THE GOLDEN COMPASS

Phillip Pullman spins a magical tale which will draw in older listeners as well as teens. Natasha Richardson's light, ethereal voice wraps us into the magic like the "daemons," or spirits, that accompany each character. She almost whispers some of the text as young Lyra whispers to her daemon in a setting that is now and other-worldly at the same time. Richardson describes characters and events with a softness that heightens the fantasy while not neglecting the action of the pursuit of evil in the form of kipnappers and unbeatable polar bear warriors. The text is so image-laden with wondrous descriptions, Richardson needs to add little to this compelling storytelling. R.F.W. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN 96]