Amber Benson's compelling narration brings to life a world in which numbers and words are more than they seem, alchemy is real, and time is not a constant. Seanan McGuire's fantasy is a complex and intricately told story of siblings who come together through pain and longing to save each other and the world--if they don't destroy it first. Benson's portrayals of Roger and Dodger are masterful, bringing these characters to life through tone, inflection, and timing. The alchemists sound flamboyant while conveying the verbal characteristics expected of villains bent on ruling the universe. Fans of Benson and McGuire will enjoy the clever storytelling and will find Roger's and Dodger's voices in their heads long after the audiobook ends.
Pub Date: May 7, 2019
Duration: 17 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250223357
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A heartwarming listening experience touched by magic.
Geneviève Cocke narrates this fantasy audiobook set in 1920s Montreal. Agnes is desperate to find a new home for her cat shelter and herself after a magical duel in front of her building left only three walls standing. For this and other reasons, Agnes is not a fan of magic, but the only person willing to rent to her and her feline rescues is Havelock, a notorious magician. Cocke endows Havelock with a Quebecois accent, although most other characters have no identifiable accent. Agnes prepares a checklist for most everything, and Cocke makes her organized but not officious. Cocke instills personality in the many secondary characters, including the cats.
A heartwarming listening experience touched by magic.Pub Date: Feb. 17, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217279272
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: today
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2026
Descriptive magical settings, multidimensional characters, and nuanced storytelling.
Listeners will be immediately drawn into the vivid, sweeping world of the Azalea Dynasty. Narrators Katharine Chin and Eric Yang create an immersive fantasy setting for this powerful story about legacy, hierarchy, power, and politics. Primary protagonist Wei Yin is desperate as she watches her family and her village succumb to starvation, and she is willing to do anything to survive. As allegiances are formed and war is imminent, Wei Yin's talent for poetry gives her a voice, and she learns the dangers and advantages of taking her power.
Descriptive magical settings, multidimensional characters, and nuanced storytelling.Pub Date: Jan. 20, 2026
Duration: 15 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250435576
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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