Narrator Frankie Corzo tells the story of Renata, a girl who steals memories. Renata is part of a magical rebel group working against the kingdom of Puerto Leones, which condemns her magical people. Corzo takes some time to fully engage with Renata's character--perhaps because of the slow opening of the story. But as the plot thickens, her narration weaves a spell. Corzo's flowing voice (especially when pronouncing Spanish-inflected names) is pleasing to the ear and is well suited to Renata's constant introspection. Although Corzo's characters often sound similar, most of the story is told from Renata's point of view, making differentiation unimportant. Those who stay long enough will find that Corzo's smooth delivery draws them into a world lush with magic, memories, and action.
(Fantasy. 14-adult)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2020
Duration: 14 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781501981630
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
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
A sweeping fantasy elevated by a balanced narration.
Joe Jameson’s versatile performance of this audiobook drives the listening experience. This fantasy follows four teenagers chosen to wield elemental powers to stop an encroaching eternal night. Jameson narrates with distinct vocal characterizations, shifting smoothly between youthful humor and heavier emotional beats. His pacing keeps listeners grounded through complex worldbuilding while sustaining momentum during action scenes. Particularly notable is his restrained, empathetic handling of one character’s psychosis. Jameson’s narration emphasizes emotional authenticity, allowing listeners to connect with characters’ struggles as much as with the adventure itself.
A sweeping fantasy elevated by a balanced narration. (Fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: Feb. 24, 2026
Duration: 12 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668162460
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: March 17, 2026
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