MARCH 2022 - AudioFile
Narrator Grace Rolek draws listeners into a Japanese-inspired fantasy packed with spirits, adventure, and danger. Otori Miuko has never lived up to her father’s expectations, or fit into the restrictive patriarchal society of Awara. Rolek captures Miuko’s spirited voice and longing for more. But when adventure arrives in the form of a transformative curse by a demon, she’s thrust down a new, dangerous path. She sets out with a mischievous magpie spirit, who has a goofy but charming voice, and meets many new human and inhuman characters along the way. Chee has invented a rich magical world with its own language and crafted an intricately woven story about power and oppression. Rolek enlivens each character, makes the language and world seem real, and keeps up with the fast-paced plot. E.E.C. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine
From the Publisher
Chee once again creates a lush fantasy world that revolves around a girl discovering her own power…[and] never takes the path that’s expected.” — School Library Journal (starred review)
“Intricate plotting; a vivid, multifaceted cast; and immersive worldbuilding provide plenty for readers to sink their teeth into in this triumphant fantasy.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Unexpected and inventive.” — Horn Book Magazine
School Library Journal - Audio
08/01/2022
Gr 6 Up—Grace Rolek, who was part of the audio cast for Chee's We Are Not Free, makes her solo debut with this rousing Japanese-inspired epic. In fictional Awara, where demons, spirits, magical beings, oh—and humans—all coexist, 17-year-old Miuko is deemed "average by every conceivable standard," except for being "uncommonly loud." Out when she shouldn't be, Miuko gets infected with evil "rot, spreading slowly." Before she's consumed by malevolence, she's got to find the exorcising cure. Chee's detailed worldbuilding is enhanced with footnotes and pronunciation guides, crucial to Rolek's effusive narration. Admirably unflagging through exploits and adventures, Rolek is particularly memorable as excitable, unpredictable Geiki, a trickster magpie Miuko once rescued who will return her kindness manyfold—albeit not without well-timed, hilarious snark. VERDICT With Rolek as aural sidekick, Chee triumphs again.
MARCH 2022 - AudioFile
Narrator Grace Rolek draws listeners into a Japanese-inspired fantasy packed with spirits, adventure, and danger. Otori Miuko has never lived up to her father’s expectations, or fit into the restrictive patriarchal society of Awara. Rolek captures Miuko’s spirited voice and longing for more. But when adventure arrives in the form of a transformative curse by a demon, she’s thrust down a new, dangerous path. She sets out with a mischievous magpie spirit, who has a goofy but charming voice, and meets many new human and inhuman characters along the way. Chee has invented a rich magical world with its own language and crafted an intricately woven story about power and oppression. Rolek enlivens each character, makes the language and world seem real, and keeps up with the fast-paced plot. E.E.C. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine
