Sword of the Rightful King

Jane Yolen takes the basic elements and minor characters of the Arthurian legend to create a completely new tale. Arthur, newly crowned, tenuously holds onto the throne despite threats from outside and inside the castle. All will swear allegiance to the new king when he pulls the sword from the stone, or so Merlinnus hopes if his illusory plan succeeds. Steven Crossley's wide range of British accents and voices helps listeners keep the large cast of characters straight, especially with Yolen's addition of Merlinnus's assistant, Gawen, who is not to be confused with the equally important Knight Gawaine. Crossley's rich voice, dramatic reading, and fluid phrasing firmly ground this recording in the oral storytelling tradition. M.M.O. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine