BONE FIRE

Narrator Caitlin Kelly's youthful-sounding voice is perfect for this novel about 13-year-old Emma, who lives in an orphanage in an unnamed former communist country. Out of the blue, a mysterious older woman who is claiming to be her grandmother takes Emma away. Then magic subtly begins to enter Emma's new life. Kelly conveys Emma's childlike wonder at the changes she experiences. She also captures Emma's wisdom beyond her years with an occasional wry twist in her voice at the end of a phrase or a slightly lower pitch when she mentions something unbelievable. This entertaining combination of an engaging performance and great storytelling will appeal to many listeners. D.G.P. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2021]