THE SPEAR CUTS THROUGH WATER

Joel de la Fuente skillfully narrates this sweeping historical fantasy audiobook. Keema, a disabled outcast, and Jun, grandson of the emperor, are sent on a mission to rescue the Moon goddess from her three terrible sons to end their tyrannical reign. De la Fuente immerses listeners in this atmospheric story in which each character, from the powerful goddess to a seemingly insignificant peasant, is given a distinct voice that keeps listeners grounded--especially when the story switches among first-, second-, and third-person points of view. De la Fuente's perfectly adjusted pacing makes this performance seem like watching a theater performance as he captures a wide range of characters who are full of malice, paralyzing fear, and desire. A.K.R. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2023]