Burning Roses

Narrator Nancy Wu masterfully presents this mash-up of Western fairy tales and Eastern mythology. Wu brings to life two strong female LGBTQIA+ protagonists who are living with regrets. Hou Yi, a mythological Chinese archer, is portrayed in a loud, raspy, older voice tinged with impatience. In contrast, Rosa, a twist on Red Riding Hood, is presented in a clear, poised, younger voice. With deft changes in pitch, tone, and timbre, Wu's performance is so versatile that the production often feels performed by multiple narrators. Her expressive delivery keeps listeners engaged throughout the flashbacks, which are infused with characters from other fairy tales. While this novella is the third part of a series, Wu's talented rendering offers up a delightful listening experience on its own. V.T.M. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine