HERO

When Zach Harriman’s father dies, Zach learns two things: His dad was the world’s secret superhero, and now he, Zach, is expected to take over the role. His mentors torture him with cryptic advice, in the best Harry Potter tradition, rather than just telling him what’s going on. Narrator Dan Bittner sounds believable as a 14-year-old kid and is even passable as a young girl. Zach’s aged mentor is also credible, as is his “uncle,” who may or may not be evil. Bittner makes the book exciting, even though it’s a mere introduction to the character, who is only beginning to understand his great strength and speed by the end of the work. The next installment of HERO may see Zach live up to the role. M.S. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2010]