Natalie Naudus has plenty of opportunity to shine as the narrator of this audiobook. It’s the first installment of The War Arts Saga, inspired by martial arts films with magic thrown in for good measure. The Chosen One, Jian, has been raised in luxury with a cadre of warriors to instruct him. Naudus has no trouble making clear that he is a spoiled brat. Eventually, he becomes the student of a one-armed grandmaster of magical martial arts who is feisty as can be and determined to make a warrior out of him. The grandmaster is one of three strong female characters, and Naudus creates nuanced personas for them all. The interaction among the characters is delightfully spirited, and snarky comments abound.
Pub Date: Aug. 9, 2022
Duration: 18 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593606148
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Listeners will be swept up in Nielsen's performance.
Narrator Stina Nielsen draws the listener into an epic journey in a fantastical land where the barrier that protects the world from demons is failing. Sorrel is an orphan and, because of her mystical abilities, an outcast in her small village. She is tasked with crossing the Badlands to return a queen’s crown in the hope that she will be able to protect the land from the demons. Accompanying Sorrel on the voyage is a mercenary known as Merc. Nielsen gives Sorrel an ethereal quality, which suits her character. As Sorrel comes into her power, Nielsen reflects this growth by adding strength to her voice. Sorrel and Merc face many trials on their journey, and Nielsen easily builds tension as danger mounts.
Listeners will be swept up in Nielsen's performance.Pub Date: Feb. 17, 2026
Duration: 19 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250435484
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: April 1, 2026
Hembrough ratchets up the tension while leading listeners through this exploration of belief.
Oliver Hembrough voices an array of fascinating characters in this fantasy audiobook, the first in a planned trilogy. Sister Svangerd, a nun/assassin, and Brother Desiderius, an expert forger/atheist monk, are sent to the Ecumenical Council to assassinate a princess with troublesome views. What follows? The hunters become the hunted; the undead "walkers" formulate their own assassination plans; many deaths ensue. Hembrough’s performance is true to the characters he portrays, from steel-spined nuns and questioning clerics to rage-filled walkers; his narration is replete with dry humor, sarcasm, and a penchant for scoffs and growls in bringing these characters to life.
Hembrough ratchets up the tension while leading listeners through this exploration of belief.Pub Date: Jan. 27, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668642269
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: April 11, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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