Mary Robinette Kowal narrates a gripping historical fantasy, inspired by 1920s Weimar-era Berlin, but with broader political implications. Cyril DePaul is a spy who sells out his country, Aristide Makricosta is a masterful performer both on and off the cabaret stage, and Cordelia Lehane is a dancer who gets caught up between them. Kowal delivers a stellar performance, imbuing each character, even the minor ones, with a fully realized personality. The result is that the city of Amberlough bursts fully to life, seducing visitors to the louche theater district, making them complacently comfortable in the halls of bureaucracy, and causing them to fear for their lives during a violent political uprising. Kowal's background in theater allows her to maximize the emotional impact of each pivotal event.
Pub Date: March 28, 2017
Duration: 11 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781427291530
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This highly emotional audiobook won’t leave listeners dry-eyed.
Kirt Graves tenderly narrates this audiobook about the end of the world. Don and Rodney, married for the last 40 years, have one month left to live as a black hole approaches Earth. They hit the road on a desperate trip across the country to fulfill one last promise. Graves easily distinguishes a variety of characters as they grapple with their impending deaths. He shows remarkable emotional versatility in his depictions of hope, desperation, apathy, and acceptance. Graves gives Rodney a low, gruff, and tough voice, while sentimental Don sounds gentler. Graves’ performance is leisurely paced, letting listeners linger in the stories of the people Don and Rodney meet along their journey.
This highly emotional audiobook won’t leave listeners dry-eyed.Pub Date: April 28, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 25 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250435606
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: May 5, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2026
Guite’s performance makes his poetry accessible.
Author Guite recites his epic ballad, the first of four installments in his retelling of the Arthurian legends. Starting in the 12th century, the Celtic tales of Arthur were recast with explicitly Christian interpretations. Continuing this tradition, Guite’s Galahad is portrayed as the most perfect knight, the embodiment of virginal purity facing potential downfall from the temptation posed by beautiful women. Only with God’s help will he succeed in his quest. Guite narrates at a leisurely pace, his gravelly voice rising and falling with the passion and intensity of the story. An informative author’s note details Guite’s reasons for undertaking this project.
Guite’s performance makes his poetry accessible.Pub Date: April 20, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 54 mins
DD ISBN: 9798895641408
Publisher: Oasis Audio
Review Posted Online: today
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