SKY RAIDERS Five Kingdoms,, Book 1

Keith Nobbs’s narrative style is a perfect match for Mull’s latest fantasy adventure. When a group of unsuspecting sixth graders, led by Cole, visits Spooky Lane on Halloween, they’re kidnapped and taken to another dimension, where they’re sold into slavery. Nobbs captures the essence of each character so thoroughly that listeners will feel like they’re old friends, especially Cole, whose voice spans the emotional spectrum, giving him a true heroic presence. Also notable is the chipper tone of the talking Happy Face. Nobbs nimbly navigates the story’s roller-coaster pace. His dynamic performance is amplified by expertly timed sound effects and booming monster voices, all of which sets a high standard for future installments. M.F.T. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2014]