THE FINISHER

In Baldacci's first fantasy audiobook, Vega Jane, a "Wug" from Wormwood, has sick parents and a younger brother to look out for. Narrator Nicola Barber's posh accent and sibilant voice make her an unusual choice for a scrappy, rough-around-the-edges heroine. When one of her only friends disappears, Vega learns her home is full of secrets, and this knowledge places her in great danger. Barber performs Vega using a childlike, wistful voice, although the character is written as a teenager who is literally fighting for her life. However, when narrating action scenes or performing male characters, Barber's voice delivers forceful power. Some of these choices can be distracting to listeners, but fantasy fans, and Baldacci's avid readers, will persevere. G.D. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2014]