Blue Lily, Lily Blue

Include this audiobook from author Maggie Stiefvater and narrator Will Patton in your 2014 top-10 listening list. The story tells the next installment in Gansey's quest to wake an ancient Welsh king, aided by his prescient friends Ronan, Adam, Noah, and Blue. Patton masterfully wends through Stiefvater's mercurial plot, following the line of a story that consistently takes surprising turns. In Stiefvater's writing, Patton encounters some breathtaking language, which he matches with a delivery that make every phrase extraordinary. There's a rolling rhythm to it not unlike Gansey's beloved Virginia hills, which are bursting at the seams with myth and magic. Patton captures Stiefvater's depictions of frail and temporary mortal life while nailing her clever humor. Don't miss this one. C.A. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine

January 1, 2015

Gr 9 Up-Troubled Ronan, ghostly Noah, Gansey, Adam, and Jane (called Blue by everyone but rich and handsome Gansey) continue their search for the body of Glendower, the lost Welsh king. Listeners will need to be familiar with the first two "Raven Cycle" books to fully enjoy this installment. Stiefvater continues to weave her dark and magical prose, and though this story is an ensemble, Blue and the search for her missing mother are center stage. When the Aglionby boys and Blue find a tomb that is quite possibly Glendower's in the dangerous caverns of Cabeswater, they come closer to finding Blue's mother as well. Will Patton continues his excellent narrative style. The story has frequent dark humor, and Patton's vocal choices for Jesse Dittley and Mallory deepen the dry humor innate to both characters. Stiefvater's large cast, rich prose, and intricate plot lines mean most listeners will need to give this recording their full attention. A must-have where the first two books are popular.-Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX

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