Golden Voice Soneela Nankani delivers her usual superb narration. Five centuries after humans, with the assistance of aliens, left the overpopulated Earth, an oppressive empire rules on Newearth. Fen has just learned that her fathers have been killed in prison, so she sets out to do what they tried to: join the rebellion. She pairs up with Alekhai, the sovereign's younger brother, and together they lead the fight to restore democracy. Nankani deals with a wide cast of characters and is particularly proficient with males. There's plenty of action, which Nankani infuses with suspense and passion. Friendships and "found family" are at the core of the story, and Nankani captures the many different bonds that are forged.
Pub Date: Nov. 4, 2025
Duration: 16 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781668154366
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Kay’s emotional delivery provides essential characterization in this too-short novella.
This space-opera novella, narrated by Cindy Kay, finds four members of rival navigator clans working together to capture a deadly Tangler, the first ever creature of its kind to have escaped. The politics surrounding the mission, along with its expendable crew of navigators, may be the most dangerous part of all. Kay uses consistent pacing and pronounces names and honorifics with ease. She easily differentiates character voices and adds a layer of intrigue, keeping listeners hooked into a world woefully low on descriptive detail. As two characters slowly come to realize they have feelings for each other despite their clan differences, Kay imbues scenes of Sapphic romance with warmth.
Kay’s emotional delivery provides essential characterization in this too-short novella.Pub Date: Jan. 6, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798765056325
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2026
This demanding audiobook is worth the effort.
Peter Kenny has his work cut out for him giving voice to characters with unpronounceable alien names, including one that starts with a cough. Kenny has a charming, light British accent, and while he reads quickly, listeners will get used to his pace. At the core, the audiobook is about an immortal named Mawukana na-Vdnaze who accidentally becomes a sought-after pilot for ships that travel faster than light as life forms flee the inevitable explosion of their sun. Maw changes both physically and emotionally on his rigorous trips, and the novel juxtaposes the hero's evolving life as he does his job—which will save billions of people.
This demanding audiobook is worth the effort.Pub Date: Dec. 2, 2025
Duration: 12 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668650707
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Feb. 10, 2026
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