Wandfasted

Laurie Forest's prequel in the The Black Witch Chronicles offers another absorbing glimpse of the world that fans got to know in that audiobook and a deeper understanding of the events that shaped it. Jesse Vilinsky narrates, often through the eyes of Tessla Harrow, who is driven from her village by the Realm War (an event that will reverberate through this unfolding series). The youthful-voiced Vilinsky dramatizes the numerous characters, especially the facets of Tessla's spirit. She's frightened by events and a new understanding of her powers and is smitten by Vale Gardner, son of the Black Witch. Vilinsky doesn't hold back on bringing Tessla and Vale's romantic attraction to life, with its mix of earthiness and magic. Fans eager for more of Forest's work will enjoy this suspenseful addition to her deeply imagined world. J.C.G. � AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine