PEOPLE OF THE RAVEN

In the latest in the authors' prehistoric North America series, set in the Pacific Northwest, two opposing tribes dominate the story, and all the characters have names that challenge the listener to recognize who belongs to which tribe. Grover Gardner's narration provides no characterizations that might make it easier to identify the speakers, and this, combined with frequent shifts in place, results in a book that can be very confusing until well into the story. Reading the printed version--with chapter breaks, chapter sections, and italics--would make it easier to keep it all straight. Only the most devoted Gear fans, familiar with the genre and style, are likely to find this compelling enough to stick with. M.A.M. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 06]