THE WARRIOR'S APPRENTICE

Miles Vorkosigan, of royal lineage, was born with physical impairments on a planet where these are very rare. He tries to make a place for himself by going into the military, but he's defeated by his disabilities. A visit to his grandmother on Beta Colony changes everything when he finds himself the leader of a band of mercenaries. Michael Hanson reads all the narrative and voices the male characters while Carol Cowan voices the (few) female characters. Hanson handles the many characters well, crafting distinctive voices for the major characters. His characterization for young Miles is realistic, and he judiciously employs dialects to add texture to the narrative. While Cowan's vocal presence helps add variety, she's less successful with the young Elena: Her voice still sounds older than a teenager's should. Emotions and action are well conveyed without overacting. This is an engaging space opera. M.A.M. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC/JAN 99]