Soneela Nankani adroitly narrates the second installment of an epic fantasy inspired by Middle Eastern mythology and history. Vicious palace intrigue and bloody political rebellions take center stage as Nahri and Ali fight to survive what Daevabad has become. Nahri has been forced into a marriage that is crushing her spirit, while Ali is an expendable pawn in his father's game of kingship. Nankani perfectly captures the array of emotions both Nahri and Ali feel as they contemplate their respective positions. Equally impressive are her portrayals of the many secondary characters; djinn, daeva, nahid, shafit, and ifrit are instantly recognizable. A brutal final confrontation leaves many unanswered questions.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2019
Duration: 23 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780062866707
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 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
Two standout narrators bring Roanhorse’s iconic speculative fiction to new heights.
Kamali Minter and Shaun Taylor-Corbett lead listeners into richly developed worlds in this collection of imaginative, genre-bending stories. Each story uses SF and fantasy elements to explore queer Indigenous history and culture, bridging the gap between lived experience and otherworldly happenings. In “A Brief Lesson in Native American Astronomy,” Taylor-Corbett voices a man who uses technology to manifest a haunting digital version of his dead girlfriend. “Eye and Tooth,” narrated by Minter, blurs the line between monster and monster hunter. The culminating title story, “River of Bones,” returns to the Sixth World series, where Kai tackles past trauma head-on. Minter and Taylor-Corbett capture listeners from the jump, conveying a range of Indigenous identities and experiences and spotlighting mixed-race and queer characters as they navigate an oppressive world.
Two standout narrators bring Roanhorse’s iconic speculative fiction to new heights.Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 38 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668107355
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: April 6, 2026
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