Memory Maze

November 1, 2014

Gr 3-7-In this second installment featuring middle school hypnotist Jackson Opus (after The Hypnotists), Jax, his parents, and mentor Axel Braintree are all forced into hiding due to an evil expert hypnotist who has nefarious plans for Jax's talents. Ramon de Ocampo returns as narrator, his realistic vocal rendering capably conveying the conflicted hero. He fluctuates his pitch to match Jax's moods from worried to furious to grieving, sounding exactly like any 12 year old going through puberty, and de Ocampo's voice for Axel has just enough of a cartoony vibe to match his character but not enough to seem unbelievable. He also deftly handles the crackly voice of a 96-year-old eccentric billionaire desperate for Jax's hypnotic assistance. Listeners will quickly be drawn into Korman's tale as de Ocampo smoothly moves the action along, transitioning from voice to voice and chapter to chapter, without any awkward pauses or disruptions in flow. The story ends with a bang, leaving listeners eager to find out what is next for Jax.-Shari Fesko, Southfield Public Library, MI

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.