Listeners won’t want the story to end.
Three narrators delight in this duet-style, action-packed fantasy romance. Their immersive performances in this sequel to Shield of Sparrows (2025) will make listeners feel as if they are in the world of Calandra, facing monsters and political intrigue themselves. Samantha Brentmoor gives a nuanced performance as princess Odessa, portraying both her outer diplomacy and her inner emotions as she fights to unveil secrets. Megan Wicks astounds as Caspia, conveying mystery, devotion, heartbreak, and heartfelt love as she works to complete a rite far from home. Jason Clarke performs the hero, Ransom, while also lending his talent to male characters throughout the story, giving each a unique pitch and vocalization.
Listeners won’t want the story to end.Pub Date: April 7, 2026
Duration: 17 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798898853822
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2026
Petkoff’s strong performance brings to life all the creatures of this fantastical world.
The mythical realm of Skein is inhabited by vampires, werewolves, witches, demons, and Berserkers. Narrator Robert Petkoff is masterful navigating the wide range of characters, giving each a distinctive voice. He lends the werewolves a Scottish lilt, and his tone drips with evil as a particular vampire. The Accession, an ancient cycle of battle, is about to begin. As all the factions come together, connections are made: A vampire princess escaping her sadistic brother ends up wed to a Berserker. A werewolf finds his mate in a demon witch. A vampiress and an incubus form a partnership.
Petkoff’s strong performance brings to life all the creatures of this fantastical world.Pub Date: July 28, 2026
Duration: 12 hrs, 57 mins
DD ISBN: 9781464281754
Publisher: Sourcebooks Audio
Review Posted Online: tomorrow
Knowelden’s performance is a perfect match for the nonstop banter, hilarity, and capers.
Lightly magical Victorian-era England is delightfully brought to life by narrator Elizabeth Knowelden. Best friends turned antiques experts Amelia Tarrant and Caleb Sterling have kept up a charade of professional loathing. After an ill-fated hug in boarding school led to vicious rumors and speculation, Amelia and Caleb vowed to never show more than the utmost decorum and courtesy toward each other. Both aspire to keep their hard-won positions at Oxford University pursuing thaumaturgical objects, even if it means feigning hatred while secretly maintaining their dear friendship. Despite their best efforts, Amelia continues to find herself competing, and squabbling, with Caleb. After yet another spectacle between the two over a magical object leads to public scrutiny, they are dispatched by their superiors to the far reaches of Cumbria.
Knowelden’s performance is a perfect match for the nonstop banter, hilarity, and capers.Pub Date: April 21, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 29 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217282531
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: May 26, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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