Julia Whelan narrates an intriguing sci-fi drama about the discovery of an extraterrestrial metal on Earth. A year after a comet tore across the sky, Earth orbits into its debris field, causing meteors to slam down and, among other things, leave a valuable new resource. Earth's future is forever changed, and Minnesota becomes the site of a fantastical gold rush. Whelan's trustworthy voice captures the feeling of the narrative flawlessly. Characters are well differentiated and dynamic, especially the family that seems to be set to play a major role in the books to come. The story and narration feed off each other to create a compelling experience that crackles with sharp dialogue.
Pub Date: June 1, 2021
Duration: 10 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780358450528
Publisher: Mariner Books
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
It’s a gripping listening experience—intimate storytelling on an epic scale.
Narrator Luke R. Francis easily draws listeners into this fantastical novel about faith and belief. Avelyn Brocken is a young Jesuit priest sent from Rome back to his birthplace, the insular town of Hreodwater, England, to investigate a possible miracle: A fellow priest has been turned to salt. Avelyn finds himself in the orbit of Jericho, who runs the lodge for visiting pilgrims and acts as a doctor for the town. Francis makes their scenes together both comforting and electric, and he brings to life the wonderfully strange Hreodwater and the mythological figure at its center, the Salt King. Concurrently, listeners follow two nuclear safety inspectors in Jordan as bizarre events at salt mines around the world kick off a global catastrophe.
It’s a gripping listening experience—intimate storytelling on an epic scale.Pub Date: Aug. 18, 2026
Duration: 16 hrs, 22 mins
DD ISBN: 9781639737314
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: Sept. 15, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2026
Two voices prove better than one in this chilling audiobook.
In an audiobook spotlighting the last two humans in a post-apocalyptic world, it certainly makes sense to utilize two narrators—especially when the two characters couldn’t be more different. The narrators’ combined efforts propel this compelling condemnation of humanity's hubris. Johnny Heller provides a voice of weary experience to the guilt-ridden Lane Buxton. Kevin R. Free brings to life the other beaten-down survivor, who can’t even remember his name. Free also gives terrifying voice to the impervious giant scorpions that human scientists had arrogantly snatched from across the universe; he’s especially strong in the epilogue that explores the psyche of these creatures.
Two voices prove better than one in this chilling audiobook.Pub Date: Aug. 11, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs, 13 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668141045
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Oct. 13, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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