THE INGENIOUS

Narrator Gabrielle Baker takes charge of a complicated and strange world, the setting for a dense tale of political exile, alchemy, and raw ambition. The two main characters are from opposite ends of every conceivable spectrum, but Baker recognizes and plays off of their similarities. This interplay between the two characters is central to the audiobook. Isten is a feisty leader of the political exiles, and Baker shows her transformation as she learns that expedience is not necessarily the best course. In contrast, Alzen is one of the privileged Curious Men. Baker captures his ambition and his determination to play by his own rules. Paying equal attention to supporting characters on both sides, Baker contributes to a dynamic and complex world. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2019]