The Naming

Gr 7 Up—The first book (Candlewick, 2005) of a projected quartet from award-winning Australian author Alison Croggon centers on Maerad, a former slave who discovers she is a Bard with magical abilities. Croggon creates a believable language and culture to populate her epic, highly detailed, and intricately plotted fantasy world of Edil-Amarandh, where all things are governed by Bards. Bards have the Gift of the Speech, which extends life and allows them to talk to animals. When the Bard Cadvan discovers her in the harsh community of Gilman's Cot, he helps Maerad escape her enslavement and begins to nurture her Gift. A rumbling foreboding throughout the land of Annar creates a disquieting background as Maerad and Cadvan travel to Norloch, the seat of the Light. Along the way, they meet both enemies and allies. Despite some predictability due to fantasy tropes, the story is always fresh and imaginative. Maerad and Cadvan are complex and solid characters. Australian actress Eloise Oxer excels at making The Speech accessible to listeners. Each character has a distinct voice and it is a joy to listen as the strange and beautiful names and terms fly off her tongue. Reminiscent of The Lord of the Rings and the Harry Potter books, this title is perfect for those who enjoy epic fantasy, detailed world building, and strong female characters.—Charli Osborne, Oxford Public Library, MI