BROWN GIRL IN THE RING

This is a book that won a publisher contest for new science fiction writers. It is mostly about the use of magic in a city with troubles in the twenty-first century. On the one hand, practitioners of voodoo believe there is hope for its use to support the rebuilding of their city. On the other hand, practitioners who are using voodoo to control the drug trade are finding more success. Peter Jay Fernandez gives another strong performance as narrator. He keeps the story moving well. His characterization provides color and interest, particularly with the rich and melodic Caribbean cadences. The dialect is handled smoothly and without hesitation as are his transitions between dialect, narration, and the voices of other characters. J.E.M. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 02]