Known for his clever revisions of fairy tales, Gregory Maguire uses the story of Snow White as the basis for his intriguing new novel. John McDonough's highly expressive voice guides us expertly through Maguire's blending of the fairy tale with the political intrigue of Renaissance Italy. Characters include the young Bianca; her exiled father; her dangerous caretaker, Lucrezia Borgia; and the dwarves that attend her. Narrators Barbara Rosenblat, Richard Ferrone, and Kate Forbes step in briefly for chapters told in the first person and, although their narration is well done, the switches in voices are distracting after hearing McDonough read those same characters' voices in dialogue.
Pub Date: Sept. 16, 2008
Duration: 9 hrs
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A classic murder mystery with a fantasy bent, enhanced by a perfectly entrancing narration.
The gods might be sleeping in this vibrant fantasy novel, but Joe Eyre keeps listeners wide awake with an electric performance. As a mortedant, Irody Hasp reads dead people’s thoughts. When a simple job turns deadly, however, Hasp gets accused of murder and must work quickly to avoid the gallows. As he hunts down the real killer alongside his spunky new apprentice and a giant warrior guard, he soon unveils a larger and more sinister plot. The poor of the lower levels of the tiered city are threatened, and Hasp and his newfound friends must thwart the bad guys before the gods awaken. Hasp’s world is equally odd and engaging, and Eyre explores every inch, providing various voices to round out an eclectic group of characters.
A classic murder mystery with a fantasy bent, enhanced by a perfectly entrancing narration.Pub Date: May 19, 2026
Duration: 16 hrs, 11 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250455390
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: June 9, 2026
Tewani’s empathetic narration gives voice to an emotionally complex character, and precise pacing keeps listeners on...
Nikita Tewani narrates this contemporary fantasy about a health care worker who suddenly acquires the power of a demon. Nisha works at one of the few remaining reproductive health centers that still performs abortions, and she faces relentless protesters, hostile legislation, and her own spiraling depression. Her new powers coincide with increasingly bizarre new threats against the clinic and herself from strangers both human and demonic. Tewani conveys Nisha’s inner sadness by delivering her introspection with a cynical edge. She uses tone and a careful balance between American and Indian accents to easily differentiate characters.
Tewani’s empathetic narration gives voice to an emotionally complex character, and precise pacing keeps listeners on edge.Pub Date: May 12, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 56 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668114865
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: June 16, 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.
