The Wonderling

Wonderling, Book 1

By: Mira Bartók

Narrated by: Simon Vance

In this extraordinary debut novel with its deft nod to Dickensian heroes and rogues, Mira Bartók tells the story of Arthur, a shy, fox-like foundling with only one ear and a desperate desire to belong, as he seeks his destiny.

Have you been unexpectedly burdened by a recently orphaned or unclaimed creature? Worry not! We have just the solution for you!

Welcome to the Home for Wayward and Misbegotten Creatures, an institution run by evil Miss Carbunkle, a cunning villainess who believes her terrified young charges exist only to serve and suffer.

Part animal and part human, the groundlings toil in classroom and factory, forbidden to enjoy anything regular children have, most particularly singing and music.

For the Wonderling, an innocent-hearted, one-eared, fox-like eleven-year-old with only a number rather than a proper name - a 13 etched on a medallion around his neck - it is the only home he has ever known. But unexpected courage leads him to acquire the loyalty of a young bird groundling named Trinket, who gives the Home's loneliest inhabitant two incredible gifts: a real name - Arthur, like the good king in the old stories - and a best friend. Using Trinket's ingenious invention, the pair escape over the wall and embark on an adventure that will take them out into the wider world and ultimately down the path of sweet Arthur's true destiny.

Richly imagined, with shimmering language, steampunk motifs, and gripping, magical plot twists, this high adventure fantasy is the debut novel of award-winning memoirist Mira Bartók and has already been put into development for a major motion picture.

©2017 Mira Bartók, original book published by Candlewick Press (P)2017 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved

Exceptional Story!

LOVED THIS BOOK and I highly recommend for all ages. Really awesome book that is hard to put down!

Wonderful Adventure

Would you listen to The Wonderling again? Why?

Yes! There are not many books I'd listen to a 2nd time, but this is a wonderful tale and I think one would hear more detail with added meaning each time the story was heard. It has teachable moments along with courageous, cringe worthy, confusing, hurray, and awe moments. I am a grandmother and I LOVE The Wonderling

My review.

Sometimes the story got a bit confusing but other that that it was pretty good.

Sweetly and powerfully inspiring and engaging!

loved it! unique! well developed characters! engaging plot! will share and discuss with my mid-grade all girls book group! a great message within!

Wonderful Story

I love this book so much. I’ve read it twice and now hearing it on audible it gave it a whole new life. Such a great fantastical story.

I loved this book!

This is an awesome book! There are so many interesting creatures. Narration was great! I hope this is a series. 😊😊😊😊😁😁😁😁😁😁😊😊😊😁😊☺☺☺

Delightful!

The story of the groundling known as Number 13 is a delight for all ages. It’s a coming of age story about discovery. Discovering friends, discovering courage and discovering ones voice. The narration of Simon Vance is superb and really gives voice to the characters. It’s a quick listen and I highly recommend it.

Amazing!

This book was so incredible. Great characters and character development, great story and a super sweet ending. I hope there is a sequel or another book to read by the same author. It is rare to find a book we all enjoyed so much. And! To top it off this is by far the best narrator ever. I had no idea the difference it can make to have such a great reader with such great voices but now that we are regularly listening to audiobooks together and after hearing Simon Vance, I found myself searching for other books he reads and found another book we loved- Iron Hearted Violet.

full of adventure . you can't not feel bad for him

it's boring at first but when you Riley get in to it every thing seems to go wrong for him and little good things on the way then it takes a turn for the better I love this book