Why Did I Listen To This Audiobook?
Doll Bones by Holly Black showed up in my mailbox as a lovely surprise gift from Heidi at YA Bibliophile. Friends, the woman totally knows her audiobooks so I knew that I would immensely enjoy this one just because Heidi sent it and she’s legit. To my delight, it turns out that Doll Bones is narrated by favorite reader EVER, Nick Podehl. ALSO! It’s very short, only 5 discs, so you guys I like immediately popped this book in my computer and in my car and was beyond ready to listen to Holly Black’s fantastical middle grade book that’s ultimately about growing up… and dolls.
What’s The Story Here?
Zach, Poppy, and Alice are best friends forever, bonding over a mutual love of dolls/action figures and making up complex stories for their toys. One day, tragedy strikes when Zach’s out of work dad throws out all of his ‘dolls’ because you know, it’s about time for Zach to grow up. Reasonably, Zach is upset about this, so he decides to move past what happened and get over it by avoiding Alice and Poppy and, from what I remember, doing sports. Unfortunately, Zach can’t avoid the girls forever and they show up one day to tell him that Poppy is being haunted by The Queen, which is a china doll whom Poppy says is made up of the bones of a dead girl. And so, to prevent themselves from being haunted by The Queen, the three kids decide to return The Queen to her home to be buried and laid to rest. The three embark on an adventure that will change their lives. Also, there’s a pretty neat scene with a librarian and some ARCs that amused me as a book blogger.
How Is The Writing?
Doll Bones is a quick sort of read that does a good job capturing childhood and the passing of childhood. It turns out that I really like Holly Black’s writing. She’s got a gift for capturing interesting imagery. She also does emotion quite well. I really, really enjoyed listening to this book for both the plot AND all of the characters. It’s quite the creative read my friends AND a standalone, so basically a magical unicorn.
What Did I Think Of The Narration?
Duh. I loved the narration — it’s narrated by Nick Podehl and I think that my track record of listening to his narrations should speak for itself. He’s so versatile, you guys. Anyways. Podehl handles Doll Bones by Holly Black very well and keeps my attention through the audiobook’s five hours and fifteen minutes. The audiobook is produced by Listening Library, FYI, and of course is the sort of listen that is not irritating, but really works well for a long journey in the car.
Sum It Up With A GIF:
Two thumbs way up with a big smile!
Disclosure: Copy Gifted By Heidi At YA Bibliophile! Thanks, you are the best!
Other reviews of Doll Bones by Holly Black:
The Book Smugglers – “more thoughtful than I was hoping”
Slatebreakers – “creepy and thoughtful in all the best ways”
Carina’s Books – “I found the story to be very amazing”
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Lol, it’s funny. You know how I am about ebooks and how I hate them, but I actually hate getting print audiobooks, because then the first thing I do is rip them onto my computer and try to get rid of the stupid box taking up space. Though it is nice that I can loan them to my parents for road trips, I guess.
Standalones are getting to be the magical unicorn of the book world. Ohhh, Nick Podehl. Hmmm, maybe this one would work for me. *crosses fingers*
This story sounds immensely fun to me! I love the concept of these three friends reuniting to complete a mission — it sounds absolutely awesome. Glad to hear that you enjoyed it!