A SINGLE STONE

Lauren Ezzo's somber tones reflect the harsh world of the girls who risk their lives in mountain tunnels to bring the harvest to their isolated village. Through inflection and pacing, Ezzo imbues McKinlay's words with an enduring sorrow. Her greatest strength lies in her characterizations. There is a dogged curiosity to the young children and a cagey determination to key members of the village who are working to shape the lives of their people. The story captures the experiences of the villagers throughout the years, focusing primarily on Jena--a girl who yearns for life beyond the mountain and who works to uncover the secrets behind the rules of her society. A good listen for fans of dystopian fiction and mysteries. K.S.B. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2017]