Brian Pallino and Jennifer O'Donnell narrate a fantasy romance that features Pocket Monster-like characters, similar to those in anime. Leena is an exiled Charmer, and Noc is the assassin hired to kill her. Instead of following the script they have been given, Leena and Noc attempt to defy their fates. Through her portrayal, O'Donnell shows Leena's strength in having survived exile as well as her sadness and desire for human connection. Similarly, Noc must keep the rest of his assassin brotherhood at arm's length due to a curse. Pallino handily depicts the emotional distress that Noc suffers as he is continually forced to be cruel and distant to those he cares about. Secondary characters, distinctly voiced by both Pallino and O'Donnell, add appeal.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2019
Duration: 12 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781980039181
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
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: yesterday
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
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