Emily Durante conveys the loneliness and exhilaration of Evie Johnson, a student at Wildcliffe Abbey School. Evie quickly develops a secret friendship with a local boy named Sebastian. For most of the story, listeners will ponder the delicious question of whether Sebastian wants to date Evie—or kill her? Meanwhile, a ghost from 1882 leads Evie to mystical powers. Durante evokes this haunting story, which takes place on the English moors, with quaint voicings for the old-fashioned spirits. Using a clipped pace, she smoothes over predictable story elements and a sentimental romance. While Durante successfully plays up the story’s mystic rituals, numerous thumps and clicks, indicative of poor sound editing, will distract listeners from this otherwise engaging tale.
Young AdultPub Date: Jan. 22, 2010
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780062016041
Publisher: Harper 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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