THE UNITED STATES OF ATLANTIS

As alternative history, THE UNITED STATES OF ATLANTIS is a beautifully rendered portrait of the Revolutionary War in a world both familiar and wildly different from our own. Contrary to legend, Atlantis has not sunk; instead it replaces North America as the "New World." France, England, and Spain are expanding their empires there, much to the chagrin of the indignant colonists. Todd McLaren does an outstanding job suspending listener disbelief, rendering ferocious battles with such ardor you can smell a whiff of musket fire. He also depicts Atlantis's richly detailed floral and fauna with a naturalist's zest. Just as nimble are his shifts between the accents of Red Coats to those of common soldiers and distinguished colonists. F.G. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2009]