Blightborn

Gr 7 Up—Gwennie thought her family had been cut a break when they won the Lottery, but what they didn't know was that the winners were sent into servitude. Her new goal in life is to find her family, and after she does the unexpected, she sends the elite Empyrean government into a new level of panic. Cael is on a mission to save his sister, but his journey reveals truths about his family and himself that he never would have expected. Blightborn is told in the alternating voices of Cael and Gwennie. Although this is the second book in Wendig's "Heartland Trilogy," listeners beginning with this volume will not have a difficult time catching up on the story line. Wendig has created a cast of characters who have hidden depths and an adventure that starts immediately and rolls through the entire audiobook. Nick Podehl's narration is smooth and clear, and when action scenes or high stakes events transpire, his voice increases in speed as if the listener's heart and mind would also palpitate to the actions. This will make a strong addition to a middle school, high school, or public library collection.—Elizabeth L. Kenyon, Merrillville High School, IN