THE 6 SACRED STONES

This campy romp takes its cues from a number of genres—from comic books to B-movies to Dan Brown thrillers—as Matthew Reilly crafts a riveting science-fiction tale. The story sends the protectors of the planet around the world in search of the six Pillars of the Earth, which are necessary to defend against Armageddon. As strong a narrator as Steven Crossley is, with his ear-pleasing British accent and extensive narrating experience, it seems that some piece of the farcical nature of this story has been lost on him. As the story progresses, he suddenly shifts his tone, taking on a seriousness that sounds at odds with the tone of the text. Nevertheless, Crossley delivers a talented and engaging reading, perhaps just not in the manner that was originally intended. L.B. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2008]