Oblivion: The Gatekeepers, Book 5. By Anthony Horowitz. 17 cassettes or 17 CDs. 20:15 hrs. Recorded Books. 2013. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4703-5787-0, CD: ISBN 978-1-4703-5783-2. $108.75.
Gr 9 Up–The final book (2013) in Horowitz’s series finds the fate of the world in the hands of five teenagers: Matt, Pedro, Scott, Jamie, and Scarlet. They are the Gatekeepers. At the end of Necropolis (2009, both Scholastic), after entering a special door, the teens are flung to different parts of the world. They emerge into a dangerous and horrific world 10 years in the future that is beset by evil, torture,
murder, death, plagues, famine, and other catastrophes, and on the verge of destruction orchestrated by the evil Old Ones headed by Chaos. To defeat the Old Ones, the five Gatekeepers must be together for the final battle. Much of the story revolves around each Gatekeeper’s struggle to overcome obstacles and challenges to make their way to Oblivion, a frozen, desolate area ofAntarctica where Chaos and the Old Ones are waiting. Horowitz’s story is fast-moving, intense, and unflinchingly graphic. Listeners new to the series will be able to follow this volume because past details are included. However, to fully grasp this tale’s scope and complexity, listeners should be familiar with the first four titles. Simon Prebbles’s reading masterfully conveys the terror of this dangerous dystopian world. His consistent portrayal of multiple characters and accents is excellent. This intense, suspense-filled conclusion will keep listeners riveted right up to the end.–Mary Olounye,Shaker Heights Public Library, OH
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