PHALAINA

Sophie Amoss gives her all as she performs this middle-grade fantasy thriller with style and heart. She imbues Albert with compassion for Manon, the girl he finds in the forest, and captures his wife's disdain for her. Manon speaks with a whispery lightness to animals as she tries to learn who/what she is and why she is being hunted. The wide range of characters exhibits deep development on the part of Amoss. Highlights include Professor Humphrey, whose letters are read with pomposity; the nefarious John, whose evil intent is clear; and John's paramour, who is full of narcissism. The story's horror is maintained throughout. An exceptional passage not to be missed features the multiple voicings of the caged animals in a research lab. S.D.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2023]