Cecily Bednar Schmidt delivers a captivating performance as listeners are drawn into the isolated village of Mistaken. Warding stones keep its residents inside its borders and the ravenous creatures beyond it, called the Bright-Eyed, at bay. Greer Mackenzie, daughter of a town leader, has always been viewed as "different" by her neighbors. When tragedy strikes, followed by the disappearance of her beloved, Greer races headlong into the woods, determined to prevent Mistaken's dark secrets from claiming him. Schmidt builds on Greer's sense of urgency even as foundational truths of her life are tested throughout her journey. Characterizations of the villagers and creatures add fullness to this folktale-inspired world, as does the well-paced atmospheric tension.
Pub Date: Sept. 2, 2025
Duration: 12 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217165445
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Descriptive magical settings, multidimensional characters, and nuanced storytelling.
Listeners will be immediately drawn into the vivid, sweeping world of the Azalea Dynasty. Narrators Katharine Chin and Eric Yang create an immersive fantasy setting for this powerful story about legacy, hierarchy, power, and politics. Primary protagonist Wei Yin is desperate as she watches her family and her village succumb to starvation, and she is willing to do anything to survive. As allegiances are formed and war is imminent, Wei Yin's talent for poetry gives her a voice, and she learns the dangers and advantages of taking her power.
Descriptive magical settings, multidimensional characters, and nuanced storytelling.Pub Date: Jan. 20, 2026
Duration: 15 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250435576
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2026
Grannò’s melodic narration immerses listeners in 15th-century Italy.
Beatrice Grannò narrates this historical romantasy audiobook with careful pacing and a soft Italian accent. Ravenna enters a sculpting competition in a desperate bid to save her brother and accidentally reveals her forbidden magical talent. The immortal Luni family, interested in Ravenna’s abilities, forcibly takes her to Florence. Saturnino, the family’s heir, is a merciless taskmaster but Ravenna can’t help but be drawn to him. A pawn for many players including the Medici and even the Pope, Ravenna walks a fine line. Grannò narrates like she’s letting listeners in on a secret, and it’s a particularly delightful choice for an audiobook full of political intrigue and plenty of romance.
Grannò’s melodic narration immerses listeners in 15th-century Italy.Pub Date: Jan. 13, 2026
Duration: 18 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250433107
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Feb. 10, 2026
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