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Impossible Creatures

By: Katherine Rundell
Narrated by: Samuel West
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Publisher's summary

Two kids race to save the world’s last magical place in the first book of a landmark new fantasy series, from “a writer with an utterly distinctive voice and a wild imagination.” (Philip Pullman, author of The Golden Compass)

“An instant classic from one of the most gifted storytellers of our time, Impossible Creatures is an astonishing miracle of a book.” (Katherine Applegate, Newbery Medal Winner for The One and Only Ivan)

The day that Christopher saved a drowning baby griffin from a hidden lake would change his life forever.

It’s the day he learned about the Archipelago—a cluster of unmapped islands where magical creatures of every kind have thrived for thousands of years, until now. And it’s the day he met Mal—a girl on the run, in desperate need of his help.

Mal and Christopher embark on a wild adventure, racing from island to island, searching for someone who can explain why the magic is fading and why magical creatures are suddenly dying. They consult sphinxes, battle kraken, and negotiate with dragons. But the closer they get to the dark truth of what’s happening, the clearer it becomes: no one else can fix this. If the Archipelago is to be saved, Mal and Christopher will have to do it themselves.

Katherine Rundell’s story crackles and roars with energy and delight.

This audiobook edition includes a downloadable Bestiary PDF to accompany the audio, as well as drawings for each beast.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2024 Katherine Rundell (P)2024 Listening Library
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Critic reviews


★ "A quintessential fantasy that will delight readers of all ages." — School Library Journal, starred review

★ "An epic fantasy with timeless themes and unforgettable characters." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "Rundell has delivered a welcome reminder of what makes the genre great. By taking risks, honoring her ancestors, and weaving a magic of her own, she adds her voice to the ancient, ongoing chorus of storytellers." — Booklist, starred review

What listeners say about Impossible Creatures

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Everything about this book was amazing!

Incredible narrator, incredible story, incredible everything! A must read! I can’t wait for the next book!

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Fun, light and interesting

An interesting and light listen. The voice changes between some characters isn’t ideal, but the story moves quickly and feels like we are in a story in progress and with more to come. Lovely.

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1 person found this helpful

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Absolutely beautiful

The story, characters, word choice, pace, metaphors, visualizations, and performance were perfect. I only wish it were longer and that the series was already complete.

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Great story line!

Loved all the creatures and the development of the story. Can’t wait for the second book!

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Beautifully read and written, entrancing

I truly loved this story. I sank into it like I would a great tale in my childhood. It captured me in ways like Narnia and The Golden Compass, but with its own voice. I can see this as a story I come back to and share.

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magical and fun!

The narrator is the perfect choice for this book. He draws you in to the story and captivates in minutes. I cannot say how much I loved this book and have shared it with everyone I know.

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return to childhood

this book was wonderful. it gave me some of the same feels as when I began to read with Harry potter. the narrator voice brought a wonderful to the story bbringing it alive. I highly recommend if you are a fan of Harry Potter or Percy jackson series!

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A modern children’s epic fantasy!

A gorgeously narrated book filled with magical creatures and courageous children out to save the world.
Samuel West’s narration is award worthy. His character voices brilliant.
Have been swept away by a fantasy in a long time.

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Unique and fascinating

Your kids will love this and so will you! If you like Harry Potter, you will like this

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Wonderful story !

I have this book on my wish list months before it even came out on audiobook, I found the preview of it very interesting and then I had completely forgotten about it until two days ago.
I am so glad that I remembered and read /listened to this book! I love fantasy books, specifically YA or even children fantasy books, even though I’m an adult. This is one of the best ones I have listened to in a while. The book was full of adventure, mythical creatures, sadness, bravery and love and everything in between! It touched my heart and I cannot wait for part two to come out next year. To be honest with you I will probably read it before it’s available on audio. I usually listen to the audio and then buy the books afterwards, but this one I will be looking for as soon as it comes out. Such a great story.

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