9. Museum of Thieves by Lian Tanner, Narrated by Claudia Black (Listening Library, 2010)

AUDIO BOOK: FANTASY (ages 9-14)

Brief Description: Welcome to the horrifying city of Jewel. Here, the Blessed Guardians rule over the city with an iron fist, claiming to protect the citizens, but is there a more evil intent behind their "goodness?" Meet Goldie Roth, who is tethered by a silver guardchain to her parents until her separation day arrives on her 16th birthday - all kids are tethered in this manner for their "protection." But something goes wrong on her separation day, and she finds herself running away when a bomb has frightened the citizens of Jewel, and Goldie would lose her privilege of separating. She ends up in the Museum of Thieves, a strange place full of secrets that could destroy the city of Jewel; it is here that Goldie meets the four guardians and is trained by them to hone her thieving skills. These five characters must work together to combat the powers of the Blessed Guardians as they strive for their own, and ultimately their world's, survival.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: What a strangely compelling tale! I found myself somewhat confused about this world, but that could be because of the stop and start audio experience. The museum is alive and moving, and it's at once terrible and comforting for Goldie. The characters were interesting as they were eccentric and clever. Underlying the charming story of Goldie's interaction with the Museum's guardians is a current of fear. The Blessed Guardians were quite a frightening lot, and I was reminded often of nuns and priests ruling with iron fists, adhering to the letter of the law in all circumstances. Goldie's transition, though, was wonderful. From being overprotected at the story's beginning to gaining her own independence, Goldie shows a remarkable courage to fight the powers of evil. The narrator was quite exceptional, but the screeching and yelling and shouting was just annoying. Still, she distinguished character's voices clearly and included wonderful sound effects to bring the story to life.

Programming: Kids imagine themselves as the maker of the guardchains in the City of Jewel and report on the merits of the position in a written format answering the questions: How do you see your job in the city? What do you think about the rules of tethering? What do you think of the city's rulers?