Narrator Matt Addis's textured British baritone delivers listeners onto the atmospheric Northern battlefields on which much of this story unfolds as two opposing nations seek to annihilate each other. The first in Leo Carew's historical fantasy series covers three seasons in parallel narratives featuring Roper, heir apparent to the Northern Black Kingdom of the Anakim, and Bellamus, a Suthern upstart and Anakim expert with political aspirations. Addis's keen and commanding performance conveys Roper's evolution into a leader as he struggles against memorably characterized opponents. Well-paced action sequences and home-front intrigue engage listeners in the ultimate outcome. A sense of unease permeates the ominous epilogue, setting the stage for the next installment.
Pub Date: April 3, 2018
Duration: 16 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781549113529
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
The story is delightfully gripping and chilling, and Rey and Corzo's warm voices deepen listeners' emotional investment.
In her debut novel, Gómez bewitches listeners with this gothic horror tale centered on two women. Narrators Elena Rey and Frankie Corzo enliven the story while conveying its emotional depth. Set in Oakland, California, in 1968, the story follows Natalia Fuentes, a caretaker who hopes to free heiress Violeta Miramontes from a spell that has left her incapacitated. Despite herself, Natalia begins to develop feelings for Violeta. As she grows increasingly desperate to break the spell, Natalia confronts her past and the powerful magical forces at a devastating cost. Rey and Corzo ground the narrative by skillfully using pacing and tone to capture the characters' emotions.
The story is delightfully gripping and chilling, and Rey and Corzo's warm voices deepen listeners' emotional investment.Pub Date: June 2, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 9 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217338108
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: July 21, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2026
As the group fights to save their world, listeners will be caught up in York’s performance.
In the land of Altarra, the people are suffering because the goddess Artemisen is imprisoned. Only a nobody called Soli can touch the jewel that will help free her, so Soli is tasked with saving the goddess. Accompanying her on this quest is Prince Kaelen; Elianna, a sorceress; warriors Chitai and Andras; Trick, a thief; and two guardsmen. Narrator Maeve York deftly handles the many characters, providing each of them with a voice that corresponds to their personalities. Kaelen has a steely determination, while Chitai sounds fierce. Soli suffers from "Gray Mind," or depression, and as the journey progresses, York aptly expresses her transition from timid to bold.
As the group fights to save their world, listeners will be caught up in York’s performance.Pub Date: June 2, 2026
Duration: 12 hrs, 52 mins
DD ISBN: 9798331968564
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Aug. 8, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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