The Witching Hour

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY 28 NOV. 2011

Originally released in the anthology Once Upon a Midnight, Roberts's short story is a sentimental fairy tale in which Aurora is destined to reclaim her dead parents' throne from an evil sorcerer king who has subjugated her kingdom. As Aurora approaches a final confrontation with the sorcerer, she's joined by the secret lover she has known only in dreams, and together they bring peace and prosperity back to the world. The talented Joyce Bean makes it easy for listeners to slip into the enchanted world of this romantic tale. Her narration is strong and she ably creates many voices, shifting smoothly from gentle feminine voices to deep male characterizations that are bewitching and utterly believable. Bean makes the most of the almost too sweet story in this polished, engaging audio version.