CURSE OF THE BANE The Last Apprentice, Book 2

Christopher Evan Welch does his best with an uneven and gory tale of exorcism. As young Thomas Ward and his mentor, the Spook, battle the Bane beneath a cathedral in Priestown, they must also struggle with the high church official who is bent on eradicating all who practice the dark arts. Welch is a bit too good at his portrayal of the Quisitor’s sadistic glee at burning people alive and torturing confessions out of them. Welch clearly delivers Ward’s insecurity and growing knowledge and bravery. His portrayal of Alice, the young witch who aids Ward, is equally good. However, there is an unevenness to his early voicings of the Spook, and the Bane’s delivery is less menacing than it purports to be. D.P.D. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 07]