Philip Murdstone, declining author, lives in Flemworthy, where he writes award-winning nonfiction that nobody reads. He has a crush on his sexy agent who wants to dump him but who sees one last chance for fame and fortune if she can get him to ride the current tide of the fantasy genre. James Langton gives voice to a hysterical set of characters from the series that Murdstone creates. Pocket Welfare, an elf-like being, actually dictates the novels ("flaming ledgers" in his world) to Philip while demeaning him for being a cowardly, ignorant fool at every turn. There are monsters, evil wizards, noble princes, and living swords--all artfully energized by Langton's vocal range and talent. His characters are memorable--from the lugubrious Murdstone to the sometimes drippingly sarcastic Pocket Welfare. Monty Python would be proud.
Young AdultPub Date: Sept. 22, 2015
Duration: 8 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781511308250
Publisher: Brilliance Audio/ Candlewick
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A heartwarming listening experience touched by magic.
Geneviève 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: tomorrow
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2026
Descriptive magical settings, multidimensional characters, and nuanced storytelling.
Listeners will be immediately drawn into the vivid, sweeping world of the Azalea Dynasty. Narrators Katharine Chin and Eric Yang create an immersive fantasy setting for this powerful story about legacy, hierarchy, power, and politics. Primary protagonist Wei Yin is desperate as she watches her family and her village succumb to starvation, and she is willing to do anything to survive. As allegiances are formed and war is imminent, Wei Yin's talent for poetry gives her a voice, and she learns the dangers and advantages of taking her power.
Descriptive magical settings, multidimensional characters, and nuanced storytelling.Pub Date: Jan. 20, 2026
Duration: 15 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250435576
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
