Get Your Free Audiobook
Goldenhand
Non-member price: $56.39
People who bought this also bought...
-
Sabriel
- By: Garth Nix
- Narrated by: Tim Curry
- Length: 10 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ever since she was a tiny child, Sabriel has lived outside the walls of the Old Kingdom, away from the random power of Free Magic, and away from the Dead who won't stay dead. But now her father, the Mage Abhorsen, is missing, and to find him Sabriel must cross back into that world.
-
-
A world worth knowing
- By Josiah on 24-02-2017
-
Angel Mage
- By: Garth Nix
- Narrated by: Kristin Atherton
- Length: 15 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The icon-maker and angel-summoner Liliath, long believed dead, has woken from her century-long sleep to pick up the threads of a plan that has already destroyed one kingdom and may yet destroy another. To succeed, Liliath must bring together Agnez the musketeer; Simeon the doctor; Dorotea the mage; and Henri, one of the Cardinal's clerks, and take them into utmost danger....
-
Mister Monday
- The Keys to the Kingdom, Book 1
- By: Garth Nix
- Narrated by: Allan Corduner
- Length: 8 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Arthur Penhaligon is not supposed to be a hero. He is, in fact, supposed to die an early death. But then he is saved by a key shaped like the minute hand of a clock. Arthur is safe – but his world is not. Along with the key comes a plague brought by bizarre creatures from another realm. A stranger named Mister Monday, his avenging messengers with blood-stained wings, and an army of dog-faced Fetchers will stop at nothing to get the key back – even if it means destroying Arthur and everything around him.
-
-
A classic just as enchanting as in my boyhood
- By Sister Luke on 10-01-2019
-
Spellmonger
- Spellmonger, Book 1
- By: Terry Mancour
- Narrated by: John Lee
- Length: 18 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Minalan gave up a promising career as a professional warmage to live the quiet life of a village spellmonger in the remote mountain valley of Boval. It was a peaceful, beautiful little fief, far from the dangerous feudal petty squabbles of the Five Duchies, on the world of Callidore. There were cows. Lots of cows. And cheese. For six months things went well: He found a quaint little shop, he befriended the local lord, the village folk loved him, he found a sharp young apprentice to help out, and, best yet, he met a comely young widow with the prettiest eyes.
-
-
Slow and steady with a climactic ending
- By Leilani Coetzee on 04-07-2017
-
La Belle Sauvage
- The Book of Dust: Volume One
- By: Philip Pullman
- Narrated by: Michael Sheen
- Length: 13 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Philip Pullman returns to the world of His Dark Materials with this magnificent first volume of The Book of Dust series. Eleven-year-old Malcolm Polstead and his dæmon, Asta, live with his parents at the Trout Inn near Oxford. Across the River Thames (which Malcolm navigates often using his beloved canoe, a boat by the name of La Belle Sauvage) is the Godstow Priory where the nuns live. Malcolm learns they have a guest with them - a baby by the name of Lyra Belacqua....
-
-
delightful. gripping. touching.
- By phoebe on 22-12-2017
-
Graceling
- Seven Kingdoms Trilogy, Book 1
- By: Kristin Cashore
- Narrated by: Emma Powell
- Length: 13 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In a world where people born with an exceptional skill, known as a Grace, are feared and exploited, Katsa carries the burden of a skill even she despises: the Grace of killing. She lives under the command of her Uncle Randa, King of the Middluns, and is expected to carry out his dirty work, punnishing and torturing anyone who displeases him. Breaking arms and cutting off fingers are her stock-in-trade.
-
-
Addictive Listening
- By ellie on 09-03-2016
-
Sabriel
- By: Garth Nix
- Narrated by: Tim Curry
- Length: 10 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ever since she was a tiny child, Sabriel has lived outside the walls of the Old Kingdom, away from the random power of Free Magic, and away from the Dead who won't stay dead. But now her father, the Mage Abhorsen, is missing, and to find him Sabriel must cross back into that world.
-
-
A world worth knowing
- By Josiah on 24-02-2017
-
Angel Mage
- By: Garth Nix
- Narrated by: Kristin Atherton
- Length: 15 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The icon-maker and angel-summoner Liliath, long believed dead, has woken from her century-long sleep to pick up the threads of a plan that has already destroyed one kingdom and may yet destroy another. To succeed, Liliath must bring together Agnez the musketeer; Simeon the doctor; Dorotea the mage; and Henri, one of the Cardinal's clerks, and take them into utmost danger....
-
Mister Monday
- The Keys to the Kingdom, Book 1
- By: Garth Nix
- Narrated by: Allan Corduner
- Length: 8 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Arthur Penhaligon is not supposed to be a hero. He is, in fact, supposed to die an early death. But then he is saved by a key shaped like the minute hand of a clock. Arthur is safe – but his world is not. Along with the key comes a plague brought by bizarre creatures from another realm. A stranger named Mister Monday, his avenging messengers with blood-stained wings, and an army of dog-faced Fetchers will stop at nothing to get the key back – even if it means destroying Arthur and everything around him.
-
-
A classic just as enchanting as in my boyhood
- By Sister Luke on 10-01-2019
-
Spellmonger
- Spellmonger, Book 1
- By: Terry Mancour
- Narrated by: John Lee
- Length: 18 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Minalan gave up a promising career as a professional warmage to live the quiet life of a village spellmonger in the remote mountain valley of Boval. It was a peaceful, beautiful little fief, far from the dangerous feudal petty squabbles of the Five Duchies, on the world of Callidore. There were cows. Lots of cows. And cheese. For six months things went well: He found a quaint little shop, he befriended the local lord, the village folk loved him, he found a sharp young apprentice to help out, and, best yet, he met a comely young widow with the prettiest eyes.
-
-
Slow and steady with a climactic ending
- By Leilani Coetzee on 04-07-2017
-
La Belle Sauvage
- The Book of Dust: Volume One
- By: Philip Pullman
- Narrated by: Michael Sheen
- Length: 13 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Philip Pullman returns to the world of His Dark Materials with this magnificent first volume of The Book of Dust series. Eleven-year-old Malcolm Polstead and his dæmon, Asta, live with his parents at the Trout Inn near Oxford. Across the River Thames (which Malcolm navigates often using his beloved canoe, a boat by the name of La Belle Sauvage) is the Godstow Priory where the nuns live. Malcolm learns they have a guest with them - a baby by the name of Lyra Belacqua....
-
-
delightful. gripping. touching.
- By phoebe on 22-12-2017
-
Graceling
- Seven Kingdoms Trilogy, Book 1
- By: Kristin Cashore
- Narrated by: Emma Powell
- Length: 13 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In a world where people born with an exceptional skill, known as a Grace, are feared and exploited, Katsa carries the burden of a skill even she despises: the Grace of killing. She lives under the command of her Uncle Randa, King of the Middluns, and is expected to carry out his dirty work, punnishing and torturing anyone who displeases him. Breaking arms and cutting off fingers are her stock-in-trade.
-
-
Addictive Listening
- By ellie on 09-03-2016
-
Good Omens
- By: Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett
- Narrated by: Martin Jarvis
- Length: 12 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The world will end on Saturday. Next Saturday. Just before dinner, according to The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch, the world's only completely accurate book of prophecies, written in 1655. The armies of Good and Evil are amassing, and everything appears to be going according to Divine Plan. Except that a somewhat fussy angel and a fast-living demon are not actually looking forward to the coming Rapture. And someone seems to have misplaced the Antichrist.
-
-
Amazing Story!
- By Anonymous User on 20-01-2019
-
Spinning Silver
- By: Naomi Novik
- Narrated by: Katy Sobey
- Length: 16 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Miryem is the daughter and granddaughter of moneylenders, but her father’s too kindhearted to collect his debts. They face poverty until Miryem hardens her own heart and takes up his work in their village. Her success creates rumours she can turn silver into gold, which attract the fairy king of winter himself. He sets her an impossible challenge - and if she fails, she’ll die. Yet if she triumphs, it may mean a fate worse than death. And in her desperate efforts to succeed, Miryem unwittingly spins a web which draws in the unhappy daughter of a lord.
-
-
Similar voices spoken.
- By Anonymous User on 28-07-2019
-
Eragon
- Inheritance, Book 1
- By: Christopher Paolini
- Narrated by: Gerard Doyle
- Length: 16 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Fifteen-year-old Eragon believes he is merely a poor farm boy - until his destiny as a Dragon Rider is revealed. Gifted with only an ancient sword, a loyal dragon, and sage advice from an old storyteller, Eragon is soon swept into a dangerous tapestry of magic, glory, and power. Now, his choices could save - or destroy - the empire.
-
-
Brilliant Narrative skills!
- By Anonymous User on 16-07-2019
-
Shadow and Bone
- By: Leigh Bardugo
- Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang
- Length: 9 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.
-
-
fantastic fantasy
- By manga_me_over on 03-06-2017
-
Artemis Fowl
- By: Eoin Colfer
- Narrated by: Gerry O'Brien
- Length: 6 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Twelve-year-old villain, Artemis Fowl, is the most ingenious criminal mastermind in history. His bold and daring plan is to hold a leprechaun to ransom. But he’s taking on more than he bargained for when he kidnaps Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon (Lower Elements Police Reconnaissance Unit). For a start, leprechaun technology is more advanced than our own. Add to that the fact that Holly is a true heroine and that her senior officer Commander Root will stop at nothing to get her back and you’ve got the mother of all sieges brewing!
-
-
Excellent adaptation
- By Janette on 25-01-2018
-
Six of Crows
- By: Leigh Bardugo
- Narrated by: Jay Snyder, Brandon Rubin, Fred Berman, and others
- Length: 15 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price - and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can't pull it off alone.
-
-
Too many narrators
- By kaapua on 18-10-2016
-
Daughter of the Forest
- Sevenwaters, Book 1
- By: Juliet Marillier
- Narrated by: Terry Donnelly
- Length: 26 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Lovely Sorcha is the seventh child and only daughter of Lord Colum of Sevenwaters. Bereft of a mother, she is comforted by her six brothers who love and protect her. Sorcha is the light in their lives and they are determined that she know only contentment. But Sorcha's joy is shattered when her father is bewitched by his new wife, an evil enchantress who binds her brothers with a terrible spell, a spell which only Sorcha can lift - by staying silent.
-
-
Wow
- By Serena on 13-08-2016
-
Sufficiently Advanced Magic
- Arcane Ascension, Book 1
- By: Andrew Rowe
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 21 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Five years ago Corin Cadence's brother entered the Serpent Spire - a colossal tower with ever-shifting rooms, traps, and monsters. Those who survive the spire's trials return home with an attunement: a mark granting the bearer magical powers. According to legend, those few who reach the top of the tower will be granted a boon by the spire's goddess. He never returned. Now it's Corin's turn. He's headed to the top floor, on a mission to meet the goddess.
-
-
The Name Of The Wind meets The Maze Runner
- By Daniel on 31-08-2017
-
The Big Over Easy
- Nursery Crime Adventures, Book 1
- By: Jasper Fforde
- Narrated by: Luke Thompson
- Length: 11 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Best-selling author Jasper Fforde begins an effervescent new series. It's Easter in Reading - a bad time for eggs - and no one can remember the last sunny day. Humpty Dumpty, well-known nursery favourite, large egg, ex-convict and former millionaire philanthropist, is found shattered beneath a wall in a shabby area of town.
-
-
brilliant as always
- By Anonymous User on 07-12-2019
-
Once Upon a Time in the North
- By: Philip Pullman
- Narrated by: Full Cast, Philip Pullman
- Length: 2 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Lee and his daemon, Hester, land in the Arctic town of Novy Odense, they quickly become embroiled in an out-and-out political brawl. So when Iorek offers to help, Lee is only too happy to accept. Together they take on a slippery politician, his monstrous gas-powered gun and a murderous gunfighter. And so begins a friendship that will continue throughout their lives.
-
-
Very enjoyable
- By Jonathan Bathgate on 29-07-2019
-
Tempests and Slaughter
- The Numair Chronicles, Book 1
- By: Tamora Pierce
- Narrated by: Sarah Ovens
- Length: 12 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Tempests and Slaughter, fans of Tamora Pierce will be rewarded with the never-before-told story of how Numair Salmalín came to Tortall. Newcomers will discover an unforgettable fantasy adventure where a kingdom's future rests on the shoulders of a young man with unimaginable gifts and a talent for making vicious enemies. In the ancient halls of the Imperial University of Carthak, a young man has begun his journey to becoming one of most powerful mages the realm has ever known. Arram Draper is the youngest student in his class and has the Gift of unlimited potential for greatness...and of attracting danger.
-
-
A must read for fans of Numair.
- By Amazon Customer on 22-10-2018
-
The Ruby in the Smoke
- By: Philip Pullman
- Narrated by: Anton Lesser
- Length: 6 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
An unabridged reading of Philip Pullman's nerve-shattering thriller, set in the murky streets and opium dens of Old London. When 16-year old Sally's father drowns in suspicious circumstances, she is left to fend for herself in Victorian London. Although she doesn't know it, she is already in terrible danger.
-
-
Ruby and sally
- By elizabeth b. on 04-12-2019
Publisher's Summary
The long-awaited fifth installment in Garth Nix's New York Times best-selling Old Kingdom series, for listeners who enjoy series by Rae Carson, Kristin Cashore, Scott Westerfeld, and Cassandra Clare.
Goldenhand takes place six months after the events of Abhorsen and follows the novella Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case, which is featured in Across the Wall.
Lirael lost one of her hands in the binding of Orannis, but now she has a new hand, one of gilded steel and Charter Magic. On a dangerous journey, Lirael returns to her childhood home, the Clayr's Glacier, where she was once a Second Assistant Librarian. There a young woman from the distant North brings her a message from her long-dead mother, Arielle. It is a warning about the Witch with No Face. But who is the Witch, and what is she planning? Lirael must use her new powers to save the Old Kingdom from this great danger - and it must be forestalled not only in the living world but also in the cold, remorseless river of Death.
More from the same
Author
What members say
Average Customer Ratings
Overall
-
-
5 Stars53
-
4 Stars14
-
3 Stars7
-
2 Stars0
-
1 Stars1
Performance
-
-
5 Stars37
-
4 Stars13
-
3 Stars13
-
2 Stars4
-
1 Stars2
Story
-
-
5 Stars49
-
4 Stars12
-
3 Stars6
-
2 Stars1
-
1 Stars1
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Natasha
- 09-02-2017
I always love an old kingdom book
This one was no exception, although I think perhaps you feel less tension than Abhorsen, it's pretty hard to make anything seem as serious as the world destroyer. I found the romance aspect of this book slightly rushed as well, but still enjoyable. The voice acting was not my favourite but it wasn't awful
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anonymous User
- 15-01-2018
Loved the series
I love the story but its a different narrator to the others and sometimes she sounds disjointed and weirdly paced.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Sandra M Platypus
- 02-06-2018
good listening
l like the story, characterisation and narrator. It was was to visulise this story.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Mandi G.
- 12-11-2016
I'm not sure what happened here
I'm a die-hard fan of the series and listen and read the books probably 15 times a year, but I will NOT be listening to this one again. I've used Audible for almost 8 years now, and this will be my first returned book.
First off, as other reviewers have mentioned, the narrator was abysmal at best. Lack of emotions and enthusiasm, weird and random pauses, and little to no vocal distinctions between characters.
Second, there is no way Garth Nix wrote this. The first three books were amazing and had so much depth that I continue to enjoy them as an adult. Clariel was definitely a bit lagging, but as a pre-qual, it wasn't bad. This? This is an abomination. Either Nix has lost his mind, is stuck in a rut of writing for pre-teens, or he had a ghost-writer. The story was choppy, with no character or plot development, rushed romance, gratuitous appearances from prior characters, random additions of new places and people, and an ending that made me hope there's no more books, because the series has been butchered enough.
I'd love more books with the main characters, but only if we get the mid-90's Nix back!
42 of 43 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- tosbanzai
- 15-10-2016
Surprisingly mediocre
This one caught me off guard. I've been a huge fan of the Old Kingdom series. This book reads like mediocre tween fan-fiction.
I'm not saying it's a piece of crap. It's just so much worse in contrast to the other ones that it almost feels like.... something between a mix of disappointment and betrayal. I'm being ridiculous though.
Me. Nix is a fine writer. Goldenhand probably needed a heavier editing hand.
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- J. L. Wilkerson
- 30-11-2016
Disappointing
I liked this series but this book is all over the place and is a very disappointing ending to a five book series. The first three books are narrated by Tim curry and they are so good. This narrator is horrible, like Siri or my car GPS was reading it out loud.
15 of 16 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Michael E.
- 20-10-2016
Good story! Poor narrator choice.
I enjoyed the story, but not the narrator. She did not bring much to the story in terms of performance. She did not bring characters to life with voice acting.
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Rudy M.
- 03-03-2017
great story read unenthusiastically.
The story was beautifully written how ever the bland an mono time of the reader made it difficult to fallow the story at times. deffinently not the same talent as Tim Curry, the reader of the first three books in this series.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Mia
- 20-10-2016
I miss Tim Curry
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?
The story line is very good. I'm happy this is a continuation right after Abhorsen. I miss Tim Curry reading the book. He really brings the story to life when he tells it.
Who was your favorite character and why?
Lirael is definitely my all time favorite character. I love books with heroines. There are so few female heroines in stories. I especially love how Garth built her attitude.
How could the performance have been better?
If Tim Curry was able to perform. The performance was good, but just not Tim's level...
If this book were a movie would you go see it?
1000 times yes
Any additional comments?
Thank you for bringing abhorsen series to life. I really enjoy theses books, and I hope they continue.
9 of 11 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- the black rabbit
- 03-11-2018
It wasn't that bad.
I have been put off buying this book by the negative reviews of the reader and the overall story. It honestly does not deserve the negative reviews it has been getting. The story was interesting enough. It was true that it does not have the carefully crafted completeness and mystic intrigue of the first books since the style splits the story between several groups of people, but every author I've ever read tends to have some books which are a little weak. The reader has a lovely voice with a posh accent, she does not make the story into a production...she simply reads it too you. I feel that Nix was using this book to more or less tie up and close off the connection between Clariel (past) and Claw Of The Mask (present) to finish off the character. IMHO Clariel was much more interesting as Claw than she was Clariel...but now her poor life decisions and misfortunes have come to an end...moving on to deeper and more clever characters like Sabriel, Lireal, and their progeny.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Isabel
- 16-02-2018
An Unpleasant Listen
The way it is read is very strange. I have never heard anyone read a book in this way before, and it is unpleasant. Almost as if the reader is trying to deliver a news report on TV rather than read a book. The inflections ate just... off. It's kind of to listen to, and I might return it without bothering to finish.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- casey
- 13-02-2018
too fast
way too predictable and way too fast on character development. the relationships are hashed out in the first little bit of the book as opposed to sabriel where it takes at least half the book until sabriel and touchstone actually start to even really talk to each other
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- BNH
- 07-02-2018
Disappointing
I loved this series up to this book. Partially because this is more of a romance than anything else and partially because I miss the old voice actor. The story was mostly revolving around a couple.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Philip
- 23-10-2016
Love the Old Kingdom but can't go on
I love this storyine by Garth Nix, and Tim Curry's performance of the original trilogy is stupendous. But Heather Wilds, I'm afraid, was not having a good day. If you're not interested in or even following what you're reading aloud it all sounds the same, with monotonously repeated patterns of intonation that drive the colour out of the story and drive the listener up the wall. Within 5 minutes I'd had enough, I wasn't listening anymore, because she wasn't paying enough attention. Listen to Sabriel - that's how to read these books. Sorry, sounds harsh, but I actually wondered if Siri would be better. I'm off to buy the book. Might as well read it myself.
28 of 29 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- P
- 29-11-2016
An amazing addition to the series ruined by an awful reader
The narrater of the book (Heather Wilds) is not at all good completely ruins the excitement and tension in the book as it is all read in a monotone so the most exciting scenes seem mundane!
I highly recommend this book but suggest you either read it or find a different narrator if you really want to be able to enjoy this wonderful book!
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Amazon Customer
- 18-10-2016
Another great story from Nix but let down by Wilds
Love this entire series, and although Goldenhand isn't the strongest book, it is still a great experience. Developing Lirael further as she progresses as the Abhorsen in waiting, Goldenhand introduces some new characters whilst drawing on the key previous names from the past books in the series.
However, Heather Wilds narration is nothing but bland and awkward and really takes away from the enjoyment. My advice, buy the physical book and read it.
21 of 22 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Rousun Uddin
- 22-12-2016
Awful Narration !!
I really struggled with this book. Having listened to the first three Old Kingdom books read beautifully by Tim Curry. He really engaged with the characters and the plot. Therefore engaging me. He was always going to be a hard act to follow. Then with the fourth book Clariel the narrator changed to Graeme Malcolm. Whilst he was not in Curry's league he still did an admirable job once I'd gotton used to the changed accents of the well established characters. I can not say the same about Heather Wilds Narration. It was sooooo monotone. I couldn't tell when one sentence began or ended. let alone characters or chapter. I found myself repeating chapter after chapter because I kept zoning out. It was beyond tedious. I gave up after repeating chapter 17 for the umpteenth time and returned the book. Which is a shame. Garth Nix is a great writer and this was a great series for young and old alike. However for me the finale was completely ruined by the narrator. I have very poor eyesight, so my chances of reading the physical book are slim.
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- M. Greenland
- 19-12-2016
Worst narrator I have ever heard
This narrator was painful to listen to. It was like listening to a robots impression of what an interesting sentence sounded like and then repeated every sentence. So much so that I missed a lot of the story through sheer irritation at the narrator. Do yourself a favour and skip this. Seriously. The books okay, but read it. If you do feel the need to buy it, listen at 1.8 speed and the algorithms take away her hideous intonation.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- KateHarris
- 12-12-2016
Terrible narration
The story was enjoyable, not as full as the others in this series.
However it was so difficult to listen to. The narration is completely monotone with words randomly stressed all over the place in paragraphs so it was very easy to get distracted or totally miss important parts. I turned the recording off 3 minutes in and attempted to buy the kindle version to not ruin the book for myself. But I have listened to it all now. The narration is bad throughout
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Caroline a.
- 13-11-2016
Great story, abysmal reader!
Really enjoyed the book but the reader is terrible, putting stress on all the wrong words!
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- R Taylor
- 12-11-2016
Poor narration
The story is great but the narrator is really awful. She doesn't read ahead to the end of a sentence before saying it out loud so all the emphasis ends up on the wrong words which makes it quite hard to understand what is going on.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- patrick O'Neil
- 28-10-2017
the worst reading of a great story imaginable
such a great story wonderfully written given the worst flat and uninspired reading ever. it's monotonous uninspiring and dreadful which is laughable as there is no dread at all in her reading as there should be upon entering death etc. Nix gets lucky as this is so bad I had to buy the paperback and read it myself.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Bextree
- 09-01-2017
Finally!
What made the experience of listening to Goldenhand the most enjoyable?
I have been listening to this series since it began (first bought Sabriel on tape), so hearing the next installment is like catching up with old friends. I listen to two YA series from my youth nearly every year, HDM and the Old Kingdom. Goldenhand will not disappoint like-minded fans.
Who was your favorite character and why?
I thought Ferrin was a great addition to the cast, another fiery independent female lead.
Did Heather Wilds do a good job differentiating each of the characters? How?
Not really. I found her voice too staccato, and unable to differentiate emotions or characters. From the start, it sounded like she was putting on a specific voice for the book, so the narrator's voice sounded inauthentic. There was little of the depth and range displayed by voice actors like Tim Curry, Martin Jarvis, or Lesley Sharp. However, I knew this from the sample and purchased because of the love of this fictional world and the lack of time I have for physically reading a book. At points, I got used to Heather Wilds's style but at others it pulled me out of the story.
Any additional comments?
I would have liked to have seen more of the older characters, but I am hopeful for the next installment.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful