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Griff works in a circus, his days filled with boring routine tasks. Nobody knows he has a unique ability: he can hear people's thoughts without their knowledge.

When the greedy circus master discovers his talent, Griff knows he must escape, and takes with him fellow circus member Tess and her collection of magical creatures. But even on the run, Griff keeps hearing a cry for help from a mysterious source he calls the Whisperer. Who is this person, and what does he want?

Meanwhile, Lute, the Crown Prince of the realm, is under attack from his uncle Janko, who wants to rule the kingdom. Narrowly escaping Janko's murderous clutches, Lute comes up against Bitter Olof, a bandit with a long history, and Calico Grace, who also seems to have a dubious past.

When Griff and Lute cross paths, many lives will change forever -- including their own. With allies both magical and human, they must join forces to defeat Janko, and reveal the truth behind the Whisperer.

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

12 people are currently reading
1702 people want to read

About the author

Fiona McIntosh

70 books1,999 followers
Fiona writes best selling historical adventure-romance alongside the heroic-romantic, often brutal, fantasy she built her career upon. She lives in Australia but frequently roams the world meticulously researching the locations and gathering material for her historical novels that have international settings. Her books are published worldwide and in various languages.
Her most recent historical fiction has gathered such a following that she is now hosting a tour in 2014 to Paris and Provence so eager readers can walk in the footsteps of her characters.


Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

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5 stars
175 (30%)
4 stars
212 (37%)
3 stars
133 (23%)
2 stars
31 (5%)
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20 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Profile Image for Brenda.
5,099 reviews3,021 followers
September 10, 2015
With thirteen year old Griff doing the grunt work at the circus under the harsh rule of Mr Tyren, he was happy enough knowing his two older brothers were nearby. The Twisted Twins their act was called; and even though they weren’t actually twins, no-one really cared. The day Griff inadvertently let his magical secret slip to Mr Tyren, he had no idea his life was about to change in a dramatic fashion. And with the arrival that same day of Tess, a young girl who had a tremendous gift of mind-talking to a unique group of her animal friends, including a centaur, Griff’s ability to hear people’s thoughts meant Mr Tyren was seeing signs of increased wealth in both his young charges.

But the danger from the greedy and evil tyrant meant Griff had to escape from the circus – and he would take Tess and her animal friends with him. Whether they would be able to escape the clutches of the Stalkers and their tracker dogs was another thing…

Crown Prince Lute was only thirteen years of age, but with his minder Pilo at his side the frailties of his youth had left him. Pilo had taught him much; with his beloved father, the King and mother, the Queen by his side, his life was a happy one. But when his father’s brother Janko, leader of the army of soldiers which had been roaming the edges of the royal lands returned to the city, somehow the Queen and Lute knew they were in peril.

Lute’s escape from Janko was fraught with danger – his meeting with Bitter Olof and Little Thom created an uncertainty in Lute’s mind; could he trust these men? Then a strange and magical meeting between Lute and Griff took place – with them both on the run from different dangers, would they be able to help each other? And would Janko succeed in his evil plot?

The Whisperer by Aussie author Fiona McIntosh is an absolutely delightful tale of magical fun! I loved it; the characters and plot were filled with enjoyment and entertainment. Who was The Whisperer? Well, you’ll have to read it to find out! Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Gabriel.
133 reviews110 followers
April 20, 2021

The only reason I added this on my tbr is that I've read that it's a retelling of Mark Twain's The Prince and The Pauper which is one of my favorite books of all time. I can see some similarities but overall it's a unique story on its own. I highly recommend it those who are looking for a quick read. I am aware that this is a children's book, but I believe as an adult we should already have the freedom to read anything.
Profile Image for Mlpmom (Book Reviewer).
3,197 reviews411 followers
May 3, 2015
This had a very Prince and the Pauper type feel but with a paranormal aspect to it which was a fun addition to the story, it made it its own without being a complete retelling.

Told in multiple point of views this was an interesting take with the circus background and all the magical creatures added to the story. With the boys lives intertwining all along the way with secrets, deception, and with a common goal in mind as the boys both fight for their freedom in different ways.

I think a younger audience will really enjoy this read and find it hard to put down. While this was an interesting story it however dragged in places and it took a very long time before Lute and Griff ever met, which I think was a bit disappointing. I think it would have helped the story so much if the boys could have been together more throughout instead of Griff just hearing Lute's thoughts through most of the story but having said that, I really don't think that will detour very many people from liking the story and continuing it.

This was a fun retelling with a twist and deception and secrets around every corner.
Profile Image for Rashika (is tired).
976 reviews712 followers
did-not-finish
June 19, 2015
eeeeeeek. I feel completely detached from what is going on in the book and had to DNF it. Also... it's kind of slow.

Profile Image for Marianne.
55 reviews
August 28, 2017
UDEN TVIVL DEN BEDSTE BOG JEG HAR LÆST LÆNGE. (Og igen, uden tvivl en af mine top 3 faves ) Jeg er så rørt.. Mange bøger skal man igennem for at finde en som denne :')
Profile Image for Jill Smith.
Author 6 books61 followers
September 9, 2021
This book is a great young adults book. Griff is working as a grunter or labourer, in the circus. His brothers are contortionists, Griff can only do the manual work, helping put up the tents and the like, because he can’t cope with too many people around him.

When the greedy circus master discovers that Griff can hear peoples thoughts, he decides to make Griff his new grand attraction. This is unbearable for the boy who plans an escape with Tess and her amazing magical creatures. They flee together but are chased by mercenaries hired by the circus master, who does not want to lose his newest money-making drawcards.

While on the run, and in mortal danger, Griff hears cries for help from a boy called Lute, who he discovers, is the Crown Prince of the realm. Lute is also in grave danger and being chased by his uncle Janko who means to take over the kingdom. Griff can think of nothing else but helping Lute.

Lute gains the help of Bitter Olof, a bandit, and makes a desperate run for the coast to meet up with Calico Grace, who is a pirate on a magical ship, and their only hope of escape from Janko and his mercenary soldiers. When Griff and Lute finally meet, the plan they devise to thwart Janko is put into action, however, it may be too late for both boys to survive with their companions.

Fiona has a brilliant website, to find out more about her many books go to http://www.fionamcintosh.com/
6,238 reviews80 followers
April 28, 2015
I won this novel in a goodreads drawing.

Griff works in a travelling circus, complete with greedy owner and poor working conditions, which takes on a new performer, Tess, who has a collection of rare magical animals.

It turns out Griff can read minds. The greedy owner tries to exploit this talent, and Griff, Tess, and the animals, run away.

Meanwhile, Lute, a Prince of the Realm, is fleeing from his uncle, The Duke, who has executed a coup.

Pretty exciting, and it's nice to see a world where magic isn't commonplace, but pretty rare.
1 review
March 23, 2023
love this book. I read it a few years ago and I was absolutely in love with it. Such a great storyline and I love Historical Fiction Fiona did a fantastic job. However, when I reread it I wished that there was more information/ screen time with Lute and Griff I think that their relationship was rushed and it could've been a bit more character-building to have them talk and get to know it. But it is action-packed and a few years ago I think I would've given up on it if it wasn't as action-packed. Loved this and it was literally life-changing.


*****SPOILER******
(ps. i forgot that lute was Griffs twins and i thought they were cute- like shipped them cute (crying i cant belive i did that))
491 reviews6 followers
September 15, 2024
I don’t usually read ‘fantasy’ but i quite enjoyed this story. Twin brothers, separated while young and unknown to each other, with very different lives. Dysfunctional royal family, tyrannical circus master, beautiful girl with a group of unusual animals at her command, dwarves, etc. Magical communications and special powers. Almost thought this should be a young adult book, but maybe that’s what attracted me - I’m still a young adult!.
Profile Image for Karatachi Irin Ips.
1 review
November 18, 2017
This is totally great, i read the whole book 2 times now after i bought it. This is only my opinion,as a bookworm, i found this very fun and creative,maybe my type of books are like fantasy and mythical creatures and mysteries and stuff. But anyway, I'll put this in my MUST READ books. READ IT
48 reviews
November 9, 2018
I love this book so much!!!! It was very exciting, and I like how there was no love story at all in the book. However, the cover of the book needs to be changed, I knew Griff and Lute were twins just from the cover!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Yami.
863 reviews49 followers
November 10, 2023
between two and three stars,
there was lots of repetitive explanation, and the dialogue was a little shallow, it was an okay tale, the characters were actually likable. but I don't see myself reading it again
Profile Image for Kara.
274 reviews5 followers
May 4, 2017
Good kids read.
Profile Image for Camilla.
23 reviews17 followers
January 8, 2018
Wow en dejlig fortælling om stærke bånd. Jeg har ikke andet at sige end at jeg stærkt anbefaler den.. men mest til tvillinger 😉
Profile Image for Scarlett.
109 reviews1 follower
May 18, 2020
By far my most favourite childhood book with the most gorgeous characters and plot.
Profile Image for Tanya Boulter.
848 reviews2 followers
July 30, 2021
I tried but too much fantasy for my liking and too many unreadable words (takes away from the flow of the story for me)
36 reviews4 followers
September 26, 2024
Not a particularly remarkable book, but somehow just what I needed for an unpleasant week. There's nothing like a good ol' classic cozy fantasy to act like hot soup for the soul.
Profile Image for mads.
11 reviews
December 4, 2024
thoroughly enjoyed this book! very childrens book but still really good :))
Profile Image for C.M..
Author 1 book1 follower
March 28, 2025
LOved Griff and Tess... But I didn't care for the sub plot with Lute.
Profile Image for SBC.
1,472 reviews
January 14, 2021
I enjoyed this story, although I almost put it down at the beginning because the dialogue felt so stilted. That didn't improve throughout the book - the dialogue often felt unnatural and awkward - but the story was interesting and held my attention.
Profile Image for Elanor Lessien.
198 reviews5 followers
October 28, 2016
L'appel du Destin, ce livre porte très bien son nom puisque ça fait quand même deux ans que ce livre m'appelait. J'ai beaucoup aimé l'histoire,on y rentre tellement facilement qu'on s'aperçoit à peine que les pages défilent à une bonne vitesse de croisière.

On suit l'histoire de Griff qui fait parti d'une troupe d'un cirque itinérant avec ses deux frères, alors que ceux-ci ont un numéro assez impressionnant, Griff lui possède un don dont il aimerait bien se défaire. Il peut entendre les pensées des gens autour de lui et le patron du cirque va voir en lui un nouveau numéro qui va redonner au cirque des belles soirées.
On suit en parallèle la vie de Lute, Prince héritier de la Couronne qui devra se protéger des attaques de son oncle Janko qui veut s'emparer du royaume et qui se montrera sans pitié en employant les pires moyens pour y arriver.

Quand j'ai commencé ma lecture, je n'avais même pas lu le résumé, oui ça fait deux ans qu'il est dans ma pal et je n'ai lu le résumé qu'après avoir fini le livre et franchement j'ai bien fait. J'ai pu découvrir l'histoire sous un œil totalement neuf, ne sachant pas à quoi m'attendre, j'ai été surprise de constater que l'histoire débutait dans un cirque, ça m'a amusé sur le coup et j'ai bien aimé découvrir cet univers si peu décrit dans mes précédentes lectures. J'ai aimé visiter le cirque faire la connaissance des divers artistes et avoir un aperçu pour certain de leur numéro. Bien que le don de Griff ne m'a pas vraiment fasciner au départ, il m'a surprise lorsqu'il commence à percevoir quelque chose d'étrange.

A partir de ce moment j'ai commencé à prendre son don avec un peu plus de sérieux et quand j'ai vu à quel point il s'était développer au fil de l'histoire, j'ai totalement adhéré à son fonctionnement, c'est vraiment pratique. Un événement lui fera prendre une décision qui le mènera sur la route de Lute et à partir de là, leurs vies va prendre un tournant à 360° et l'histoire va s'intensifier au niveau intrigue.

J'ai vraiment apprécié ma lecture et même si la nuit est si vite passé je n'ai pas réussit à m'arrêter, le rythme est entraînant, on va de surprise en surprise et fait face à des situations difficiles et lorsqu'on pense que tout est perdu, on a un revirement de situation qui fait du bien même si on le voit arriver. Les personnes qui aideront Griff et Lute dans leur destinée, vont tout faire quitte à se sacrifier pour mener à bien la mission dans laquelle ils se sont tous investis.

Je n'ai trouvé aucun temps mort à cette histoire, aucune longueur non plus, quelques passages drôles et beaucoup de courage et de bravoure pour tous les personnages. J'ai vraiment aimé cette histoire mais je ne la classe pas dans les coups de coeur, il y a quand même beaucoup de détails que l'ont devine assez facilement et des situations que l'ont voit venir parce que ça ne peut être que de cette manière là.

Mais je le recommande fortement, l'histoire se lit facilement sans prise de tête, on se laisse attendrir par les réactions de certains personnages et pour on passe vraiment un bon moment de lecture.
Profile Image for Asma.
196 reviews56 followers
June 1, 2015
Lute is the heir of the throne and Griff is nothing more than a poor grunter in a carnival. But Griff has a secret and when the ringmaster finds out, he’s bent on using it for his own gains. Lute however, soon realizes that his uncle’s loyalty to his King is fake and Lute is forced to run for his life. When the boys cross paths, they realize that they have a history that just may work in their favor.

What to say? THE WHISPERER was a pretty good read and the plot was enough to keep me enraptured. While it wasn’t anything extraordinary it was still entertaining. Though I think my biggest problem with the book though was the characters.

The children – Lute, Griff, and Tess all seemed a bit too perfect and came up with ingenious ideas. They all seemed pretty mature for their ages and their emotion levels where always pretty high. Like if they got angry it was like epic angry, or if they felt hurt it was on a pretty big level. <-- Here's to hoping that made sense.

The adults - Bitter Olof, Pilo, Calico Grace were all toughened up people that were supposedly unsurpriseable, were in constant awe around the children, because of said ideas and powers. Which didn't work out for me, it wasn't realistic enough, and put a whole damper on what would have been a rather amazing book.

Throughout the entirety of the book, there was always something happening, they were either running, fighting, or scheming. Which I really liked, I mean who doesn't like action on every page? So if you're a fan of fantasy and action, which is what most middle-grade readers are after, then this is the perfect novel for you.

Overall, THE WHISPERER was a pretty great read and I'm sure people of all ages can find something to enjoy within the pages of Fiona's latest. Happy reading!

Read my review over at IceyBooks
Profile Image for Krishina.
21 reviews
September 15, 2023
Overall, SOOOOOOO much fun.

In the kingdom of Destronia, duke Janko has returned from his efforts to protect his brother's country in the north. Queen Miralda and Pilo, the crown prince's aid, are suspicious of Janko. So when he turns up and tries to take over the palace, they are prepared to send the crown prince, Lute, off to protect him.

On the other side of the kingdom a boy named Griff, who works as a grunt for Master Tyren's travelling circus hears a cry for help through his peculiar power of hearing people's thoughts. He runs away with his friend, Tess, who carries magical creatures with her from master Tyren's greedy ways in search of who Griff calls the whisperer.

There was always something going on, which I like. I'm not one for a few quiet moments in a book....

I'm absolutely in love with Griff. He is a bit mature for his age, but awesome none the less. Oh and Darven and Pilo. Them too. I'm a sucker for the whole "I'm a knight with honor but still gentlemanly thing" :))

The only character I felt like jabbing a knife into who wasn't on the good side was King Rodin. He was so blind, and his heart is so weak. If I were him, I would be on the watch for certain dangers every chance I got. He is a bit of a fool.

Anyway, this book was so cool. A world with magic and people with weird powers is so alluring. Also, the plot twist was almost amazing, if it weren't so obvious. Not only did it make the plot 10 times more interesting but Fiona McIntosh wrote the whole plot in such a deceptive yet intriguing way that I was just like "There's no way in hell you're putting this down - Krishina". Oh, and did I mention the plot actually works and it's not something random that doesn't make sense?

Anyway, Great book, I WANT a sequel!
Profile Image for Aeicha .
832 reviews110 followers
May 6, 2015
Lute is a prince and the heir to the throne. Griff is a poor carnival worker, harboring a secret. These two boys couldn’t be anymore different, but quickly find their lives and destinies intertwined. Lute’s castle is overrun by a close enemy and Lute’s throne and life are in peril. Far away, Griff, who can hear people’s thoughts, is on the verge of fleeing for his own safety, when he begins to hear Lute’s thoughts. Each boy must face dangerous obstacles and rely on odd new friends to find one another and maybe even save each other.

Fiona McIntosh’s The Whisperer is a thrilling retelling of The Pauper and the Prince. Lute and Griff find themselves on a grand adventure and they each encounter a variety of magical, intriguing, and amusing people and places. From mythical creatures, cursed pirate ships, special abilities, and dazzling magic, the world in The Whisperer is fantastical and full of imagination. Young readers will eagerly join Griff and Lute on their journeys, celebrating in their triumphs and enthralled by all the action, danger, and twists and turns.

The Whisperer has a fun, eclectic cast of characters that range from the endearing to the wicked to the downright strange. From clever Lute to sweet Griff, a girl who can talk to animals, a grumpy dwarf, a fierce lady pirate, and more, there’s no shortage of amusing people to meet.

McIntosh adds a fun twist to her retelling and concludes The Whisperer in a very heart-warming, satisfying way.

my final thoughts: Full of fantastical elements, exciting adventure, quirky characters, and captivating writing, The Whisperer is a charming middle-grade read.
Profile Image for Madison.
1,088 reviews70 followers
October 2, 2014
For readers who loved Harry Potter, Ella Enchanted, Inkheart or just love fantasy, The Whisperer is for you!

Griffin followed his brothers when they joined Master Tyren’s Marvels of Nature travelling show, but he has never really fit in. Griff has a secret ability, one that makes his life among excited crowds miserable. Griff can hear people’s thoughts. But there is one person’s ‘voice’ that sticks out from all the rest, and it’s crying for help. Griff calls this voice the ‘whisperer’. Desperate to escape the clutches of the greedy and controlling Master Tyren, Griff, his new friend Tess and her magical creatures set out on their own dangerous adventure, but Griffin can’t ignore the whisperer’s cry. Griff and Tess soon find themselves involved with a host of characters including an old and bitter Dwarf, a pirate aboard a magical ship and even the Crown Prince, who is making his own dangerous escape.
Brilliant!!!
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