Kristin Atherton gives a masterful performance of this historical fantasy. Every first daughter in the Harding family is cursed to bring disaster, and in 1592 Cybil experiences this firsthand. Miriam is a creature of darkness who feeds her immortality with the souls of mortals, and Cybil's soul calls to her more than any other. In exchange for Cybil's soul, Miriam agrees to allow it to reincarnate. Atherton voices Miriam in a carefully paced sultry tone, perfectly conveying her desire for Cybil's soul--and later for something more. From Cybil's wrathful father and grieving mother to fearful, desperate Cybil herself, Atherton differentiates characters with ease. Atherton's emotionally charged performance of this historical fantasy will tug at listeners' heartstrings.
Pub Date: Nov. 25, 2025
Duration: 11 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063418059
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A dark, witty listen blending horror and history into a vivid, gripping, and resonant experience.
Rory Barnett delivers an immersive performance, creating distinct, richly textured characters. Set in 1785 France as revolution looms, the story follows professor and monster slayer Sebastian Grave and his literal inner demon, Sarmodel, as they hunt the Beast of Gévaudan at a former lover’s request. Barnett seamlessly balances dread with dry, surprising humor. He captures characters’ unease and vulnerability as well as their intensity and dark charisma. Imogen Church narrates addendum chapters from the point of view of a succubus with equal skill. Together, they elevate the supernatural intrigue and psychological tension, keeping listeners fully engaged.
A dark, witty listen blending horror and history into a vivid, gripping, and resonant experience.Pub Date: Feb. 24, 2026
Duration: 16 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250402295
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: April 30, 2026
Sanderson’s rich performance enriches the text.
Narrator Charlie Sanderson immerses listeners in the coastal Cornish village of Portscatho from the first sentence of this gothic fairy tale. Sanderson draws listeners into a world of feminine rage, empowerment, and ancient magic. Her vocal characterizations ground the story's folkloric atmosphere. Sanderson voices characters from curious children to elderly witches, each rendered with playful energy and distinct regional British accents that bring the superstitious fishing village to life. Heroine Kensa is being manipulated, putting her community in danger. Kensa's shifting emotions, from loneliness to mounting dread, land with weight, and Sanderson makes a sea god's menacing presence feel genuinely unsettling.
Sanderson’s rich performance enriches the text.Pub Date: Jan. 27, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798347956852
Publisher: Spotify Audiobooks
Review Posted Online: April 14, 2026
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