A stellar cast of seven narrators takes turns performing this collection of shorter pieces by science-fiction novelist Jemisin. Each narrator drills down to the core of the story, developing believable accents and highlighting the characters' personalities. Listeners will be impressed with how complete each story feels, almost as if this were a collection of novellas. Jemisin opens the audiobook with an explanation of how she came to write these pieces, some of which were later expanded into novels. The stories stand on their own but share themes such as feminism, otherness, relationships, motherhood, power, fertility, and dreams. Listeners will appreciate the mix of settings, including a futuristic New York, a Katrina-suffering New Orleans, and off-planet settlements. This outstanding audiobook is the season's must-listen title.
Pub Date: Nov. 27, 2018
Duration: 14 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781549147289
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Two standout narrators bring Roanhorse’s iconic speculative fiction to new heights.
Kamali Minter and Shaun Taylor-Corbett lead listeners into richly developed worlds in this collection of imaginative, genre-bending stories. Each story uses SF and fantasy elements to explore queer Indigenous history and culture, bridging the gap between lived experience and otherworldly happenings. In “A Brief Lesson in Native American Astronomy,” Taylor-Corbett voices a man who uses technology to manifest a haunting digital version of his dead girlfriend. “Eye and Tooth,” narrated by Minter, blurs the line between monster and monster hunter. The culminating title story, “River of Bones,” returns to the Sixth World series, where Kai tackles past trauma head-on. Minter and Taylor-Corbett capture listeners from the jump, conveying a range of Indigenous identities and experiences and spotlighting mixed-race and queer characters as they navigate an oppressive world.
Two standout narrators bring Roanhorse’s iconic speculative fiction to new heights.Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 38 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668107355
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: April 6, 2026
Listeners who long to disappear into a secret book world will enjoy the escape in this love letter to public libraries.
Narrator Saskia Maarleveld takes the listener on a wild journey of magical realism with a woman who escapes her depressing life by losing herself within her favorite books. For the downtrodden Alix Watson, the Boston Public Library is a refuge from her troubles—until the day she discovers a secret portal into the fantastical Astral Library. Maarleveld creates a sympathetic impression of Alix while capturing her increasing desperation in a fevered pitch. She vividly portrays the Astral Library’s librarian with grave, smokey indifference. Maarleveld also gives voice to various characters from different time periods and works, ranging from Jane Austen’s Regency England to Sherlock Holmes to The Great Gatsby with skill and humor.
Listeners who long to disappear into a secret book world will enjoy the escape in this love letter to public libraries.Pub Date: Feb. 17, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063244825
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: March 9, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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