Ever

Starred review from March 31, 2008
Levine’s (Ella Enchanted
) original mythological tale works as romance, adventure and exploration of faith. Kezi is the only daughter of a wealthy, devout family in a vaguely ancient, vaguely Middle Eastern city, where the established religion revolves around one god, Admat. When Kezi’s mother falls deathly ill, her father vows to sacrifice the first person who congratulates him on his wife’s recovery, if only Admat will let her live. Through adroit plotting, this person turns out to be Kezi, who has 30 days before she must be delivered to the sacrificial altar. Meanwhile, Olus, the god of wind from a family of Greek-like deities, has been watching the horror unfold; out of loneliness (the brother closest to him in age is 412 years older), he has disguised himself to mix with mortals and fallen in love with Kezi. Braided throughout the well-paced action are doubts raised by Kezi’s new-found knowledge of Olus and his clan: “How can Admat be the one, the all, if Olus is a god too?” Is her sacrifice without reason? Levine conducts a riveting journey, offering passion and profound pondering along the way. Ages 10-up.

Good narration pulls listeners into a somewhat muddled story and creates heartfelt, likable characters. Jenna Lamia does an outstanding job with heroine Kezi, giving her a joyful lilt of loosely contained exuberance that has her dancing while others walk. Oliver Wyman, in the role of handsome Olus, god of the winds, is steadfast and strong. This tale will appeal to fans of classic mythology. The same shortcomings that have mystified us amid Greek and Roman shenanigans show up as a father's willingness to sacrifice his own daughter over a rashly made promise to the gods. But listeners will quickly get beyond that to adventure and romance as Kezi and her would-be savior, Olus, set off on their quest. D.G. (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine


horsey - Good book!