THE WIDOW AND THE KING

Dickinson's sequel to THE CUP OF THE WORLD picks up in the middle of the story of 12-year-old Ambrose, son of the late, hated king. This elaborate world, in which Ambrose fears for his life as he hides from his corrupt uncle Paigan, is difficult to unravel without having read the preceding story. Alyssa Bresnahan narrates the story slowly and evenly; her matter-of-fact pace never engages with the emotions or action of Dickinson's story. Characters are differentiated by light variations in voice and phrasing. But the lack of details to frame the story and Bresnahan's detachment make for a less-than-compelling listening experience. M.B.K. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 06]