In this delightfully strange fantasy, Steve West delivers countless stand-out performances of whimsical characters ranging from owl-headed schoolmasters to animatronic hollow men and enormous eldritch rulers. After the Guardian of the West Passage dies, young Pell takes up the mantle of tower Mother, while Kew strives to become the new Guardian. When the mysterious beast begins to rise, Pell and Kew embark on separate quests to protect the palace. Along the way, they meet odd friends and odder foes who help them realize that their faith in their centuries-old power structures may be misplaced. Will they replicate past systems or create something entirely new? West's quirky, committed narration offers an adventurous spirit to an action-packed story, making this a must-listen.
Pub Date: July 16, 2024
Duration: 13 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250351296
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A theatrical approach and comedic timing make this a narration win.
Mark Sanderlin narrates this cozy gay romance about two bros on a quest. Juniper loves his life with his strictly platonic best friend, Mo; their cat; and his skincare routine. But when both men land in jail, volunteering to find a dragon is a promising alternative to imprisonment. Sanderlin’s narration perfectly suits the tongue-in-cheek humor. His delivery emphasizes Juniper’s melodramatic personality, while Mo has a deeper voice and a more leisurely pace, befitting a thoughtful character. When Juniper and Mo banter, Sanderlin seamlessly switches between the two. And as both bros warm toward each other, the romantic tension is amplified. Sanderlin’s voice for dragon child Bear is especially adorable.
A theatrical approach and comedic timing make this a narration win.Pub Date: May 26, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 48 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217338122
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: July 6, 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
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