tells the enduring story of Richard Wagner's four opera cycle, . This is a timeless story of mystery, fantasy and myth as it is seen through Benjamin's eyes and written for today's young readers who enjoy action and adventure tales. The characters in The Ring (as the cycle is known) include the heavenly world of Nordic Gods, an underworld of evil dwarfs, mortals, a magic sword, a supernatural ring that carries a death curse, mysterious fire, giants, dragons and the eternal battle between good and evil. Utilizing many of Wagner's original stage directions and his libretto, Ben's mother narrates the story and answers Ben's questions. She also explains why Wagner's music is world famous and how opera can be a total theatrical experience for people of any age. Here's what opera stars Deborah Voigt and Michelle DeYoung wrote about