Sarah Agha's narration is a marvelous match for this parable, which takes place in an alternate 21st-century London ruled by tyrants. Agha deftly expresses the questioning nature of a young ghetto dweller named Adam Alhambra, who is used to being mocked for his Muslim faith. When he escapes a robber through a hidden doorway, Adam meets a Tyger, who sends him on a mission to discover guardians who can save his world from hate and oppression. Agha excels in her depiction of Adam's helpmate, the more confident Zadie. Agha's gentle reading works well for the layered quality of this production, which combines a fast-moving plot, hateful villains, and admirable heroes with philosophical considerations of creative imagining and finding true power.
(Fantasy. 12-14)Pub Date: July 1, 2025
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217072712
Publisher: Listening Library
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
Freddy Carter and Emily Carey continue their compelling performances in the second installment of the City of Fantome series. As Sera explores her new powers amid the Order of Flames, Ransom struggles with leading the Order of Daggers. While both are trying to protect their kingdom, they are drawn back to the city of Fantome when the king orders them to settle their rivalry and work together. Carter's and Carey's performances are delivered with such appeal that listeners will find it easy to buy into the plot and worldbuilding. Both narrators have dreamy tones, which are perfect for this romantasy series. Carter and Carey's portrayals of the leads in this enemies-to-lovers romance will keep listeners hooked.
(Fantasy. 16-adult)Pub Date: Dec. 2, 2025
Duration: 13 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668152966
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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