A Tale of Two Castles

By: Gail Carson Levine

Narrated by: Sarah Coomes

Length: 8 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

Elodie journeys to the town of Two Castles to become a mansioner - an actress - but the master of the troupe turns her away. Brilliant dragon Meenore takes her in, then sends her on a dangerous mission within an ogre’s castle. There, disguised as a kitchen maid, she plays the role of a lifetime, pitted against a foe intent on murder.

Black-and-white cats, a handsome cat trainer, a greedy king, a giddy princess, a shape-shifting ogre, a brilliant dragon.... Elodie must discover which of them is kind, which is cruel, and, most of all, which is the one who deserves her trust.

Newbery Honor author Gail Carson Levine weaves an entrancing tale of a fearsome ogre, a dragon detective, and a remarkable heroine who finds friendship where she least expects it, learns that there are many ways to mansion, and discovers that goodness and evil come in all shapes and sizes.

©2011 Gail Carson Levine (P)2011 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Good Story, Annoying Narrator!

Would you listen to A Tale of Two Castles again? Why?

I will never listen to this book again. I completely agree with the reviewer who said that the narrator's voice is annoying. She gives the main character a mangled, cockney sounding accent. This seriously detracted from the story. She also never quite settled on a single accent. Sometimes she pronounced words one way, then later she would pronounce them differently. It was terrible.

Good story - great listen

What about Sarah Coomes’s performance did you like?

Sarah Coomes narration is imaginative and fun. A good reader can really enhance the enjoyment and Ms. Coomes is one of the best.

Any additional comments?

The story is sweet enough for kids but still OK for adults.

Enjoyable

Her tale was well thought out and enjoyable. Look forward to a sequel. I have found myself drawn to young adult and teen reading material. Not so much tension about sex...in fact not so much overplayed sex.

A fun listen, quirky performance

I read many of Gail Carson Levine’s novels as a child and have found now as an adult that they are a fun listen. The story was novel and Elodie’s character was interesting and enjoyable. I liked the narration aside from the laughing performed by Sarah Coomes for the dragon, Masteress Meenore. Aside from the dragon’s laugh, I loved the voices she used for each character, including Count Jonty Um. Overall, I think this is a fun listen for older children or even adults like myself who enjoy some light listens and magic!

Easy listening.

Very easy to listen to. The ending was a surprise! I found myself hanging on all the way to the end.

Excellent ! Great book.

Gail Carson Levine has done it again this was a great book. The story was great but the performance was wanting. It was a bit slow but other than that it was great. I would recommend this book to older children and even adults. After my 3rd time listening I decided that it was fine to over look the performance problems if the story was this good.

Dedication to the Character

I humbly and peacefully disagree with the folks who disliked Sarah Coome’s performance on this audiobook. For me, it is her dedication to the performance that has kept me coming back to this production over the years.

Gail Carson Levine is a wonderful writer of all things magical and fantastic, and Coomes’ performance, in my opinion, does nothing but add to the magic. She is silly, grave, morose, and ecstatic at every called upon moment. I have disliked narrators but this performance is gorgeous. Sarah Coomes is nothing short of impressive and whimsical and if you have any appreciation for voice acting (the main character’s passion is *literally* acting) then you will love her reading.

Thanks Gail and Sarah!

Enthralling, Entertaining, Engaging!

Any additional comments?

I'd read many other books by Gail Carson Levine and I was excited for this one... I was NOT disappointed! Had I read the book, I could see myself becoming slightly bored, but listening to it was NEVER boring! The narrator, Sarah Coomes, did a delightful job, and kept the story very upbeat. The storyline itself in enthralling and engaging, full of mystery, lies, confusion and deception. It's totally clean and safe for all ears. I can listen to this one again and again. :)

Why and what

I am confused a shot in the stomach would of killed the dragon why didn't it

Fairytale Dream

This hauntingly beautiful writing style will leave you gasping and sobbing. Eloise is such a sweet, caring, and blissfully ignorant girl she will tug at your heartstrings. The fairytale feeling alongside such a fun mystery will keep you entertained and longing for more. As enchanting as a cloud castle. No doubt.