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The Lighthouse Land Audiobook
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(3.04) - 459 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Introducing the first young adult novel from crime fiction writer Adrian McKinty—whose adult books have been called “unputdownable” (Washington Post), “exceptional” (San Francisco Chronicle), and “profoundly satisfying” (Booklist)—this is the start of an epic sci-fi trilogy with an unforgettable hero.
When Jamie’s mother inherits a small island and moves her little family from Harlem to Ireland, her troubled son sees a chance to start over, far away from the bullies and the pitying stares. Cancer has left Jamie without an arm or the will to speak. But Muck Island is no sanctuary, and it offers more than solitude and sea views. Jamie learns that he is heir to an ancient title—Laird of Muck, Guardian of the Passage—and certain otherworldly responsibilities. With the help of a mysterious object he discovers in the island’s old lighthouse, Jamie sets out on a dangerous interstellar mission that could change the course of his life—and the universe—forever.
Tautly paced and brilliantly imagined, this novel will thrill sci-fi fans eager for new heroes and new worlds to explore.
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"I really enjoyed this middle grade book, the first of a trilogy. McKinty's knowledge of Harlem, Northern Ireland and science fiction stand him in good stead and the young characters in their heroic endeavor to save a planet is warm and convincing. I particularly appreciate the strength of the female character in the mix. I'd definitely recommend this to fans of Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson, and Anthony Horowitz's Alex Rider series. And frankly, when I get around to reading fiction for the younger reader, this is the kind of thing I like myself. In fact, I'm already on to the second!"
— Seana (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Doyle displays his ability with Irish accents and slang.”
— AudioFile -
“The boys’ friendship and banter is delightful…There’s also plenty of action, as well as the potential of Irish legends playing into the sequels.”
— Booklist -
“In this fantasy-like space-travel trilogy opener, a grieving boy finds his strength in a distant land…An entertaining adventure.”
— Kirkus Reviews -
“This thought-provoking sci-fi adventure offers universal appeal, excitement, and a one-of-a-kind hero whose courage and compassion will inspire any reader.”
— Children’s Literature -
“Few readers will be able to resist…Teens will enjoy this first book in a planned trilogy.”
— VOYA -
“An entertaining adventure.”
— Kirkus Reviews
Awards
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Shortlisted for the 2008Young Hoosier Book Award
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Shortlisted for the 2008Beehive Award
The Lighthouse Land Listener Reviews
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" so far it is awesome to read "
— grrr, 2/11/2014 -
" Very entertaining. Science fiction premise but very much fantasy in tone. "
— Arwen, 2/5/2014 -
" It was about a boy who never spoke because he felt he had no reason because he lost an arm to cancer. It was sad because he had to leave his love. "
— Brinlie, 1/31/2014 -
" This was nominated for the 2008 Beehive Award. I enjoyed it, but felt it wasn't "believable," and I'm an easy sell in that category, usually. "
— Yara, 1/30/2014 -
" Omg this is the best book ever!!!!!! "
— Leif, 1/20/2014 -
" This is the first book of a wonderful trilogy. It kept my attention the whole way through the series. The story follows a 15 year boy who has lost his arm due to cancer. As a result he cuts himself off from everyone by not speaking. He lives in New York City and soon finds himself in Ireland with his Mom because he inherits a house on an island that has an old light house on it. The Light house holds a wonderful secret that sends him light years away to a different world. Loved this book and it was very appropriate for teens as there is not any swearing or inappropriate material. "
— Dace, 1/20/2014 -
" I enjoyed this book. I am really glad I took the opportunity to read my way through the teenager section of my library. this is the first in a series and i am already into the 2nd one "
— Jessica, 1/16/2014 -
" Don't think I like it enough to continue with the series. "
— Lesliebasney, 1/3/2014 -
" A good book, kind of sci-fi. My favorite line from the book was "forget him, he's just another red-shirted extra making a cameo appearance in our lives." "
— Kaylynn, 12/10/2013 -
" I really like this book! I like the banter between Jamie and Ramsay, everyone needs a friend like Ramsay. "
— Stacey, 10/22/2013 -
" This was so-so. Liked Pendragon better as an "adventure into other worlds" series. "
— Melissa, 10/13/2013 -
" Good for boys 11 to 14 who like fantasy & sci-fi with a little bit of history thrown in. This is suppose to be a trilogy but yet to see other books in the series. "
— Teresa, 9/5/2013 -
" Solid fantasy. Two boys discover a device that lets them travel between two worlds. "
— Toni, 8/9/2013 -
" It was ok, not very original but fair "
— Haley, 5/1/2013 -
" I enjoyed this greatly in fifth grade and it remains a favorite. "
— Dominique, 9/22/2012 -
" Really liked this book; Aaron tried to steal it from me. Had to hide the sequel so I could read it before him. "
— Christine, 6/17/2012 -
" Not my favorite, but I was in a bored place when I started. Might give it a second chance. "
— Allison, 6/2/2012 -
" Jamie has a choice. Be a resident of Muck Island off the coast of Ireland with a body minus an arm and voice. Or be a resident of Aldan in the region of Altair with two arms and a voice. "
— Dotty, 4/9/2012 -
" This is my first Virginia Woolf book. I enjoyed reading it. I like her style of writing. "
— Sheila, 12/24/2011 -
" I picked this book up to try and add another book to our school's library shelf. It is just okay. I liked the Irish background and setting and maybe this book is just setting up the rest of the trilogy, but I never felt like I had to turn the page. "
— Temoca, 11/24/2011 -
" It was a kind of fun book. A good junior book. "
— Celeste, 8/31/2011 -
" the book was ok and it had its moments "
— Aleeza, 8/15/2011 -
" I like the concept of the book but for me it wasn't a page turner after halfway I just didn't have the motivation to keep reading. "
— Roshni, 6/23/2011 -
" This book was OK. About 200 pages in I realized only 3 major events had happened, but it kept me engaged and I wanted to know what happened. I'd give it 3.8 "
— Michelle, 2/16/2011 -
" Very cool- I can't wait to read the second book!! "
— Hanna, 10/28/2010 -
" the book was ok and it had its moments "
— Aleeza, 9/28/2010 -
" It was a kind of fun book. A good junior book. "
— Celeste, 11/19/2009 -
" It was about a boy who never spoke because he felt he had no reason because he lost an arm to cancer. It was sad because he had to leave his love. "
— Brinley, 7/8/2009 -
" I enjoyed this book. I am really glad I took the opportunity to read my way through the teenager section of my library. this is the first in a series and i am already into the 2nd one "
— Jessica, 4/13/2009
About Adrian McKinty
Adrian McKinty was born and grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland, during the Troubles. His father was a welder in Harland and Wolff—the shipyard where they built the Titanic; his mother was a school lunch lady and secretary. Adrian went to Oxford University on a full scholarship where he studied philosophy.
Emigrating first to America and then Australia he found work as a door-to-door salesman, a driver, a bookstore clerk, a barman, a high school English teacher, and a semipro rugby player.
His debut crime novel, Dead I Well May Be, was shortlisted for the 2004 Dagger Award and was optioned by Universal Pictures. He is the author of more than a dozen crime novels that have been translated into over forty languages. He has won the Edgar Award, the Anthony Award, the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award, the Barry Award, the Macavity Award, the International Thriller Writers Award, and is a three-time winner of the Ned Kelly Award.
His 2020 novel The Chain was a New York Times bestseller and appeared on twenty-five best-of-the-year lists. His 2022 novel The Island was an instant New York Times bestseller and made five best-of-the-year lists including those of the London Times and the New York Times.
Adrian is a member of the Linnean Society and the National Audubon Society. He lives in New York City with his wife and two children.
About Gerard Doyle
Gerard Doyle, a seasoned audio narrator, he has been awarded dozens of AudioFile Earphones Awards, was named a Best Voice in Young Adult Fiction in 2008, and won the prestigious Audie Award for best narration. He was born of Irish parents and raised and educated in England. In Great Britain he has enjoyed an extensive career in both television and repertory theater and toured nationally and internationally with the English Shakespeare Company. He has appeared in London’s West End in the gritty musical The Hired Man. In America he has appeared on Broadway in The Weir and on television in New York Undercover and Law & Order. He has taught drama at Ross School for the several years.