Audio of the Week--The Great Tree of Avalon: A Child of the Dark Prophecy (unabr.)
RSSFrom SLJ March 2005
Tricia Melgaard, Centennial Middle School, Broken Arrow, OK -- School Library Journal, 02/28/2005
8 cassettes. 14:10 hrs. 10 min. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2004. ISBN 1-4000-9100-4. $50.
Gr 5-9–Popular author T.A. Barron has followed up his The Lost Years of Merlin series with the first installment (Philomel, 2004) in The Great Tree of Avalon series. Stars are darkening in the heavens and three 17-year-olds unite to face an unknown force bent on the destruction of their beloved Avalon. Scree is part eagle, part man and dedicated to protecting the staff of Merlin; Elli is the adorable wanna-be priestess; and Tamwyn is a frustrated wilderness guide. The personality of each character emerges as they fight their inner demons. One is the true heir of Merlin and one is the child of the dark prophecy, though neither is revealed in this introductory book. The story begins as Avalon suffers through a severe drought. Tamwyn and Elli journey to find the Lady of the Lake with the hope of discovering Merlin’s heir. They meet up with Scree, Tamwyn’s long-lost brother, just as a mysterious wizard is completing his diabolical plan to reshape Avalon into his own creation. Much time is devoted to descriptions of Avalon, but actor Richard Easton’s narration is enjoyable and fantasy readers will be charmed by his delightful characterizations. Voices are easily discerned—some chillingly sinister, some laugh-out-loud funny. Lovers of high fantasy will relish this tale and soon be clamoring for book two.
