RUNNING WITH THE DEMON

One need not be a fantasy follower or Terry Brooks devotee to find this dark tale completely gripping. Kate Burton satisfies teen and adult listeners as she convincingly speaks for Nest Freemark, 14; her chain-smoking, vodka-drinking grandmother; and her grandfather, "Old Bob." The narration of the hellish dreams of John Ross, Knight of the Word, is powerful. Burton introduces the six-inch sylvan with the easy, high-pitched voice expected of a wood creature with magical powers. As Burton's voice mesmerizes the listener, characters from different worlds are readily accepted. Many plots lead to occasional abruptness in the abridgment, but the force of the production is not diminished. R.N. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 98]