Okay, I know what you’re thinking. This is not your typical review. But trust me, even the most discerning (and slightly nefarious) reader can find something to love in T. Kingfisher’s A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking. This isn’t just another YA novel; it’s a surprisingly scrumptious and creatively dark tale that deserves a listen, especially in audiobook format.
So, what makes this book, particularly the audiobook, stand out?
First off, the main character, Mona, while undeniably young, is far from annoying. She’s relatable, funny, and has a healthy aversion to dying with mismatched socks – a sentiment we can all appreciate. But more importantly, Mona is an “apprentice baker and half-baked wizard of dough.” This seemingly innocent description hints at the delightful blend of baking and magic that makes this story so unique.
Kingfisher’s storytelling is bursting with imaginative and original ideas. We’re talking zombie crawfish! Yes, you read that right. A creatively eco-friendly way to recycle crustaceans killed in combat (and a much more ethical option than turning them into paella ornaments, might I add). The audiobook brings these bizarre creatures to life with sound effects and narration that amplify the humor and horror.
The creativity doesn’t stop there. The book is populated with wonderfully weird characters and concepts:
- Bob, the homicidal sourdough starter: Imagine a sourdough starter with a taste for blood. The audiobook narrator’s portrayal of Bob is both terrifying and hilarious.
- Cookies that perform lewd dance numbers: The mental image is amusing, but hearing the sound effects in the audiobook elevates the absurdity.
- Gingerbread men with aggressive military tendencies: Apparently, cardamom is the secret ingredient to turning gingerbread men into tiny soldiers. The audiobook truly captures the miniature but mighty fury of these baked warriors.
Oh, and let’s not forget the skeletal zombie horses doubling as magpie nests. Visually, it’s a striking image, but the audiobook’s sound design makes it even more memorable. And the inquisitors, described as looking like constipated vultures, are brought to life with vocal performances that perfectly capture their repulsive nature.
While A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking can be fluffy at times, it also has a surprisingly dark side. This balance is skillfully portrayed in the audiobook, creating a captivating listening experience. The villains are deliciously villainous, and the descriptions of second-hand breakfasts (trust me, you don’t want to know what they’re made of) and garderobe expeditions are both repulsive and strangely alluring. The audiobook format really allows these details to sink in and create a truly immersive experience.
Ultimately, A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking audiobook is a delightful surprise. It’s a testament to the fact that not all YA stories are created equal. Some are, as they say, “crappy as fish,” while others are… well, bloody shrimping NOT. And this one falls firmly into the latter category.
Nefarious Last Words: If you’re looking for a fun, creative, and surprisingly dark audiobook, A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking is a definite must-listen. Just be prepared for some zombie crawfish and homicidal sourdough starters.
P.S. Watch out for fleas! They’re secretly the ghosts of ancient philosophers, and they’ll try to suck the truth from your ankles. You have been warned.
P.P.S. Have you read Kingfisher’s Clocktaur War duology yet? No? Oh, you are so asking for it.
