Arserio’s tantalizing narration reminds us how short novellas can leave a lasting impact on listeners.
This fantasy novella offers a gripping gut punch, thanks to Shiromi Arserio’s standout performance. People have gone into the forbidden forest on the northern tip of the kingdom, but only Veris Thorn has made it out alive. When the tyrant’s two children disappear into the woods, the ruler forces Veris to rescue them. Err, and her entire village dies. Inside, Veris does find the children but not before escaping fantastical monsters and deadly traps. Exiting poses its own unique challenge, and tragically, not everyone makes it out. Arserio’s narration is at times explosive and at others uncanny, fully capturing the horrors of the forest. At the heart is Arserio’s Veris, just a tired woman in a world of tragedy. It’s emotive, captivating, and near perfection.
Arserio’s tantalizing narration reminds us how short novellas can leave a lasting impact on listeners.Pub Date: Nov. 25, 2025
Duration: 4 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798331962265
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: March 10, 2026
Come for the edge-of-your-seat fantasy adventure, stay for Griffiths’ enthralling performance.
Kit Griffiths is the perfect guide to lead listeners through the depths of the dark Fourspires Castle. When the latest thaumaturge is murdered, the leaders of the four magical spires—bone, blood, stone, and botany—must fight to the death to replace him. But those arcanists’ disciples have another plan: Find each spire’s relic, climb the notorious fifth spire, and stop the slaughter before it occurs. Griffiths stuns, offering a unique vocal twist for each of the four rivals: the reckless gusto of the bone witch, Taro; the brooding of the blood disciple, Elliot; the seething anger of the betrayed botanist, Nixie; and the tense silence of the cursed stone mage, Alix.
Come for the edge-of-your-seat fantasy adventure, stay for Griffiths’ enthralling performance. (Fantasy. 14-adult)Pub Date: March 10, 2026
Duration: 14 hrs, 40 mins
DD ISBN: 9781547618651
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: May 5, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2026
The Nordic cadence of Yndis’ narration enhances the charm of this fairytale.
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: April 21, 2026
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