Sedgwick, Marcus. The dark flight down.

SEDGWICK, Marcus. The dark flight down. Read by Graeme Malcolm. 4 tapes. 5 hrs. Listening Library. 2005. 1-4000-9853-x. $35.00. Vinyl; plot, author, reader notes. J

From the review of the book in KLIATT, September 2005: "Readers of The Book of Dead Days will appreciate the arrival of this sequel. Boy, who has survived the death of his master, magician Valerian, connects with the equally mysterious Kepler. Boy also comes to the attention of Emperor Frederick, who wants to live forever; he thinks that the secret of immortality lies in a special volume of Valerian's. Boy also wants to find the book in order to learn the secrets of magic. Unfortunately, the emperor's henchmen find Boy before the book is discovered. This book can be read without introduction to the prior volume; in fact, coming to this story 'fresh' adds to the air of mystery and discovery. Its strength is its plot twists, although the characters have distinct traits and the hero is certainly one to cheer for...."

The only discrepancy between the two works is a slight variation of one family's name, but this is minor in the entire scope of work. As usual with Sedgwick's material, there are unexpected twists and turns, which hold the reader's interest from one breathless moment to the next. Malcolm admirably performs all the characters. As he narrates various speeches, you can truly visualize the individuals involved. Sunnie Grant, Hampton, NH

J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.