Welcome, Chaos

Johanna Ward reads this genre-crossing novel with panache and aplomb. Lyle Taney is a disenchanted historian with a knack for photography and nature study. After being approached by a mysterious undercover agent, Hugh Lasater, Taney becomes involved with scientists who possess an immortality elixir. The elixir is shared in an unconventional manner. Ward's tense tone and excellent pacing build suspense as the story's scope broadens from the coast of Oregon to other countries. Taney and Lasater work with the scientists to resolve several important societal quandaries. Ward uses a wide vocal range and her clear luminous voice to portray the many characters. S.C.A. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine