Twenty-one short stories of fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, and mystery, written by the stars of sci-fi and performed by 15 narrators, are brought together by premier anthologists Martin and Dozois. All the narrations include characterizations, accents, and dramatic flourishes. Narrating with aplomb, these veteran performers bring the short stories to life. Many of the stories are the next installment in a familiar series, a spin-off tale, or a bit of backstory. Butcher’s tale, narrated effortlessly by Emily Rankin, features Harry Dresden’s protégé; Jonathan Frakes reads Snodgrass’s terrifying space tale with deep male voices and barely audible female villains. Every story is introduced by Karen Dotrice in crisp tones. Just as the short stories vary in topic, pacing, and genre, so do the performances; some are better than others. As a whole, there’s something for everyone to disappear into. M.B.K. 2015 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine
Pub Date: Dec. 3, 2013
Duration: 32 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780307987594
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
An immersive, emotionally precise listening experience.
Natalie Naudus narrates this gothic audiobook full of ghosts both past and present. Mercy lands on the shores of Hong Kong in 1942 with no memories. She can speak with ghosts, and she earns a living in the haunted slums of Kowloon Walled City. When a powerful new ghost appears and starts drowning residents, then claims to know Mercy, the mystery of her past slowly unfolds. Naudus’ narration will tug at listeners’ heartstrings as the main characters experience shocking, horrific betrayals and trauma. Her intensified pace reflects the fierce anger and high action, keeping listeners on edge. The whispery voice Naudus uses for ghosts easily differentiates them from the living. When the narrative shifts to a second-person point of view, Naudus adopts a compassionate tone.
An immersive, emotionally precise listening experience.Pub Date: May 5, 2026
Duration: 13 hrs, 2 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250395788
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: tomorrow
This highly emotional audiobook won’t leave listeners dry-eyed.
Kirt Graves tenderly narrates this audiobook about the end of the world. Don and Rodney, married for the last 40 years, have one month left to live as a black hole approaches Earth. They hit the road on a desperate trip across the country to fulfill one last promise. Graves easily distinguishes a variety of characters as they grapple with their impending deaths. He shows remarkable emotional versatility in his depictions of hope, desperation, apathy, and acceptance. Graves gives Rodney a low, gruff, and tough voice, while sentimental Don sounds gentler. Graves’ performance is leisurely paced, letting listeners linger in the stories of the people Don and Rodney meet along their journey.
This highly emotional audiobook won’t leave listeners dry-eyed.Pub Date: April 28, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 25 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250435606
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: May 5, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 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.
