journey of a daughter who wants nothing more than to give her father back his eyes. "
— Amanda, 1/27/2014 -
" I originally got this book for my pre-teen daughter. She thought the beginning was weird and so didn't continue on. I read it to prove her wrong and I REALLY like it! It's a fun read, great imagination. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel! "
— Laural, 1/26/2014 -
" It has 'cabinet' and 'wonders' in the title, two of my favorite words! I really enjoyed this book, looking forward to reading the rest of the series "
— Tami, 1/17/2014 -
" This book was like a break for me. Sometimes I get tired of reading extrenuous amount of higer reading levels so it's nice to take a break every onece in a while. "
— Hanna, 1/13/2014 -
" Sophie read this one and couldn't put it down...maybe I'll get to it one of these days. "
— Kellie, 12/26/2013 -
" This is a fun filled book about a girl who tries to get her father's eyes back from the prince. She travels to the main city from a town called Okno. She meets a friend along the way that helps her alot. If you like great Fantasy-Fiction books this is a great book for you! "
— Paxson, 12/25/2013 -
" I'm about half way through this book and I love it. Petra does things I can't even imagine or think of in the first place. "
— Kate, 12/20/2013 -
" I'm always delighted when I come across an original children's fantasy novel. Not only is The Cabinet of Wonders creatively plotted, it is magnificently written! Definitely worth a look. 4.5 stars here! "
— Maggi, 12/4/2013 -
" What a unique premise... Petra must sneak into a palace in Prague to steal her Father's eyes back from the Prince... Quoi? Still, ghost fingers, acid sweating dye mistresses, and talking tin spiders make this such a delightful read. Can't wait for "The Celestial Globe" "
— Krys, 12/3/2013 -
" Quite an adventure. "
— Mary, 11/17/2013 -
" It was amazing! Oficially named my fav series! "
— Grace, 10/29/2013 -
" It's okay. Marin keeps getting bored, so I don't know if we'll finish this one. "
— Cathy, 10/9/2013 -
" This was a random find, but still tons of fun. When is the next one coming out? "
— Becca, 3/26/2013 -
" Very cute book !!A spider and takes u on an fun adventure!!!! "
— Alex, 2/14/2013 -
" It was a little slow to start, and it dragged in places, but the concept and the story were entertaining. Not a mainstream book, but for the right kid, a great read. "
— NancyJo, 12/3/2012 -
" I quite enjoyed this book. A very steampunk feel to it. A fantasy that is sort of reality based in Victorian Hungary. Lots of machines and magic. A great fiesty heroine (Petra)who is clever and saves the day in the long run. Also a good hero in Neel the young gypsy boy. Looking forward to #2 "
— Nono, 10/6/2012 -
" Loved this book so much. Good clean fun "
— Michelle, 5/13/2012 -
" A delightful read. I became quite fond of Astrophil, the mechanical spider. "
— Carol, 5/2/2012 -
" This wondrous blend of history and imagination introduces us to Petra, a young girl who goes on a quest to recover her father's eyes, which have been stolen by the prince. Action, adventure, subtlety, and a main character you won't be able to forget. Fabulous! "
— Peggy, 4/8/2012 -
" Good little read and I'm looking forward to the next ones in the series. An intriguing adventure novel in a fantastical, magical world. Strong characters and a good plot. "
— Jacqui, 1/16/2012 -
" good start I liked the book as a whole but the characters dident develope that much <br/>good book but little too drawn out. "
— Peter, 5/17/2011 -
" This Bluebonnet nominee was an interesting mix of fantasy and history. I hope to see more by this author! "
— Pammie, 5/16/2011 -
" the series are awesome . read it! "
— Tigger-ghost, 4/30/2011 -
" The first book in a series, it definitely left you hanging at the end of the book. "
— Charlene, 4/16/2011 -
" Very intriguing and full of adventure. "
— Emma, 4/7/2011 -
" Great Book! Really shares a great thick texture of adventure. I really enjoyed this. "
— Lkenner, 4/6/2011 -
" It's okay. Marin keeps getting bored, so I don't know if we'll finish this one. "
— Cathy, 4/2/2011 -
" Whimsical, amusing, and fresh. This book is a must read; there is nothing quite like this colorful novel. It puts you on the scene of the little-explored Czech and Romany cultures; brand-new to our American eyes. "
— Dani, 3/8/2011 -
" Fantasy, set during Hapsburg empire. "
— Charlotte, 2/7/2011 -
" Petra's father builds the world's finest astronomical clock for the prince of Bohemia, and in return, the evil prince steals his eyes. Petra and her pet tin spider head to the city to steal her father's eyes back... "
— Annie, 1/20/2011 -
" It took me awhile to get into it, but then I liked it quite a bit. "
— MaryLynn, 1/14/2011 -
" Excellent book. A great blend of history, fantasy, adventure, and intrigue. I can't wait to read the 2nd book, "The Celestial Globe". This is going to be a great series. "
— Karis, 1/6/2011
About Marie Rutkoski
Marie Rutkoski is the author of The Kronos Chronicles. The Cabinet of Wonders was her debut novel and was named an Indie Next Kids’ List Great Read and a Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year, among other honors. Rutkoski grew up in Bolingbrook, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago), as the oldest of four children. She attended the University of Iowa, where she took Writers’ Workshop classes and studied with Pulitzer Prize-winner James Alan McPherson. After graduating, she lived in Moscow and Prague. Upon receiving her PhD from Harvard University, she held dual appointments as a lecturer there in both English and American Literature and Language, and History and Literature. Rutkoski is currently a professor at Brooklyn College, where she teaches Renaissance Drama, children’s literature and creative writing. She lives in New York City.
About Lorelei King
Lorelei King is an award-winning narrator and an actress of stage, film, and television. She also works extensively in radio, including award-winning voiceover work. She has narrated more than eighty audiobooks, earning eleven AudioFile Earphones Awards and twice winning the prestigious Audie Award for Best Narration.