THE WEST PASSAGE

In this delightfully strange fantasy, Steve West delivers countless stand-out performances of whimsical characters ranging from owl-headed schoolmasters to animatronic hollow men and enormous eldritch rulers. After the Guardian of the West Passage dies, young Pell takes up the mantle of tower Mother, while Kew strives to become the new Guardian. When the mysterious beast begins to rise, Pell and Kew embark on separate quests to protect the palace. Along the way, they meet odd friends and odder foes who help them realize that their faith in their centuries-old power structures may be misplaced. Will they replicate past systems or create something entirely new? West's quirky, committed narration offers an adventurous spirit to an action-packed story, making this a must-listen. A.A.H. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2024]