Narrator Johnny Heller's pitch-perfect timing and thoughtful characterizations make the action and humor pop in this very adult contemporary fantasy. The setting is a Louisiana bayou; characters include the last of the dragons, an opportunistic teenager, and a dirty constable. Vern the dragon's comfortable life away from the prying eyes of humans is disturbed the night young "Squib" Moreau is almost killed after witnessing Constable Hooke commit a felony. Vern rescues the boy from the bayou and hires him to pick up and deliver supplies, later helping him survive the wrath of Hooke. Heller's flawless and unique portrayals of the pop-cultureloving, crotchety dragon; naïve but hardworking Squib; and the evil, vengeful constable are unforgettable. Heller brings out the best in this fun but violent fantasy.
Pub Date: Jan. 28, 2020
Duration: 9 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780062939074
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
There’s sweet magic in this comforting tale of a coffee shop run by insightful cats.
Susan Momoko Hingley’s gentle performance suits the themes of introspection and healing as three people confront change and seek their authentic selves. Satsuki, a young actress, almost lost her career after an affair with a married man. Her mother, Fujiko, has also lived outside societal norms as a single mother. Fujiko’s childhood friend and one-time romantic interest, Wataru, is grappling with his own struggles. Though the characters’ voices are not always distinct, Hingley brings sensitivity and emotion to her performance, including her portrayals of the quirky and endearing cats whose astrological interpretations guide the cafe’s customers toward greater self-understanding.
There’s sweet magic in this comforting tale of a coffee shop run by insightful cats.Pub Date: Aug. 25, 2026
Duration: 4 hrs, 34 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217404551
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Sept. 1, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2026
A must-listen for fantasy lovers.
Lawrence Neale’s narration of this underworld fantasy is so impressive, listeners can almost feel the hot breath of the dragon who lurks below. It’s up to Bait, however, to slay it. After the dragon stole Bait, a human infant, from her crib, she was adopted by goblins, protected by a minotaur, and taught by a talking skull. Despite potentially being a princess, the girl grows up in the dungeon, finding both enemies and chosen family. Torn between two worlds, Bait must ultimately decide who, in fact, are the monsters: the humans who seek to attack the dungeon, or the denizens who live there. The versatility of Neale’s performance takes this book to new heights—or, perhaps, depths.
A must-listen for fantasy lovers.Pub Date: Aug. 11, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 51 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668657805
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Sept. 12, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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