Nneka Okoye's talent for differentiating accents and timbres shines in this Nigerian-inspired fantasy audiobook. The magic-wielding Oluso are ruthlessly ruled by the Aje, who are without magic. Years after her mother's brutal murder, Dèmi, an Oluso, jumps at the opportunity for vengeance. Along with her best friend, Colin, she kidnaps the Eingardian prince, Jonas, an Aje, in the hope that bargaining for his life will save the Oluso people. Dèmi and other Oluso are portrayed with Nigerian accents, and the colonizing Eingardians have English accents. Okoye captures a variety of dramatic situations as she depicts cunning villains, the heartbreaking sorrow of the Oluso, and the blossoming forbidden romance between Dèmi and the prince. A fascinating magical world with high appeal for YA listeners.
Pub Date: Aug. 8, 2023
Duration: 14 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063112650
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In this fascinating coming-of-age portrait, Thomas Black Bull's journey from the child, Bear's Brother, to the fearsome rodeo rider, Killer Tom Black, is painted with compassion and insight. Forced to learn the White Man's ways, Tom reaches adulthood consumed by rage. Read with great vigor by Norman Dietz, the recording bursts with the energy of rodeo circuit and transports the listener to the southwest. The accurate portrayal of Tom's Ute ancestry and way of life, the sorrow and frustration of losing his heritage, and his angry retaliation at the world make this an excellent listening choice for adults and teenagers. It would also be a wonderful addition to high school units on the Native American experience.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 10 hrs
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
George S. Irving adopts Patrick McManus's characters with gusto. Sit back and listen to yarn after yarn. Irving relishes each story, whether it's fishing stories, such as "Claw of the Sea-Puss" or "To Filet or Not to Filet," or the escapades with McManus's wary but vulnerable neighbors. Irving has the jocular chuckle down pat, and the low comedy satire comes off without a hitch. Listeners can imagine Irving tipping back a chair at the country store swapping lies with cronies and entertaining any comers with these hilarious tales. His repertoire of more than eight collections of McManus stories encourages this kind of ownership!
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: DH Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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