The Shadows

Gr 7 Up—Unlike her friends who spend their time flirting and flouncing, Grace Knox has heavier matters to deal with than catching the eye of a potential suitor: the debt collectors plaguing her family and the struggle for independence of her ancestral homeland, Ireland. When Patrick, whose wealth could rescue her and her family, summons mystical warriors to join the fight, Grace struggles with her feelings for Patrick and the mysterious Diarmid, one of the warriors. Karen Peakes is more than up to the challenge of voicing two male characters. For Patrick, she goes to her middle range, making him a believable Victorian gentleman who is torn between his love for Ireland and his love for Grace. Diarmid is equally convincing as she goes to the lowest end of her range and includes a thick and mischievous Irish accent. A roller-coaster ride mixing historical with romance and a large dash of Irish folklore, Chance's series launch will have listeners eagerly awaiting the next volume.—Shari Fesko, Southfield Public Library, MI