Emily Ellet narrates this first installment of the Nightside Crown series. Lore is a necromancer living on the edges of society in a world filled with death magic. When it becomes clear that the king has need of her talents, she is taken prisoner and thrust into court life. In the custody of Gabriel, a monk whose life is dedicated to the study of death magic, Lore is put to work spying on the heir to the crown, Bastian. Ellet's portrayal of Lore is masterful. She captures Lore's sardonic humor as she spars with Gabriel and Bastian, trying to figure out their true intentions. Ellet is also adept at narrating male voices. The interactions between Lore, Bastian, and Gabriel have depth and intensity.
Pub Date: March 7, 2023
Duration: 16 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781668622025
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Descriptive magical settings, multidimensional characters, and nuanced storytelling.
Listeners will be immediately drawn into the vivid, sweeping world of the Azalea Dynasty. Narrators Katharine Chin and Eric Yang create an immersive fantasy setting for this powerful story about legacy, hierarchy, power, and politics. Primary protagonist Wei Yin is desperate as she watches her family and her village succumb to starvation, and she is willing to do anything to survive. As allegiances are formed and war is imminent, Wei Yin's talent for poetry gives her a voice, and she learns the dangers and advantages of taking her power.
Descriptive magical settings, multidimensional characters, and nuanced storytelling.Pub Date: Jan. 20, 2026
Duration: 15 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250435576
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2026
This time-bending romantasy, set in a nation called Dominion, is told from the perspectives of Sir Una Everlasting and her admirer and biographer, Owen Mallory. Moira Quirk and Sid Sagar bring these two characters to life, weaving the story with finesse. As Owen travels back in time to discover the true nature of Sir Una, they both discover that legends, songs, and stories don't always tell the whole truth about our heroes. The story is told as if each character is talking to the other. Quirk's and Sagar's voices are well suited to their characters and bring nuanced meaning to the story. This adventure invites listeners to explore the nature of storytelling and how it shapes our understanding of history.
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 2025
Duration: 13 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250402936
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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