[Editor's Note: The following is a combined review of OUTCAST and OATH BREAKER.]--The fourth installment (OUTCAST) of Paver's prehistoric saga finds Torak marked as a soul eater, cast out from the clans, and succumbing to a soul sickness that robs him of his ability to distinguish good from evil and his powers to survive. As in the first three tales, Ian McKellen's opulent, melodic voice beckons listeners into Torak's world. Vengeance and change are the themes of the fifth episode (OATH BREAKER), and, once more, this richly imagined world is animated by McKellen's unvoiced reading, unfolding with sumptuous intonation and perfectly measured pacing. As Torak, Renn, and Wolf seek to avenge the death of a friend, McKellen draws us into their struggles by using his voice like a musical instrument, heightening the drama of warring clans and evil mages and softening his tones to spine-tingling effect when crisis is at hand. These are masterful performances.
Ages 10+Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2008
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780061630552
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Rey’s timeless performance makes this medieval adventure fascinating, frightening, and fun.
Elena Rey holds listeners’ attention firmly in her grasp with her narration of this middle-grade historical fiction. Twelve-year-old Blanca is chosen by her grandmother, Eleanor of Aquitaine, to marry the prince of France. As Blanca travels from Spain, she learns lessons about how to be a queen from Eleanor and lessons about life from the difficult journey. Rey voices young Blanca, Queen Eleanor, and various male characters with equal aplomb. Eleanor sounds imperious and aged; Blanca is assuredly royal yet a still preteen; and the knights are chivalrous, pompous, and a bit overzealous. Rey’s royal harrumphs and sniffs and childish scoffs and whines add to the enjoyable soundscape.
Rey’s timeless performance makes this medieval adventure fascinating, frightening, and fun. (Historical fiction. 9-14)Pub Date: March 24, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 51 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217287901
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: April 14, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2026
Higginbottom captures Rose’s spirited determination and anger as she fights for her existence.
Narrator Erin Higginbottom creates a youthful voice for 12-year-old Rose, whose native Métis community is being threatened by Canadian settlers during the North-West Resistance of 1885. Rose has always been drawn to more traditionally male activities, and when a battle breaks out between her people and the Canadian soldiers, she desperately wants to contribute. Finally, her opportunity arrives, and she volunteers for a dangerous mission that could help make a difference. Higginbottom brings Rose and her family to life in this historical story of standing in resistance alongside those you love in the face of great danger.
Higginbottom captures Rose’s spirited determination and anger as she fights for her existence. (Historical fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: March 17, 2026
Duration: 4 hrs, 18 mins
DD ISBN: 9781547614776
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: yesterday
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2026
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