Soundless

Gr 7 Up—Fei lives in an isolated village on top of a mountain where all the inhabitants have been deaf for generations. The rocky terrain makes agriculture impossible, and villagers must mine precious metals in exchange for food using a zip line that is their only connection with the world below, making them dependant on the mysterious line keeper whom they have never seen. Fei's skill as an artist gives her an elevated status, but when her sister begins to go blind, Fei becomes more aware of the hardships of the others and the dire situation of her community. Unwilling to stand by and watch his people suffer, her friend and former suitor, Lei Wei, decides to go on a quest to the unknown world below. Fei accompanies him on the treacherous journey using her newly developed hearing to help navigate the strange new place. Die-hard "Vampire Academy" fans may be disappointed at Mead's departure from her usual style, but listeners with an open mind will find an original and compelling story line that is part fable, party fantasy. Kim Mai Guest's narration is superb.