Exo

December 12, 2016
Seventeen-year-old Donovan Reyes has it all: his father is the “Prime Liaison” between humanity and the alien zhree, who conquered Earth a century ago, and Donovan himself, a technologically enhanced “exo,” is part of SecPac, enforcing the law and dealing with human insurrection. When he’s captured by the resistance group Sapience, he’s thrust into unfamiliar and dangerous territory, which grows even more complicated after he discovers a personal connection to one of its members. Still loyal to the zhree and to his father, Donovan is conflicted; determined to preserve peace and lives on both sides, he disobeys orders, questions procedure, and eventually stumbles on terrible hidden truths. Lee (Shadowboxer) constructs a plausibly alien future society and uses the premise to offer thought-provoking questions on occupation and colonization, placing her hero in a murky state of morality as she explores divided loyalties and conflicting obligations. Things perhaps come a bit too easily to Donovan at times, but the story’s open-ended conclusion begs for further development and exploration. Ages 12–up. Agent: Jim McCarthy, Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret.

Exo soldier Donovan Reyes is portrayed by MacLeod Andrews in this thrilling sci-fi adventure. Andrews shines in this production as he portrays a plethora of characters, both human and nonhuman. As Donovan, Andrews employs a youthful, nonchalant tone, except in moments of stress when his words become sharp and quick. For most of the alien Zhree, a gritty, jagged, and low tone is used, reflecting their status as Earth's enemy. Throughout the narration, listeners can clearly identify changes in emotion and intention through Andrews's measured tone. In this performance of good versus evil, Andrews once again distinguishes himself as a talented narrator. V.C. � AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine