Twins Emil and Brighton get caught up in the dangerous world of specters--people who steal powers from magical creatures--and Spell Walkers--a group of people born with powers to destroy. This is the first installment of a fantasy trilogy set in a New York populated with hydras and phoenixes. Four excellent narrators bring the teenage characters to life, and their distinct voices help listeners untangle the sometimes confusing plot twists. Robbie Daymond shines as quiet Emil, who just wants to avoid the spotlight. Kirby Heyborne captures the perky, earnest optimism of Brighton, who craves recognition. But despite the solid narration, the story itself lacks the world-building and depth of character needed to make it stand out, and may leave listeners feeling more lost than satisfied.
(Fantasy. 12-adult)Pub Date: Jan. 14, 2020
Duration: 8 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780062966353
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Listeners follow Merry, the longbow girl, one of the best archers in her town. When she finds a magical portal in the forest that takes her back to sixteenth-century Wales, she must use her skills to win an archery contest in order to help her ancestors keep their land. While narrator Emily Wilden brings protagonist Merry to life with a rich Welsh accent, her narration seems uneven at times. All the period characters have accents that reflect the setting of the story and transport listeners to Wales. Listeners who enjoy historical fiction and a bit of fantasy will be charmed by this tale of determination, hope, and family.
Young AdultPub Date: N/A
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781501916793
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Nassif gives an emotional voice to survivors of bullying.
Victoria Nassif narrates this story of magic, grief, and racism. Syrian American Jihad Dabbagh enters a private school in her senior year of high school, and she hopes to attend an art school for college. Her name and the hijab she wears make her the target of dangerous bullies. To cope, she draws in a magical sketchbook, telling the story of her deceased mother’s journey from Syria to the U.S. Nassif relates Jihad’s story beautifully, taking her from a shy, introverted teen to a strong Muslim woman willing to call out bullies for their behavior. Her Arabic pronunciations lend authenticity to this story, helping to bring Jihad’s world to life, and she’s equally adept with the pretentious accents of the privileged white students at the academy.
Nassif gives an emotional voice to survivors of bullying. (Fabulism. 14-18)Pub Date: June 2, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 46 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668657515
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: July 14, 2026
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