Jennifer W. (GeniusJen) reviewed Radiance (Riley Bloom, Bk 1) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 5322 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com
All I can say is, "It's about time Riley got her own story." I was overjoyed to receive the audio book of RADIANCE in the mail unexpectedly last week. I love to get an audio book prior to its release. And as I had to travel to a meeting for work, that gave me enough time to listen to this in its entirety, in one day.
Macmillan Young Listeners was smart and used a different narrator for the character of Riley than that of her sister, Ever. Riley's character in THE IMMORTALS series has grown into her own unique personality. Kathleen McInerney takes on the job of portraying Riley beautifully. She has a young, inquisitive quality to her voice that truly brings Riley to life.
RADIANCE picks up at the point where Riley finally takes the journey to cross the bridge that her parents and dog crossed after the car accident. Once on the other side, Riley is reunited with the rest of her family. The new world she enters is called Here. She soon learns that life after death isn't all leisure. She has to go to school, and after facing the Council, she learns she will also have to work.
Riley is assigned the job of Soul Catcher. Soul Catchers have the responsibility of coaxing souls that remain behind to cross the bridge. She is assigned a teacher, Bodhi, who decides to give Riley a difficult first case. Radiant Boy has rejected many attempts over the last century to cross over.
Listening to Ms. McInerney tell the tale led to many humorous moments and I found myself giggling out loud. The tension between Bodhi and Riley is palpable as the story is read and unfolds. Listening to Riley's trials and errors is definitely a treat for the ears. The most amazing character portrayed by Ms. McInerney, at least in my opinion, was that of Aura, a Council member. She comes across as serene but all-knowing. As Riley is confused by her future, Aura's presence is soothing and confident.
Overall, RADIANCE is a wonderful story and the audio book uses just the right tone for Riley's voice. The book is appropriate for anyone from middle school up. Riley is a twelve-year-old girl, and Ms. Noel keeps that in mind as the story unfolds.
All I can say is, "It's about time Riley got her own story." I was overjoyed to receive the audio book of RADIANCE in the mail unexpectedly last week. I love to get an audio book prior to its release. And as I had to travel to a meeting for work, that gave me enough time to listen to this in its entirety, in one day.
Macmillan Young Listeners was smart and used a different narrator for the character of Riley than that of her sister, Ever. Riley's character in THE IMMORTALS series has grown into her own unique personality. Kathleen McInerney takes on the job of portraying Riley beautifully. She has a young, inquisitive quality to her voice that truly brings Riley to life.
RADIANCE picks up at the point where Riley finally takes the journey to cross the bridge that her parents and dog crossed after the car accident. Once on the other side, Riley is reunited with the rest of her family. The new world she enters is called Here. She soon learns that life after death isn't all leisure. She has to go to school, and after facing the Council, she learns she will also have to work.
Riley is assigned the job of Soul Catcher. Soul Catchers have the responsibility of coaxing souls that remain behind to cross the bridge. She is assigned a teacher, Bodhi, who decides to give Riley a difficult first case. Radiant Boy has rejected many attempts over the last century to cross over.
Listening to Ms. McInerney tell the tale led to many humorous moments and I found myself giggling out loud. The tension between Bodhi and Riley is palpable as the story is read and unfolds. Listening to Riley's trials and errors is definitely a treat for the ears. The most amazing character portrayed by Ms. McInerney, at least in my opinion, was that of Aura, a Council member. She comes across as serene but all-knowing. As Riley is confused by her future, Aura's presence is soothing and confident.
Overall, RADIANCE is a wonderful story and the audio book uses just the right tone for Riley's voice. The book is appropriate for anyone from middle school up. Riley is a twelve-year-old girl, and Ms. Noel keeps that in mind as the story unfolds.
