Clever use of motifs from THE TWELVE DANCING PRINCESSES and THE FROG PRINCE propel this variation on vampire romance. For nine years five sisters have experienced happy secret visits to the fairy kingdom's dancing glade at full moon. With a youthful light-soprano voice, Kim Mai Guest perfectly captures the young teen Jena, the practical second eldest, as she tells the tale. The sweet high voices of the sisters contrast with the slight Transylvanian accents of the supporting characters, both human and fairy. Heavier accents suggest the evil of several players who threaten the girls' youthful innocence. Plot surprises keep listeners engaged through some longer emotional passages as Jena struggles to maintain her independence and keep her sisters safe until her beloved father returns.
Young AdultPub Date: Jan. 22, 2008
Duration: 13 hrs
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
Freddy Carter and Emily Carey continue their compelling performances in the second installment of the City of Fantome series. As Sera explores her new powers amid the Order of Flames, Ransom struggles with leading the Order of Daggers. While both are trying to protect their kingdom, they are drawn back to the city of Fantome when the king orders them to settle their rivalry and work together. Carter's and Carey's performances are delivered with such appeal that listeners will find it easy to buy into the plot and worldbuilding. Both narrators have dreamy tones, which are perfect for this romantasy series. Carter and Carey's portrayals of the leads in this enemies-to-lovers romance will keep listeners hooked.
(Fantasy. 16-adult)Pub Date: Dec. 2, 2025
Duration: 13 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668152966
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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