The high production value and engaging performances breathe new life into this military SF adventure.
Thanks to a full cast and excellent sound engineering, this audiobook is a cinematic experience. Sound effects are used to enhance the story: Footsteps, air locks opening, gunfire, and various other ambient noises alongside the narration fully immerse the listener. The story takes place entirely on a space battle cruiser, the titular Dauntless, which leads a fleet of ships out of danger in enemy territory. This abridged adaptation of Campbell's 2006 novel does not sacrifice storytelling for special effects. Each narrator effectively captures the characters, though there are a few moments of awkward tonal inflections.
The high production value and engaging performances breathe new life into this military SF adventure.Pub Date: Feb. 9, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 24 mins
DD ISBN: 9798896523369
Publisher: GraphicAudio
Review Posted Online: May 5, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2026
Emotion check: Long live Murderbot.
Kevin R. Free drops listeners into the middle of a rescue mission aboard an enormous space station. In a defining performance, Free masterfully conveys Murderbot’s sardonic running commentary, deadpan and endearingly world-weary. Murderbot has installed a mental health module since its last adventure, so there are frequent “emotion checks.” The mission, of course, runs into several complications, and Murderbot finds itself with a growing party of humans to keep safe. As the sometimes perilous, sometimes zany rescue operation progresses, Free employs subtle accents to distinguish the human characters; Nanna Naja especially is a hoot. But it’s his Murderbot, who has grown and changed over eight installments, that will have listeners rapt.
Emotion check: Long live Murderbot.Pub Date: May 5, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781705041031
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: April 27, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2026
Baker’s warm voice is an excellent companion to this SF mystery series.
Blair Baker returns to narrate the second novella in the Dorothy Gentleman series. Ship’s detective Dorothy is tasked with solving the mystery of a baby abandoned aboard the HMS Fairweather—an inconceivable presence on a ship where fertility has, supposedly, been suspended. Baker’s mature voice suits semiretired Dorothy, and her warm narration perfectly fits the cozy atmosphere, especially as Dorothy’s nephew, Ruthie, lovingly cares for the baby. Baker voices shipmind Ferry, the spaceship’s AI, with a tone of charming wonder that is sure to endear it to listeners as it tries to assist Dorothy in uncovering the baby’s parentage. But solving that piece of the mystery only leads to more questions.
Baker’s warm voice is an excellent companion to this SF mystery series.Pub Date: March 10, 2026
Duration: 3 hrs, 27 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250436047
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: April 21, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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