Flyte

FLYTE, second in a trilogy featuring Septimus Heap (wizardly seventh son of a seventh son), is a quirky tale of magic and mystery that younger children, who might not be ready for Harry Potter, can enjoy. Gerard Doyle's narration has a quiet intensity that creates tension and heightens the drama in the kidnapping of Princess Jenna and Septimus's adventures in rescuing her. Yet Doyle also plays up the story's many humorous moments. He does a particularly good job shedding light on Septimus's brother, Simon's, jealous nature, in all his snarling bitterness. Doyle's impeccable pacing ensures that listeners won't miss a word, and he has a way of ending chapters that emphasizes Sage's most breath-catching moments. J.C.G. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine