THE VOICES OF HEAVEN

Johnny Heller's youthful voice and spirited characterizations are a perfect match for Barry di Hoa and his story of being hijacked from his job on the moon to a colony planet 18 light-years from Earth. Barry finds he has a lot to deal with in his new home: coping with his manic-depression without the drugs available on the moon; living with religious zealots who believe that an early death is the way to salvation; and coming to understand the leps, the caterpillar-like intelligent beings native to the colony planet. Heller captures Barry's frustration with his new life, as well as his grudging interest in the planet and the leps, and is a master at conveying shades of emotion with the slightest change of tone. His narration is fresh and focused throughout. Anyone who likes a captivating story will be loath to push the stop button on this one. M.A.M. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC/JAN 99]