This summer, SYNC will be providing two free teen audiobooks each week from April 26th to July 25th. Each week will focus on a specific theme, pairing a classic YA title with a more modern YA title. These two titles will be available to download for free this week only (from 6/7 to 6/13) at the SYNC website. The seventh week will start on Thursday, June 13th with Everland . The theme for the seventh week is “dangerous judgments.”
This steampunk homage to PETER PAN pits German marauders against young survivors of war and a deadly virus that decimated the adult population. On the run in Everland (postwar London), Gwen may be “the immune”—the key to the world’s survival. Fiona Hardingham and Steve West narrate chapters, alternating between the points of view of Gwen and Hook, the German captain. West, as Hook, slowly reveals a depth of feeling below Hook’s icy and villainous exterior, waiting for the narrative to reveal clues first. Hardingham’s excellent character voices and variety of accents help the listener differentiate the large cast of youthful characters including Gwen and her siblings; Gwen’s love interest, Pete; the Lost Boys; and Pete’s young sidekick, Bella. Hardingham handles the few sentimental scenes with aplomb. The library owns this in book format.
Bill Homewood narrates this classic tale of mystery and suspense with a pace like a marching army. He uses emphasis and pauses to build tension in this world of danger and intrigue. His expertise in performing accents and creating characters with sublime ease makes the story come alive. The tension in his voice matches the growing conflict between the hunted and the hunters. Weaving the descriptive details with ever growing tension, Homewood makes listening to this tale a delightfully chilling experience.