RUNEWARRIORS

Dane the Defiant, a Viking warrior, voyages with comrades to rescue his beloved, Astrid, from the villainous Thidrek. Thidrek hopes to trade Astrid to a frost giant in return for Thor's hammer, a powerful artifact. Dane and friends battle monsters, stormy seas, and each other on their quest to save the girl and become legends. Narrator Richard Poe has a good time with these rough Vikings—growling, bawling, and belting out the tale. His portrayal of the soft-spoken Astrid is as believable as that of the angry giant, whose voice is roughened by cold. The story is full of wordplay and broad humor—and Poe is in on the fun, imbuing the whole thing with a playful tone. G.D. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2009]