THE CAPTIVE KINGDOM Ascendance, Book 4

This teen fantasy audiobook is a top-notch swashbuckler with a complex plot featuring a fight for the throne of Carthya. Narrator Charlie McWade has a marvelous time portraying colorful characters and delivering witty dialogue. He changes accents and cadences as he performs so that characters are recognizable to listeners. He gives the three young men, Jaron the king and his friends Roden and Tobias, different accents and changes the rhythm and tone of his voice for each of them as they plot and scheme to get Jaron back to his rightful place on the throne. McWade's women add romance and good sense, and are equally well done. Despite the abundance of characters, listeners will not become lost, thanks to McWade's efforts and skill. E.E.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2021]