CARRY ON

There’s something spellbinding about Euan Morton’s voice, which is only appropriate for this novel set in magical England. From the start, listeners know that the hero of this story is a different kind of Chosen One. Using subtle changes to differentiate characters and indicate different social classes and genders, Morton’s voice goes rough and growly, sharp and cultured as he inhabits Simon Snow, his friends Penelope and Agatha, and his roommate, Baz, at the Watford School of Magicks. The world is both familiar and not—Hogwarts with swearing, with less whimsy and more grit. As the story builds, there are plenty of moments of intrigue and romance that will have listeners catching their breath. Through it all, Morton stays in perfect, sympathetic step.  J.M.D. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2015]