Barrie Kreinik narrates a complex fantasy about the multifaceted nature of truth. Manet, amanuensis to the God-King, has an impossible riddle to solve--and no one she can trust but herself. The structure of this story is intricate, despite being short, and Kreinik masterfully weaves a path through its various narratives. Each recital is a step toward the truth that Manet seeks, but as she travels farther on her quest, the path becomes more opaque. Kreinik does the seemingly impossible and creates a clear picture of Manet through the eyes of those she interacts with--for, although she is the focus of the story, Manet has no voice in it.
Pub Date: 2020
Duration: 3 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781250767646
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
James Marsters' weary delivery perfectly captures Harry Dresden's fractured psyche as he navigates a year of mandatory mourning and political maneuvering in Chicago. Marsters doesn't just read; he inhabits Harry's exhaustion, using deliberate pacing and a somber tonal palette that underscores the protagonist's post-traumatic stress. Marsters' gift for distinct vocal characterizations remains sharp, effortlessly pivoting from the ethereal, detached elegance of the Sidhe to the grounded warmth of Harry's remaining allies. By leaning into the book's quieter, more introspective moments, Marsters elevates this urban fantasy's emotional stakes, transforming a year of Dresden's life into a poignant study of grief. It's an immersive performance that makes the wizard's vulnerability feel hauntingly real. Marsters' soulful performance makes this a compelling entry in the Harry Dresden series.
Pub Date: 2026
Duration: 17 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217176021
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Emma Ladji's narration ensures that this romantasy has engaging moments. Violet has spent her entire life carrying out the evil deeds of a dark sorcerer. Now that he's dead, she's determined to use her powers for good, so she reinvents herself as the owner of a flower shop. But reinvention is more difficult than she imagined. She must share her greenhouse with her prickly landlord, Nathaniel, and no amount of flowers can change his cantankerous attitude toward her. A distracting clunk that can be heard at the beginnings of chapters as Violet and Nathaniel set up their daily chalkboard signs sounds authentic but is unpleasant. Also, occasional long pauses between words are distracting. Unpolished editing leaves much to be desired in this production. A.K.R © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine
Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217163090
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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