Arsenault’s passionate performance brings this alternative world to life.
Fourteen-year-old Tessa lives in a dystopian world with a leader who has banned books and taken away the personal liberties of its citizens. Elise Arsenault establishes a steady pace with her narration. When an older neighbor is taken to elder care, Tessa finds a box of forbidden books in her house that changes everything. Arsenault captures Tessa’s tumultuous emotions as she learns about the past and discovers that her long-lost twin brother, Theo, who disappeared years ago, may still be alive. Fans of Lowry’s The Giver will be intrigued by this world, one that feels frighteningly plausible.
Arsenault’s passionate performance brings this alternative world to life. (Dystopian. 9-12)Pub Date: Sept. 29, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 49 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063515130
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Aug. 9, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2026
Simply marvelous.
Samuel West gives a riveting performance of this thrilling, action-packed adventure. When scholar Irian Guinne is kidnapped, Christopher and Anya, along with Jacques the dragon and Ratwin the ratatoska, embark on an odyssey across the Glimouria Archipelago to collect various magical objects and ransom Irian’s release. Christopher is also trying to master his new ability to connect directly to the minds of magical creatures. West doesn’t have a youthful voice, but he’s still completely convincing as the young characters, and he deftly captures every moment of humor, fear, peril, and wonder. In his telling, a dangerous race becomes breathless and impossible to pause, and the themes of love, bravery, and kindness ring true.
Simply marvelous. (Fantasy. 10-14)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 4 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593830123
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Sept. 14, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2026
Siu's authentic performance will have listeners rooting for Lyra.
Narrator Sura Siu chronicles the woes of Unremarkable girl Lyra Hunt. In the Alterran Empire of Remarkable magic users, her status leaves her guildless and vulnerable. Siu's warm, commiserating voice tugs on the heartstrings as she makes clear Lyra's longing to join the Guild of Scholars in idyllic Waterfall Way. Lyra's voice is age-appropriate, and Siu gives distinctive characterizations to the inhabitants of Waterfall Way, including a gruff, inhospitable boy; the quirky guild master; and the chirping, singsong voice of an enchanted animal. Even when the storyline wavers with uneven plotting, Siu ramps up the tension to engage listeners in Lyra's quest for four magical library keys.
Siu's authentic performance will have listeners rooting for Lyra. (Fantasy. 8-12)Pub Date: Aug. 25, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 48 mins
DD ISBN: 9781547619535
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: Oct. 21, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2026
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