This novel-in-verse, written by Kwame Alexander with Mary Rand Hess, sings with the despair, hope, and love that wash over 17-year-old Blade, a budding musician. Alexander’s affection for Blade is obvious through his narration. He wrings every drop of emotion from a poignant story of a teen who is missing his mother, who died years ago, and battling his father, a broken-down rock star who is incapable of staying sober or taking responsibility for anything or anyone. When Blade’s girlfriend deserts him and his sister reveals a devastating family secret, Blade leaves for Ghana to discover his true history. Peppered with references to songs by famous rockers like Lenny Kravitz and Stevie Nicks, Blade’s own songs—set to music and sung by Randy Preston—are an integral part of this moving audio production.
(Verse fiction. 14-adult)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2017
Duration: 4 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780310761891
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Narrator Michael Sheen's return to the Book of Dust series gives it the spectacular ending it deserves. His versatile skills bring to life daemons, griffins, witches, and humans alike. Twenty-year-old Lyra is searching for her daemon, Pan, who is the physical manifestation of her soul. In chapters that shift viewpoint, Sheen's emotional range and mastery of accents keep listeners anchored to the story--even during rapid dialogue. Sheen excels at pacing, transitioning smoothly from quiet philosophical scenes to tender moments and to gripping action. This satisfying audiobook concludes with an hour-long interview between Sheen and Pullman, which reveals their devotion to the series, admiration for each other's work, and careful attention to characters.
(Fantasy. 13-adult)Pub Date: Oct. 23, 2025
Duration: 22 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217172504
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Sarah Agha's narration is a marvelous match for this parable, which takes place in an alternate 21st-century London ruled by tyrants. Agha deftly expresses the questioning nature of a young ghetto dweller named Adam Alhambra, who is used to being mocked for his Muslim faith. When he escapes a robber through a hidden doorway, Adam meets a Tyger, who sends him on a mission to discover guardians who can save his world from hate and oppression. Agha excels in her depiction of Adam's helpmate, the more confident Zadie. Agha's gentle reading works well for the layered quality of this production, which combines a fast-moving plot, hateful villains, and admirable heroes with philosophical considerations of creative imagining and finding true power.
(Fantasy. 12-14)Pub Date: July 1, 2025
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217072712
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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