THE LIVES OF CHRISTOPHER CHANT

Here's a perfect choice for the Harry Potter/Philip Pullman crowd. Gerard Doyle uses irony and a gentle sense of astonishment to convey Christopher's emotions when he discovers that he's been given nine lives. This makes him capable of powerful magic, as well as the ability to travel to other worlds and bring things back. It is this skill that makes him the target of unscrupulous characters. Doyle's narration plays a big part in setting the mood--very British, complete with vague upper-class parents, boarding school, and cricket mania. Doyle excels at giving characters their own voices, and he's a perfect choice to lead listeners through the web of intrigue with a light and humorous touch. His interpretation makes Christopher a caring and likable person you'll soon be rooting for. D.G. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 04]