Five narrators perform 20 stories by author Ken Liu, both individually and as ensemble presenters. While no single narrative thread binds the stories together, themes on the question of identity are common. Standouts among the stories include the three "Gods" pieces ("The Gods Will Not Be Chained," "The Gods Will Not Be Slain," and "The Gods Will Not Have Died in Vain"), all performed by Emily Woo Zeller; "Thoughts and Prayers," performed by the entire cast; and "Maxwell's Demon," performed by Cindy Kay. Regardless of whether the narrators are performing individually or with others, they excel at realizing the intricate stories and complex characters Liu has created, and at injecting humanity and compassion into disparate and even alien cultures.
Pub Date: 2020
Duration: 14 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781797102221
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
James Marsters' weary delivery perfectly captures Harry Dresden's fractured psyche as he navigates a year of mandatory mourning and political maneuvering in Chicago. Marsters doesn't just read; he inhabits Harry's exhaustion, using deliberate pacing and a somber tonal palette that underscores the protagonist's post-traumatic stress. Marsters' gift for distinct vocal characterizations remains sharp, effortlessly pivoting from the ethereal, detached elegance of the Sidhe to the grounded warmth of Harry's remaining allies. By leaning into the book's quieter, more introspective moments, Marsters elevates this urban fantasy's emotional stakes, transforming a year of Dresden's life into a poignant study of grief. It's an immersive performance that makes the wizard's vulnerability feel hauntingly real. Marsters' soulful performance makes this a compelling entry in the Harry Dresden series.
Pub Date: 2026
Duration: 17 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217176021
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Katie Leung's Scottish accent immediately immerses listeners in the Scottish Highlands in this sapphic vampire audiobook. Rebecca, a vampire hunter, goes undercover at a vampire university to find the Book of Blood and Roses, a compilation of ways to kill vampires. After being attacked, her gorgeous vampire roommate rescues her but accidentally makes Rebecca her familiar in the process. Finding the book could break the familiar curse, but their new proximity heats things up along the way. Leung easily switches between accents and tones to enliven a large cast of students, and her precise pacing adds delightful tension to romantic scenes. Leung's Scottish accent and precise pacing elevate this vampire romance.
Pub Date: 2026
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217159215
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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