by Heidi Julavits ; Read by Xe Sands ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 13, 2012
Julia Severn hopes her psychic abilities will help her uncover the reasons behind her mother’s suicide when she was a baby. While at a psychic institute, her jealous mentor inflicts a psychic attack that renders Julia horribly ill. Then Julia takes a psychic job investigating pornographic filmmaker Dominique Vargas, who may have a connection to her mother. Narrator Xe Sands connects viscerally with listeners, increasing their dread as she describes Julia’s insidious illness. Her languid reading evokes the dreamlike quality of the prose and softens Julia’s raw suffering. Cool tones highlight the clinical approach Julia uses to protect herself from her mother’s betrayal. Sands’s slow, clear reading dramatizes the psychological effects of abandonment and exploitation.
Pub Date: March 13, 2012
Duration: 8 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781611204988
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Steven Pressfield ; Read by Amielynn Abellera ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 22, 2019
Narrator Amielynn Abellera voices a heart-pounding thriller in which two homicide detectives chase a serial killer while trying to avert the literal end of the world. James Manning and Covina Duwai are trying to solve a series of bizarre murders. As part of those endeavors, they learn that the killings are linked to an ancient legend that heralds the apocalypse, which will be brought about by a physical manifestation of the devil. Abellera shines as the lead detective Covina, but her unusual cadence for the other characters is jarring and filled with needless pauses. Nonetheless, action scenes find Abellera ratcheting up the tension, making for an exciting listen. An unusual thriller blends unique elements with a capable narration.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2019
Duration: 8 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781980054399
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by H.G. Parry ; Read by Andrew Kingston ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 26, 2021
Awards & Accolades
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An alternate history of the eighteenth century weaves together the story of the slave rebellion in Haiti, the French Revolution, and the abolitionist movement in England--all wrapped in an undercurrent of magic. Andrew Kingston assumes subtle accents for each setting as listeners recognize the major historical figures of these events and are introduced to a few fictional characters. He shows the rapport and friendships among many of the characters, enhancing the ways that events are intertwined. He maintains a good pace and strong narrative drive even through the building of the background information and the introductions of the many characters. Parry makes the magic seem natural and an integral part of each political climate as he sets the stage for a sequel.
Pub Date: Jan. 26, 2021
Duration: 21 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781549101922
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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