Emperor Mage

The third book in Pierce's Immortals quartet takes Daine of Tortall, the girl who talks to animals, on a dangerous diplomatic mission to the court of Emperor Ozorne. Daine's magical gifts are tested by everything from birds and rats to dragons and "stormwings." Even dinosaur skeletons get into the act. A full cast brings the faraway land of Carthak to vivid life, complete with castle, aviary, menagerie, and dusty temples. Carmen Viviano-Crafts, who also voiced Daine in WILD MAGIC and WOLF SPEAKER, has the perfect voice for the determined teenage girl. A cast of more than 30 and dramatic music give the feel of a blockbuster to the production. Although this installment is not the best place to enter this series, those who do start here will eventually want to go back and hear what they've missed. M.M.C. (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine