Impossible Creatures Audiobook By Katherine Rundell cover art

Impossible Creatures

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Impossible Creatures

By: Katherine Rundell
Narrated by: Samuel West
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About this listen

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • 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

A WALL STREET JOURNAL BEST CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR • A PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, KIRKUS REVIEWS, AND SHELF AWARENESS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

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. It is brought vividly to life with more than 60 illustrations, including a map and a bestiary of magical creatures.

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
Best of 2024 Dragons & Mythical Creatures Fantasy & Magic Growing Up & Facts of Life Literature & Fiction Scary Stories Science Fiction & Fantasy Social & Life Skills Fantasy Island Fiction Heartfelt
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Critic reviews

★ "Powerful and charming, Impossible Creatures [is] a modern fantasy with a classic feel. It’s hard not to fall in love with the Archipelago." —BookPage, starred review

"Rundell has a great deal of infectious fun with these creatures. Her grand theme—in worlds both real and imaginary, in the great outdoors and in the human soul—is the vital necessity of wildness.” —The New Yorker

★ "A bold and unforgettable start to a captivating series. Impossible Creatures places itself in a class all its own." Shelf Awareness, starred review

Engaging Storyline • Whimsical Fantasy World • Complex Characters • Mythical Creatures • Captivating Adventure
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I love this story, it brings me back to reading books like the Chronicles of Narnia and the Percy Jackson books mixed with the magic of Harry Potter. I can’t wait to read the next book.

What a magical book

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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.

Absolutely beautiful

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

Great story line!

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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.

Fun, light and interesting

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*One of the only complaints I have- the audio reader trails off at times and is very hard to hear. I'm sad they didn't catch this and help raise the sound quality. There were points where i had to re-listen because I genuinely couldn't catch what he said. I LOVE HIS VOICE, don't get me wrong- but this was truly problematic.

Impossible Creatures was a really enjoyable ride. I think this would be a great one for kiddos of friends. It has the charm of The Golden Compass, but less dark for those concerned.
I felt it to be a great Middle Grade Read and honestly my favorite in a bit. I think it holds its own amongst its top Middle Grade Peers.
Not a new Harry Potter or Percy Jackson, but absolutely on par with books like The Mysterious Benedict Society or House of Secrets....while better than the Serafina Series or Nevermoor series in my opinion.

Many Magical, lovable Creatures. Characters I really enjoyed and rooted for. Ships on the sea, exploration of islands with creative cast. A good plot that makes for a fun listen.

Concept 4.5/5
Setting 4/5
Characters 4.5/5
Magic System 3.5/5
Magical Objects/creatures 4/5
Plot 4/5
Coherence 4/5
Romance -
Prose-4.5/5
Audio Reader 3.5/5

Final Rating- 4.5 Stars

Final Verdict- Lorek Byrnison and Ratatoska Ratwin would have a lot of stories to chat about if they ever crossed paths.

For those that missed The Golden Compass

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I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the voice performance was top notch. Mythical creatures, constant action, and characters you love, everything you want in a fantasy tale. Best of all, some beautiful sentences that stood out and made me appreciate the writing.

Great middle grade fantasy

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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.

Wonderful story !

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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.

A modern children’s epic fantasy!

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

Unique and fascinating

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This was an amazing story please please please read this book! This book had me cheering and crying and awestruck by its beauty!

Magical and Beautiful

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