April 1, 2008
Gr 7-9-In this third volume (Random, 2001) in Tamora Pierce's series about Keladry of Mindelan, Kel is chosen to be Lord Raoul's squire and must prove herself worthy. She fights prejudice against her gender and her own doubts and fears. During her years as a squire, she moves from a childish crush, through the first stirrings of adolescent sexuality, to being on the verge of sexual commitment and adult love. All her struggles may be for naught when she faces the "chamber of ordeal," the final test before knighthood, whose torments have proved fatal for other squires. Actress Bernadette Dunne reads the story with clarity and expression, creating mostly suitable voices for the characters. While there are a few misplaced emphases and occasionally a voicing of dialect carries over into the narration, for the most part the reading is strong and will certainly appeal to its audience. Overall, the technical quality is fine, but at times there is an excess of sibilance. This title contains many references to the previous books in the series and many plot lines left open for the final volume. Pierce's many fans will love this audiobook..Louise L. Sherman, formerly Anna C. Scott School, Leonia, NJ
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