The powerhouse ensemble of Soneela Nankani, Deepti Gupta, Vikas Adam, and Akshay Kumar present this sprawling fantasy set in an Indian-inspired futuristic desert kingdom. Nankani delights as proud and prickly Elena Aadya, who is on the verge of assuming her country's throne--if she can master the unpredictable fire magic of her royal lineage. Disgraced assassin Yassen, portrayed with brooding perfection by Kumar, is caught between the mistakes of his past and the promise of a future he can earn only by building an uneasy trust with Elena. Adam's secretive and ruthless King Leo claims to seek a smooth transfer of power from himself to his daughter but may be withholding information key to her success. Gupta's steady tones provide brief but crucial world-building interludes.
Pub Date: Nov. 28, 2023
Duration: 19 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668627983
Publisher: Hachette 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: Jan. 20, 2026
Duration: 17 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217176021
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Huynh provides nuance to this high-stakes story, driving home its narrator's need for love.
David Lee Huynh captivates listeners with his performance as the magical, no-nonsense Benjamin Toh. However, listeners would be remiss in mistaking this gruff manner for lack of feeling. When the list of magical problems at Ben's Singaporean government position grows, Huynh adds an agitated edge to his performance, revealing that Ben’s composed air might be nothing more than a facade. Huynh perfectly captures Ben's growing frustration with his life. Fantasy lovers will find themselves enthralled when Huynh hisses as an ancient snake god or chokes as a soul-gardener drowns.
Huynh provides nuance to this high-stakes story, driving home its narrator's need for love.Pub Date: Jan. 13, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668655320
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: March 17, 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.
