A Wonder Book for Girls and Boys

Flo Gibson’s narration is the beating heart of this audiobook. Her voice shifts seamlessly between the playful curiosity of a young protagonist and the gravitas of the gods themselves, giving each character a distinct personality without overacting. The performance feels organic, like she’s sitting across from you, spinning stories by the fire—except she’s holding an entire cast of mythological figures in her vocal toolkit. Her delivery of Hawthorne’s wry asides, especially in stories like *The Gorgon’s Head* or *The Golden Touch*, made me laugh out loud more than once. There’s a warmth to her tone that keeps even the darker myths from feeling too heavy, which is a delicate balance Hawthorne’s writing demands. That said, the production isn’t perfect. At a few points, the audio clarity dips slightly, making the background ambiance feel like it’s creeping in from the edges—more noticeable in quieter passages. And while Gibson’s performance is stellar, her rendition of *The Chimæra* felt a hair too frenetic compared to the rest, where a steadier pace might have let the tension breathe. Still, these are minor quibbles. If you’re looking for an audiobook that makes Greek mythology feel like a cozy family tradition rather than a lesson, this is it. My 8-year-old refused to pause it once, and I found myself rewinding just to listen to Gibson’s voice again. That’s the mark of a great performance.