Narrator Justine Eyre helps transport listeners to prerevolutionary France and the intrigues of Louis XVI's court. After her parents die and her brother fails to offer protection, Camille becomes the penniless guardian of her younger sister. Her only asset is an enchanted dress, which temporarily transforms her into a fashionable beauty, allowing her entrance to Versailles, where she hopes to use magic to win at cards and amass a comfortable nest egg. Eyre's aristocratic accent, mixed with French, sets the atmosphere for this Cinderella story. Eyre provides dramatic tension, capturing Camille's constant fear of being revealed as an imposter, the gentry's easy disregard for commoners, and the sinister motives of a fellow gambler. Period details, some romance, and an exciting ending create a satisfying listen.
(Historical fantasy. 12-18)Pub Date: Feb. 12, 2019
Duration: 13 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781250317087
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Desean Terry delivers a touching performance of this reimagining of "The Great Gatsby," in which the protagonists are gay Black prep school students. Aspiring journalist Nick Carrington leaves Oklahoma to begin school at Harlem's West Egg Academy. Out of his element, Nick keeps his gay identity a closely held secret, but love interest Jay Gatsby Jr.--the academy founder's son--openly embraces his own gay identity. As they write letters to each other, each more daring and affectionate than the last, they receive threats that their budding relationship will be exposed in the school newspaper. Terry clearly presents every piece of dialogue that warrants an emotional charge and adds subtle suspense to his straightforward tone when needed. Terry's narration is always on the money.
(Historical fiction. 13-18)Pub Date: Jan. 27, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063312517
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Listeners will be drawn in by Stevens’ skilled narration.
Eileen Stevens delivers an exceptional telling of this story of fatal curses, sea creatures, and what it takes to protect one’s family. Nineteen-year-old heroine Annie lives in the city of Kirkrell, where her family runs a whaling company. She must race to save her family’s legacy from the ancient finfolk who live in the dark waters surrounding Kirkrell and menace the sailors hunting magical whales. Unbeknownst to her, Annie’s fiancé August has an evil plan to take over her parents’ lifework, and the more he tries to help and comfort her, the more she learns about his deception.
Listeners will be drawn in by Stevens’ skilled narration.Pub Date: Nov. 11, 2025
Duration: 9 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250415752
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: April 1, 2026
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