OD MAGIC

Brenden Vetch lives a solitary life as a gardener until the wizard Od asks him to go to Kelior to tend the gardens at her school of magic. But the king’s wizard, Valarin, believes Brenden to be a grave threat and sets out to constrain him. Gabrielle de Cuir has a light touch with this narration. She maintains the undercurrent of tension surrounding Valarin as he seeks to exercise tight control over what magic is sanctioned and what is to be banished. De Cuir’s voice reflects a fondness for the young princess who is to be betrothed to Valarin as well as for the magician's daughter, who helps keep wonder and true magic alive. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2009]