Fiona Hardingham and Christian Coulson's performances bring swoon-worthy tension to this epic fantasy sequel. Kel's role as bodyguard, spy, and confidante to Prince Conor unfolds against a backdrop of whispered conspiracies and royal betrayals. Coulson anchors the narrative with a measured cadence. His subtle shifts in pitch and restrained character voices demand rapt attention. Hardingham counters with poised authority. Her precise inflections and carefully modulated tone imbue the courtiers with both icy hauteur and unexpected warmth. The narrators' alternating chapters merge seamlessly, creating a listening experience that balances intrigue and emotional depth. Though the plot flirts with soap-opera-ish drama, the disciplined performances keep the tension taut and the magic vivid. An audio feast for fans of nuanced character-driven fantasy.
Pub Date: March 4, 2025
Duration: 21 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780593788240
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A classic murder mystery with a fantasy bent, enhanced by a perfectly entrancing narration.
The gods might be sleeping in this vibrant fantasy novel, but Joe Eyre keeps listeners wide awake with an electric performance. As a mortedant, Irody Hasp reads dead people’s thoughts. When a simple job turns deadly, however, Hasp gets accused of murder and must work quickly to avoid the gallows. As he hunts down the real killer alongside his spunky new apprentice and a giant warrior guard, he soon unveils a larger and more sinister plot. The poor of the lower levels of the tiered city are threatened, and Hasp and his newfound friends must thwart the bad guys before the gods awaken. Hasp’s world is equally odd and engaging, and Eyre explores every inch, providing various voices to round out an eclectic group of characters.
A classic murder mystery with a fantasy bent, enhanced by a perfectly entrancing narration.Pub Date: May 19, 2026
Duration: 16 hrs, 11 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250455390
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: June 9, 2026
Listeners will be swept up in Nielsen's performance.
Narrator Stina Nielsen draws the listener into an epic journey in a fantastical land where the barrier that protects the world from demons is failing. Sorrel is an orphan and, because of her mystical abilities, an outcast in her small village. She is tasked with crossing the Badlands to return a queen’s crown in the hope that she will be able to protect the land from the demons. Accompanying Sorrel on the voyage is a mercenary known as Merc. Nielsen gives Sorrel an ethereal quality, which suits her character. As Sorrel comes into her power, Nielsen reflects this growth by adding strength to her voice. Sorrel and Merc face many trials on their journey, and Nielsen easily builds tension as danger mounts.
Listeners will be swept up in Nielsen's performance.Pub Date: Feb. 17, 2026
Duration: 19 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250435484
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: April 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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