THE ROAR

This dystopian story immerses the listener in an oppressive future world. Jane Collingwood's narration ratchets up the mood of foreboding and despair, and her British accent, with its occasionally unfamiliar pronunciations, adds to the feeling that one has entered a troubled alien world. Twelve-year-old Mika and his family live behind The Wall in an overcrowded, unearthly London. Mika is convinced that his twin, Emma, is still alive, and he embarks on a quest to find her. Evil Mel Gorman controls all aspects of life, using manipulation and punishment in a bizarre chess game to ensure that no one learns the secret of his kingdom of lies. Enter this bleak world cautiously—and with a companion. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2010]