The End of Infinity

Move over Star Wars! The fate of the Imagine Nation lies in the hands of young Jack Blank, newly rescued from the Rustov prison but clearly infected by the dreaded enemy ruler. Will Jack be able to muster his strength and rally members of the Inner Circle to avoid his own destruction and that of the Nation? Narrator Norbert Butz maintains a tense tone and a clipped pace to heighten the drama in this action-packed conclusion to the Jack Blank trilogy. His voicing of Jack is determined, thoughtful, and compassionate. He also brings distinctive characterizations to each of Jack's cronies and enemies--the richly voiced headmaster, Stendeval; the swashbuckling Solomon Roka; and the imperious ruler of the Rustov aliens, Magus. A.R. (c) AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine

August 1, 2013

Gr 5-10-In the first moments of this fast-paced conclusion (Aladdin, 2012) to Myklusch's trilogy, 13-year-old Jack is rescued from a Rustov prison by Solomon Roka, a daring space pirate (who prefers the term space entrepreneur). From this first harrowing prison break, the action never slows. As Jack speeds across the universe to return home to the Imagine Nation, a full-blown Rustov invasion is close on his heels. Amidst the turmoil of a Nation at war with itself and the impending invasion, Jack must come to terms not only with missing a year of his life while he was held prisoner, but also with the many things that have changed in the battle for control of the Imagine Nation (though the biggest change may just be inside him). As Khalix, the Rustov infecting him, grows in strength due to modifications, Jack begins to doubt whether he is up to the challenge of saving the world. Listeners will be guessing right up to the twist-filled conclusion. Skillfully narrated by Norbert Leo Butz, his unique voices and accents give the characters life. This action-packed, humorous, and well-written audiobook is a must-have for libraries already circulating the first two books of the series.-Chani Craig. Converse Middle School. Palmer, MA

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