Kobna Holdbrook-Smith narrates an immersive fantasy set in post-WWII London. When Dennis Knuckleyard suddenly and violently learns there is a second London alongside the one he knows, it causes his entire worldview to reshape itself. Holdbrook-Smith depicts Dennis as naïve and somewhat feckless, mostly harmless, and truly out of his depth. The vast scope of characters Dennis encounters is matched by Holdbrook-Smith's incredible performance. The range of characters includes a young prostitute, a celebrated racing tipster, an occult artist, and many more. Subtle use of audio special effects distinguishes the two Londons, making the eerie one even weirder. Holdbrook-Smith also performs some vocal special effects himself. An afterword delivered by the author provides additional historic context.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2024
Duration: 13 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Descriptive magical settings, multidimensional characters, and nuanced storytelling.
Listeners will be immediately drawn into the vivid, sweeping world of the Azalea Dynasty. Narrators Katharine Chin and Eric Yang create an immersive fantasy setting for this powerful story about legacy, hierarchy, power, and politics. Primary protagonist Wei Yin is desperate as she watches her family and her village succumb to starvation, and she is willing to do anything to survive. As allegiances are formed and war is imminent, Wei Yin's talent for poetry gives her a voice, and she learns the dangers and advantages of taking her power.
Descriptive magical settings, multidimensional characters, and nuanced storytelling.Pub Date: Jan. 20, 2026
Duration: 15 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250435576
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2026
Grannò’s melodic narration immerses listeners in 15th-century Italy.
Beatrice Grannò narrates this historical romantasy audiobook with careful pacing and a soft Italian accent. Ravenna enters a sculpting competition in a desperate bid to save her brother and accidentally reveals her forbidden magical talent. The immortal Luni family, interested in Ravenna’s abilities, forcibly takes her to Florence. Saturnino, the family’s heir, is a merciless taskmaster but Ravenna can’t help but be drawn to him. A pawn for many players including the Medici and even the Pope, Ravenna walks a fine line. Grannò narrates like she’s letting listeners in on a secret, and it’s a particularly delightful choice for an audiobook full of political intrigue and plenty of romance.
Grannò’s melodic narration immerses listeners in 15th-century Italy.Pub Date: Jan. 13, 2026
Duration: 18 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250433107
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Feb. 10, 2026
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