Narrator Soneela Nankani creates appropriate voices for the characters in this audiobook: a lilting tone for Shalia, a strong protagonist who sacrifices herself by marrying Calix, the King of the Bone Lands, in order to win peace for her people, and rougher, dark-edged voices for her husband and the men who rebel against him. In this complex fantasy for older teens, Nankani depicts Shalia's emotional and physical abuse at the hands of her husband and how she learns to control the power she has over earth, knowing his violence against her people is rooted in his hatred of magic. Nankani's depiction of Calix as increasingly violent, duplicitous, and falsely contrite makes for a satisfying contrast to the portrayal of Shalia and her growing feelings for Calix's brother, Galen.
. (Fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: 2018
Duration: 14 hrs
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Listeners follow Merry, the longbow girl, one of the best archers in her town. When she finds a magical portal in the forest that takes her back to sixteenth-century Wales, she must use her skills to win an archery contest in order to help her ancestors keep their land. While narrator Emily Wilden brings protagonist Merry to life with a rich Welsh accent, her narration seems uneven at times. All the period characters have accents that reflect the setting of the story and transport listeners to Wales. Listeners who enjoy historical fiction and a bit of fantasy will be charmed by this tale of determination, hope, and family.
Young AdultPub Date: N/A
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781501916793
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In 1832 thirteen-year-old Charlotte Doyle is sailing from Liverpool to Rhode Island to rejoin her family. Shocked to discover that the families who were to have been both guardians and companions will not accompany her, Charlotte embarks on a journey filled with terror and swashbuckling adventure. The first-person narrative makes this Newbery Honor book a wonderful choice for recording. O'Karma's reading, with its hint of cross-gender differentiation, allows the listener to feel as if Charlotte Doyle herself were relating the tale. This story should be particularly alluring to adolescent girls although the fast-paced action and the nautical setting will also appeal to male listeners. Ages 12-adult.
Ages 12+Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 6 hrs
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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