The Sweet Far Thing

By: Libba Bray

Narrated by: Josephine Bailey

It has been a year of change since Gemma Doyle arrived at the foreboding Spence Academy. Her mother murdered, her father a laudanum addict, Gemma has relied on an unsuspected strength to turn catty schoolgirls into loyal friends, and has discovered an ability to travel to an enchanted world called the realms, where dark magic runs wild.

Despite certain peril, Gemma has bound the magic to herself and forged unlikely new alliances with headstrong Felicity and timid Ann; with Kartik, an exotic young Indian man whose companionship is forbidden; and with the fearsome creatures of the realms. Now, as Gemma approaches her London debut, the time has come to test these bonds. The Order, the mysterious group Gemma's mother was once part of, is grappling for control of the realms, as are the Rakshana. It is there that the girls meet their adored friend Pippa, who is not the same...or is she? The power to change everything - both in and out of the realms - rests in Gemma's hands.

Libba Bray's The Sweet Far Thing concludes the trilogy that began with the bestsellers A Great and Terrible Beauty and Rebel Angels.

©2008 Libba Bray (P)2008 Listening Library

Just an amazing series!

I read this series seven years ago in high school and it's still just as enthralling to hear it on Audible as it was when I first read it. But I have to say, the reading was so well-done that it really brought the books to life even more for me! I never have time to sit and read a book, so being able to listen on the go and hear a familiar story was such a treat for me as I traveled internationally and needed books downloaded to my phone for entertainment.

Satisfying end to a sad, magnificent story

If you could sum up The Sweet Far Thing in three words, what would they be?

No Summary Sufficient?

Too many things are happening! There is romance, complicated friendships, tragedy, family problems, sinister secret societies, a magical parallel universe that is threatened by internal strife as well as threats from blundering outsiders, a secret sisterhood sworn to protect the magical realm (or are they?), and a tenuous friendship among three girls who must contend with the strictures of late Victorian society at a time when some liberation for women is just glimmering on the horizon. How does one sum all that up in three words?

Who was your favorite character and why?

I was a fan of the Gorgon, who (poor thing) kept trying to steer Gemma in the right direction, but Gemma was too swayed by her stupid friends and behaved shortsightedly throughout. Oh well. Still: Gorgon. Awesome.

Which character – as performed by Josephine Bailey – was your favorite?

Josephine Bailey was perfect as all the characters. A flawless performance.

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

I'm terrible at this kind of thing. I've no idea. But it would be a great movie.

Loved the voices

This is my first time listening to audibles. I've read this series before but it was so amazing to hear it read like this. Absolutely enjoyed every minute.

A "coming of age" tale with a magical twist

Who was your favorite character and why?

Felicity. She's intriguing. Rude and conceited one second, and charming and sweet the next. She's a powerful personality, and I can't help but wonder what the story would look like told from her perspective

What about Josephine Bailey’s performance did you like?

the narrators performance was wonderful. Not like being read to, more like she reached into my mind and played the story out. I could really see it, feel it. The characters voices were distinct.

Any additional comments?

When listening to this book, keep in mind that it is YA. That said, for it's genre it's incredibly adult and deals with some heavy themes. The entire trilogy is very worth reading.

Fantastic

One of the best books I've ever read! The narrator was the best I've ever listened to and I'm an audiobook addict. Every character had a unique voice and perfect accent. Libba Bray just keeps getting better and better. The first book in the trilogy was very good, the second was great and this one was fantastic.

Renewed appreciation

This series was my favorite series in my early teens and it has brought me so much joy to hear it in a different vein via audiobook. I’ve always loved this story and I love it even more in this form. I wish this series were turned into a movie.

Absoulute Perfection!!!

The Gemma Doyle Triology is a Great and Wonderful Series. It is one of the best book for not only teens, but adults too. The narration and the story is great, one of those unpredictable kind that would make you sit on the edge of your chair. Unless you wish to read the "happily ever after" kind of story, The Sweet Far Thing is the best of the whole series. Loved it!

a magical fantasy

Not a Harry P wanna be. This is a unique story about girls in a high class boarding school on the early 1900s and how a magical spell and land teaches them more than they bargained for.

Josephine Bailey really adds to this story!

I adored this series and I'm especially appreciative of Josephine Bailey. Her narration was wonderful. Every character had their own distinct personality, and their voice seemed to really fit the character. As for the story itself I enjoyed it. I found Gemma to be frustrating at times, I wish she did more on purpose. I would have liked her to be smarter with her decisions and I feel as though she didn't have a plan for anything that happened, she simply dealt with the windfall of others actions. It is a beautiful and crazy world that Libba Bray has created and I enjoyed my time in it nonetheless.

Vivid and enjoyable!

Any additional comments?

I very much enjoyed these characters - their strength, independence, and dearest wishes and fears.