Immersive Audiobook Experience Brings Latest Dragon Rider Book to Life

Cornelia Funke needs no introduction to the world of book lovers who know her bestselling fantasy series Inkheart and Dragon Rider as staples on children's bookshelves in libraries, bookstores, and homes around the world. Funke's most recent effort, The Griffin's Feather, a new tale in the Dragon Rider universe, and is every bit as delightful as fans and new readers would expect. The cherry on top of this newest adventure is that Funke's own audiobook Production Company, Atmende Bu?cher - known for its incredible production value and industry-changing sound design in Germany - has recorded the audiobook of The Griffin's Feather and released it as the company's first ever English-language release. With unsurpassed voice talent, innovative sound effects, and even an original song composed for the audiobook, listeners of all ages will find themselves swept up in Funke's world like never before.

Two years after Ben and his silver dragon Firedrake's latest adventure, they've returned. Now, the last winged horses are on the brink of extinction. At a sanctuary for threatened creatures, three foals lie curled up in their eggs. The foals are in great danger and the only cure seems to be the sun-feather of a griffin. But griffins, creatures with the head of an eagle and the body of a lion, are a dragon's fiercest enemy, and they live far across the world in the sweltering jungle. A dangerous and exciting adventure begins...

Marc Thompson lends his voice to Ben, Barnabas and Firedrake in the sequel of Dragon Rider, while Funke herself returns in the speaking roles of Guinever and Vita Greenbloom, Ben's sister and mother. The two narrators take listeners on a magical trip that begins in Norway and leads all the way to the depth of the Indonesian rainforest, their voices underlined with music and atmospheric sound effects. The Griffin's Feather is the third production by Funke's Atmende Bu?cher and the first produced by the label in English.

Cornelia Funke is the New York Times best-selling author of the "Inkheart" trilogy, "The Thief Lord" and a host of popular children's novels and picture books. Cornelia initially worked as an illustrator but soon began writing her own stories. Her international breakthrough came with the fantasy novel "Dragon Rider", which spent 78 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list.

Marc Thompson has been voice acting for over 15 years. He has worked on everything from cartoons to commercials; his versatility and creativity have allowed him to give countless memorable performances. He is the narrator of numerous "Star Wars" audiobooks including the "Legacy of the Force" and "Fate of the Jedi" series.

Cornelia Funke has always been fascinated with the spoken word. Aiming for more artistic and economic freedom, she and audiobook producer Eduardo García established the audio label "Atmende Bu?cher" (as a pendant to Funke's own U.S. book label "Breathing Books"). The sound artists of the recording studio German Wahnsinn make Funke's books breathe: Lavish sound design, cinematic compositions and meticulously recorded voices form a marvelous soundtrack, thrilling the listener and guiding them through a fascinating sonic experience.

For more information, visit atmende-buecher.com and facebook.com/atmendebuecher.