DAUGHTER OF THE BONE FOREST

Jeremy Carlisle Parker shows emotional breadth in her portrayal of 17-year-old Rosy Holt, who zealously guards her own and her grandmother's shape-shifting adventures in a remote forest. Parker heightens the initial tension during a dramatic scene in which Rosy saves the life of a princess. The taut plot continues as Rosy hides her secrets while attending magic school in the heart of the princess's kingdom. Parker's first-person narration contrasts with Lindsey Dorcus's periodic third-person chapters. Dorcus's delivery is more measured as she portrays the perceived strength of Princess Shaw. The way she reveals Shaw's thoughts, however, makes it clear that they are just as restrained by secrets as Rosy's. Engaging characters, a driving plot, fabulous world-building, and two wonderful narrators will leave listeners eager for the second in this duology! S.W. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2024]