FIRE

In this companion to GRACELING (2008), the Dells is a fantasy world filled with monster animals. Strikingly beautiful 17-year-old Fire, the last human monster, uses her ability to control minds to save the kingdom from warring factions. Narrator Xanthe Elbrick gives Fire a strong voice, which is softened as Fire gives voice to her conflict over how to control her unique gift and becomes whispery as she uses it to enter the minds of humans. Elbrick consistently individualizes the voice of each member of a large cast of characters and deftly adjusts her pacing as this action-packed, romantic fantasy unfolds. Kristin Cashore builds worlds with words, and Elbrick draws listeners into it. C.R.A. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2009]