Cassandra Campbell’s lovely voice makes this dark fairy tale a thing of beauty. As befits a tale filled with magic spells, enchantments, and talking cats, the story is set in the Dark Ages, when superstition superseded common sense and “witches” were burned. The wood-carver’s daughter, Plain Kate, has a knack with a knife, carving extraordinarily lifelike good luck charms. When her father dies, Plain Kate is left homeless, penniless, and starving in a hostile world. She struggles with loneliness, hardship, and the suspicions of medieval-minded townsfolk who accuse her of witchcraft. Enter, a mysterious stranger who will grant her heart’s wish in exchange for her shadow. Campbell’s performance turns this bittersweet tale of danger, darkness, and personal bravery into something more than a young person’s story.
Young AdultPub Date: Sept. 20, 2010
Duration: 8 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781441821379
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Myths come to life through Bahni Turpin and Robin Miles's stellar narration of this young adult fantasy. Marisol and her mother left their home in the Caribbean to live in Brooklyn. Marisol hopes to leave their island traditions and her family's magic behind. Genevieve grew up listening to her white father's mythical stories from her unknown mother's homeland. When the teens' lives collide, both discover secrets that change their views of their worlds. It's no surprise that both Turpin and Miles are Golden Voice narrators. Their skills bring Genevieve's and Marisol's stories to life as they capture the teens' personalities. Miles exquisitely delivers Marisol's Caribbean accent, while Turpin channels Genevieve's frustrations with her family and her own health. Simply magical.
(Verse fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: Feb. 11, 2025
Duration: 6 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063395589
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This dark science-fiction story about three teens who participate in a doomed space mission is commendably narrated by Casey Holloway. Varied accents for the three teens—who are from France, Japan, and Norway—and strong pacing showcase Holloway’s talent as a narrator. As panic sets in among the astronauts and the teens find their adult companions to be unreliable, Holloway easily delivers the rising tension, and her quiet intensity draws listeners toward the story’s chilling conclusion. Harstad’s story will leave listeners contemplating the fate of humanity in the vast reaches of space.
(Science fiction. 12 & up)Pub Date: April 17, 2012
Duration: 9 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781611134094
Publisher: Hachette 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.
