DIES THE FIRE

Novelist S.M. Stirling's latest story is reminiscent of the TV show “Lost” as it centers on a group of plane crash survivors and the residents of a small community riddled with bizarre occurrences, all of whom are fighting for survival and trying to understand what is going on. Narrator Todd McLaren gives an understated performance in which he assumes the identities of the large cast of characters and never fails to engage his listeners. Reading at a steady pace, McLaren draws listeners into the story with a personal and intimate delivery. Ultimately, the novel is successful because of McLaren's ability to breathe life into each character, thereby making the story all the more believable. L.B. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2008]