A Dark Inheritance

Starred review from October 27, 2014
This is an adventure story, a mystery, a paranormal tale, and a coming-of-age story, and narrator Corkhill does a terrific job keeping all that straight in his reading of d’Lacey’s enthralling story. Young teen Michael has just discovered he has the ability to alter reality when he is recruited by Unicorne, a group that investigates paranormal activity. The strange leader of the group, a man named Klimt, hints that he may have information about Michael’s father’s disappearance three years earlier. Michael reluctantly joins Unicorne and begins an investigation that brings him closer to a goth girl classmate who may be more than she seems. Corkhill’s reading of the many characters is suitably varied. Michael and the other students in his class are believably young, and the Unicorne mastermind has a delightfully creepy and sinister, high-pitched German accent. Corkhill also convincingly portrays middle-aged women, random working-class cops, and a breathlessly sexy French woman. The book is filled with action, mystery, ghosts, robots, dragons, UFOs, murder, and preternatural powers, which all seem perfectly reasonable when Corkhill is reading. His posh accent anchors the story to reality and lets listeners suspend their disbelief and enjoy the whirlwind adventure. Ages 8–12. A Scholastic hardcover.

November 1, 2014

Gr 3-7-Michael has been feeling a bit off lately. He feels a tightness of breath, which the doctors say is asthma, but he knows better-something is happening to him. A freak accident helps him discover his ability to alter time, which catapults him from everyday kid to new recruit in UNICORNE. The secret organization is dedicated to unearthing supernatural events, and they need Michael's help. In exchange, they'll provide information on his father, who disappeared three years ago. Desperate to find his father and gain a better understanding of his abilities, Michael agrees. Raphael Corkhill narrates the book using various tones and pitches for each character. Those expecting a fast-paced novel will be disappointed by the story's long build up and characters that seem more adult. Strictly an additional purchase where the print version is popular or for clamoring fans of d'Lacey's "Dragon Chronicles" (Scholastic) series.-Katie Llera, Bound Brook High School, NJ

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