The Weeping Werewolf

Ryan Sparkes narrates and plays the part of Edward, a boy who accompanies the wizard Moongobble on his second quest to earn his wizarding credentials. Sparkes enunciates each word at a measured pace, sounding like he's reading rather than performing. The supporting cast outshines him, particularly in the portrayals of the Rusty Knight, Urk the toad, and the Weeping Werewolf himself. Speech tags are eliminated haphazardly, at times appearing when they seem unnecessary and lacking in moments when the listener is still trying to match characters and voices. Even with its weaknesses, a snappy story line and the judicious use of music and sound effects make for a satisfying whole. A.F. (c) AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine