Narrator Finty Williams wisely sidesteps the sensationalistic tone that would be easy to bring to this novel about an intelligent, young Hungry (zombie) named Melanie in postapocalyptic England. Williams's performance stresses the 10-year-old's coming-of-age story as the way she looks at herself morphs from an intelligent book-loving student to a monster who could destroy the people she loves. Avoiding vocal stereotypes, Williams makes it clear that Melanie is a child, full of wonder and curiosity. When the narrative switches to an adult point of view, Williams injects her performance with toughness, cynicism, or optimism, depending on the character. This zombie story is about self-discovery and finding humanity in unexpected places. And Williams's performance is pitch-perfect.
Pub Date: June 10, 2014
Duration: 13 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781478953593
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Four narrators help listeners discover a mysterious, underwater world.
Four narrators bring this debut novel to life. Otta is an experienced diver returning to her hometown, where she meets May. May enlists her help to search for her daughter, Daphne, who has disappeared from an underwater community created years ago by a flooded valley. Charles Linshaw narrates interstitial chapters that give insight into the underwater town’s difficult beginnings. His voice reflects both uncertainty and tenacity. Emma Ladji pours world-weariness into Otta, who is reeling from a recent tragedy. Leeanna Albanese fills Daphne’s voice with hope and wonder as she makes discoveries. As May, Gail Shalan sounds almost hysterically desperate.
Four narrators help listeners discover a mysterious, underwater world.Pub Date: April 21, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 29 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217173983
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: June 23, 2026
Gregoire's performance of these original stories stimulates listeners' imagination, providing plenty of food for thought.
Samek's collection of 12 short stories is thought provoking, surreal, and original. These creative stories are linked by several common threads: psychology, technology, and time. Narrator Chandler Gregoire adopts a personable tone, feminine and relatable, though her pacing can sometimes become a little bit rapid. Several standout stories from the collection include the titular tale of an older brother who has a puppeteer to control him; “Muscle to Muscle, Toe to Toe,” in which a couple is matched by an algorithm but it ends up feeling artificial; and “The Cloud,” in which mothers' limbs are stored in the cloud.
Gregoire's performance of these original stories stimulates listeners' imagination, providing plenty of food for thought.Pub Date: Feb. 24, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 16 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217278107
Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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