Monster Blood Tattoo: Foundling

D.M. Cornish (author)

Humphrey Bower (reader)

Bolinda Audiobooks, 2005; 8CDs

ISBN: 1741635934

Genres: adventure, audiobook, fantasy

Issues: ethics, friendship, identity, tolerance

Rossamund Bookchild, orphan boy with a girl's name, is about to set out on his journey to a new life as a Lamplighter. Facing a world where humans and monsters battle on a daily basis, Rossamund soon realises that not all alien creatures are evil, nor all humans are good.

Having escaped from a vile riverboat captain, the foundling finds himself assisted by none other than a Fulgar, a surgically enhanced monster-fighter. But can he trust Miss Europe or is she, too, simply using him to her own ends?

The first episode in an exciting, adventure-filled series, Foundling draws listeners into complex, class-divided world of confused morality. Rossamund's sensitivity, naivety and strong sense of justice set him apart from most and there is the merest suggestion that there may be some mysterious reason for his emotional and impulsive temperament.

Humphrey Bower is an excellent reader, creating and maintaining a range of voices for the various characters. He projects Rossamund's passionate, loving and curious nature as well as Europe's powerful personality. Sound quality is excellent and tracks short, making it easy to ‘bookmark' where one is up to.

Sequel: Lamplighter (available on audio)