Many times, a single talented narrator capably brings to life all the characters in an audiobook. But, occasionally, multiple narrators work better. An example is this intriguing ensemble production set in the near future. It's more family drama than sci-fi--hence, its success with multiple narrators. The gripping story is told by four women who were connected to an odd teenage boy named Alex, who has mysteriously died. The quartet of narrators admirably create distinctive, easily recognizable flawed characters. The best of the bunch is Imani Jade Powers, who animates Samantha, a standoffish older teen who was Alex's only friend and who keeps returning to his death site seeking answers. In this engaging audiobook AI reigns, and interpersonal communication remains in short supply.
Pub Date: June 17, 2025
Duration: 6 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217078028
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Asimov's sweeping tale of the disintegration and fall of the Galactic Empire has never been more relevant or poignant. In the third book of the original trilogy, Dan Lazar handles the material adequately. He uses his limited range of voices nicely, if sometimes amusingly--he sometimes sounds like a foreigner attempting to mimic American accents. Varying pitch and pacing make for a lively narration, and his reading of a precocious young woman, who is ultimately an important figure, is delightful. Technical and editorial problems plague the title. Hearing Lazar repeatedly mispronounce a word that the text itself explains how to pronounce is very frustrating. Intermittent fade-outs on one channel; inconsistencies when switching sides; and low, rumbling background noise mar the sound quality.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 8 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Asimov's sweeping tale of the disintegration and fall of the Galactic Empire has never been more relevant or poignant. McKeever reads rapidly, but he also manages to identify individuals, if minimally, and the main characters are voiced consistently. His voice for the aging professor, in fact, is quite charming. Narrative passages are read competently with appropriate emotional expression. Technical and editorial problems plague the title. Intermittent fade-outs on one channel; inconsistencies when switching sides; and low, rumbling background noise mar the sound quality.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 13 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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