Marvelwood Magicians, The
5 CD Set

Narrator Sarah Zimmerman captures the wonder in this middle-grade mystery set against the backdrop of a traveling circus. Mattie's family, the Marvelwood Magicians, are traveling performers whose talents—mind reading, fortune-telling, even invisibility—are entirely real. The Marvelwoods never seem to fit in, but when they join Master Morogh's Circus of Wonders, all that changes. Zimmerman sensitively conveys Mattie's shy delight at finding friends and a place to call home while also depicting her maturing understanding of the choices her parents have made. When tragedy strikes and the circus is put in danger, Zimmerman brings forth Mattie's determination to protect her loved ones and set things right. Ringing with sincerity, this dynamic and captivating audio is a perfect choice for family listening.

Mattie travels with her family as part of a magic act—but her family’s magic is real. When they join a small traveling circus, it seems perfect until Mattie discovers the evil of the ringmaster, who has an insidious magical ability of his own. Descriptions of the wonders of the circus and its performers shine. Zimmerman deftly portrays varied southern accents for the town locals. The Scottish accents for Mattie’s Da and Ringmaster Morough are distinct. Narration shifts easily from portraying the slick menace of the ringmaster to the sunny disposition of Mattie’s little sister. Mattie’s internal swirl when she uses her mindreading ability is well-captured, as is the hypnotist’s dreamy voice. This story combines the appeals of a tween with real world problems—struggling with parental expectations and navigating new friendships—with a lush circus setting and the chance to oppose a magical menace. Readers of books like Ingrid Law’s Savvy (2008) and Anna Meriano’s Love Sugar Magic (2018) series will enjoy this.