Traci Kato-Kiriyama and Greg Watanabe lend their voices to the narration of this poignant love story set in Japan in 1945. Fifteen-year-old Hana has been tasked with caring for young kamikaze pilots as they prepare for their final missions. Taro, a pilot himself, has set aside his aspiration to be a violinist and has volunteered to die for his country. Kato-Kiriyama and Watanabe capture the melancholy mood of the story as Hana and Taro connect over their shared love of music, despite the unforgiving press of time. With measured pacing and precise diction, Kato-Kiriyama skillfully conveys Hana's gravity and sense of decorum. Watanabe communicates the complex yet intoxicating fervor that takes hold of the young pilots. A nuanced and thoughtful portrayal of love and duty in unthinkable circumstances.
(Historical fiction. 13-18)Pub Date: Feb. 18, 2020
Duration: 8 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593162767
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Lee captures the slow-burn romance as well as the heroes' fears of and fights against censorship.
Michelle H. Lee has narrated several of Hur’s books, and here she proves her talents once again. Her narration easily moves between the dual perspectives of novel-loving commoner Haewon and writer Lord Yu Seojun in 1792 Korea, during the Joseon Dynasty, a time when fiction has been banned. Lee clearly identifies the many secondary characters while she portrays the oil-and-water meeting of the protagonists. Seojun dismisses Haewon because of her lower class, while Haewon detests his arrogance. Listeners may realize sooner than the protagonists do that they have already revealed their true hearts while exchanging secret letters. Haewon is “Magpie,” a committed fan of “Black Lotus,” Seojun’s alter ego.
Lee captures the slow-burn romance as well as the heroes' fears of and fights against censorship. (Historical romance. 14-adult)Pub Date: May 26, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217345687
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: June 6, 2026
Chin’s narration balances a dramatic, fast-moving plot with lush descriptions and poignant historical details.
Katharine Chin masterfully conveys the many tensions of Lucy’s story. Found in a canoe floating to Orcas Island off the coast of Washington state and raised by a kindly benefactor, Lucy has always wondered about her parents and her heritage. She’s planning on heading off to college to make a fresh start—until she comes upon her benefactor’s severed head and is named heir of his estate. Chin’s propulsive narration plunges listeners into Lucy’s search to solve the murder and uncover the secrets of her origin; explain her connection with animals, including orcas; determine whom she truly loves; and find her place in the world.
Chin’s narration balances a dramatic, fast-moving plot with lush descriptions and poignant historical details. (Historical mystery. 12-18)Pub Date: March 17, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 22 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668160121
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: April 7, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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