Natalie Naudus narrates a fantasy novel loosely inspired by Chinese history. Ruying lives in an occupied city, and her righteous fury at the occupiers knows no bounds. Naudus captures all the rage and hopelessness that Ruying feels at her situation: She is the granddaughter of a general who lost the city and the daughter of a father who failed to care for his children. As Ruying attempts to protect herself and her sister however she can, Naudus delves into the raw depths of her emotional turmoil. An ill-advised love affair increases the messy emotional complexity Naudus portrays so well. An author's note read by the author provides historical context.
Pub Date: 2024
Duration: 10 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593823958
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Prolific narrators Brittany Pressley and Teddy Hamilton delight listeners in this romantasy featuring a merchant's daughter with a magical secret and the half-orc who rescues her. While traveling to meet her betrothed and transport goods for her father, Guinevere and her caravan are attacked. Nearby Oskar races to save the fair maiden. He then reluctantly accompanies the naïve young woman, ensuring that she arrives safely at her destination. By that time, an attraction has developed between them. In each chapter, regardless of point of view, Hamilton and Pressley portray both main characters and secondary characters of both genders. Pressley imbues her performance with Guinevere's determination and curiosity. Hamilton captures Oskar's combination of surly annoyance, reluctant acceptance, and fierce protectiveness.
Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 9 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217080243
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In this first installment of a duology, Ella Lynch's British-accented narration introduces listeners to an epic fantasy filled with political intrigue. Humble deputy courier Elen is tasked with leading an arrogant prince and his entourage on a secret footpath through a land infested with poisonous spores. Elen is keeping many secrets. One is that a spore-eating viper lives inside her. Another is that the prince has been possessed by an ancient haunt. Lynch's breathy feminine voice supports the main character's cheery outlook, while elderly secondary characters are given room to gasp their lines. Lynch's extended end-of-sentence pauses allow listeners to absorb the dense world- building throughout the story, while her overall energetic pace smoothly maneuvers through dry interspersed textbook passages.
Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 18 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798331986346
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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