THE SOCIETY OF S

Joyce Bean's vocal range is well suited to Hubbard's intriguing coming-of-age story. Ari Montero's family history is puzzling, to say the least. Her father was "vampirized" shortly before her parents' marriage, and her mother vanished on the day she was born. Bean uses a lilting tone and bright timbre to reflect Ari and easily distinguishes the various teenagers and adults who are part of her world. Bean's well-paced characterization of Ari's adolescent uncertainty is empathetic and sensitive. When Ari embarks on a picaresque journey to locate her mother, listeners will be entranced by the well-plotted mystery and enchanted by Bean's vivacious delivery. S.C.A. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 07]