Freddy Carter and Emily Carey continue their compelling performances in the second installment of the City of Fantome series. As Sera explores her new powers amid the Order of Flames, Ransom struggles with leading the Order of Daggers. While both are trying to protect their kingdom, they are drawn back to the city of Fantome when the king orders them to settle their rivalry and work together. Carter's and Carey's performances are delivered with such appeal that listeners will find it easy to buy into the plot and worldbuilding. Both narrators have dreamy tones, which are perfect for this romantasy series. Carter and Carey's portrayals of the leads in this enemies-to-lovers romance will keep listeners hooked.
(Fantasy. 16-adult)Pub Date: Dec. 2, 2025
Duration: 13 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668152966
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
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
A fun return to a YA classic.
In Emma Love’s capable hands, Tris Prior is back in this alternative story set in the dystopic world of Divergent. Tris’ world comprises five factions representing archetypal human qualities. But during this Choosing Ceremony, rather than jumping to Dauntless, Tris chooses to stay in her home faction of Abnegation. Neither storyline can keep her away from Four, the gruff Dauntless boy. With Caleb idolizing the leader of Erudite and Four grappling with family demons, Tris must uncover the deadly secrets behind the faction system before it’s too late. Love showcases Tris’ hard-fought determination, and Max Meyers lends much-needed emotion to Four’s cold exterior. In Caleb, Charlie Thurston expertly combines intellectualism with naïveté. While the plot is clunky at times, this narration trio makes for an entertaining listen.
A fun return to a YA classic. (Dystopian. 13-18)Pub Date: Oct. 6, 2026
Duration: 16 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780063462571
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Nov. 20, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2027
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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