IRON HEARTED VIOLET

Simon Vance provides a captivating performance of this enchanting tale about magical kingdoms, princesses, dragons, evil forces, and the power of stories. Princess Violet and her friend Demetrius are on a quest to correct the story in which they are living. Vance skillfully moves between the roles of the various characters while keeping each voice distinct. Especially effective is Vance’s embodiment of young Violet as he balances tones of seriousness and enthusiasm to reflect assorted aspects of her personality, from precociousness and determination to fear and vulnerability. Equally moving are the broken, crackling voice of the wise, ancient dragon and the menacing voice of Nybbas, the sinister element in this hypnotic children’s fantasy. M.F. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2012]