Narrator Jenny Mudge outshines her material in this work of YA fiction based loosely on the legend of Countess Dracula. While the story meanders and loses its thread at times, Mudge keeps listeners going by baring the soul of the main character, a poor, young girl called Anna who finds herself caught up in the drama of the castle, first as a worker and later an unwilling participant in a toxic romance. As Anna's fortunes and emotions swing wildly, Mudge captures each indignity and heartbreak. While Anna tells the story, the villainous Countess has plenty to say to her, and it is here, when the Countess is being manipulative or cruel, that Mudge really goes for it, terrifying listeners.
(Thriller. 14-adult)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2020
Duration: 9 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781419748660
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A brilliant, empathetic narration worthy of its complex characters.
Will Watt’s narration shines in this queer Frankenstein retelling. Brilliant scientist Victor is certain that he can find the answer to human reanimation. Desperate to prove himself, he kidnaps innocent Elias, destroys his body, stitches it back together, and revives him using a mix of alchemy and electricity—with horrifying results. Victor then journeys across Europe to reverse his mistake with vengeful Elias on his trail. Watt depicts the alchemists Victor seeks advice from in a variety of languages and accents. He embodies suffering, betrayal, regret, and even budding love with an emotional intensity that will leave listeners in tears. Clarifying footnotes with historical context are interwoven with the prose.
A brilliant, empathetic narration worthy of its complex characters. (Horror. 14-18)Pub Date: Sept. 8, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs, 14 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063449053
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Sept. 8, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2026
An emotionally connected narration elevates this atmospheric listen.
Narrator Emily Lawrence paces her performance meticulously in this folk horror audiobook. Sylvie is a high school senior, and after her father’s crimes come to light, the entire town holds her in contempt. Abandoned by both parents in a run-down building in the woods, her only companions are carnivorous deer and other animals, all of whom are slowly turning white. Lawrence embodies Sylvie’s loneliness and bravado in equal measure. Fellow student Chantry sounds sardonic. And Lawrence gives a soft, sultry voice to the horned god Illican. Sylvie can’t help her attraction to him or her curiosity about his entrapment in the woods. As his death nears, she must choose between him and the town that hates her.
An emotionally connected narration elevates this atmospheric listen. (Horror. 14-18)Pub Date: Aug. 4, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 2 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668176962
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Oct. 5, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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