The Land of Stories

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.

22 of 23 people found this review helpful

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.

32 of 36 people found this review helpful

Great story, but unsatisfying listening

The story itself was great, but was read at what appeared to be 1.5x fast forward speed.

4 of 4 people found this review 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!

8 of 9 people found this review 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!

8 of 9 people found this review helpful

The best story ever!!!

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

3 of 3 people found this review 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.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Great concept, terrible delivery

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

The plot is compelling, which is why my kids seem to love it. However, as a more discerning adult listener, I feel that some of the writing is quite contrived and the narration detracts from the story rather than enhancing it. (And yes, I recognize tongue-in-cheek and this is not it.) We just finished listening to another VERY popular series with an exquisite narrator and moving from that one to this leaves me feeling ill during certain parts. I would guardedly recommend this for family listening only because my kids are completely enamored. However, any adults listening in - be prepared...

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

"Can I call you butter boy?"

Would you be willing to try another one of Chris Colfer’s performances?

No

Could you see The Land of Stories being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Yes, it would probably make a great movie/series. One of the Hemsworth brothers would be great (Jack or a Charming brother). I don't know younger actors/actresses now so probably a new discovery would be best for the lead characters.

6 of 7 people found this review helpful

Good for only kids

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

My daughter loves this audio book, and reading the other reviews, I see that her reaction is typical for children. But I think many adults will be less than impressed, especially if they have listened to narrators such as Barbara Rosenblat, Alex Jennings, or Simon Vance, all of whom can make listening to an audio book a truly transportive experience.

What was most disappointing about Chris Colfer’s story?

Both the writing and the narration are extremely amateurish. I find it hard to believe that this book would have been published or recorded if Chris Colfer was not a known name. It is a good-natured effort, but that alone doesn't mean that it should have been published or recorded.

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

Colfer's pacing is off. He sounds rushed and breathless and he doesn't really know how to bring characters to life. You never forget that he is reading words off a page.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Family Fun!

This was a fun read with the kids. Lots of twists and exciting back ground stories about the fairytales themselves. I would totally recommend this book.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful