The kids loved it- and so did we!

I downloaded this book for a car trip with our 9 and 6 year olds. The story was very engaging- they even put down their Nintendo DS's in favor of listening to the book! The review I read indicated it was for 6-11 year olds; not happy about the word 'bastardized' in the first few chapters (luckily it went over their heads). My only other negative is that the narrator did not always annunciate well, so although it was a usual speech pattern that we hear, it was sometimes hard to understand.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

47 people found this helpful

Delightful! Entertaining! And beautifully written!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I Seriously LOVE this book! It was well written, it brought back to life the fairy tale characters I grew up with. I loved the back stories to many of the characters, as well as the new characters added. I wish this were a book when I was younger. I am 22 and still appreciated this book. It was a treat to read, I was sucked right in. I had it on my iphone so I listened to it where ever I went.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Land of Stories?

There are so many, where to begin? Well for once it made me laugh. I loved the part where Conner thought that Alex was going insane. I also liked Goldilocks's character.

Have you listened to any of Chris Colfer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is his first, and it was done spectacularly! His vocal range is amazing allowing him to voice the male and female characters quite well. His "classic" accent was just adorable.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

YES! Absolutely! I couldn't because it was 9hours. But that didn't stop me from trying.

Any additional comments?

I loved this book! It brought back memories of fairytales I've listened to when I was a little girl. I'd recommend this to anyone. All ages.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

34 people found this helpful

so much potential!

I really, REALLY want to love this book ... but, I just can't ... yet!

The creative story line is fabulous! The repetitive use of words, isn't.

On occasion, a passage with repeated words adds to a scene. Over use of such passages simply irritates. (This isn't from the book, but something akin to the kind of thing I mention: "he sat up and found himself in complete darkness. she also found herself in darkness. they couldn't see anything in the darkness. how would they find the path in this darkness? they couldn't see each other in the darkness. all around them was darkness. even shadows went unseen, blending fully into the darkness."

I generally LOVE when an author reads their own book. And this author does a great job at character voices. However, I found it feels like speed reading at times; almost tripping over words.

I could not wish more that this was a pre-screen of the book before editing ... so I could look forward to hearing the "final version."

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

28 people found this helpful

Good plot line but bad writing ruins it.

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

A different narrator. Chris Colfer should not be reading his own story. As a matter of fact, he should not be writing this story. The Land of Stories is overrun with simple statements, cliches, and similes to the point that I had to stop listening to it.

What was most disappointing about Chris Colfer’s story?

The action does not even begin until Chapter 5. I was continually rolling my eyes as I listened along to this terribly written story. There are much better children's book authors out there to listen to than waste time on this.

What didn’t you like about Chris Colfer’s performance?

He read the book as if it was the first time he had ever seen the words. I was stunned to learn that he was an actor.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

The plot idea was a good one. This audio book needed an author with talent and a background in writing. Simple sentences and similes do not a good book make.

Any additional comments?

The longer I listened to the story, the more I disliked it and the author. Stopped at Chapter 13. I just could not tolerate a minute more of Chris Colfer reading in a See Jane Run style of sentences.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

16 people found this helpful

a better narrator might have made it different

I can't even get through it. I feel sad about it, but while Chris might be a good actor and potentially a fine writer - his rushed read just didn't cut it for me. Maybe i'm just spoiled from really fabulous performances but I honestly gave up after four chapters.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

16 people found this helpful

Read just how you'd want a fairy tale to be read!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Land of Stories to be better than the print version?

Yes, I believe it is as you gain insight into how he envisage this world. When you listen to this author telling the story it is quite clear that it means a great deal to him. He uses different voices for each character, which is just how a fairy tale should be read. The book is aimed at 8 and above so for children who may struggle, as I did as a child, to read by themselves the audio version is the perfect companion to the written text.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Land of Stories?

The emotions felt by each and every character leave a lasting impression. The way the story reminds us that each and every one of us has a story of how we are who we are today. Also he has obviously thought a lot about this fairy tale land and has included details that make you feel like you know the place too.

What does Chris Colfer bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The different voices, intonation and stresses he gives to the words clearly gives you a better idea, and feeling, for what is really happening in the story. You are able to form a first impression quickly, just like you do in real life, with greater ease than if you read it yourself.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The beginning of the book made me cry, really cry. The empathy for the children was built quickly as you felt you knew them. I also laughed at the on going sarcasm of the young boy in the story.

Any additional comments?

This story is magical and I strongly recommend it. You may not want to read it to younger than 8 as its plot may be a little over the heads of most 7 year olds (causing them to be continually asking you questions..which can be good but also annoying!). I'm quite sure my 5 year old would be rather scared by some parts and very sadden by others. Other people may also not want there under 8s to hear slightly "bad" language (depending on your definition of bad, crap is said once I think) so really it's far from offensive.It has also made me go back and read the original fairy tales, I read as a little girl, to my daughter.. Not all of them as she's a scardy cat! Hope you enjoy the book, I did and I'm way outside its intended age bracket, then again I was with Harry Potter too!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

14 people found this helpful

Kept my kids quiet for hours!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Land of Stories to be better than the print version?

Haven't yet had a chance to read the print version, but the audio book was so compelling, we're buying a copy soon.

What did you like best about this story?

The story was well told and not at all "dumbed down" for the kids.

What does Chris Colfer bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He performs each character differently which makes it much easier for the kids (and grown ups) to keep track of who is speaking. He is a fabulous storyteller.

Any additional comments?

We listened to much of this audio book in the car on a long trip. It kept my highly energetic kids (7 and 11) quiet and riveted for nearly 10 hours!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

13 people found this helpful

The best story ever!!!

I didn't want it to end at all its so good thank you loved it

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

7 people found this helpful

Performance is awful

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

I like to read YA fantasy but this book is really for little kids.

What could Chris Colfer have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

The performance was awful. Perhaps a professional could make this more tolerable.

How could the performance have been better?

I believe the author read the book. Went way too fast--no acting ability whatsoever.

What character would you cut from The Land of Stories?

Really doesn't matter.

Any additional comments?

A lesson in how professional narration could make a difference.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

6 people found this helpful

Not just for the little ones

I thought of this one for grandkids and found that I really enjoyed this read. A whole new look at the classic fairy tales that truly drew me in. I would be interested in more from this author and would not hesitate to download more if offered on Audible.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

6 people found this helpful