by Naomi Novik ; read by Ella Lynch ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 16, 2025
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Narrator Ella Lynch demonstrates her expansive gifts throughout this novel, giving unique and distinct voices to all its characters. Her scintillating delivery reflects Celia and her magical world. Of particular note are Lynch's smooth transitions from female to male voices, each completely natural and believable. After Celia curses her beloved brother, Argent, Lynch uses tone, pacing, and excellent acting to build suspense as Celia tries to make amends. While doing so, Celia discovers her magical abilities, along with the truth about the centuries-old war that threatens her home. This short but powerful story is a testament to the adage that good things come in small packages.
Pub Date: Sept. 16, 2025
Duration: 3 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217159246
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by T. Kingfisher ; read by Nina Yndis ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 3, 2026
The Nordic cadence of Yndis’ narration enhances the charm of this fairytale.
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Nina Yndis offers a tender but spirited narration of this retelling of the Snow Queen. Gerta is a sweet young girl who is best friends with Kay. When Kay is captured by the Snow Queen, Gerta sets out to save him. The journey isn’t easy, but Gerta perseveres. Yndis creates a cozy atmosphere as the story begins in a small village with Gerta living side by side with Kay and their respective grandmothers, who have been friends for their whole lives. Yndis maintains Gerta’s sweet nature as she faces magical challenges. There are lots of small animals along Gerta’s path, and Yndis gives them voices that ooze personality, especially the Raven.
The Nordic cadence of Yndis’ narration enhances the charm of this fairytale.Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 51 mins
Publisher: Podium Audio
Review Posted Online: today
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by K.J. Parker ; read by Oliver Hembrough ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 27, 2026
Hembrough ratchets up the tension while leading listeners through this exploration of belief.
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Oliver Hembrough voices an array of fascinating characters in this fantasy audiobook, the first in a planned trilogy. Sister Svangerd, a nun/assassin, and Brother Desiderius, an expert forger/atheist monk, are sent to the Ecumenical Council to assassinate a princess with troublesome views. What follows? The hunters become the hunted; the undead "walkers" formulate their own assassination plans; many deaths ensue. Hembrough’s performance is true to the characters he portrays, from steel-spined nuns and questioning clerics to rage-filled walkers; his narration is replete with dry humor, sarcasm, and a penchant for scoffs and growls in bringing these characters to life.
Hembrough ratchets up the tension while leading listeners through this exploration of belief.Pub Date: Jan. 27, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668642269
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: April 11, 2026
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