W. F. Howes Ltd

Grendel

by John Gardner narrated by George Guidall

World renowned critic John Gardner has received prestigious awards for his wide range of literary achievements including short stories, novels, and essays. When he turns his talents to retelling Beowulf, the earliest epic in British literature, the result is a work that combines extensive knowledge with a marvelous strain of pure fun.

In Gardner's version of the epic, instead of lauding the helmeted hero, Beowulf, the spotlight shines on Grendel, a beast whose grotesque body and blood thirst condemn him to the life of an outlaw. Grendel is a horrible monster. He greedily gobbles up warriors in the Danish mead hall guarded by Beowulf. But within Grendel lurks a soul that delights in dark humor, dramatic pirouettes and pranks.

Both young adult and adult listeners will revel in this powerful complement to a classic tale. George Guidall's narration captures a surreal landscape that shimmers on the other side of the original epic's heroic mirror. What we see is that there's a little bit of Grendel living is each of us.

A Little History of the World

by E H Gombrich narrated by Philip Madoc

In 1935, with a doctorate and no job, the twenty-five year old Ernst Gombrich was invited to attempt a history of the world for younger readers. Written in an intense six weeks, Eine Kurze Weltgeshichte fur Junge Leser was first published in Vienna the same year.

An immediate success, it has since been translated into seventeen languages. The original German edition was reissued in 1985 with an epilogue bringing the story to the present, and Gombrich further revised it shortly before his death, aged 92, in 2001.

Lucas

by Kevin Brooks narrated by Stina Nielsen

Caitlin's life changes from the moment she sees Lucas walking across the causeway one hot summer's day. He is the strangest, most beautiful boy she has ever seen - and when she meets him, her world comes alive. But to others, he quickly becomes an object of jealousy, prejudice and hatred. Caitlin tries to make sense of the injustice that lurks at every unexpected twist and turn, until she realises that she must do what she knows in her heart is right.

The Mediator: Mean Spirits

by Meg Cabot narrated by Johanna Parker

It's a hot Californian summer and Suze's best friend, Gina, is visiting from New York. All Suze wants to do is check out some cute guvs and compare designer sunglasses with Gina. Unfortunately, being a mediator makes hanging out on the beach like any normal teenager pretty hard. For Suze, unwelcome, ghostly surprises are never more than a heartbeat away...

Soul Stealer

by Martin Booth narrated by Steven Crossley

Sebastian, the alchemist's son, must face a new evil. An old enemy, a magician whose power lies in stealing souls, has reappeared in a new and cunning disguise. He is using an ancient spell book to bring about a terror beyond imagining.

Once again, Pip and Tim brave sorcery and danger to help Sebastian as he pursues his enemies through the centuries.