A MAGIC FIERCE AND BRIGHT

Shiromi Arserio narrates a fantasy set more than 400 years in the future. After a gangster destroys her home, Adya must work with a despised rival to save her sister--and the world. Adya has led a difficult life, and her anger, resentment, and general mistrust are highlighted in Arserio's portrayal. Princess Imral has led a sheltered life, and Arserio's portrayal is a believable arc from spoiled and bossy to willing to work as part of a team. Both Adya's brother, Mohan, and her rival, Dsouza, are more opaque, but Arserio does the best she can, making Mohan cheerful and optimistic, and Dsouza wry and brooding. Strangely, the most compelling character is the ancient Yamaha motorcycle, which is given a full range of emotion and surprising nuance by Arserio. K.M.P. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2024]