Narrator Jeena Yi infuses grim energy into this fantasy set in the corrupt twin cities of San-Er. Yi conveys the grittiness of the setting, where yearly gladiatorial games are made deadly by the participants' ability to jump from one body to the next. This year, Princess Calla, who murdered her royal parents in a bid for regime change, and exiled noble Anton join the fray. Calla is determined to take down the new king and is assisted by the king's heir, Prince August. Yi's precise depictions of the gory, exhilaratingly fast-paced battle scenes are riveting. Additionally, her character portrayals are a triumph, particularly those of sardonically world-weary Calla and loyal, devastatingly talented Anton. A captivating listen, enhanced by superb world-building, devious subterfuge, and tender romance.
Pub Date: July 18, 2023
Duration: 12 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781797154916
Publisher: Simon & Schuster 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 11, 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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