Moira Quirk's lively voice draws listeners into a magical Regency-inspired tale. Beatrice Clayborn is an ingenue entering her first "bargaining season," the time when eligible suitors will vie for her hand. Once married, Beatrice will be forced into a marital collar to protect any unborn children from possession by rogue spirits. But the collar will also curtail her considerable magical talents. Listeners will clearly hear Beatrice's determination to become the first great female magician. She forms an unexpected alliance with the wealthy and empathetic Ianthe Lavan and his sorceress sister, Ysbeta. Quirk uses dramatic pacing and smooth transitions to juxtapose the story's complex courtly politics and magical world-building. Her voices for the mercurial spirits are especially delightful, including the capricious Nadi, spirit of chance.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2020
Duration: 11 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781705011621
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A dark, witty listen blending horror and history into a vivid, gripping, and resonant experience.
Rory Barnett delivers an immersive performance, creating distinct, richly textured characters. Set in 1785 France as revolution looms, the story follows professor and monster slayer Sebastian Grave and his literal inner demon, Sarmodel, as they hunt the Beast of Gévaudan at a former lover’s request. Barnett seamlessly balances dread with dry, surprising humor. He captures characters’ unease and vulnerability as well as their intensity and dark charisma. Imogen Church narrates addendum chapters from the point of view of a succubus with equal skill. Together, they elevate the supernatural intrigue and psychological tension, keeping listeners fully engaged.
A dark, witty listen blending horror and history into a vivid, gripping, and resonant experience.Pub Date: Feb. 24, 2026
Duration: 16 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250402295
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: April 27, 2026
Sanderson’s rich performance enriches the text.
Narrator Charlie Sanderson immerses listeners in the coastal Cornish village of Portscatho from the first sentence of this gothic fairy tale. Sanderson draws listeners into a world of feminine rage, empowerment, and ancient magic. Her vocal characterizations ground the story's folkloric atmosphere. Sanderson voices characters from curious children to elderly witches, each rendered with playful energy and distinct regional British accents that bring the superstitious fishing village to life. Heroine Kensa is being manipulated, putting her community in danger. Kensa's shifting emotions, from loneliness to mounting dread, land with weight, and Sanderson makes a sea god's menacing presence feel genuinely unsettling.
Sanderson’s rich performance enriches the text.Pub Date: Jan. 27, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798347956852
Publisher: Spotify Audiobooks
Review Posted Online: April 14, 2026
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