THE SCHOOL FOR INVISIBLE BOYS

Release Date : 2024-02-06

Duration : 6 Hours 56 Mins

Publisher : Listening Library

SYNOPSIS

This is the latest novel from Shaun David Hutchinson, a former I.T. database designer who is now a full-time author of several popular YA and MG books.

At St. Lawrence’s Catholic School for Boys, Hector Griggs has been feeling like he just wants to disappear since his best friend Blake started bullying him. When Hector discovers he literally has the ability to make himself invisible to those around him, he also discovers a parallel world of lost things. There, he meets another invisible boy, Orson Wellington. While Hector is able to will himself back to the ordinary world, Orson explains that he cannot, and he’s been stuck here for years and is being hunted by the Gelim, a hideous monster that nests in the school’s abandoned clergy house. After a harrowing encounter with the monster, Hector becomes determined to save Orson from the terrifying creature that preys on loneliness and fear. When a mysterious new classmate named Sam enlists her help, a risky plan is devised to save Orson and take down the monster once and for all. Unfortunately, the monster has several hidden identities, and the real threat is closer than any of them ever imagined!  

REVIEW

This is a wonderful mystery-adventure story with many valuable life lessons beautifully woven into it. From the onset, Hector is a very likeable character. He’s artistic and sensitive and doesn’t fit the mould of what a boy’should be’, causing him to be bullied. Some listeners may easily relate to his isolation and challenges from their own past experiences. Against all odds, Hector never loses sight of himself and portrays his sensitivity as a superpower, allowing him to achieve what others cannot. The world-building and characters in the story are very well developed, and they keep expanding right up until the very end. The story culminates with several action-packed scenes, followed by a surprise cliffhanger ending, suggesting that there may be further adventures for Hector and his comrades. Let’s hope this is the case, as this could easily develop into a very exciting book series.  

Narrator Mark Sanderlin delivers a compelling performance from start to finish, drawing listeners right into the complex and mysterious world of St. Lawrence’s Catholic School. Sanderlin’s sensitive and emotive portrayal of Hector brings this special character fully to life and is filled with plenty of well-placed drama and excitement during the many thrilling scenes of the novel. Overall, the audiobook is perfectly suited for contemporary MG and YA audiences, but it also has something in it for listeners of all ages! Don’t hesitate to give it a listen; you won’t want the story to end!