Chestnut King

Gr 4—7—In the final volume (Random, 2010) of N. D. Wilson's The 100 Cupboards trilogy, Henry York has found happiness. He is lovingly surrounded by his family from Kansas, and his family from the magical world of Hylfing. But the evil witch Nimiame has plans for the boy. She sends out her fingerlings—creepy warriors with fingers at the back of their skulls—to capture Henry and his family. Henry has been infected with Nimiame's blood and it will eat away at his flesh until he dies. The boy darts in and out of time and space through the magical cupboards, always staying a step ahead of Nimiame until the final showdown of good versus evil. Russell Horton returns as narrator and, although his precise annunciation strives valiantly to keep characters and plot threads clear, many listeners will become hopelessly lost as action is sacrificed to the wordy narrative. Those who persevere will be rewarded with rich, descriptive language, interesting characters, and a sweet conclusion. Only fans of the series will appreciate this concluding tale. Purchase this volume if you already own the first two audiobooks.—Tricia Melgaard, Centennial Middle School, Broken Arrow, OK