This audiobook was inspired by the forbidden love of the authors' grandparents in early-twentieth-century Korea amid its colonization by Japan. Their story, told in alternating chapters, combines history, folklore, romance, and magic. Julia Riew delivers the chapters of Eunji, a Korean girl who is trapped in her wealthy life. Joshua Hyunho Lee portrays Seung, who is trapped by poverty and oppression. Riew expresses Eunji's joy at excursions into the world with Seung, while Lee shows Seung's despair at failing his exam and at Eunji's arranged marriage to the son of a Japanese diplomat. Through the power of their magic and love, the couple is finally united, finds freedom, and saves the last tiger. Alex Intae Kim and Sue Jean Kim deliver periodic quotations from the Riews' grandparents, and together the Riews deliver the authors' note.
(Fantasy. 12-18)Pub Date: July 29, 2025
Duration: 13 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217074396
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Listeners follow Merry, the longbow girl, one of the best archers in her town. When she finds a magical portal in the forest that takes her back to sixteenth-century Wales, she must use her skills to win an archery contest in order to help her ancestors keep their land. While narrator Emily Wilden brings protagonist Merry to life with a rich Welsh accent, her narration seems uneven at times. All the period characters have accents that reflect the setting of the story and transport listeners to Wales. Listeners who enjoy historical fiction and a bit of fantasy will be charmed by this tale of determination, hope, and family.
Young AdultPub Date: N/A
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781501916793
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This duo delivers a fascinating web of deceit and magical thrills.
Two women are caught up in a thrilling magical duel in this YA audiobook. Tamsin, voiced by Jo Yuan, is pressured by her famous magician father to follow in his career. Yuan narrates with assertive bluster, emphasizing Tamsin’s desire to escape from beneath her father’s thumb no matter what it takes. Sam, voiced by Mirai, wants revenge on Tamsin’s father, even if it means sending her infamous champion into the dueling ring to destroy his only daughter. Mirai narrates with meticulous care, perfectly conveying Sam’s scheming nature. But Tamsin doesn’t know Sam’s true goals, and as the two connect, they can’t help finding comfort in each other.
This duo delivers a fascinating web of deceit and magical thrills. (Fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: Feb. 10, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217279890
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2026
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