In this bright YA fantasy, Neo Cihi and Kevin R. Free bring life to burgeoning young love. When Edison "Rook" Rooker starts apprenticing with the ultrapowerful Antonia Hex, he becomes immersed in a magical world run by a corrupt governing entity known as the Consortium. He helps Antonia break curses during the day but spends his evenings building an illegal apparatus and hanging out with the grumpy apprentice of Antonia's rival, Fable Page. When Fable and Antonia go missing, Rook and the apprentice must find them--and bring down the Consortium. Free and Cihi's performances capture the young mages' nerves and joy as they fall in love for the first time, ultimately keeping the narrative light and energetic despite its dark themes.
(Fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: April 4, 2023
Duration: 10 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781797154688
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Listeners follow Merry, the longbow girl, one of the best archers in her town. When she finds a magical portal in the forest that takes her back to sixteenth-century Wales, she must use her skills to win an archery contest in order to help her ancestors keep their land. While narrator Emily Wilden brings protagonist Merry to life with a rich Welsh accent, her narration seems uneven at times. All the period characters have accents that reflect the setting of the story and transport listeners to Wales. Listeners who enjoy historical fiction and a bit of fantasy will be charmed by this tale of determination, hope, and family.
Young AdultPub Date: N/A
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781501916793
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Freddy Carter and Emily Carey continue their compelling performances in the second installment of the City of Fantome series. As Sera explores her new powers amid the Order of Flames, Ransom struggles with leading the Order of Daggers. While both are trying to protect their kingdom, they are drawn back to the city of Fantome when the king orders them to settle their rivalry and work together. Carter's and Carey's performances are delivered with such appeal that listeners will find it easy to buy into the plot and worldbuilding. Both narrators have dreamy tones, which are perfect for this romantasy series. Carter and Carey's portrayals of the leads in this enemies-to-lovers romance will keep listeners hooked.
(Fantasy. 16-adult)Pub Date: Dec. 2, 2025
Duration: 13 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668152966
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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