Book description
Lloyd Alexander's The Chronicles of Prydain isn't just a classic; it's the bedrock of modern children's fantasy, and its audiobook adaptation proves why it endures. Published over thirty years ago, this series-winner of the Newbery Medal and a Newbery Honor-has captivated millions, selling over two million copies and translating into twenty languages. But what makes it truly special, especially as an audiobook, is its timeless storytelling and the sheer joy of hearing Taran's journey unfold.
Taran begins as a humble Assistant Pig-Keeper in the enchanted land of Prydain, far from the hero he dreams of becoming. The audiobook masterfully captures his growth: his youthful impulsiveness, his fierce loyalty to friends like the fierce princess Eilonwy and the wise, gruff Gwydion, and his deepening understanding of courage. The narrator's voice brings Taran's internal struggles to life-his doubts, his determination-making his transformation feel earned, not forced. You hear the weight of his choices as he faces bandits, ancient magic, and the looming threat of the Horned King, all while navigating the complexities of friendship and duty.
What elevates the audiobook beyond the printed page is its pacing. Alexander's prose, though written decades ago, avoids the slow pacing that can plague older works. The audiobook narrator uses subtle vocal shifts to distinguish characters-Taran's earnestness, Fflewddur Fflam's flamboyant storytelling, the dry wit of Doli-without resorting to caricature. This clarity makes the intricate world of Prydain feel immediate and accessible, whether you're listening on a commute or sharing it with a child. The magical elements-like the sentient, grumpy pig Hen Wen or the whispering woods-gain texture through sound, enhancing the sense of wonder without overwhelming the plot.
Crucially, the series avoids simplistic good-versus-evil tropes. Taran's battles are often internal, testing his character more than his sword arm. The audiobook emphasizes this, letting the quiet moments of reflection resonate as much as the action. You feel the cost of his choices, the value of hard-won wisdom, making the climax feel deeply satisfying. It's a story about growing up, finding your place, and understanding that true strength comes from heart, not just might.
For new listeners, the audiobook is a perfect gateway to a foundational fantasy series. It's not overly complex, yet it rewards attention with layers of character and world-building. For longtime fans, it's a nostalgic trip back to Prydain, now refreshed by the intimacy of the spoken word. The Newbery recognition isn't just about its writing-it's about how it resonates across generations, a testament to Alexander's skill in crafting stories that feel both timeless and urgently relevant. This audiobook doesn't just tell Taran's story; it makes you feel like you're walking beside him, through the misty valleys of Prydain, ready for whatever adventure comes next.
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Sloth
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Admiral Tot
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Bugger
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Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience