THE GUNS ABOVE

Narrator Kate Reading's steady voice powers this exciting airship adventure. Auxiliary Lieutenant Josette Dupre receives a dubious promotion, becoming the first female captain of Garnia's Air Signal Corps. Reading portrays Dupre's subtle humor and steely strength as she tests her assigned ship, crew, and Lord Bernat, a man better suited to leisure. The aristocratic tones and languid pace Reading gives him reflect motives drenched in self-interest and secrets. The antagonistic relationship between Dupre and Bernat provides humorous moments as well. Reading also captures everyday life amid nations constantly at war, adrenaline-filled skirmishes and battles, and mind-numbing bureaucracy. When Dupre discovers enemy activity, she enlists the aid of unlikely allies and a well-characterized crew, many of whom remain leery of women serving in the military. J.R.T. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2017]