HIGH DRUID OF SHANNARA: Jarka Ruus

As the heir apparent to J.R.R. Tolkien, author Brooks comports himself as well as can be expected, writing in a modern age with such gifts as he has. He is a skilled storyteller, but he has big slippers to fill. Charles Keating takes a good tale of witchcraft, sorcery, and political intrigue and brings it to the listener with polished craft, unique characterizations (How does a stone troll sound? Or a battling dwarf?), and intimate near-whispers. It is Keating's respect for the magic in the story that keeps it moving, enlivens its sometimes trite characters, and leaves one to marvel at the timbre and resonance of a talented voice actor. A worthy sequel and a listen not lacking in enchantment. D.J.B.
(c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 04]