Narrator Emily Woo Zeller expertly delivers the dark climax to the Poppy War series. Despite several betrayals and sacrifices, Rin pulls together a coalition to take Nikan back from the Dragon Republic and the Hesperians. Forming a risky alliance brings with it the unpredictable powers of the gods, including the phoenix that desires to burn everything indiscriminately. Zeller fiercely depicts the brutality of war, commanding listeners' attention throughout with visceral passion that engrosses them in Rin's triumphs, overconfidence, devastation, and slip from sanity. The plot is precisely paced to build momentum and rising tension, and listeners will be hard-pressed to pause before the series reaches its gripping conclusion.
Pub Date: Nov. 17, 2020
Duration: 23 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063034235
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
As the group fights to save their world, listeners will be caught up in York’s performance.
In the land of Altarra, the people are suffering because the goddess Artemisen is imprisoned. Only a nobody called Soli can touch the jewel that will help free her, so Soli is tasked with saving the goddess. Accompanying her on this quest is Prince Kaelen; Elianna, a sorceress; warriors Chitai and Andras; Trick, a thief; and two guardsmen. Narrator Maeve York deftly handles the many characters, providing each of them with a voice that corresponds to their personalities. Kaelen has a steely determination, while Chitai sounds fierce. Soli suffers from "Gray Mind," or depression, and as the journey progresses, York aptly expresses her transition from timid to bold.
As the group fights to save their world, listeners will be caught up in York’s performance.Pub Date: June 2, 2026
Duration: 12 hrs, 52 mins
DD ISBN: 9798331968564
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Aug. 8, 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
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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