Jessica Threet narrates a cozy fantasy with romantic elements. Reyna has finally left her position in the Queen's Guard and joined her girlfriend, Kianthe, in the far-away town of Tawney to open the tea and bookshop of their dreams. But the sleepy town of Tawney is not as sleepy as it seems. Threet provides Reyna and Kianthe with accents that differentiate their geographic and political backgrounds, as well as providing a robust vocal range for the secondary characters. Threet fully embodies the characters, producing their various vocalizations beyond speech, such as grunt, snorts, guffaws, yells, groans, and chortles. These are remarkably gratifying to experience. A skillful narration of this story, especially its humor, makes this a fun and enjoyable performance.
Pub Date: May 7, 2024
Duration: 11 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250350817
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Knowelden’s performance is a perfect match for the nonstop banter, hilarity, and capers.
Lightly magical Victorian-era England is delightfully brought to life by narrator Elizabeth Knowelden. Best friends turned antiques experts Amelia Tarrant and Caleb Sterling have kept up a charade of professional loathing. After an ill-fated hug in boarding school led to vicious rumors and speculation, Amelia and Caleb vowed to never show more than the utmost decorum and courtesy toward each other. Both aspire to keep their hard-won positions at Oxford University pursuing thaumaturgical objects, even if it means feigning hatred while secretly maintaining their dear friendship. Despite their best efforts, Amelia continues to find herself competing, and squabbling, with Caleb. After yet another spectacle between the two over a magical object leads to public scrutiny, they are dispatched by their superiors to the far reaches of Cumbria.
Knowelden’s performance is a perfect match for the nonstop banter, hilarity, and capers.Pub Date: April 21, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 29 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217282531
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: May 26, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2026
Listeners won’t want the story to end.
Three narrators delight in this duet-style, action-packed fantasy romance. Their immersive performances in this sequel to Shield of Sparrows (2025) will make listeners feel as if they are in the world of Calandra, facing monsters and political intrigue themselves. Samantha Brentmoor gives a nuanced performance as princess Odessa, portraying both her outer diplomacy and her inner emotions as she fights to unveil secrets. Megan Wicks astounds as Caspia, conveying mystery, devotion, heartbreak, and heartfelt love as she works to complete a rite far from home. Jason Clarke performs the hero, Ransom, while also lending his talent to male characters throughout the story, giving each a unique pitch and vocalization.
Listeners won’t want the story to end.Pub Date: April 7, 2026
Duration: 17 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798898853822
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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