The future in this audiobook is a world gone mad in which people live vicariously, watching the actions of others. Reality can be manipulated, and fantasy rules. Narrator Wil Wheaton knows all about science fiction from his years as Wesley Crusher on "Star Trek: The Next Generation." Boyish sounding at 48, Wheaton brings a youthful point of view to this story about a reality show called "Ignis," which spies on the inhabitants of a satellite who believe they are the last survivors of Earth. Katherine McNamara performs opposite Wheaton as a headstrong girl who forces Wheaton to see the immorality of his world.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2021
Duration: 13 hrs
Publisher: Podium Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Weaving elevates an exceptional story that raises questions about modern society in a compulsively listenable experience.
Hugo Weaving narrates a thought-provoking adventure that blends science fiction and fantasy with intriguing philosophical quandaries. On a planet controlled by an omniscient network known as Maya, a young man invisible to Maya attempts to win the upcoming Divya Trials. The winner will achieve godhood—but everyone on the planet is able to compete. Weaving wields his clipped theatrical voice masterfully, giving a sense of weight to the larger narrative. He imbues the characters with subtle voices, using his skill to great effect. The intricate worldbuilding benefits from Weaving guiding listeners to the most important aspects with subtle inflections and emphasis.
Weaving elevates an exceptional story that raises questions about modern society in a compulsively listenable experience.Pub Date: Aug. 25, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668157992
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Aug. 9, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2026
An all-too-real take on AI’s quenching of queer creativity, told by a bold and captivating narrator.
Nancy Wu leads listeners through an interplanetary heist in a SF tale of queer pirates and childhood loss. On the planet Callisto, stories are owned by a generative AI conglomerate. Stories are watered down. Characters are one-dimensional. And storytellers like Kelli Reynolds are boxed into a singular style. When Kelli’s smuggler ex-boyfriend, Rowan, comes back into town requesting a favor, Kelli’s troubling past comes back to haunt her, and her narrow vision of storytelling gets blown wide open. Wu’s depiction of Kelli’s autism is compassionate and powerful, and she provides gender-expansive voices for various queer pirates.
An all-too-real take on AI’s quenching of queer creativity, told by a bold and captivating narrator.Pub Date: May 12, 2026
Duration: 12 hrs, 25 mins
DD ISBN: 9798899732737
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: June 23, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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