Phantastes Audiobook By George MacDonald cover art

Phantastes

A Faerie Romance for Men and Women

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Phantastes

By: George MacDonald
Narrated by: Rebecca K. Reynolds
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About this listen

The classic fantasy that influenced C. S. Lewis and Tolkien, considered one of George MacDonald's most important works, is the story of the young man, Anodos, and his adventures in fairyland which ultimately reveal the human condition. "I write, not for children," wrote George MacDonald, "but for the child-like, whether they be of five, or 50, or 75." All-at-once written with an innocent whimsy and soulful yearning, the heart of Anodos' journey through fairyland reveals a spiritual quest that requires a surrender of the self. MacDonald's fantasy novel as well as his other works have had major influence on many authors who considered him their mentor:

C. S. Lewis said, I have never concealed the fact that I regarded him as my master; indeed I fancy I have never written a book in which I did not quote from him.

J. R. R. Tolkien called his fairy tales stories of power and beauty.

Madeleine L'Engle said, Surely, George MacDonald is the grandfather of us all all of us who struggle to come to terms with truth through fantasy.

Public Domain (P)2021 Oasis Audio
Classics Fairy Tales Fantasy Fiction Heartfelt Feel-Good
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What listeners say about Phantastes

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Beautiful narratives

The reader made the insightful and well-written fairy romance more easier to understand and enjoyable. Thank you

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Beautiful

I loved this tale and all the stories and songs woven together. A must listen for all those who like fantasy and adventure.

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1 person found this helpful

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Strange book

Geoerge MacDonald's works have never grabbed me, but I thought I'd try this one. Not bad, but the protagonists is one of those characters who continually makes bad decisions. If he's told not to open a door or not to do something, inevitably he does it anyway. That characteristic reminds me of a B horror film.
The narrator does a good job except for two things: First, since the protagonist is male, it just seems weird to have a female narrator. Second, when she lowers her voice for dramatic purposes, it's so soft that it's hard to hear. I kept having to "rewind" dialogues and turn up the volume to hear what she was saying. That was very annoying.
I'm not sorry I read it, but neither was I sorry it was over. The end, btw, was not very satisfying in my opinion.

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3 people found this helpful

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Top notch writing. Vivid and captivating

Great story for young and old. Narrated well but I was disappointed it was narrated by a woman because it was the story of a man told in his perspective. She did a fine job reading the story. I just found it confusing to have to constantly be thinking that this is a man telling the story being read by a woman. Caused a dissonance throughout the whole thing.

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Wonderful story but…

I expected to get pulled into this book immediately. However, the reader was extremely disappointing. She overacted rather than read, and it was entirely distracting. I kept falling asleep. this book needs a male reader who simply reads.

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Wanted to like it, but the writing style was grueling to me

I really wanted to like this story, after reading what a profound impact it had on C.S. Lewis.

I enjoyed the first couple of chapters, but other than that I found little to no enjoyment in it. I could not identify a story arch.

I read after the fact someone describe it as a “stream of consciousness” writing, meant to give a dreamlike feeling, which I would agree with.

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Finally

Finally! - a voice that does this glorious book justice. I've been waiting for years for a good narration and Rebecca does a fantastic job.

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14 people found this helpful

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Deserves a lot more popularity

So, Tolkien and CS Lewis are said to have praised this story and this writer. And it is easy to see why. This story is superbly crafted, fantastical, and suspenseful. This wonderful story needs to be popularized a lot more. Give it to all the teenagers and all fantasy fans that you know.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Quest for self

Coming into manhood story through the genre of fantasy. Very enjoyable especially when accompanied with the commentary from The Literary Life Podcast.

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Take your time and enjoy

Love to listen at 0.8 speed when seeking stillness. It sweeps the worries out of focus and comforts the heart. A treasure all around.

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3 people found this helpful