Vol. 1 the Shadows

By: Jacqueline West

Narrated by: Lexy Fridell

The first volume in the chilling, thrilling, New York Times bestselling, award-winning Books of Elsewhere series, perfect for fans of Small Spaces, Nightbooks, and Wednesday

This house is keeping secrets . . .

When eleven-year-old Olive moves into the crumbling mansion on Linden Street and finds it filled with creepy paintings, she knows the place is strange—but it isn’t until she encounters its talking cats that she realizes there’s something darkly magical afoot. Then Olive finds a pair of old spectacles in a dusty drawer and discovers the most peculiar thing yet: She can travel inside the house’s paintings to Elsewhere, an eerily quiet and sinister place that’s keeping secrets. Soon, Olive finds herself ensnared in a mystery more terrifying than she could have imagined, confronting a power that wants to be rid of her by any means necessary. With only the cats on her side and an unusual boy she meets in Elsewhere, it’s up to Olive to save the house from the shadows, before the lights go out for good.

Welcome to Elsewhere . . .

First, a pair of enchanted spectacles. Next, a deadly book. Then, magical paints from which a world called Elsewhere spills like a dream turned nightmare. And lastly, strangers, come to take it all for themselves—if even darker forces don’t prevail. At the center: the flawed and tenacious Olive, three talking cats, two remarkable friends, and a hard-won trust that binds them all. This is the scary, must-read series widely praised and adored by kids, adults, and critics alike.

Exceptional read for young people

Would you listen to The Shadows again? Why?

I would listen to this book again, it was a great read with so much imagination put into it. I am sure another time I would even get more from it.

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

no

My class loved it!

My students are reviewing Bluebonnet nominees for this year, so I decided to read this book with them. I was worried that my boys would not be as interested in the story due to its female main character, however all of my students truly enjoyed all of the characters, plot, and narration. They have asked me to continue reading the series!

A Page Turner

Would you listen to The Shadows again? Why?

Each chapter left the listener wondering what would happen next.

Any additional comments?

This book had just the right amount of suspense and mystery for my 5th grader. I did not have to provide encouragement to read from this text each night, but instead had to say that it was time to stop for the evening. My child is eager to read book 2 of the series.

Perfect for 10+ year old

Any additional comments?

I have a 10 year old step-son who is NOT into reading! Going into 6th grade, this is obviously making us all crazier than usual. His Mom has tried some audio books for him rented from the library but it didn't take. The kids hear me listening to my audio books all the time and sometimes they chime in so I thought this one could be for us. We mostly listened to it in the car, but it took a while as we live in a small town and don't drive too far between places, but we loved getting in the car!!! His Dad and I were worried as the main character is a girl, but it didn't bother him. The story is great, entertaining and well put together. The characters are consistent and the narration, in my opinion, works perfect for Olive and all the characters. I highly recommend this for all ages (the 13 year old liked doing errands with us all of a sudden... Not because he liked the book or anything, lol) I thoroughly enjoyed this first installment and am looking forward to starting book 2 next week!!!!

Great listen

Normally not a fan of children books, but I was looking for something different. The sample blew me away with the excellent range of voices displayed by the narrator, Lexy Fridell.