King of Shadows Audiobook By Susan Cooper cover art

King of Shadows

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King of Shadows

By: Susan Cooper
Narrated by: Jim Dale
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Only in the world of the theater can Nat Field find an escape from the tragedies that have shadowed his young life. So he is thrilled when he is chosen to join an American drama troupe traveling to London to perform A Midsummer Night's Dream in a new replica of the famous Globe theater.

Shortly after arriving in England, Nat goes to bed ill and awakens transported back in time 400 years - to another London, and another production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Amid the bustle and excitement of an Elizabethan theatrical production, Nat finds the warm, nurturing father figure missing from his life - in none other than William Shakespeare himself. Does Nat have to remain trapped in the past forever, or give up the friendship he's so longed for in his own time?

©2013 Susan Cooper (P)2013 Listening Library Fantasy Fantasy & Magic Fiction Historical Fiction Literature & Fiction Music & Performing Arts Performing Arts Science Fiction & Fantasy Theater England Renaissance Shakespeare
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In this book Nat fields needs an actor to care about him. So God sends him back to spend time with his favorite play right Shakespeare. Susan does a great job with this story.

Shakespeare made human

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Unfortunately, the summary says this book is for grades 4 -- 7. It's been many years since I was that young, and I love the book. If you've ever lost someone you loved, and struggled with the loss, read King of Shadows. Don't let the Shakespearean play throw you: that's only the framework for the real story. Jim Dale's southern accent isn't his best, but hey, it's Jim Dale, so it doesn't matter. I've read almost all of Susan Cooper's books and enjoyed them all, but I like this best.

If you're reading this, go read this book instead

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I love this book. The story has fun twists and turns, and it's read by Jim Dale! One of the best voice actors ever! I highly recommend this book! Aimed at abouti middle school level but as an adult I enjoy it so much! Have fun!

Time travel and The Bard

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The main character is genuine and flawed, but his experience helps heal his heart. Well written and researched, true to the ages represented. Poignant and sincere and meaningful

A clever time-crossed story

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Where does King of Shadows rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Top 10

Have you listened to any of Jim Dale’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I initially chose this book because it was read by Jim Dale. He absolutely brought the book to life! He took a wonderful story, and elevated it! I can't wait to listen to it again!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I enjoy listening to audio books while driving to and from work. I actually sat in from of my home for half an hour, because I couldn't turn if off.

A Wonderful Story Brought to Life by Jim Dale

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This novel is mostly narrated by an American teenager from the South. It's therefore strange to give the job of reading it to Jim Dale, an elderly Englishman. Dale is normally a great reader, but listening to his extremely unconvincing Southern accent for 5 hours was cruel and unusual punishment. The story itself is pleasant enough, but I never stopped being irritated.

Odd choice of reader

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I really enjoy Susan Cooper books, but the narrator was horrible. I only made it to the third chapter.

I couldn't finish this book

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