Narrators Shayna Small and Neil Shah transport listeners to 1940s New York in this dark fantasy set against a backdrop of racial tension and brewing war. In a world in which people of color are sometimes born with magical powers that manifest through their hands, three characters struggle to survive in the city's seedy underbelly. Small portrays Phyllis, a Black woman whose hands make her a master assassin. Small's low, compelling voice perfectly captures all of Phyllis's doubts and passions. Shah is equally outstanding as her lover, Dev, an Indian man whose hands sense threats. His tone is lighter and often tinged with longing and humor. Both narrators also excel at a range of accents, making this audiobook a fully immersive experience.
Pub Date: July 21, 2020
Duration: 13 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781250755278
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A dark, witty listen blending horror and history into a vivid, gripping, and resonant experience.
Rory Barnett delivers an immersive performance, creating distinct, richly textured characters. Set in 1785 France as revolution looms, the story follows professor and monster slayer Sebastian Grave and his literal inner demon, Sarmodel, as they hunt the Beast of Gévaudan at a former lover’s request. Barnett seamlessly balances dread with dry, surprising humor. He captures characters’ unease and vulnerability as well as their intensity and dark charisma. Imogen Church narrates addendum chapters from the point of view of a succubus with equal skill. Together, they elevate the supernatural intrigue and psychological tension, keeping listeners fully engaged.
A dark, witty listen blending horror and history into a vivid, gripping, and resonant experience.Pub Date: Feb. 24, 2026
Duration: 16 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250402295
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: April 27, 2026
Sanderson’s rich performance enriches the text.
Narrator Charlie Sanderson immerses listeners in the coastal Cornish village of Portscatho from the first sentence of this gothic fairy tale. Sanderson draws listeners into a world of feminine rage, empowerment, and ancient magic. Her vocal characterizations ground the story's folkloric atmosphere. Sanderson voices characters from curious children to elderly witches, each rendered with playful energy and distinct regional British accents that bring the superstitious fishing village to life. Heroine Kensa is being manipulated, putting her community in danger. Kensa's shifting emotions, from loneliness to mounting dread, land with weight, and Sanderson makes a sea god's menacing presence feel genuinely unsettling.
Sanderson’s rich performance enriches the text.Pub Date: Jan. 27, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798347956852
Publisher: Spotify Audiobooks
Review Posted Online: April 14, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
