Audio is THE way to experience the Night Vale novel. What would the adventures of Night Vale and its citizens be if not told to us by intrepid community radio host Cecil Palmer? Cecil, played by Cecil Baldwin, is the voice of the wildly popular "Welcome to Night Vale" podcast, of which the novel is an offspring. Baldwin does double duty here, narrating the main text as well as interludes of the radio show that occur within it, in which there are also brief cameos by some additional voices. Baldwin's deep, rich voice is always attuned to the weirdness that abounds in this small desert town. Ultimately, the shorter, self-contained podcast episodes are more successful than the sprawling novel, but it's fun to dive more deeply into the Night Vale universe. For fans, it's a must-listen.
Pub Date: Oct. 20, 2015
Duration: 11 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780062351456
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
An immersive, emotionally precise listening experience.
Natalie Naudus narrates this gothic audiobook full of ghosts both past and present. Mercy lands on the shores of Hong Kong in 1942 with no memories. She can speak with ghosts, and she earns a living in the haunted slums of Kowloon Walled City. When a powerful new ghost appears and starts drowning residents, then claims to know Mercy, the mystery of her past slowly unfolds. Naudus’ narration will tug at listeners’ heartstrings as the main characters experience shocking, horrific betrayals and trauma. Her intensified pace reflects the fierce anger and high action, keeping listeners on edge. The whispery voice Naudus uses for ghosts easily differentiates them from the living. When the narrative shifts to a second-person point of view, Naudus adopts a compassionate tone.
An immersive, emotionally precise listening experience.Pub Date: May 5, 2026
Duration: 13 hrs, 2 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250395788
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: yesterday
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2026
This highly emotional audiobook won’t leave listeners dry eyed.
Kirt Graves tenderly narrates this audiobook about the end of the world. Don and Rodney, married for the last 40 years, have one month left to live as a black hole approaches Earth. They hit the road on a desperate trip across the country to fulfill one last promise. Graves easily distinguishes a variety of characters as they grapple with their impending deaths. He shows remarkable emotional versatility in his depictions of hope, desperation, apathy, and acceptance. Graves gives Rodney a low, gruff, and tough voice, while sentimental Don sounds gentler. Graves’ performance is leisurely paced, letting listeners linger in the stories of the people Don and Rodney meet along their journey.
This highly emotional audiobook won’t leave listeners dry eyed.Pub Date: April 28, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 25 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250435606
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: May 5, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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