In this first installment of a duology, Ella Lynch's British-accented narration introduces listeners to an epic fantasy filled with political intrigue. Humble deputy courier Elen is tasked with leading an arrogant prince and his entourage on a secret footpath through a land infested with poisonous spores. Elen is keeping many secrets. One is that a spore-eating viper lives inside her. Another is that the prince has been possessed by an ancient haunt. Lynch's breathy feminine voice supports the main character's cheery outlook, while elderly secondary characters are given room to gasp their lines. Lynch's extended end-of-sentence pauses allow listeners to absorb the dense world- building throughout the story, while her overall energetic pace smoothly maneuvers through dry interspersed textbook passages.
Pub Date: Sept. 30, 2025
Duration: 18 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798331986346
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This tale of a man trying to prevent a catastrophe is brilliantly told.
The final installment of the Talisman Trilogy is a bizarre story about a man who can travel between our world and a ruined and savage netherworld on the verge of destruction. The best part is narrator Patton Oswalt, who ferries listeners through the massive 22-plus-hour work. Oswalt's narration is solid and engaging as he reveals the mysteries of Mid-world, a place somehow connected to the American Midwest. Like that of the main character, former cop Jack Sawyer, the journey for listeners is a long one, but fortunately ours is far less dangerous and more rewarding than Sawyer’s. He’s assisted and opposed by a peculiar group of characters who help move the story along.
This tale of a man trying to prevent a catastrophe is brilliantly told.Pub Date: Oct. 6, 2026
Duration: 22 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668171578
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Nov. 18, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2027
Weaving elevates an exceptional story that raises questions about modern society in a compulsively listenable experience.
Hugo Weaving narrates a thought-provoking adventure that blends science fiction and fantasy with intriguing philosophical quandaries. On a planet controlled by an omniscient network known as Maya, a young man invisible to Maya attempts to win the upcoming Divya Trials. The winner will achieve godhood—but everyone on the planet is able to compete. Weaving wields his clipped theatrical voice masterfully, giving a sense of weight to the larger narrative. He imbues the characters with subtle voices, using his skill to great effect. The intricate worldbuilding benefits from Weaving guiding listeners to the most important aspects with subtle inflections and emphasis.
Weaving elevates an exceptional story that raises questions about modern society in a compulsively listenable experience.Pub Date: Aug. 25, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668157992
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Aug. 9, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2026
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