Narrator Jesse Vilinsky embodies a young woman who is both confident and vulnerable. Medical student Josie Morrow embarks upon a life-changing journey to find her enigmatic mother, Margaret, in this compelling audio production. Born "Girl One" on an experimental homestead for prospective mothers in 1970s Vermont, Josie remembers only fragments of her childhood. With meager clues, she forges ahead on a suspenseful investigation. Vilinsky channels the former homesteaders' wide-ranging emotions as they grapple with memories and their place in a world that often reviles them. Vilinsky's adeptness at regional accents and nuanced characterizations extends to the visceral rage that is menacing Josie and the other women. The satisfying climax is enhanced by Vilinsky's well-paced performance.
Pub Date: June 1, 2021
Duration: 16 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781250804747
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Listeners who long to disappear into a secret book world will enjoy the escape in this love letter to public libraries.
Narrator Saskia Maarleveld takes the listener on a wild journey of magical realism with a woman who escapes her depressing life by losing herself within her favorite books. For the downtrodden Alix Watson, the Boston Public Library is a refuge from her troubles—until the day she discovers a secret portal into the fantastical Astral Library. Maarleveld creates a sympathetic impression of Alix while capturing her increasing desperation in a fevered pitch. She vividly portrays the Astral Library’s librarian with grave, smokey indifference. Maarleveld also gives voice to various characters from different time periods and works, ranging from Jane Austen’s Regency England to Sherlock Holmes to The Great Gatsby with skill and humor.
Listeners who long to disappear into a secret book world will enjoy the escape in this love letter to public libraries.Pub Date: Feb. 17, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063244825
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: March 9, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2026
Listeners will be swept up in Nielsen's performance.
Narrator Stina Nielsen draws the listener into an epic journey in a fantastical land where the barrier that protects the world from demons is failing. Sorrel is an orphan and, because of her mystical abilities, an outcast in her small village. She is tasked with crossing the Badlands to return a queen’s crown in the hope that she will be able to protect the land from the demons. Accompanying Sorrel on the voyage is a mercenary known as Merc. Nielsen gives Sorrel an ethereal quality, which suits her character. As Sorrel comes into her power, Nielsen reflects this growth by adding strength to her voice. Sorrel and Merc face many trials on their journey, and Nielsen easily builds tension as danger mounts.
Listeners will be swept up in Nielsen's performance.Pub Date: Feb. 17, 2026
Duration: 19 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250435484
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: April 4, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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