Vico Ortiz narrates a raucous space adventure rom-com with infectious energy. It’s 2061, and Cleo and her three best friends—all scientists—sneak aboard to explore the neglected rocket PROVIDENCE I. The friends grew up fascinated with the story of its failed launch 20 years earlier, when its 203-person crew mysteriously vanished. But when Cleo inadvertently starts the dark matter engine, they’re launched into a seven-year mission to Proxima Centauri B with only Billie, the prickly holographic computer, to guide them. Ortiz’s considerable acting talents bring each character—human and otherwise—to life. They bounce between each voice with skill, especially shining in scenes packed with banter. This lively story of friendship and queer romance is full of interdimensional danger and is heaps of fun on audio.
Pub Date: 2024
Duration: 11 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063320833
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Golden Voice Soneela Nankani delivers her usual superb narration. Five centuries after humans, with the assistance of aliens, left the overpopulated Earth, an oppressive empire rules on Newearth. Fen has just learned that her fathers have been killed in prison, so she sets out to do what they tried to: join the rebellion. She pairs up with Alekhai, the sovereign's younger brother, and together they lead the fight to restore democracy. Nankani deals with a wide cast of characters and is particularly proficient with males. There's plenty of action, which Nankani infuses with suspense and passion. Friendships and "found family" are at the core of the story, and Nankani captures the many different bonds that are forged.
Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 16 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781668154366
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Two novellas deliver uneven performances. In RED STAR HUSTLE, Jennifer Pickens, portraying bounty hunter Imadi, is spellbinding. Her voice imparts the heft of every emotion involved with tracking Aran, a sex worker wanted for murder. Ali Andre Ali's performance as Aran binds listeners to the humanity in the audiobook through his deft portrayal of the mental dance of addiction. Kevin R. Free rounds out the production with gusto as the superhuman Resh. Listening to these three romp through the universe is delightful. However, the author of APPREHENSION, Mary Robinette Kowal, should have left the narration to seasoned professionals. Neither of the main characters--the kidnapped child nor his grandmother--sounds believable. Happily, the delightful performances in the first novella make up for the one in the second.
Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 10 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668149652
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
