Malorie Blackman’s award winning trilogy Noughts and Crosses comes to its stunning conclusion in Checkmate. Callie Rose knows virtually nothing about her father, Sephy, her mother has kept the truth from her, hoping to protect her for Callie Rose is half nought and half cross in a society where the pale skinned noughts are treated as inferiors and those with dual heritage struggle for acceptance against deep-rooted prejudice. Slipping between the present day and the past Callie Rose, Sephy, Meggie, Jasmine and Jude all narrate their stories, bringing together all the strands from the previous two books to create a tense and intricate story. There is anger, confusion, love, friendship, violence in the dangerous and deadly game into which Callie Rose finds herself inextricably drawn. When Callie Rose finds out what she believes to be the truth about her parents, she shoulders a burden that in her mind can only be removed in one way; struggling to cope with being a ‘halfer’ Callie is driven to extreme action. Sephy, struggling to understand her own and Callie’s feelings is facing her own demons whilst Meggie and Jasmine try to hold to family together

The story is told using five actors and the tension is palpable as the story progresses. Hearing the different voices adds an additional dimension to the telling as additional emphasis can be provided and it is quite possible to loose oneself in the listening. This is a powerful and moving story with a strong message. Unabridged, the audio CDs can be used as an accompaniement when reading the book or used independently as a great listen; at home, at school or on a journey. Just be warned that it is very easy to loose oneself completely as this audiobook is compelling, enthralling and highly recommended.

2007-10-25