Novik updates the story of Rumpelstiltskin with a wildly original fantasy tale that has all the markings of a future classic. A young woman with a special gift attempts to save her family but is swept up in world of magic and demons. What follows is a dark fantasy focused on three complex women in a morally nuanced world. Lisa Flanagan’s steady narration, especially her accents and inflections, elevate the story wonderfully. Every character benefits from a distinct and engaging voice, particularly the raspy growl of the fire demon. The story alternates perspectives often, and Flanagan ensures that the transitions are smooth. Novik's story would stand on its own, but Flanagan’s fantastic narration makes it even better.
Pub Date: 2018
Duration: 18 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780525530992
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
James Marsters' weary delivery perfectly captures Harry Dresden's fractured psyche as he navigates a year of mandatory mourning and political maneuvering in Chicago. Marsters doesn't just read; he inhabits Harry's exhaustion, using deliberate pacing and a somber tonal palette that underscores the protagonist's post-traumatic stress. Marsters' gift for distinct vocal characterizations remains sharp, effortlessly pivoting from the ethereal, detached elegance of the Sidhe to the grounded warmth of Harry's remaining allies. By leaning into the book's quieter, more introspective moments, Marsters elevates this urban fantasy's emotional stakes, transforming a year of Dresden's life into a poignant study of grief. It's an immersive performance that makes the wizard's vulnerability feel hauntingly real. Marsters' soulful performance makes this a compelling entry in the Harry Dresden series.
Pub Date: 2026
Duration: 17 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217176021
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Katie Leung's Scottish accent immediately immerses listeners in the Scottish Highlands in this sapphic vampire audiobook. Rebecca, a vampire hunter, goes undercover at a vampire university to find the Book of Blood and Roses, a compilation of ways to kill vampires. After being attacked, her gorgeous vampire roommate rescues her but accidentally makes Rebecca her familiar in the process. Finding the book could break the familiar curse, but their new proximity heats things up along the way. Leung easily switches between accents and tones to enliven a large cast of students, and her precise pacing adds delightful tension to romantic scenes. Leung's Scottish accent and precise pacing elevate this vampire romance.
Pub Date: 2026
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217159215
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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