Then the chapterk took a tumble and it's a large one for me. or was I? The book was rather pleasing and well done up until Chapter 7 where we hear the Grand High Witch. After hearing the really nice sample that included sound effects, voice-changes, etc, I thought such a reviewer could just be overally sensitive. UPDATE 10/22 Before getting the book, I checked out other reviews and saw some negative ones about the Grand High Witch's voice. I really wish I could give this book a higher rating. This book should have come with a WARNING on the front cover. Getting to the end was touch and go several times! Unfortunately, without knowing if Miranda Richardson is going to use her pleasant voice or her screeching voice, we will never buy a book she narrates again. The story itself was fabulous, and the only reason we finished the book.which was no easy feat.
Besides the skin crawling voice and the inaudible performance, the sound would go from so loud your head throbbed, to so low, you had to stop a rewind a few times before you could figure out what was said. Did anyone at the publisher listen to this before releasing it for sale? I would be shocked if that were the case. Besides making our ears bleed, we could understand about every third word of the High Witch. Her voice is so shrill that nails scratching on a chalk board is much more comforting. Do NOT listen to this book in the car, as the voice of the High Witch will make you want to drive straight into a wall.