9780062395764
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Walk on Earth a Stranger audiobook

  • By: Rae Carson
  • Narrator: Erin Mallon
  • Category: Girls & Women, YOUNG ADULT FICTION
  • Length: 10 hours 53 minutes
  • Publisher: Greenwillow Books
  • Publish date: September 22, 2015
  • Language: English
  • (16263 ratings)
(16263 ratings)
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Walk on Earth a Stranger Audiobook Summary

A New York Times bestseller and National Book Award longlist selection

The first book in a new trilogy from acclaimed New York Times-bestselling author Rae Carson. A young woman with the magical ability to sense the presence of gold must flee her home, taking her on a sweeping and dangerous journey across Gold Rush-era America. Walk on Earth a Stranger begins an epic saga from one of the finest writers of young adult literature.

Lee Westfall has a secret. She can sense the presence of gold in the world around her. Veins deep beneath the earth, pebbles in the river, nuggets dug up from the forest floor. The buzz of gold means warmth and life and home–until everything is ripped away by a man who wants to control her. Left with nothing, Lee disguises herself as a boy and takes to the trail across the country. Gold was discovered in California, and where else could such a magical girl find herself, find safety?

Rae Carson, author of the acclaimed Girl of Fire and Thorns series, dazzles with the first book in the Gold Seer Trilogy, introducing a strong heroine, a perilous road, a fantastical twist, and a slow-burning romance, as only she can.

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Walk on Earth a Stranger Audiobook Narrator

Erin Mallon is the narrator of Walk on Earth a Stranger audiobook that was written by Rae Carson

Rae Carson is the author of two bestselling and award-winning trilogies, as well as the acclaimed stand-alone novels Any Sign of Life and The Empire of Dreams. Her debut, The Girl of Fire and Thorns, was named a William C. Morris Award finalist and an Andre Norton Award finalist. Walk on Earth a Stranger was longlisted for the 2015 National Book Award and won the Western Writers of America Spur Award. Her books tend to contain adventure, magic, and smart girls who make (mostly) smart choices. Originally from California, Rae Carson now lives in Ohio with her husband. www.raecarson.com

About the Author(s) of Walk on Earth a Stranger

Rae Carson is the author of Walk on Earth a Stranger

Walk on Earth a Stranger Full Details

Narrator Erin Mallon
Length 10 hours 53 minutes
Author Rae Carson
Category
Publisher Greenwillow Books
Release date September 22, 2015
ISBN 9780062395764

Subjects

The publisher of the Walk on Earth a Stranger is Greenwillow Books. includes the following subjects: The BISAC Subject Code is Girls & Women, YOUNG ADULT FICTION

Additional info

The publisher of the Walk on Earth a Stranger is Greenwillow Books. The imprint is Greenwillow Books. It is supplied by Greenwillow Books. The ISBN-13 is 9780062395764.

Global Availability

This book is only available in the United States.

Goodreads Reviews

Emily May

September 02, 2015

Trust someone, Mama said. Her dying words, burned into my heart. But she was wrong. When there’s gold to be had, you can’t trust anyone. Not a single soul. 3 1/2 stars. Walk on Earth a Stranger is a very promising start to this historical/paranormal series set during the California Gold Rush of 1849.Westerns - a genre that has been fairly empty for many years (outside of Western Romance) - are making a comeback. I have read three this year and enjoyed them all - Under a Painted Sky, Vengeance Road and, of course, Walk on Earth a Stranger. 2016 also promises more Western excitement with Revenge and the Wild.I'm trying to make it VERY clear what this book is, because I was under the impression that it was another high fantasy, similar to the author's The Girl of Fire and Thorns trilogy. It isn't. It's primarily a fast-paced historical adventure, with a paranormal twist to make things even more interesting.But whatever, I was hooked from the first chapter. I didn't love Carson's The Girl of Fire and Thorns, but she sure knows how to tug you along for an action-packed ride. And this book is even more compelling. Lee Westfall is an extremely likable, brave and sympathetic character. I was immediately pulled into her story and felt her sadness, her anger, and her frustration following the murder of her parents. It's a very exciting book that jumps from drama to blood-soaked drama. When Lee suspects that her new guardian is responsible for her parents' deaths, she runs away disguised as a boy. On the trail of her friend - Jefferson - who is headed to California, Lee finds herself thrown from one heap of trouble, to surprising friendships, to yet another heap of trouble.But being a girl isn't the only secret Lee must keep. She also has the ability to sense the presence of gold. She is drawn to it. Imagine what this power would mean if a person could control Lee. They would be rich beyond their wildest dreams.I rated down slightly to 3.5 because I think that many of the secondary characters (and there were many) were left underdeveloped. They should have been more complex and nuanced, but the author missed the opportunity to take their characterization further than a basic surface level. I'm hoping this will come later.But otherwise, this was a very enjoyable read. Lots of action, lots of tension, and a slow-burn romance.Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube | Pinterest

Hailey

February 14, 2017

4.5*I really enjoyed this!!! Video review possibly to come

Samantha

August 16, 2015

*4.5 stars*

Lucia

February 07, 2017

After surprise attack that shuttered Leah’s family, Leah has no other choice but dress as a boy and set up on dangerous journey to California - a place where she can put her secret gift of sensing gold to use during American Gold Rush era and start a new life for herself. And so it began, the adventurous tale that I grew to love so dearly. "Trust someone, Mama said. Her dying words, burned into my heart. But she was wrong. When there’s gold to be had, you can’t trust anyone. Not a single soul." Leah - an ordinary girl forced to live not so ordinary life thanks to her unusual magical gift. It was very easy to connect with her. Hardships of life in Golden Era America made a tough girl out of her. She was able to take care of herself in all situations. She was a strong admirable heroine, not some damsel in distress. As a (young) female in that particular period, she had to prove her worth twice as hard as any man. And she did. Oh boy, did she. Leah may not be perfect but she is a heroine to look up to. I wish there were more characters like her in YA books. It would make my readings less frustrating for sure. "It’s like I’m not really a person. Just a thing to be tossed around to make men feel good about themselves." On the top of that, you won’t find a single one-dimensional character in this book! Author presented awesome variety of realistic side characters which made my reading experience special and memorable above any other YA historical novels I have read before. Moreover, this novel has one of the most realistic teenage romances I have encountered in YA genre. It was all based on genuine feelings and it was developed gradually in believable way. This is what I call superb slow burn. “Seems like I’ve been waiting for you to come around my whole life, Lee. But a man can’t wait forever and stay a man.” I am not an expert in this particular part of history but I got an impression that author did her research well. The use of period slang and words, detailed descriptions of museum worthy things; it all sounded very authentic to me and showed me clear picture of given historical period.Fantasy aspect is important but somehow it doesn’t play a leading role in this book. I didn’t mind one bit since story concentrated mostly on heroine’s thrilling journey across the nation for the chance at new beginning, not her ability. But I have a feeling that it will play much bigger role in next instalment!Plot-wise, author had it thought out to tiny details. There were no plot holes and no frustrating moments. In this novel you will find only rich world-building, slow burn romance, unforgettable characters and fascinating setting of 1850s. A book nerd like me could not ask for more. Author wasn’t even afraid to touch topic of slavery and Indians which gave this novel more serious vibe. Walk on Earth a Stranger is YA historical novel I have been waiting for and I whole heartedly recommend it to everyone!*ARC provided by publisher as an exchange for honest review*MORE REVIEWS ON MY BLOG Reading Is My Breathing

Giselle

March 30, 2016

An Electronic Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss for review.I didn't know what this book would entail but I had no idea it would be about women and their roles back in the days where everything was unequal. It super sad sad our main character Lee had to be dressed as a boy to get anything done. There are moments where other side female characters had to defer to their husbands in every way. Like they were property and not a human being. The men and women roles in this one had me reeling! There was just so much sexism I could take. I don't know how women back then could take it. Maybe only because they didn't know any better and having equal rights was something they could never dream of. Rae's writing is just as vivid and surreal as her other trilogy which I loved so. She paints a picture of families trying to make a better place out in the west. Along the way our characters lose each other or sometimes themselves. I loved reading how much Lee changes and how strong she is to be able to do the things that she does.This is all about the journey and even though it has some magical elements, it wasn't the focus. It was about getting to the destination in one piece. I've never read about a journey to the western side of America before but Rae Carson has a way with words that gets me interested and enthralled at the same time. Excellent writing! What a wonderful journey Rae Carson has written. Her characters are so strong and independent! I loved it! A girl who has to look like a boy to make it to California and she naturally senses out gold.. I was enthralled at every page. Read this one for the journey, pick it up because of that gorgeous cover and for the mere fact that it's Rae Carson!RATING 4/5QUOTES"I am patient. I am a ghost.""The world is a poorer place today, but heaven is all the richer.""When there's gold to be had, you can't trust anyone. Not a single soul.""The harm we do others always comes back around.""I miss having people familiar and dear—so familiar and dear that belong with them is easy. Never worrying what they're thinking or if they care about you or what will happen if they find out who you really are.""Dan was a white man, as white as they come. And nobody ever said he did it because white men are savages. But one Indian does something bad, and suddenly all of them are bad.""I've never felt so far from God's grace. I suppose I am a stranger walking on earth, but I'm not son of God. I'm no son at all.""Men are men. It's men thinking other men are snakes that's the problem.""I'd rather be treated with respect than treated like a lady.""I'm treated like I'm nobody again, to be owned or herded or strung along, so helpless and awful that I must be redeemed or married off because it's convenient for everyone.""There's not a place in the whole world where everyone isn't willing—no,eager—to give a girl up to a man.""It's like I'm not really a person. Just a thing to be tossed around to make men feel good about themselves.""Idle time brings idle thoughts.""Men can be relentless when they think a woman belongs to them."

Emma

November 18, 2016

4.5 stars. A fascinating account of a bunch of disparate people in one wagon train and their determination to get to California in 1849 at the beginning of the Gold Rush. The main character is an orphaned girl who brings the group together through her courage and kindness of spirit.As well as an excellent work of historical fiction, this novel is intended to have a light touch of fantasy to it. I think if you were anticipating this book based on that alone, it is possible you would be disappointed. I know I was; however I love historical fiction in general and the Gold Rush is a favourite period of mine, so really it was difficult to stay disappointed for long!Really looking forward to reading the next in series where hopefully the fantasy element will make a more significant appearance. It's very likely that it will: Gold Rush + ability to sense gold..... don't think that's much of a spoiler since it's in the blurb for this book, let alone the next.Recommended.

Whitney

January 13, 2016

I love this book so much. It is currently 2:18 AM in my neck of the woods so I will have a review up tomorrow. But for right now all you need to know is this book is amazing and YOU NEED TO READ IT. **Minor Spoilers Ahead** "The presence of gold fades with distance, but never leaves me. Maybe, in California, it will infuse me constantly, like the warmth of my own private sun." This is the first book I've read by Rae Carson and it certainly will not be the last. I loved her writing and the characters she created. She did not hold back in this book when it came the history and the events that occurred within the story. Life, death, violence, anger, HISTORY, all of these things came together to create a truly magnificent story. “’This nugget is nothing, Lee. Even your magic is nothing. You’re a good girl and the best daughter. And that? That’s something.’‘Yes, Daddy.’” The story is told in the perspective of our butt-kicking heroine, Leah Westfall. We first meet Leah in the woods of Dahlonega, Georgia in January of 1849. The Mexican-American War has just ended a year earlier and one of the results of this was President James K. Polk acquiring the California territory. This would forever change the United States as well as Leah Westfall’s life. Leah’s parents are tragically murdered in the beginning of the story. After this event Leah’s Uncle Hiram comes into the picture. He intends to take over Leah’s home and life, and Leah sees that the freedom she experienced with her parents is quickly being taken away. The only way she can truly be free is if she heads west to find her best friend Jefferson and escape into California where her Uncle Hiram has no power over her. So Leah disguises herself as a boy and she starts on a journey that will be extremely tough but also fulfilling in Leah’s search for herself. “So it’s now, with my own fire crackling, my lips greasy with the squirrel I just ate, and the night echoing with the distant yip of a coyote that I miss Daddy most. He should be here with me. We should have been on this adventure together.” One part that really struck me was when Leah was travelling alone in the beginning of the novel. She is such a strong character and person but the reader still must remember that she is still grieving for both her parents and the life she had before. Rae Carson made Leah’s emotions so real and her grief actually made me emotional. A lot of this book made me emotional actually. However, we see Leah eventually find Jefferson and find people that she comes to care for and care for her. “Trust someone, Mama said. Her dying words, burned into my heart. But she was wrong. When there’s gold to be had, you can’t trust anyone. Not a single soul.” Leah has a secret power. She can sense gold, whether it’s in the Earth or it’s a necklace around someone’s neck. It is a dangerous ability for any person to have because of the lust for gold during the California Gold Rush. This lust is partly what drove her Uncle to murder her parents and she knows she has to keep this a secret from everyone, including her best friend Jefferson. Although Leah begins the story unwilling to trust anyone, she learns along the way that there are people she can trust. Her growth throughout the novel is shown in her interactions with Jefferson and the other families that she travels with to California. I loved the entire journey that Leah was on. It brought me back to my Oregon Trail days. I was OBSESSED with that game when I was little kid. My mom allowed me to play on our dinosaur of a computer for only an hour a day and Oregon Trail was my go to game. Rae Carson made me feel like I was there on the trail with Leah. It was so realistic and actually really historically accurate. I am a history major and I’ve learned my fair share of American history. It’s never been my favorite history to learn about but I’ve always loved learning about this era with the California Gold Rush and the move west. The scene that really killed me was the buffalo scene because that kind of thing actually happened. The measles blankets also really made me angry, because again it’s something that people actually did. Rae Carson does an amazing job of including real history in this story and it was such a breath of fresh air. “Seems like I’ve been waiting for you to come around my whole life, Lee. But a man can’t wait forever and stay a man.” I just want to say a few things about the relationship between Leah and Jefferson. First of all, I loved their relationship. They have been best friends forever but now that they’re older it seems like it could be more. Rae Carson made their relationship develop very slowly and that was so great. We hardly have any romance in this novel, it’s not the main focus and that’s what helps make this novel great. I totally thought Jefferson and Therese were going to have something and I was going to get annoyed but that’s not the case. I can’t wait to see where this relationship goes. “There’s not a place in the whole world where everyone isn’t willing—no, eager—to give up a girl to a man.” Can we talk about the feminist undertones in this book? Obviously, we can talk about Leah and her independence but we can also really analyze Becky Joyner as well. I even like Mrs. Joyner now! She was a you-know-what in the beginning but she really grew on me. Her unpleasantness stems from her husband, in my opinion. And once he dies I think she is able to find that independence that all women in their lives want. Leah’s transformation is really at the forefront of the novel but as a reader I also loved watching Becky’s transformation as well. She is a mother who cares only for her children and she does everything in her power to protect them even if that means to be rude and harsh to people like Leah. However, over the course of this journey Becky Joyner learns more about being a woman and that there’s more to life than being a wife.This book is one of the only books where I haven’t been annoyed with a single character. Yeah I didn’t like some of the bad guys but they all worked in the story and I enjoy reading about them. I just really can’t wait to read the next book. I love all of these characters and their relationships with one another. I would recommend it to everyone, especially if you love American history and are in the mood for a journey because this book really takes you on one. I feel like I’ve written an essay but this book has really had an impact on me. My only regret is that I wish I read it sooner! “I’ve never felt so far from God’s grace. I suppose I am a stranger walking on Earth, but I’m no son of God. I’m no son at all.” Happy reading, friends! ☺You can also find this review on my blog here:http://soreadyourbooksbutstayoutlate....

Rashika (is tired)

September 22, 2015

***This review has also been posted on The Social Potato Walk on Earth a Stranger may just be the best YA Western I’ve read so far. It’s all I ever asked for bundled into an exciting adventure that had flipping pages as fast as I could. Fair warning though, this book won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.For as long as I can remember, reading books that feature journeys has been *my* thing. I mean lots of things are my thing, but I always find myself craving a good old adventure. Across a country, to the top of the mountains, WHEREVER. I love living vicariously through characters journeying to some place and reading about the hardships they have to overcome. But that is just me as a reader and not everyone wants to read an entire book reading about a character’s journey. Some people will want more.I don’t have much to go on but I have noticed that all the YA Westerns I’ve read so far, parents seem to die and I am not sure how I feel about this trope. Wouldn’t it be nice if parents actually got to live and if there were other catalysts to inspire these journeys across the wild west? There were a bunch of other tropes but I kind of just moved on from them once we got to the actual journey bits. That’s when the book REALLY just grabbed my attention and I COULDN’T STOP.Leah is a fantastic main character. I loved reading about her, I loved being inside of her head and I LOVED getting to be a part of her journey. When her parents are suddenly killed and it becomes obvious that her uncle, her new guardian was responsible, Leah decides to run. Leah is smart. A lot of female leads are smart, but I love that Leah is not someone who rushes things. When she decided to run away from her uncle, she actually decided to stay an extra couple days so she could plan and get things ready. She also knows how to take care of herself but realizes that when running away, groups are better than individuals.This book also features a diverse set of characters which is awesome. We have the “confirmed bachelors”, we have Hamptom who is a slave and Leah’s best friend Jeff who is half Native American and thus has to deal with with a lot of prejudice and resist the urge to punch people (or was that just me?)What I loved about this book is that it not only featured diverse characters, it also addressed a lot of important issues of the time. The book brought up the injustices being committed against various races by the Caucasians (trying to be PC here and not say white people) and it also showed us instances of where assholes did horrible things because of their assumed superiority.The writing was also terrific although I did find myself sometimes slipping into the ‘cowboy slang’ from Vengeance Road. If you read my review for Vengeance Road, you’ll know that the cowboy slang had actually bothered me in the beginning, but here I was finishing off certain sentences the way they would have been if this book were written in the same style as Vengeance Road. Having said that, I thought the writing style was perfectly suited to the situation and really did make me feel like I was right in the middle of it all, journeying across the continent with Leah and company.The book also has a slight fantasy aspect, given Leah’s gold-detecting powers but their origin wasn’t really explored and to be honest, it really didn’t bother me that it wasn’t. I didn’t need the answers to all the questions and I was okay letting her powers be (especially since there were so many other awesome things happening.)There is also a subtle romance in the book. My shippy senses were already tingling as soon as I was introduced to the two characters so to finally see my ship sail towards the end of the book made me so happy! It’s a friends-to-more kind of romance and it just made sense given how well they (yes, I am purposefully avoiding naming who the love interest is) worked together and how supportive they were of each other.As I mentioned earlier, this book is all about the journey. In fact, after the first 20 percent or so, the entire book IS the journey Leah makes from her town in Georgia to Sacramento, California. The journey was so well written and SO DETAILED. I was FANGIRLING and was up until 5:00 in the morning reading the book! I literally couldn’t take my eyes off the pages and all I wanted to know was what hardship they would have to face next and how they'd overcome it. I wanted to know how many people would make it to California (because people do die and it was heartbreaking.)This book is perfect for readers who enjoy stories of survival and adventure. It is detailed, heartbreaking and at the same time manages to fill you with so much joy. I LOVE THIS BOOK and maybe you will too!Note that I received an advanced copy of this book for review in exchange for an honest review

Suzzie

October 16, 2017

Loved it! I found it a tad slow in the beginning of the middle but it could have easily been a five star review. I am starting book two now and just ordered book three. Loving this series! I haven't read many gold rush theme books but when I can find some in the fiction category I eat them up.

starryeyedjen

January 12, 2016

An ARC of this title was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts are my own. This review can also be found at The Starry-Eyed Revue.Such an incredible story! Quite different from The Girl of Fire and Thorns but still so so good. My heart was in my throat for much of the journey…when I wasn't busy feeling the pangs of thirst on behalf of the characters. Carson is equally good at bringing the feels and creating a world that's so easy to see yourself a part of. And the voice was just so perfect…I can't wait to see what the next installment brings for Lee and company.*******You guys, I didn't think I could love Rae Carson's writing any more than I did after finishing the Girl of Fire and Thorns trilogy, but then I read Walk on Earth a Stranger. Admittedly, the last time I read a summary for this book was back in May 2013 when I added it to my TBR on Goodreads. All I remembered was that it was historical fiction focusing on the California Gold Rush. Not necessarily my kind of story, but Rae Carson penned it so I knew I'd at least be giving it the old college try. But it was so amazing and brilliant and brought back memories of playing Oregon Trail in elementary and middle school. So, of course, while I was searching for the game online, I had to take a break from writing this review and play for a bit. =)Lee is the exact opposite of Elisa from Carson's first series, at least in the beginning, and yet I loved her tremendously. Whereas Elisa initially shrunk away from her future and duties, Lee embraces what she has to do when her world is turned upside-down. Still, there are a lot of similarities between the two protagonists, too, because when push comes to shove, both of these girls let the fire burning within them reign supreme and they get the job done. And both are harboring secrets that could mean the difference between life and death.When I said that this story reminded me of playing Oregon Trail while reading, I wasn't kidding. There are covered wagons. Yokes of oxen to pull them. Hunting and trading and river crossings that can turn disastrous. And disease that can take out a wagon train lickety-split like. (I'm still playing the game in another tab while I'm writing this, so I can vouch for all those things. :P) But while the game was fun and somewhat entertaining, this story was sad and heartfelt and a little bit hopeful. It tugged at my heartstrings and kept me on the edge of my seat because just like with that game, you never knew what the trail would throw at you next.Walk on Earth a Stranger isn't just about what happens on the trail, though. We get to see a little of Lee's home life before she sets out on her own -- and what put her on that course -- and there's a smidge of a romance thrown in, too. I honestly wasn't expecting much on that front, since Lee has to dress as a boy the minute she decides on this quest of hers, but it worked and it was rather sweet. But the hard-earned friendships and trials and tribulations of the trail were definitely the driving force of the story.The book also goes a long way toward encouraging acceptance in a time where there was little to be had: of African Americans, of gays, of foreigners...even of women as equals. I loved every aspect and found it entirely too difficult to put this book aside for any length of time. Lee's story just kept calling to me, the way the Oregon Trail is calling to me as we speak, and even though I have a multitude of other things to do right now. I never once found Manifest Destiny as intriguing while learning about it in school as I did while reading this story. It's well-researched, and it felt like reading the gritty journal of one who actually traveled across the continent to get to California.Like I mentioned, I hadn't read the summary prior to picking this one up, and I was actually kind of hoping for a stand-alone, what with all of the other series I have yet to finish. But once I got to the end, I was pretty stoked to realize that there was more of the story to come. I can't imagine the hardships Lee and her wagon train faced, but I also can't get enough of them. Also, I want so badly to see some of the characters get the comeuppance they so richly deserve.I highly recommend this story for my fellow thirty-somethings who got to play this game while waiting for others to finish up their tests or for anyone who just loves a good historical fiction that's not afraid to get its hands dirty. I will definitely be in line for the next book in this saga.GIF it to me straight:

Shannon (It Starts At Midnight)

October 09, 2015

This review was originally posted on It Starts at Midnight I think it goes without saying that I loved this book, because well, the title says so. And because of that, I am just going to briefly explain why, so you can all just go read it for yourselves or something. Leah is fabulous. See, Leah is the kind of heroine that doesn't come along often. She's smart, and strong, and she knows that society's views on women are flat out asinine. But she also knows that she must do what she has to to survive, so if she has to play the part of a boy, she will. She's resourceful like that. At the same time, she isn't all tough- she has feelings and emotions too, and she stands by her convictions. Basically, I love her, and I cannot wait for more of her story. The other characters are so complex and well done. There are quite a few minor characters in this book, since Leah's traveling the trail with a wagon party, as was customary. I thought I'd be confused and overwhelmed with all the different people, but it was actually really easy for me to keep up with! Some were more flawed than others, but they all had backstory that made me really care. There were a few side characters who I especially had the warm fuzzies for, but I think actually including some of their names could be spoilery? So I will just let you decide for yourselves who gives you the warm fuzzies. The romance was minimal, but it has definite potential. This is absolutely not a romance driven book. Suffice it to say there is no insta-love (win!), because Leah and Jefferson basically had more important things to deal with during most of the book. But I did enjoy him, and I am hoping to see more of him in the future. The most epic trip ever takes place! Look, for me, The Oregon Trail basically signifies the ultimate in "road trips" (even though, fine, it isn't an actual road). To travel from one coast to the other in the mid 1800s is such an undertaking, I don't think we can even begin to comprehend the hardships. So, the fact that Rae Carson was able to make me feel like I could somewhat understand how this must have been was really quite remarkable. I remember playing the game when I was younger and thinking "I wonder what all those people felt like, what kind of emotions they had", and Rae basically brought that to life for me. The hint of magic and the allure of gold are enticing and unique. I mean, it's gold. People would do just about anything for gold. And since Leah has a special power to find gold, it stands to reason that if someone finds out about that, she's in a heap of trouble. There are tons of kind people along Leah's journey, but tons of unscrupulous ones. This first book in the series is a journey. There is action, yes, but there are slower parts. This did not bother me in the least, but I figured I should point it out for those of you who do enjoy a faster pacing. Bottom Line: What's left to say? Other than thanks to Rae Carson, for writing the book that I'd dreamed about since forever.*Copy provided by publisher for review

Cinda

January 04, 2016

Engaging mingle of fantasy and history set in Gold Rush times; I totally engaged with these characters.

Jessica

November 13, 2015

I couldn't put this book down! I have literally just been standing in my bathroom, reading the last 150 pages, when I was supposed to be putting on my make up. This is a wonderful work of historical fiction, with glints of magic like the gold at the bottom of a fast-moving stream. I love historical fiction, especially about the Old West, and I love pioneer stories, and this was both together. It had never occurred to me that those who went to California for the Gold Rush had to get there first! Where did they come from, what was that journey like? Usually you read books that are set IN California, or that are about people crossing the plains to get to Utah or Oregon, and that's the point of the whole story. No, this had everything, covering Lee's decision to go to California, and why, and her travels from Georgia to Independence, Missouri, where the journey west actually started. The beginning of the story is engaging enough, but once the wagon train heads west from Missouri, things really got going, and I could not stop reading. I can't wait for the second one!

Kyla

July 07, 2016

I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH! I'M GOING TO GO ON AMAZON RIGHT NOW AND BUYING THIS BOOK AS WELL AS PREORDERING the SECOND, LOVE IT ALL.Plot - 18/20Charaters - 20/20Creativity - 17/20Writing - 19/20Pace - 8/10Ending - 9/1091/100 = A5/5 starsthis is the first time I believe sense using this new grading thing I've given a book 20/20 in charater's. each of these charater's I loved. so much. they went through so much together and to watch them bond and grow close? makes my heart sing

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  • 2. Sign up for an account.
  • 3. Browse the library for the best audiobooks and select the first one for free
  • 4. Download the audiobook file to your device
  • 5. Open the Speechify audiobook app and select the audiobook you want to listen to.
  • 6. Adjust the playback speed and other settings to your preference.
  • 7. Press play and enjoy!

While you can listen to the bestsellers on almost any device, and preferences may vary, generally smart phones are offer the most convenience factor. You could be working out, grocery shopping, or even watching your dog in the dog park on a Saturday morning.
However, most audiobook apps work across multiple devices so you can pick up that riveting new Stephen King book you started at the dog park, back on your laptop when you get back home.

Speechify is one of the best apps for audiobooks. The pricing structure is the most competitive in the market and the app is easy to use. It features the best sellers and award winning authors. Listen to your favorite books or discover new ones and listen to real voice actors read to you. Getting started is easy, the first book is free.

Research showcasing the brain health benefits of reading on a regular basis is wide-ranging and undeniable. However, research comparing the benefits of reading vs listening is much more sparse. According to professor of psychology and author Dr. Kristen Willeumier, though, there is good reason to believe that the reading experience provided by audiobooks offers many of the same brain benefits as reading a physical book.

Audiobooks are recordings of books that are read aloud by a professional voice actor. The recordings are typically available for purchase and download in digital formats such as MP3, WMA, or AAC. They can also be streamed from online services like Speechify, Audible, AppleBooks, or Spotify.
You simply download the app onto your smart phone, create your account, and in Speechify, you can choose your first book, from our vast library of best-sellers and classics, to read for free.

Audiobooks, like real books can add up over time. Here’s where you can listen to audiobooks for free. Speechify let’s you read your first best seller for free. Apart from that, we have a vast selection of free audiobooks that you can enjoy. Get the same rich experience no matter if the book was free or not.

It depends. Yes, there are free audiobooks and paid audiobooks. Speechify offers a blend of both!

It varies. The easiest way depends on a few things. The app and service you use, which device, and platform. Speechify is the easiest way to listen to audiobooks. Downloading the app is quick. It is not a large app and does not eat up space on your iPhone or Android device.
Listening to audiobooks on your smart phone, with Speechify, is the easiest way to listen to audiobooks.

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