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This is a beautiful story and a great audio book - I am disappointed that it is not suitable for my elementary library patrons. Carey, Janet Lee. 2008. Dragon’s Keep. Performed by Bianca Amato. New York: Recorded Book ISBN: 978-1-4281-8317-9 Grades 6 - 12 The audio of Dragon’s Keep by Janet Lee Carey is a beautiful recording that captures the listener wholeheartedly in a fantasy tale that is so well written that one is hard pressed to remember that it is a fantasy. Dragons, a beautiful girl, a handsome prince and all the other ingredients are there for a fantasy fairy tale but due to the masterly writing of Carey, they become living, breathing characters that could well exist in today’s world. Based on a hint of the Pendragon heritage of Arthur, the story’s preface explains why the family of the main character, Rosalind, is still exiled on Wilde Island after more than 600 years. It is at that time that the listener is made aware of a prophecy from Merlin that follows the family through the centuries and reaching fruition with the birth of Rosalind. Rosalind is all that is beautiful and smart yet she is born with a deformity that would mean her death, a deformity whereby the fourth finger on her left hand is actually the small claw of a dragon. Dragons play a large part in this story as they are the enemies of the people on Wilde Island. As a young teenage girl, Rosalind willingly exiles herself to the Dragon’s island in exchange for her people’s safety where she is slave and nursemaid to 4 baby dragons who tolerate her because of her claw. Throughout her enslavement, Rosalind remains strong yet comes to care and love the dragons, understanding the role that people have played in the dragons’ slow destruction. Without elaborating on the plot, the listener will become engrossed in Rosalind and the movements of this story. As a character, she grows and develops throughout, becoming stronger through unbelievable strife. As with most fantasy fairy tales, there are the wicked, the seemingly impossible situations, and the fantastical yet they are so plausible to the story. Rosalind does fulfill Merlin’s prophesy by uniting a people, two sentient species, and most importantly accepting herself. It is through the masterly writing of Carey that this world comes alive, that the characters are so real, and that the events are so well realized. The lilting and beautiful voice of Bianca Amato aptly conveys the many characters, including the dangerous dragons, and while some may find her accent a bit difficult initially, the accent soon becomes a part of the background of this story. The recording is superb with well placed disc endings at the conclusion of chapters as well as notifying the listener when it is time to change discs. Sadly, this audio book would not be suitable for elementary but is more suitable for middle and high school listeners due to complexity of language. Christine Rayl, Librarian Bowie Elementary School Grand Prairie ISD Texas cjrayl@yahoo.com -------------------------------------------------------------------- Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law. You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book. To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL 3) SET LM_NET MAIL 4) SET LM_NET DIGEST * Allow for confirmation. * LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/ * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://lm-net.info/ * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html * LM_NET Wiki: http://lmnet.wikispaces.com/ --------------------------------------------------------------------