
Chime
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Narrated by:
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Susan Duerden
About this listen
Briony has a secret. She believes her secret killed her stepmother, destroyed her twin sister’s mind, and threatens all the children in the Swampsea. She yearns to be rid of her terrible secret, but risks being hanged if she tells a soul. That’s what happens to witches: They’re hanged by the neck until dead.
Then Eldric arrives - Eldric with his golden mane and lion eyes and electric energy - and he refuses to believe anything dark about Briony. But he wonders what’s been buried beneath her self-hatred, hidden in Rose’s mangled thoughts, and whispered about by the Old Ones. And Briony wonders how Eldric can make her want to cry.
Especially when everyone knows witches can't cry.
A wild, haunting mystery and romance that is as beautifully written as it is captivating.
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Critic reviews
"Part mystery, part fantasy, this beautifully-written page turner explores guilt, mercy, and love." (Holly Black, New York Times best-selling author of Tithe and Ironside)
An Absolute Favorite
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As narrator, Susan Duerden is outstanding. So much of the lexicon of British English can be told through accent and it was the accents that made this story. Briony, Eldric, et al are the more educated class, while the locals speak in a rougher cadence. Ms. Duerden captured this perfectly and I am certain that my love of this book is due, in large part, to her narration. To be honest, I am not sure what I would have thought of this book had I read it. However, as an audiobook it is outstanding. So much of the story seemed to reside in the rhythm of the language and the repetitiveness of Briony's tortured inner thoughts. It is a book that lends itself perfectly to audio and if you haven't read it, I give this audiobook my highest recommendation.
Excellent narration!
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Would you listen to Chime again? Why?
I already have! Susan Duerden's performance was spellbinding.What did you like best about this story?
The best part of the story was how Franny Billingsly wove the landscape into the story, allowing it to intimately definer her characters.Which character – as performed by Susan Duerden – was your favorite?
Rose. although she is not the main character, her relationship with Briony shapes the story and humanizes their story.Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
I particularly liked how Briony finally realizes how she and Rose are alike when Rose speaks up in the courtroom. The dynamic of Briony as the defender and Rose as the protected is finally turned on its head. Rose only sees her role as necessary and matter of fact, but this moment is completely life and character changing for Briony. This is the part of the story where Rose is the hero. Fantastic.That's Fantastic!
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Original and interesting
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Gorgeous language!
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If you could sum up Chime in three words, what would they be?
Brutally honest, Dark, & lovely.What about Susan Duerden’s performance did you like?
Great voices, tone, inflection. Well done.Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
Well, "if a heart really did have strings, (it did) pull mine." --BrionyAny additional comments?
I truly loved this story. I still feel like the swamp is oozing about me. The author did a great job being in Briony's head. She's dark and lovely. The story is about mistakes and secrets. It is also about a girl who is changing, growing up. The characters are great, story is beautiful, narration is well-done, writing is descriptive and original. Sometimes it felt like the writing slowed things down a little, but it seemed in character for Briony to dwell on certain things as she did. 5 stars.Beautiful writing & story
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Chime review
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the narration was less than average which made the book that much more boring .. I'm just glad I finished the book
Boring and Messy
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