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The Emerald Atlas Audiobook
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(3.00) - 5,833 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
"A strong . . . new trilogy, invoking just a little Harry Potter and Series of Unfortunate Events along the way."—Realms of Fantasy
Siblings Kate, Michael, and Emma have been in one orphanage after another for the last ten years, passed along like lost baggage.
Yet these unwanted children are more remarkable than they could possibly imagine. Ripped from their parents as babies, they are being protected from a horrible evil of devastating power, an evil they know nothing about.
Until now.
Before long, Kate, Michael, and Emma are on a journey through time to dangerous and secret corners of the world . . . a journey of allies and enemies, of magic and mayhem. And—if an ancient prophesy is true—what they do can change history, and it's up to them to set things right.
"A new Narnia for the tween set."—The New York Times
"[A] fast-paced, fully imagined fantasy."—Publishers Weekly
"Echoes of other popular fantasy series, from "Harry Potter" to the "Narnia" books, are easily found, but debut author Stephens has created a new and appealing read . . ."—School Library Journal, Starred Review
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"When I first started THE EMERALD ATLAS, I thought it would be a little like A Series of Unfortunate Events. Three siblings abandoned by their parents under mysterious circumstances and sent to a series of bad orphanages. Ultimately, Kate, Michael, and Emma end up with the strange and enigmatic Dr. Pym in his dark, castle-like home at Cambridge Falls. That's about where the two series similarities end. THE EMERALD ATLAS, in actuality, presents a time-travel fantasy involving three ancient, all-powerful books, the prophecy tied to them, an evil Countess, battling dwarfs, and a wizard. It's easy to read, with plenty of action in the story. I did find the time travel and the explanations of it a bit confusing at first, but it becomes a bit clearer with time (and more explanation.) Fans of magical fantasies with good vs. evil themes (like Harry Potter) will want to try this one. B rating."
— Kendra (4 out of 5 stars)
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Rich with wonder and personality, The Emerald Atlas is a terrific read. I wholeheartedly recommend it, and look forward to more.
— Brandon Mull, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Fablehaven and BeyondersStarred Review, School Library Journal, June 2011: -
Unfolding magic and secrets deepen the story and build excitement as it reaches its complex and time-bending climax....Echoes of other popular fantasy series, from “Harry Potter” to the “Narnia” books, are easily found, but debut author Stephens has created a new and appealing read that will leave readers looking forward to the next volumes in this projected trilogy."
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Publishers Weekly, January 18, 2011:
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This fast-paced, fully imagined fantasy is by turns frightening and funny, and the siblings are well-crafted and empathetic heroes. Highly enjoyable, it should find many readers.
— The Wall Street Journal, April 2, 2011: -
[A] great story is all in the telling, and in 'The Emerald Atlas' the telling is superb...First-time novelist John Stephens has created a vicarious adventure for children ages 9-15—the first in a trilogy—filled with unexpected twists and marvelously distinct and vivid characters."
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BookPage, April 2, 2011:
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With magic, humor and unforgettable characters, John Stephens’ remarkable debut novel follows Kate, Michael and Emma as they attempt to outwit the Countess, rescue the children and maybe even save the world in the process. Unanswered questions and two more books to locate ensure a sequel and more robust adventures ahead."
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Realms of Fantasy, April 2011:
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Ambitious, entertaining, magical, and whimsical, this marks a strong beginning to a new trilogy, invoking just a little Harry Potter and Series of Unfortunate Events along the way.”
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Booklist, March 15, 2011:
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Fast-paced and engaging, with plenty of action, humor, and secrets propelling the plot. . . . Themes of family and responsibility . . . will easily resonate with young readers.
— Kirkus, March 15, 2011: -
Each character has such a likable voice that the elaborate story doesn’t feel overcomplicated. . . . The only gripe readers might initially have is with its length, but by the end, they’ll immediately wish it was longer.”
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Library Media Connection, May / June 2011:
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A rollicking fantasy filled with shiver-inspiring evil creatures and quiet heroes. The feisty sisters and the intellectual brother will win the hearts of readers of all ages.”
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CrackingTheCover.com, April 5, 2011:
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Creativity and wit abound in 'The Emerald Atlas.' Author John Stephens could have easily fallen into the trap of building on someone else’s ideas. But he doesn’t. Stephens doesn’t write down to his readers. Rather he offers a sophisticated narrative that will appeal to children and adults alike. It’s clear he had fun writing and that 'The Emerald Atlas' was painstakingly thought out.”
The Emerald Atlas Listener Reviews
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Philip Stender, 4/17/2022
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" This book lived up to the reviews I had read. It was a satisfying and exciting read. I particularly liked the character development and plot pace. It reads like a page turner, and you can easily relate to the three orphans as main characters. Just enough suspense to engage older readers and believable magic. I enjoy time travel books, but this one doesn't make time travel the main elements. I look forward to reading book two in the series. These books will be very welcome in my school library. "
— Lisa, 2/19/2014 -
" This book is great! It's action packed, and really makes you think about life the way it is. "
— Marcus, 1/27/2014 -
" A fun magical adventure. A combination of Lemonity Snicket and Harry Potter. I listened to the audio version narrated by Jim Dale, who did a wonderful job, but also accentuated the Harry Potter parallels. "
— Amy, 1/15/2014 -
" this book surprised me. there's depth, there's complexity, just the right amount of fantasy and a touch of fun. i loved how i couldn't predict the next chapter and even the ending! that kind of thing is rare. five stars!! "
— Charlotte, 1/10/2014 -
" Everything is better when narrated by Jim Dale! A decent fantasy adventure sure to pleasure young Potter and Tolkein fans. "
— Marcia, 1/1/2014 -
" This was a good read, but the plot was all over the place. "
— Olivia, 12/21/2013 -
" I loved this book. Totally forgot more than half the book, so it felt good rereading it. I recommend this to people who like mystery and Percy Jackson. "
— Justine, 12/13/2013 -
" I listened to this as an audiobook and it was great. The story was interesting and there was plenty of action. It's read by Jim Dale, the narrator of the Harry Potter audiobooks. Jim's voice is rich and engaging. Great adventure for all ages. "
— Samantha, 4/25/2013 -
" Good for younger Harry Potter fans -- adventure, fantasy, time travel. A couple of dwarves may have course tongues for some readers. "
— Heather, 1/6/2012 -
" I absolutely loved this book!! The humor and wit was fun to read. I would recommend this anyone who loves fantasy and YA books. "
— Kelsey, 12/3/2011 -
" Review in Swedish at Boktycke. "
— Anna, 11/9/2011 -
" This book is great! It's action packed, and really makes you think about life the way it is. "
— Marcus, 5/23/2011 -
" Great book for 5th -7th graders who like Harry Potter books. "
— Steven, 5/22/2011 -
" I really liked this book. I'll definitely read the next 2 when they come out. I did get confused with all the time traveling that happened, but of course, I'm easily confused. :) "
— Jessica, 5/19/2011 -
" Really enjoyed this book because I enjoy time slip elements, plus enjoyable characters. I really didn't want to put this book down! "
— Diane, 5/17/2011 -
" I am still reading this YA book and so far I am enjoying it. I will update once I have finished it. "
— Keryn, 5/16/2011 -
" 4.5 Can't wait for the sequels! "
— Danyelle, 5/15/2011 -
" Harry Potter-esque adventure. Too much action at the expense of character-development. "
— Laura, 5/15/2011 -
" Listening to the audio book now. Still enjoy it every time! "
— Arianne, 5/14/2011
About John Stephens
John Stephens spent several years in television as the executive producer of Gossip Girls and a writer for Gilmore Girls and The OC. He holds an MFA from the University of Virginia and was inspired to write novels for children after reading Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy.
About Jim Dale
Jim Dale is the voice of all the characters in the Harry Potter audiobook series. As a narrator he has won two Grammy Awards, seven Grammy nominations, fifteen AudioFile Earphones Awards, and ten Audie Awards. As a stage and screen actor, he has won a Tony Award, four Tony nominations, four Drama Desk Awards, and two Academy Award nominations. In 2004 he was made a member of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth.