Set during WWII, this teen audiobook is an engaging mix of sci-fi and historical drama. Narrator Sarah Naughton voices Winnie Schulde, the daughter of a physicist who cruelly experiments on her, trying to unravel the theory of multiple universes. When an experiment goes wrong, Winnie transports to another universe where she encounters-- herself. Portraying the same characters does not prove daunting to the tremendously talented Naughton. She varies her emotions wonderfully. In one world, Winnie has a reserved, inquisitive energy; her father, a sterner scientific voice; and both an occasional German accent. But in the alternate universe, they're noticeably different. Naughton expertly balances the changing personalities and maintains a perfect pace so that her narration, with its quiet intensity, creates an engaging audio experience.
(Science fiction. 12-18)Pub Date: Sept. 4, 2021
Duration: 11 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
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
A sweeping fantasy elevated by a balanced narration.
Joe Jameson’s versatile performance of this audiobook drives the listening experience. This fantasy follows four teenagers chosen to wield elemental powers to stop an encroaching eternal night. Jameson narrates with distinct vocal characterizations, shifting smoothly between youthful humor and heavier emotional beats. His pacing keeps listeners grounded through complex worldbuilding while sustaining momentum during action scenes. Particularly notable is his restrained, empathetic handling of one character’s psychosis. Jameson’s narration emphasizes emotional authenticity, allowing listeners to connect with characters’ struggles as much as with the adventure itself.
A sweeping fantasy elevated by a balanced narration. (Fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: Feb. 24, 2026
Duration: 12 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668162460
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: March 17, 2026
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