LIONCLAW

Because he prefers his harp to his father's warrior tradition, Lionel is banished from Lord Roderick's domain. Befriended by Rowan Hood, daughter of Robin, Lionel enters a Sherwood Forest world of Nancy Springer's creation. Here, amidst Rowan's band, Lionel finds friendship, the strength to face his father, and the power of his music. Emily Gray narrates unobtrusively. She sets each scene with a calm, matter-of-fact tone and then lets the action and revelation of Lionel's evolving personality take center stage . Her voice can be gentle when Lionel is feeling vulnerable, mousy at his cowardly moments, and assertive as his self-esteem increases. Gray presents supporting characters with just enough vocal variation. Listeners will follow her readily into this exciting quest. A.R. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 03]