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
Winslow’s deep voice and emotional resonance suit an overwhelmed teenager with too much on her plate.
Andia Winslow narrates this witchy YA fantasy. The witches in 17-year-old Mikaela’s coven are having their magic stolen, and as the next Witch Queen, she’s expected to solve this mystery. She also helps out at her family’s occult shop, and when a beautiful new girl in town visits Mikaela for a tarot reading, she is struck by a vision of her own murder at the stranger’s hand. Winslow easily differentiates characters of different genders and ages and seamlessly shifts between African American Vernacular English and Standard American English. She elegantly adjusts her pacing for action scenes and political debates.
Winslow’s deep voice and emotional resonance suit an overwhelmed teenager with too much on her plate. (Fantasy. 13-18)Pub Date: Aug. 11, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 38 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217342082
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Aug. 18, 2026
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