Natalie Naudus narrates a sweeping romantic saga inspired by Chinese mythology. Xingyin, who was raised on the moon by her mother, Chang'e, makes her way to the Celestial Kingdom to try to obtain her mother's freedom. Xingyin initially struggles to find her place, and Naudus portrays both her fear at being alone in a new world and her determination to succeed in her quest. When Xingyin is ultimately made companion to Crown Prince Liwei, Naudus captures her blossoming confidence and continued determination. Secondary characters from a variety of unique and distinct backgrounds are performed with finesse, most notably Crown Prince Liwei and Captain Wenzhi, the two main competitors vying for Xingyin's attention.
Pub Date: Jan. 11, 2022
Duration: 15 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780063031340
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Come for the edge-of-your-seat fantasy adventure, stay for Griffiths’ enthralling performance.
Kit Griffiths is the perfect guide to lead listeners through the depths of the dark Fourspires Castle. When the latest thaumaturge is murdered, the leaders of the four magical spires—bone, blood, stone, and botany—must fight to the death to replace him. But those arcanists’ disciples have another plan: Find each spire’s relic, climb the notorious fifth spire, and stop the slaughter before it occurs. Griffiths stuns, offering a unique vocal twist for each of the four rivals: the reckless gusto of the bone witch, Taro; the brooding of the blood disciple, Elliot; the seething anger of the betrayed botanist, Nixie; and the tense silence of the cursed stone mage, Alix.
Come for the edge-of-your-seat fantasy adventure, stay for Griffiths’ enthralling performance. (Fantasy. 14-adult)Pub Date: March 10, 2026
Duration: 14 hrs, 40 mins
DD ISBN: 9781547618651
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: May 5, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2026
The Nordic cadence of Yndis’ narration enhances the charm of this fairytale.
Nina Yndis offers a tender but spirited narration of this retelling of the Snow Queen. Gerta is a sweet young girl who is best friends with Kay. When Kay is captured by the Snow Queen, Gerta sets out to save him. The journey isn’t easy, but Gerta perseveres. Yndis creates a cozy atmosphere as the story begins in a small village with Gerta living side by side with Kay and their respective grandmothers, who have been friends for their whole lives. Yndis maintains Gerta’s sweet nature as she faces magical challenges. There are lots of small animals along Gerta’s path, and Yndis gives them voices that ooze personality, especially the Raven.
The Nordic cadence of Yndis’ narration enhances the charm of this fairytale.Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 51 mins
Publisher: Podium Audio
Review Posted Online: April 21, 2026
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