The Isle of Blood

Gr 9 Up—The chronicle of Will Henry's apprenticeship with 19th-century monstrumologist Pellinore Warthrop continues with the pair's most dangerous and psychologically revealing adventure to date. The arrival of a grotesque and deadly package heralds a clue to the whereabouts of Typhoeus magnificum, the "Holy Grail of monstrumology." Warthrop's obsession with finding the Unseen One is all-consuming and neither he nor Will Henry will escape unscathed. Listeners are treated to another stellar performance from Steven Boyer who returns for the third installment (S & S, 2011) of Rick Yancey's riveting and gruesome series. His nuanced narration allows listeners to fully appreciate the fascinating and penetrating examination of monsters and men. Boyer deftly switches between distinct character voices, yet never allows them to overshadow the philosophical underpinnings of the narrative or the extraordinarily complex relationship between Will Henry and Dr. Warthrop that is at the heart of the series. Listeners will be completely absorbed by the tale as Yancey delves deep into the core of his characters and explores their fears, faults, trials, and triumphs. The next installment can't come soon enough.—Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL