Preview
  • Crispin

  • The Cross of Lead
  • By: Avi
  • Narrated by: Ron Keith
  • Length: 6 hrs and 5 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (1,142 ratings)

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Crispin

By: Avi
Narrated by: Ron Keith
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Publisher's summary

Newbery Medal winner The Cross of Lead is "a page-turner from beginning to end … full of adventure, mystery, and action" (School Library Journal).

Sometimes I ran, sometimes all I could do was walk. All I knew was that if the steward overtook me, I’d not survive for long.…

Crispin is a poor thirteen-year-old peasant in medieval England. Accused of a crime he did not commit, he has been declared a "wolf’s head," meaning he may be killed on sight, by anyone. He flees his tiny village with nothing but his mother’s cross of lead.

In the English countryside, Crispin meets a man named Bear, who forces Crispin to become his servant yet encourages him to think for himself. But as Crispin’s enemies draw ever closer, he is pulled right into the fortress of his foes, where he must find a way to save their very lives.

A master of breathtaking plot twists and vivid characters, award-winning author Avi brings the full force of his storytelling powers to the world of medieval England.

©2002 Avi (P)2002 Recorded Books, LLC
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Critic reviews

"Avi's plot is engineered for maximum thrills, with twists, turns and treachery aplenty, but it's the compellingly drawn relationship between Crispin and Bear that provides the heart of this story." (Publishers Weekly)

What listeners say about Crispin

Average customer ratings
Overall
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Great book! Great Performance!

What did you love best about Crispin?

Crispin is a riveting story, and the performance really enhances the experience.

What did you like best about this story?

It was great through and through, but I really loved how the first chapter and the last chapter reflect each other. It shows how well thought out this book really is!

Which scene was your favorite?

I loved the scene where Crispin rescues Bear.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Unexpected ending

The book has me guessing as to what would happen next. Love that the main character finds friendship and is finally loved and cared for by someone. Bad guy gets his come uppings.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Awesome book!

This is among the best historical fiction novels I have ever heard! I would strongly recommend this book to those who enjoy action and adventure!

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5 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Enjoy

Very much like this Audible. When I was in school I could never get in to this book. After I read along with this app I very much enjoyed it!

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Really engaging piece of historical fiction.

Compelling, and hard to put down. I love the reading, he brings the characters to life.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great narration and a great story!

I had read this book as a kid and wanted to revisit it. I couldn’t stop myself from listening to this story. I had forgotten what a sweet little story it is!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great adventurous, keeps you wanting to turn the page.

Couldn’t stop listening! Had to find out what happened next! Great adventure story that keeps you guessing what’s next.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Listened with my 4th grader

Excellent voice actor character adaptations and a story with many profound life lessons. This was assigned reading for my son, and he thought the book was boring – until we started listening to this audible as he read along in the book. It really helped bring the book to life for our young reader!

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A GARET BOOK!

This book is one of the best books I have ever read it is full of amazing people and great Adventure!!! I definitely recommend this book!!

-Rachel

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing!

Lovely book! So inspiring and wonderful! It made me so happy and excited! I can not wait to read the next couple of books!😀

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2 people found this helpful