Narrators Shiromi Arserio and Jason Carpenter are perfectly matched in this modern-day fairy tale in which a forbidden romance blooms between aristocratic teens from rival families. Arserio portrays Princess Jaya in a controlled tone and a posh British accent that is well suited to the reserved and traditional teen. Jaya unexpectedly finds herself drawn to the quiet, brooding Grey Emerson, whose melancholy personality is enhanced by Carpenter's deep, solemn voice--complete with an American accent that is fitting for this British teen, who is living in exile due to a family curse. The budding romance takes place at an international boarding school rife with drama. Listeners will be captivated by how easily the narrators flip between the accents of the diverse student body. Together, Arserio and Carpenter bring this cursed romance to life.
(Romance. 12-16)Pub Date: Feb. 18, 2020
Duration: 10 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781797101910
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Listeners follow Merry, the longbow girl, one of the best archers in her town. When she finds a magical portal in the forest that takes her back to sixteenth-century Wales, she must use her skills to win an archery contest in order to help her ancestors keep their land. While narrator Emily Wilden brings protagonist Merry to life with a rich Welsh accent, her narration seems uneven at times. All the period characters have accents that reflect the setting of the story and transport listeners to Wales. Listeners who enjoy historical fiction and a bit of fantasy will be charmed by this tale of determination, hope, and family.
Young AdultPub Date: N/A
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781501916793
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In 1832 thirteen-year-old Charlotte Doyle is sailing from Liverpool to Rhode Island to rejoin her family. Shocked to discover that the families who were to have been both guardians and companions will not accompany her, Charlotte embarks on a journey filled with terror and swashbuckling adventure. The first-person narrative makes this Newbery Honor book a wonderful choice for recording. O'Karma's reading, with its hint of cross-gender differentiation, allows the listener to feel as if Charlotte Doyle herself were relating the tale. This story should be particularly alluring to adolescent girls although the fast-paced action and the nautical setting will also appeal to male listeners. Ages 12-adult.
Ages 12+Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 6 hrs
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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