The Chestnut Soldier

Twelve-year-old Gwyn must use inherited magical powers and gifts from Celtic family wizards to defeat the ancient evil threatening his family and community. With the clipped accent and lilting intonation of Welsh, John Keating gives voice to the wide assortment of extended family, school friends, and villagers caught up in dangerous events beyond their control. The inclusion of Welsh phrases and greetings is a nice touch. The breathless pace of the telling slows only when fragments of music accentuate the action at the close of each chapter. The listener need not be familiar with the previous books to enjoy this fantasy. R.H.H. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine