CYBELE'S SECRET

Author Juliet Marillier weaves mythology and history into an intriguing tapestry of betrayal, mystery, and love. Scholar Paula accompanies her merchant father from Transylvania to Istanbul in search of Cybele's Gift, an ancient pagan relic. Justine Eyre engages the listener, bringing to life the cosmopolitan atmosphere of this ancient trading crossroads. She easily transports the listener from Istanbul, through portals, to the Other Kingdom, where magic abounds. Her precise enunciation and use of slight accents for the characters in Istanbul and the Other Kingdom add to the atmosphere of the tale. Paula's strong, independent character, played out in contrast to the expectations of a culture in which women are expected to be seen but not heard, will appeal to the young female listener. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2008]