James Marsters' weary delivery perfectly captures Harry Dresden's fractured psyche as he navigates a year of mandatory mourning and political maneuvering in Chicago. Marsters doesn't just read; he inhabits Harry's exhaustion, using deliberate pacing and a somber tonal palette that underscores the protagonist's post-traumatic stress. Marsters' gift for distinct vocal characterizations remains sharp, effortlessly pivoting from the ethereal, detached elegance of the Sidhe to the grounded warmth of Harry's remaining allies. By leaning into the book's quieter, more introspective moments, Marsters elevates this urban fantasy's emotional stakes, transforming a year of Dresden's life into a poignant study of grief. It's an immersive performance that makes the wizard's vulnerability feel hauntingly real. Marsters' soulful performance makes this a compelling entry in the Harry Dresden series.
Pub Date: Jan. 20, 2026
Duration: 17 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217176021
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A dynamic ensemble of all-star narrators brings to life these stories assembled--and in one case, published--for the first time. Representing Sanderson's writing experimentation and growth over the course of 25 years, they feature worlds in which reality is unstable and characters move freely through simulations, universes, and bodies. The narrators are impressively well matched to their roles. They offer a thoughtfulness not always taken in story collection productions. Dion Graham is a standout in the high-tech murder mystery "Snapshot," while January LaVoy and Ray Porter depict opposite sides of a traumatic event in "Moment Zero." Michael Kramer brings both introspection and playful humor to Sanderson's postscripts for each story. All illustrations are accessibly described. Sanderson's stories and their narrators explore a universe of possibilities.
Pub Date: Dec. 9, 2025
Duration: 17 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250414847
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Emma Ladji's narration ensures that this romantasy has engaging moments. Violet has spent her entire life carrying out the evil deeds of a dark sorcerer. Now that he's dead, she's determined to use her powers for good, so she reinvents herself as the owner of a flower shop. But reinvention is more difficult than she imagined. She must share her greenhouse with her prickly landlord, Nathaniel, and no amount of flowers can change his cantankerous attitude toward her. A distracting clunk that can be heard at the beginnings of chapters as Violet and Nathaniel set up their daily chalkboard signs sounds authentic but is unpleasant. Also, occasional long pauses between words are distracting. Unpolished editing leaves much to be desired in this production. A.K.R © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine
Pub Date: Nov. 18, 2025
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217163090
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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