This is The Barren Grounds (The Misewa Saga #1) audiobook (rate this post or leave a comment to share your opinion about this audios, and if you have more information about this audios please leave comments to share. Thank @Alan for sharing this audios). Lets play The Barren Grounds (The Misewa Saga #1) full audios free online in the audio player below.
The story begins with Morgan, a 12-year-old Indigenous girl, being placed in foster care after her mother is hospitalized due to mental health issues. Morgan is sent to live with a white foster family in Winnipeg, far away from her home in northern Manitoba. She struggles to adjust to her new life and feels disconnected from her Indigenous culture and heritage.
One day, while exploring the nearby woods, Morgan stumbles upon a mysterious portal that leads her to a magical world hidden within the barren grounds of northern Manitoba. She discovers that she is a Keeper, a guardian of this world, and that she has been chosen to help save it from an evil force known as the Darkness.
Morgan is joined on her quest by a group of Indigenous animal spirits, including a wolf, a raven, and a beaver. Together, they must journey across the barren grounds to find the four sacred artifacts that will help them defeat the Darkness. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles and challenges, including a group of hunters who are after the same artifacts.
The Barren Grounds is a beautifully written and engaging story that explores themes of identity, belonging, and the importance of preserving Indigenous culture and heritage. The audiobook is expertly narrated by Joel Froomkin, who brings the characters and world to life with his expressive and engaging performance.
One of the strengths of The Barren Grounds is its portrayal of Indigenous culture and traditions. Robertson, who is himself Indigenous, draws on his own experiences and knowledge to create a rich and authentic world that is steeped in Indigenous mythology and folklore. The animal spirits that accompany Morgan on her journey are based on traditional Indigenous beliefs and add depth and complexity to the story.
Another strength of the audiobook is its pacing and structure. The story moves at a brisk pace, with plenty of action and adventure to keep listeners engaged. The chapters are relatively short, which makes it easy to listen to in short bursts or during a long car ride. The audiobook also includes a helpful map of the barren grounds, which helps to orient listeners and adds to the immersive experience.
The characters in The Barren Grounds are well-developed and relatable. Morgan is a strong and determined protagonist who is easy to root for. Her struggles with identity and belonging will resonate with many young readers, especially those who have experienced displacement or cultural disconnection. The animal spirits are also memorable and add a sense of whimsy and wonder to the story.
One of the few criticisms of The Barren Grounds is that some of the plot points and character motivations feel a bit contrived or convenient. For example, Morgan’s foster family is portrayed as being overly hostile and unsympathetic, which feels a bit one-dimensional. Similarly, some of the obstacles that the characters face on their journey feel a bit too easily overcome.
Overall, The Barren Grounds is a fantastic audiobook that will appeal to middle-grade readers who enjoy fantasy and adventure stories. Its authentic portrayal of Indigenous culture and traditions sets it apart from other books in the genre and makes it an important contribution to the growing body of Indigenous literature for young readers. The audiobook is expertly narrated and will keep listeners engaged from start to finish.