THE WEIGHT OF SMOKE In the Land of Whispers, Book 1

Shakespearean actor Nigel Gore narrates an epic historical drama centered on the early American colonies. Gore injects a somber tone into parallel stories, one focused on Captain John Smith and Pocahontas and the other a quasi-flashback to Francis Drake and his Spanish raids. The prose features a heavy reliance on colonial English that's both dense and poetic, often obscuring the meaning of words and requiring close attention. Gore deftly meets both challenges, achieving a theatrical narration that sweeps listeners into a contemplative story full of beauty, drama, and violence. The first volume ends abruptly, but with Gore's striking vocal talents and the author's commanding prose, listeners should be eager for the rest of the trilogy. J.M.M. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2019]