Work Experience

About This Audiobook

Christopher G. Nuttall’s Work Experience isn’t your typical teen fantasy—it’s a sharp, witty romp through a world where magic is as common as bad weather, and the real challenge isn’t casting spells but surviving office politics. Emily, a second-year student at Whitehall Academy, lands a summer gig as Lady Barb’s assistant, a role that promises fieldwork, misadventures, and more than a little chaos in the Cairngorm Mountains. The magic here isn’t just about power; it’s about bureaucracy, grudges, and the kind of bureaucratic tangles that make paperwork feel like a spell of its own. Nuttall’s world-building is meticulous but never bogs down the story, blending humor with heart in a way that’s as refreshing as it is entertaining.

What sets this apart is the book’s refusal to take itself too seriously while still delivering genuine stakes. The narrative balances Emily’s growth—from wide-eyed apprentice to capable (if still imperfect) mage—with a supporting cast that feels like they’ve stepped out of a cozy fantasy sitcom. If you’ve ever wanted a magic system where the biggest threat isn’t dragons but a cranky local baron’s tax ledger, this is your book. Tavia Gilbert’s narration elevates the tonal whiplash between slapstick and sincerity, her voice shifting from dry amusement to genuine warmth with ease.