Accomplished narrators Emily Woo Zeller and Tim Campbell impressively narrate Addie Thorley's debut historical fantasy, in which King Louis IV and much of his court are poisoned to death. Mirabelle, a thoughtful young alchemist, is inadvertently caught up in her mother's plans to overthrow the monarchy. Zeller portrays her with anguish and hopefulness befitting the brilliant but naïve young woman. Josse is the Sun King's disgraced illegitimate son, who manages to save four royal half-siblings, including the haughty dauphin. For him, Campbell uses a deep tone evoking anger, protectiveness, and insecurity. As Mira and Josse join forces, the dual narration brims with the intensity of the riveting plot.
(Historical fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: 2019
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781982601751
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Desean Terry delivers a touching performance of this reimagining of "The Great Gatsby," in which the protagonists are gay Black prep school students. Aspiring journalist Nick Carrington leaves Oklahoma to begin school at Harlem's West Egg Academy. Out of his element, Nick keeps his gay identity a closely held secret, but love interest Jay Gatsby Jr.--the academy founder's son--openly embraces his own gay identity. As they write letters to each other, each more daring and affectionate than the last, they receive threats that their budding relationship will be exposed in the school newspaper. Terry clearly presents every piece of dialogue that warrants an emotional charge and adds subtle suspense to his straightforward tone when needed. Terry's narration is always on the money.
(Historical fiction. 13-18)Pub Date: 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063312517
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This audiobook was inspired by the forbidden love of the authors' grandparents in early-twentieth-century Korea amid its colonization by Japan. Their story, told in alternating chapters, combines history, folklore, romance, and magic. Julia Riew delivers the chapters of Eunji, a Korean girl who is trapped in her wealthy life. Joshua Hyunho Lee portrays Seung, who is trapped by poverty and oppression. Riew expresses Eunji's joy at excursions into the world with Seung, while Lee shows Seung's despair at failing his exam and at Eunji's arranged marriage to the son of a Japanese diplomat. Through the power of their magic and love, the couple is finally united, finds freedom, and saves the last tiger. Alex Intae Kim and Sue Jean Kim deliver periodic quotations from the Riews' grandparents, and together the Riews deliver the authors' note.
(Fantasy. 12-18)Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 13 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217074396
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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