Amy Landon narrates a fantasy novella that twists elements of both "Sleeping Beauty" and "Snow White." Zinnia Gray, late of Ohio, is tired of rescuing princesses and ushering in their happily-ever-afters. Landon portrays Zinnia as approachable, though snarky and acerbic; despite being jaded due to a terminal medical condition and disillusioned with her fairy-tale fate, she comes across as likable. Eva, formerly the Evil Queen, slowly transforms in Landon's performance from a cold and haughty caricature to a fully developed person with feelings and opinions of her own. While the secondary characters are occasionally somewhat difficult to distinguish, that is often the case in fairy tales and does not detract from the enjoyable narration.
Pub Date: 2022
Duration: 3 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250856050
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
James Marsters' weary delivery perfectly captures Harry Dresden's fractured psyche as he navigates a year of mandatory mourning and political maneuvering in Chicago. Marsters doesn't just read; he inhabits Harry's exhaustion, using deliberate pacing and a somber tonal palette that underscores the protagonist's post-traumatic stress. Marsters' gift for distinct vocal characterizations remains sharp, effortlessly pivoting from the ethereal, detached elegance of the Sidhe to the grounded warmth of Harry's remaining allies. By leaning into the book's quieter, more introspective moments, Marsters elevates this urban fantasy's emotional stakes, transforming a year of Dresden's life into a poignant study of grief. It's an immersive performance that makes the wizard's vulnerability feel hauntingly real. Marsters' soulful performance makes this a compelling entry in the Harry Dresden series.
Pub Date: 2026
Duration: 17 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217176021
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Emma Ladji's narration ensures that this romantasy has engaging moments. Violet has spent her entire life carrying out the evil deeds of a dark sorcerer. Now that he's dead, she's determined to use her powers for good, so she reinvents herself as the owner of a flower shop. But reinvention is more difficult than she imagined. She must share her greenhouse with her prickly landlord, Nathaniel, and no amount of flowers can change his cantankerous attitude toward her. A distracting clunk that can be heard at the beginnings of chapters as Violet and Nathaniel set up their daily chalkboard signs sounds authentic but is unpleasant. Also, occasional long pauses between words are distracting. Unpolished editing leaves much to be desired in this production. A.K.R © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine
Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217163090
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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