The unsettling atmosphere evoked by Ortberg's collection of stories is amplified by narrator Christina Traister's performance. "The Daughter Cells," a spin on "The Little Mermaid," sets the mood as Traister delivers well-timed asides and commentary. Her wry tone, varied pitch, and good pace convey the emotional states and personalities of familiar characters. Ortberg explores gender, culture, and relationships within the framework of traditional fairy tales. Characters include Mr. Toad and his gaslighting friends, a magical fish offering an unwanted gift, and an angel divulging the role of the devil in human society. "The Rabbit," based on THE VELVETEEN RABBIT, is an unnerving depiction of a stuffed animal's quest to attain realness that leaves listeners with lingering unease.
Pub Date: July 1, 2018
Duration: 5 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781978607767
Publisher: Brilliance 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
A theatrical approach and comedic timing make this a narration win.
Mark Sanderlin narrates this cozy gay romance about two bros on a quest. Juniper loves his life with his strictly platonic best friend, Mo; their cat; and his skincare routine. But when both men land in jail, volunteering to find a dragon is a promising alternative to imprisonment. Sanderlin’s narration perfectly suits the tongue-in-cheek humor. His delivery emphasizes Juniper’s melodramatic personality, while Mo has a deeper voice and a more leisurely pace, befitting a thoughtful character. When Juniper and Mo banter, Sanderlin seamlessly switches between the two. And as both bros warm toward each other, the romantic tension is amplified. Sanderlin’s voice for dragon child Bear is especially adorable.
A theatrical approach and comedic timing make this a narration win.Pub Date: May 26, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 48 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217338122
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: July 6, 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.
