Kealoha personifies Kea with grit, generosity, and kindness as she works for her family and to preserve the ‘aina...
This fantasy about language-based magic cries out to be enjoyed as an audiobook. And native Hawaiian narrator Barrie Kealoha is a brilliant casting choice. Two centuries after the Hawaiian Islands are no longer habitable due to the rising ocean levels, Southern California is the new homestead of the Hawaiian people. The story is told by 25-year-old Kea, a Hawaiian-language spellsmith and the head of her clan. Kealoha’s recitation of the spells is melodic but forceful when the context requires. When a local activist is killed by a spell, Kea becomes a suspect and has to clear her name.
Kealoha personifies Kea with grit, generosity, and kindness as she works for her family and to preserve the ‘aina (land).Pub Date: April 14, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs, 49 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668162859
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: June 2, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2026
A must-listen for fantasy lovers.
Lawrence Neale’s narration of this underworld fantasy is so impressive, listeners can almost feel the hot breath of the dragon who lurks below. It’s up to Bait, however, to slay it. After the dragon stole Bait, a human infant, from her crib, she was adopted by goblins, protected by a minotaur, and taught by a talking skull. Despite potentially being a princess, the girl grows up in the dungeon, finding both enemies and chosen family. Torn between two worlds, Bait must ultimately decide who, in fact, are the monsters: the humans who seek to attack the dungeon, or the denizens who live there. The versatility of Neale’s performance takes this book to new heights—or, perhaps, depths.
A must-listen for fantasy lovers.Pub Date: Aug. 11, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 51 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668657805
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Sept. 8, 2026
A theatrical approach and comedic timing make this a narration win.
Mark Sanderlin narrates this cozy gay romance about two bros on a quest. Juniper loves his life with his strictly platonic best friend, Mo; their cat; and his skincare routine. But when both men land in jail, volunteering to find a dragon is a promising alternative to imprisonment. Sanderlin’s narration perfectly suits the tongue-in-cheek humor. His delivery emphasizes Juniper’s melodramatic personality, while Mo has a deeper voice and a more leisurely pace, befitting a thoughtful character. When Juniper and Mo banter, Sanderlin seamlessly switches between the two. And as both bros warm toward each other, the romantic tension is amplified. Sanderlin’s voice for dragon child Bear is especially adorable.
A theatrical approach and comedic timing make this a narration win.Pub Date: May 26, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 48 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217338122
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: July 6, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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