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
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: tomorrow
An immersive, emotionally precise listening experience.
Natalie Naudus narrates this gothic audiobook full of ghosts both past and present. Mercy lands on the shores of Hong Kong in 1942 with no memories. She can speak with ghosts, and she earns a living in the haunted slums of Kowloon Walled City. When a powerful new ghost appears and starts drowning residents, then claims to know Mercy, the mystery of her past slowly unfolds. Naudus’ narration will tug at listeners’ heartstrings as the main characters experience shocking, horrific betrayals and trauma. Her intensified pace reflects the fierce anger and high action, keeping listeners on edge. The whispery voice Naudus uses for ghosts easily differentiates them from the living. When the narrative shifts to a second-person point of view, Naudus adopts a compassionate tone.
An immersive, emotionally precise listening experience.Pub Date: May 5, 2026
Duration: 13 hrs, 2 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250395788
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: June 2, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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