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
A classic murder mystery with a fantasy bent, enhanced by a perfectly entrancing narration.
The gods might be sleeping in this vibrant fantasy novel, but Joe Eyre keeps listeners wide awake with an electric performance. As a mortedant, Irody Hasp reads dead people’s thoughts. When a simple job turns deadly, however, Hasp gets accused of murder and must work quickly to avoid the gallows. As he hunts down the real killer alongside his spunky new apprentice and a giant warrior guard, he soon unveils a larger and more sinister plot. The poor of the lower levels of the tiered city are threatened, and Hasp and his newfound friends must thwart the bad guys before the gods awaken. Hasp’s world is equally odd and engaging, and Eyre explores every inch, providing various voices to round out an eclectic group of characters.
A classic murder mystery with a fantasy bent, enhanced by a perfectly entrancing narration.Pub Date: May 19, 2026
Duration: 16 hrs, 11 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250455390
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: June 9, 2026
Tewani’s empathetic narration gives voice to an emotionally complex character, and precise pacing keeps listeners on...
Nikita Tewani narrates this contemporary fantasy about a health care worker who suddenly acquires the power of a demon. Nisha works at one of the few remaining reproductive health centers that still performs abortions, and she faces relentless protesters, hostile legislation, and her own spiraling depression. Her new powers coincide with increasingly bizarre new threats against the clinic and herself from strangers both human and demonic. Tewani conveys Nisha’s inner sadness by delivering her introspection with a cynical edge. She uses tone and a careful balance between American and Indian accents to easily differentiate characters.
Tewani’s empathetic narration gives voice to an emotionally complex character, and precise pacing keeps listeners on edge.Pub Date: May 12, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 56 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668114865
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: June 16, 2026
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