Lauren Fortgang and Michael David Axtell team up to narrate this dark fantasy in which a girl has just been murdered. Alex Stern must investigate whether magic was somehow involved. Fortgang commands most of the narration in this audiobook, using low, chilling tones that add irresistible intrigue to the occult activities of Yale University’s most secret societies. Voicing Alex at a leisurely pace, Fortgang creates a believable persona for a woman who is unlikely to be a student at Yale, considering her dark history. Axtell’s depiction of Darlington, Alex’s mentor, who has disappeared, is expressive yet straightforward, matching the character’s altruistic bent. An interview with the author at the end offers fascinating insight into her writing process and the inspiration behind the novel. A.K.R. 2020 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine
Pub Date: Oct. 8, 2019
Duration: 16 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250230911
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Listeners who long to disappear into a secret book world will enjoy the escape in this love letter to public libraries.
Narrator Saskia Maarleveld takes the listener on a wild journey of magical realism with a woman who escapes her depressing life by losing herself within her favorite books. For the downtrodden Alix Watson, the Boston Public Library is a refuge from her troubles—until the day she discovers a secret portal into the fantastical Astral Library. Maarleveld creates a sympathetic impression of Alix while capturing her increasing desperation in a fevered pitch. She vividly portrays the Astral Library’s librarian with grave, smokey indifference. Maarleveld also gives voice to various characters from different time periods and works, ranging from Jane Austen’s Regency England to Sherlock Holmes to The Great Gatsby with skill and humor.
Listeners who long to disappear into a secret book world will enjoy the escape in this love letter to public libraries.Pub Date: Feb. 17, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063244825
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: March 9, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2026
A heartwarming listening experience touched by magic.
Genevieve Cocke narrates this fantasy audiobook set in 1920s Montreal. Agnes is desperate to find a new home for her cat shelter and herself after a magical duel in front of her building left only three walls standing. For this and other reasons, Agnes is not a fan of magic, but the only person willing to rent to her and her feline rescues is Havelock, a notorious magician. Cocke endows Havelock with a Quebecois accent, although most other characters have no identifiable accent. Agnes prepares a checklist for most everything, and Cocke makes her organized but not officious. Cocke instills personality in the many secondary characters, including the cats.
A heartwarming listening experience touched by magic.Pub Date: Feb. 17, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217279272
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: March 2, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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