This romantic paranormal thriller is enhanced by alternating narrators Katie Koster and Kristen DiMercurio. Grieving high school student Elise wants to shake the disturbing premonitions of death she sees when she touches people. Claire, a vampire who is eternally a teenager, wants revenge against her maker. She can earn that revenge only by training Elise as a Death Oracle. Despite their opposing goals, the girls are drawn to each other. As Claire, Koster's narration has a sarcastic, world-weary edge, but moments of steely resolve and reluctant tenderness creep in as Claire's connection to Elise strengthens. DiMercurio is more serious in tone, with crisp enunciation that underscores Elise's need for control over her frightening powers. Together, they ensure that this story grabs fans of the Sapphic supernatural.
(Paranormal. 13-18)Pub Date: Dec. 7, 2021
Duration: 11 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593455760
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Layered performances transform an academy thriller into a tense supernatural investigation.
A dual narration brings this Norse mythology-infused mystery to pulse-pounding life. Distinct vocal performances highlight the story's shifting perspectives. Daniel Henning's portrayal of Amund carries the weight of a seasoned hunter, his delivery capturing the character's underlying complexity as he tracks potential “berserkir" criminals across Skallagrim Academy's shadowy campus. Jade Wheeler gives Edith a voice that evolves throughout the listening experience—her early chapters convey the carefully controlled anger and fear of her own nature, while later scenes crackle with ferocity as Edith embraces newfound abilities. Both narrators handle the murder-mystery framework with appropriate tension. Their chemistry during confrontational exchanges heightens the cat-and-mouse dynamic between suspect and hunter, making the audiobook's dual-POV structure feel theatrical and intense.
Layered performances transform an academy thriller into a tense supernatural investigation. (Fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 14 hrs, 32 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668162057
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: June 2, 2026
Castano captures the message of this teen paranormal romance: Never let life pass you by.
Sylvie Castellano goes on an unexpected adventure with a vintage gold watch and Penn, the ghost who comes along with it. Barbara Castano’s narration expresses 18-year-old Sylvie’s loneliness. She’s recovering from a concussion, and while her family members' lives continue without her, Sylvie wishes for a more fulfilled life; she wants to have fun as well as take on new responsibilities. Alongside Penn, Sylvie embarks on a series of summer activities, which Castano describes beautifully. But Castano's optimistic tones turn grave as the story unfolds.
Castano captures the message of this teen paranormal romance: Never let life pass you by. (Speculative romance. 14-18)Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 16 mins
DD ISBN: 9781547619481
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: April 7, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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