Listen to Top 100 Audiobooks in Teens, Fiction & Literature

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Title: The Gladiators from Capua

Subtitle: Roman Mysteries, Book 8

Author: Caroline Lawrence

Narrator: Michael Praed

Format: Abridged

Length: 3 hrs and 25 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-25-07

Publisher: Orion Publishing Group Limited

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 7 votes

Genres: Teens, Fiction & Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Suspecting that their friend Jonathan is not dead, as they had thought, Flavia, Nubia, and Lupus organize an invitation to Rome on the pretense of witnessing this historic event.

Their search for Jonathan leads them straight to the games, where they must face wild beasts, criminals, conspirators, and gladiators. It's Nubia's turn to employ all of her courage and talents, and before the end of the story she is called upon to make the most terrible choice.

Members Reviews:

Sometimes children's books have to be graphic, even horrifying, to compete with what comes out of TV and computer games.

I bought several books in this series in an effort to get my 12 year-old stepdaughter to start reading again, after she seemed to lose interest in books. The iPad, television and digital media in general had monopolized her attention.

There is a lot of graphic violence in this particular book, but that seemed to break through her resistance to reading, and she enjoyed it greatly, and then went on to read several more in the series.

Sometimes children's books have to be graphic, even horrifying, to compete with what comes out of TV and computer games. This is a literate, historically sound and emotionally satisfying read for children who are not easily disturbed by descriptions of cruelty and bloodshed. Recommended for most young readers over the age of 10.

Fast-Paced and Exciting

The Gladiators from Capua is a continuation of the story in The Enemies of Jupiter, one moth later. There has been a fire that devastated much of Rome but the epidemic has ceased. To take their minds off the troubles of the past six months, Titus has decided to hold 100 days of games to mark the opening of the new Flavian Amphitheater (later known as the Colosseum). Flavia, Nubia and Lupus are in Rome to attend the opening games but they have returned to Rome to search for Jonathan, who mysteriously disappeared. In their search the friends manage to get access to the lower sections of the Colosseum in order to search for clues. How they get inside the workings of the amphitheater brings each a measure of trouble that challenges each.

Caroline Lawrence provides a mesmerizing account of the opening games using Martial's book on the spectacles as inspiration (and there is a brief appearance by the poet). There are quite a few scenes of action that are magnificently described and the story keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat. She also fleshes out her characters superbly so we see them as real individuals. The Roman Mysteries is the kind of series that you do not want to end with each succeeding book building on the prior one. These are excellent books for young adults to learn about ancient Rome but adults will also enjoy them.

Julia

READ THIS BOOK. There are surprising twists and turns in this awesome book. Just when you think that you have figured it out it, it changes. P.S. read these books in order. Enjoy reading this awesome book.

Unexpected ramp-up in violence

We've read the Roman Mysteries aloud, in order, to our 10-year-old daughter and were unprepared for the ramp-up in blood, gore, and threat in Gladiators from Capua. I know danger is an important ingredient in mysteries for anyone, but this book, and especially the hippos and crocodiles part, is much more violent than anything that had occurred in the previous books.

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Title: In the Reign of Terror

Subtitle: The Adventures of a Westminster Boy

Author: G.A. Henty

Narrator: Stuart Langton

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 12 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-03-06

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 65 votes

Genres: Teens, Fiction & Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Harry Sandwith, a Westminster boy, becomes a resident at the chateau of a French marquis. After various adventures he accompanies the family to Paris at the height of the French Revolution. Imprisonment and death reduce their number, and Harry finds himself beset by perils with the three young daughters of the house in his charge. After narrow escapes they reach Nantes. There the girls are condemned to death in the coffin ships, but are saved by the unfailing courage of their young protector.

(P)2006 Blackstone Audiobooks

Members Reviews:

Awesome

This is a great listen. Much adventure and faithfulness on the part of the main character. Good for all ages.

Great historical fiction

Set in the aftermath of the September 2nd massacres, G.A. Henty tackles the worst of the French Revolution from the eyes of a British young man. Caught up on the wrong side of the revolution, the reader gets to watch a 18 year old boy slowly do what he must to save the family he cares so much about. Certainly the darkest Henty book I have read, but also one of my favorites. The historical perspective is certainly that of a royalist one, but captures the fear and poverty evident in France at the time, and acknowledges the errors of the aristocracy in their treatment of the third estate and how their fate came to be. Great story and well told.

Great Book

Any additional comments?

This is an excellent book set in the Paris during the French Revolution's infamous "Reign of Terror". An exciting tale and one of my favorites of G. A. Henty. It is well narrated.

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Title: Troy

Author: Adele Geras

Narrator: Miriam Margolyes

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 3 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-14-03

Publisher: Listening Library

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 29 votes

Genres: Teens, Fiction & Literature

Publisher's Summary:

But Aphrodite, goddess of love, is bored with the endless, dreary war, and so she turns her attention to two sisters: Marpessa, who is gifted with God-sight and serves as handmaiden to Helen, the most beautiful woman in the world; and Xanthe, who is kind and loving and tends the wounded soldiers in the Blood Room. When Eros fits an arrow to his silver-lit bow and lets it fly, neither sister will escape its power.

With vitality and grace, Adele Geras breathes personality, heartbreak and humor into this classic story. This is a truly inspired novel, told through the eyes of the women of Troy, in which Gods move among mortals and an ancient city is brought brilliantly to life.

Critic Reviews:

"Margolyes is an unquestionable master here....She makes it possible for listeners to follow this multilayered saga with an astute performance. Brilliant. Don't let this gem be relegated to teens; adults can also revel in this classic epic." (AudioFile)

"A sweeping tale, filled with drama, sassy humor, and vividly imagined domestic details that will be accessible to most older teens." (Booklist)

"With exceptional grace and energy, Geras recreates the saga of the Trojan War by delving into the hearts and minds of the women of Troy." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Interesting Perspective

This is the story of Troy told from the view of the inhabitants of Troy. The story starts off in the last year (year 10) of the Greek/Troy war and then finishes with the siege of Troy and the aftermath. The main characters from the other stories of Troy are also in this version. Characters like Paris, Achilles, Agamemnon, Hector, etc. The majority of the focus of the book is how the events surrounding the fall of Troy effect the 5 or 6 characters that are just regular civilians living in Troy during this time. I really liked this chance to hear this story from other perspectives. It made the story of Troy seem much more real and human. This book has the feel of an old greek story, but with the finishing touches of a modern novel

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Title: Watched

Author: Marina Budhos

Narrator: Sunil Malhotra

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 6 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-13-16

Publisher: Listening Library

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 5 votes

Genres: Teens, Fiction & Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Marina Budhos' extraordinary and timely novel examines what it's like to grow up under surveillance, something many Americans experience and most Muslim Americans know.

Naeem is far from the model teen. Moving fast in his immigrant neighborhood in Queens is the only way he can outrun the eyes of his hardworking Bangladeshi parents and their gossipy neighbors. Even worse, they're not the only ones watching. Cameras on poles. Mosques infiltrated. Everyone knows: Be careful what you say and who you say it to. Anyone might be a watcher.

Naeem thinks he can charm his way through anything - until his mistakes catch up with him, and the cops offer a dark deal. Naeem sees a way to be a hero - a protector - like the guys in his brother's comic books. Yet what is a hero? What is a traitor? And where does Naeem belong?

Acclaimed author Marina Budhos delivers a riveting story that's as vivid and involving as today's headlines.

Critic Reviews:

"Budhos perfectly captures the gritty details of daily life in a Queens neighborhood, as well as the nuances of different immigrant groups." (School Library Journal)

"[Narrator Sunil] Malhotra fleshes out Naeem's fear, frustration and anger.... Malhotra sets the emotional tone so clearly that listeners understand why Naeem takes risks in this dangerous relationship. His innocence is just as clear...." (AudioFile)

Members Reviews:

Great book with a Muslim teen main character that ALL teens should read

Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book - all opinions are, as always, my own.

"We do have a choice. even if I do something bad, even if I do it because it helps my family, or me, it is my choice." I thought this book was a great look into how it must have felt like to be a Muslim teen in America shortly after 9/11. I don't believe I've ever read a book with a Muslim main character and I'm glad I was finally able to rectify that.

I think it's important to note that while I think this book is important for representation, I think there are lessons that would be applicable to any teen. The pressures of trying to be a better child but feeling like you're a failure are certainly not unique to Muslim teens, although being immigrants certainly make the situation a bit more complicated. I also think that anyone, not just teens, can relate to the struggle of what is the "right" thing to do in a situation.

Definitely planning to read more by Marina Budhos. This was a pretty quick read but it packed a punch.

It will cause readers to think about their own prejudices and, perhaps, make them think twice before passing judgment on others.

Naeem was 5 years old when his mother died and his father moved from Bangladesh to New York. He waited for his father to send for him, but it took another 6 years before he found himself on a plane to Queens, New York. There, he was reunited with his father and met his new little brother and stepmother.

He loved New York, spending years hanging out and roaming the streets instead of helping his parents in their little store. Itâs now his senior year of high school and he expects to go to college, but is told he canât graduate due to low grades. His future is staring at him bleakly until he gets arrested.

To avoid jail time he agreed to work undercover with cops, as they were sure terrorist attacks were being planned.

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Title: Shut Out

Author: Kody Keplinger

Narrator: Kate Reinders

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 19 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-05-11

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 61 votes

Genres: Teens, Fiction & Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Most high school sports teams have rivalries with other Schools. At Hamilton High, its a civil war: the football team versus the soccer team. And for her part, Lissa is sick of it. Her quarterback boyfriend, Randy, is always ditching her to go pick a fight or haze a freshman. And on three separate occasions Randys car has been egged while he and Lissa were inside, making out. She is done competing with a bunch of sweaty boys for her own boyfriends attention.

Lissa decides to end the rivalry once and for all: She and the other players girlfriends go on a hookup strike. The boys wont get any action from them until the football and soccer teams make peace. What they dont count on is a new sort of rivalry: an impossible girls-against-boys showdown that hinges on who will cave to their libidos first. And Lissa never sees her own sexual tension with the leader of the boys, Cash Sterling, coming. In this hilarious and romantic reimagining of Aristophanes Lysistrata, the battle of boys against girls is on.

Members Reviews:

A great read

Caution: This book contains a great deal of swearing and discussion of sexual topics.

My Summary:

Lissa's boyfriend is the very gorgeous quarterback of the high school football team, Randy. She loves him and he loves her. What could be better for your senior year of school? Well, getting the car your making out in with said boyfriend egged by the soccer team kinda ruins the mood. Especially when Randy tears out after them leaving Lissa alone in the back seat of the car. Tired of the rivalry, Lissa organizes the girlfriends of the football players and the soccer player to do something about this problem. Little does Lissa realize what a war she has started and how painful the results will be.

My thoughts:

I listened to this book, so let me start with the narrator, Kate Reinders. I think Kate's voice suited Lissa. At times, I thought she sounded whiny but as I learned more about Lissa, I think it fit. I will say that Kate did a great job while she isn't my favorite reader.

The world of Hamilton high school is an interesting one. The rivalry isn't between schools but between the football team and the soccer team going back to Lissa's older brothers time. It was certainly a different twist of high school problems than I've seen before. I can see it happening so I was fine with it.

As for the characters, most of them had very true teenage voices and were convincing teens. The one exception to that was the main character, Lissa. I struggle to get into this book because of her voice. She was clearly in an adult mode that I had a hard time fitting with the rest of the characters. I will say that by the end of the book, I had learned why this is the case. I wouldn't have changed it but it did make it hard for me to get interested in the book. Once I did understand, I loved this book. My favorite character was Cash. A little bit mystery combined with a lot of hotness, he was what kept me turning the pages.

The plot was a little slow a few times but I loved the friendships that were made and mended. At one point, I was yelling at Lissa because she wasn't seeing the obvious. I do think she grew a lot in this book. By the end, I really liked her.

This is a good contemporary read that will get you thinking about stereotypes and sexuality.

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Title: Dead Girls Don't Lie

Author: Jennifer Shaw Wolf

Narrator: Holly Fielding

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 13 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-01-13

Publisher: Audible Studios for Bloomsbury

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 38 votes

Genres: Teens, Fiction & Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Rachel died at two a.m.... Three hours after Skyler kissed me for the first time. Forty-five minutes after she sent me her last text.

Jaycee and Rachel were best friends. But that was before... before that terrible night at the old house. Before Rachel shut Jaycee out. Before Jaycee chose Skyler over Rachel. Then Rachel is found dead. The police blame a growing gang problem in their small town, but Jaycee is sure it has to do with that night at the old house. Rachel's text is the first clue - starting Jaycee on a search that leads to a shocking secret. Rachel's death was no random crime, and Jaycee must figure out who to trust before she can expose the truth.

In the follow-up to her stunning debut, Jennifer Shaw Wolf keeps listeners on their toes in another dark, romantic story of murder and secrets.

Members Reviews:

Great Story, Nice Voice, Too Much Swallowing

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Yes. It was a quick listen. Not too complex or too many characters and exciting enough so I could surf the web while also listening intently.

What did you like best about this story?

This story was diverse. Addressing small town reactions to migrant workers.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Her voice is very nice, and she did a good job of making her voice sound like a boy. I don't know that it was the narrator's fault but you can hear every mouth noise, and a lot of swallowing. I imagine that the producer could have done something about that. Also, Spokane is pronounced 'Spo-can'.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Maybe if it was a T.V. movie. Feels a little like it could be a Lifetime movie.

Great book and very unexpected

Unexpected books always keep interested and I have listened to this book many times but it is still suspenseful

I recommend this book

Interesting until....

The narrator is wonderful! The story starts out great, but about half way through the main character just starts to lose my interest. I enjoy a much smarter main character and this one literally had me yelling in my car in frustration when she started making stupid choices. Ugh, it was hard to finish listening.

I loved it! (Spoilers below)

My favorite part was when Jaycee was finding out that Skylar was the murderers of Manny and Rachel

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Title: Before I Fall

Author: Lauren Oliver

Narrator: Sarah Drew

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 27 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-25-12

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 31 votes

Genres: Teens, Fiction & Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Now a major motion picture.

They say 'live every day as if it's your last' - but you never actually think it's going to be. At least I didn't. The thing is, you don't get to know when it happens. You don't remember to tell your family that you love them or - in my case - remember to say goodbye to them at all.

But what if, like me, you could live your last day over and over again? Could you make it perfect? If your whole life flashed before your eyes, would you have no regrets? Or are there some things you'd want to change?

Members Reviews:

cringe

when the narrator speaks in someone else's voice it made me cringe so bad omg. The main character and her friends are annoying, the book is so idiotic, dumb and childish with ofcourse a forced love story

Another gem from Lauren Oliver

What did you love best about Before I Fall?

The realism of the characters and the growth and development of the protagonist during the story.

What did you like best about this story?

It's something anybody can relate to having been in high school. Most people would fall into one social category and identify with the protagonist by either being LIKE her or being around (or victimised by) someone like her. This is the story of is like watching Mean Girls through the eyes of one of the plastics- but with her growing as a person and realising that maybe the way she behaves isn't perfect.

What about Sarah Drews performance did you like?

Sarah Drew is flawless in any of the books she reads. Being an actress, she's really expressive and able to get the inner feelings of the characters out for you. She has a "voice" for every character that is distinctly different or at least different enough that you don't get confused in moments with a lot of dialogue.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I really identified with one of the characters who is bullied a lot, and there's also a scene in the toilets with a "not cool" girl that makes a big impact. I can't give away too much without spoiling it, really.

Any additional comments?

This is a must read for high school age kids, parents with teenage children or people who (like me) really like intelligent YA fiction or the writing of Lauren Oliver. Once you get over the initial chapter of the story (which makes it seem like a happy-go-lucky story from a tween movie until the plot takes a sudden turn) , you will be hooked and unable to stop listening.

Good story, but I didn't like the main character to much

I decided to listen to this book because I thought the idea was intriguing and I definitely enjoyed the plot.

However I didn't like the main character. She annoyed me most of the times which is unfortunate when a story is told from the first-person perspective... Some people would maybe argue that she might not have been likeable in the beginning but then evolves, but it takes her very long and even in the end she wasn't really my favourite.

Some voices were a bit over the top, but apart from that the reading was good.

Overall I did enjoy the story. I might not listen to it again, but it was worth the time.

Captivating

The story captivates you from the start, capturing the horror of bullying and what one person will do to save another. Excellent read

I'm not left inspired..

Narrator did great for a teen story.

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Title: We Now Return to Regular Life

Author: Martin Wilson

Narrator: Will Ropp, Whitney Dykhouse

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-01-17

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 18 votes

Genres: Teens, Fiction & Literature

Publisher's Summary:

The Face on the Milk Carton meets The Impossible Knife of Memory in this ripped-from-the-headlines novel that explores the power of being an ally - and a friend - when a kidnapped boy returns to his hometown.

Sam Walsh had been missing for three years. His older sister, Beth, thought he was dead. His childhood friend Josh thought it was all his fault. They were the last two people to see him alive.

Until now. Because Sam has been found, and he's coming home. Beth desperately wants to understand what happened to her brother, but her family refuses to talk about it - even though Sam is clearly still affected by the abuse he faced at the hands of his captor.

And as Sam starts to confide in Josh about his past, Josh can't admit the truths he's hidden deep within himself: that he's gay, and developing feelings for Sam. And, even bigger: that he never told the police everything he saw the day Sam disappeared.

As Beth and Josh struggle with their own issues, their friends and neighbors slowly turn on Sam, until one night when everything explodes. Beth can't live in silence. Josh can't live with his secrets. And Sam can't continue on until the whole truth of what happened to him is out in the open.

For fans of thought-provoking stories like The Face on the Milk Carton, this is a book about learning to be an ally - even when the community around you doesn't want you to be.

Members Reviews:

Mundane and predictable.

The characters were uninteresting as the author failed to fuel them with any more than trivial, typical teenage angst. No big revelations here.

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Title: No and Me

Author: Delphine de Vigan

Narrator: Serra Hirsch

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 1 min

Language: English

Release date: 03-22-13

Publisher: Audible Studios for Bloomsbury

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 19 votes

Genres: Teens, Fiction & Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Parisian teenager Lou has an IQ of 160, OCD tendencies, and a mother who has suffered from depression for years. But Lou is about to change her life - and that of her parents - all because of a school project about homeless teens. While doing research, Lou meets No, a teenage girl living on the streets. As their friendship grows, Lou bravely asks her parents if No can live with them, and is astonished when they agree. No's presence forces Lou's family to come to terms with a secret tragedy. But can this shaky, newfound family continue to live together when No's own past comes back to haunt her?

Winner of the prestigious Booksellers' Prize in France, No and Me is a timely and thought-provoking novel about homelessness that has far-reaching appeal.

Members Reviews:

maybe a good teenage book for romantic dreamers

A book about a teenager like the naive dreams a teenager has. Not very interesting.

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Title: Burn Baby Burn

Author: Meg Medina

Narrator: Marisol Ramirez

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 49 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-08-16

Publisher: Candlewick on Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 40 votes

Genres: Teens, Fiction & Literature

Publisher's Summary:

While violence runs rampant throughout New York, a teenage girl faces danger within her own home in Meg Medina's riveting coming-of-age novel.

Nora Lopez is 17 during the infamous New York summer of 1977, when the city is besieged by arson, a massive blackout, and a serial killer named Son of Sam who shoots young women on the streets. Nora's family life isn't going so well either: her bullying brother, Hector, is growing more threatening by the day, her mother is helpless and falling behind on the rent, and her father calls only on holidays. All Nora wants is to turn 17 and be on her own. And while there is a cute new guy who started working with her at the deli, is dating even worth the risk when the killer likes picking off couples who stay out too late? Award-winning author Meg Medina transports us to a time when New York seemed balanced on a knife-edge, with tempers and temperatures running high, to share the story of a young woman who discovers that the greatest dangers are often closer than we like to admit - and the hardest to accept.

Members Reviews:

Couldn't finish listening to this book.

This is basically written for middle school level reading. Immature and terribly boring. Definitely do not recommend.

Good book, good narrator

Loved the time period, subject, characters, writing, etc., and the performance was really great. I love when the narrator actually sounds like they're from the same area as the characters and can pronounce everything right (whether it's a real-world accent or a fantasy title's terminology).

An Ode to the 70s

A Blast from the past, this is the story of Norah's struggle with family challenges while at the same time graduating from high school and getting ready for college and independence. With the backdrop of the 70s in New York from Son of Sam serial killer, blackouts, and disco Norah negotiates being a teenager but having to make serious adult decisions when her family fails her.

Interesting insight to the summer of Sam as a teen

If you could sum up Burn Baby Burn in three words, what would they be?

Dangerous Summer Lovin'

What did you like best about this story?

Daisy was a smart chick. She thought for herself and didn't let her ignorant, old-school mother's ideology confuse her. She knew her mom was off but she loved her anyway. There was a part where her dad said something to the effect that, hey, he helped with child support now and then...and she said, that's a basic effing requirement daddy boy...and I didn't a mental happy dance. The girl wasn't naive in the least.

Which scene was your favorite?

I loved the ending because it resolved the story so well...everything was well covered and final and satisfying.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Summer Lovin', Had Me a Blastttt