New Reviews: Young Adult

Saskia Maarleveld's new performance of Mahy's Carnegie Medal-winning novel, originally published in 1984, will enthrall listeners. Laura Chant is desperate to save her younger brother from the hands of a horrifying vampiric villain. Fourteen-year-old Laura doesn't act on the warning she feels before Carmody Braque fixates on her younger brother, Jacko. Only she realizes what is... Read More

Karla Serrato's authentic accent adds to her presentation of the difficult choices faced by two teenagers dealing with corporate greed and its associated damage. Paloma decides to enter a scholarship contest with her ex-boyfriend Julio by investigating the harm the business giant Selva is inflicting on their Southern California community. Winning would provide each their... Read More

Desean Terry delivers a touching performance of this reimagining of "The Great Gatsby," in which the protagonists are gay Black prep school students. Aspiring journalist Nick Carrington leaves Oklahoma to begin school at Harlem's West Egg Academy. Out of his element, Nick keeps his gay identity a closely held secret, but love interest Jay Gatsby Jr.--the academy founder's... Read More

Rebecca Soler makes action scenes impossible to pause as she narrates this romantic Bluebeard retelling. Mallory descends from witches, but her only magic is the ability to see ghosts. To earn a living she and her sister sell fake spells and artifacts and give tours of the mansion that once belonged to Count Bastien Saphir, who many believe murdered three wives. When Bastien's... Read More

Amber McBride's narration of her novel paints a picture of careful, rule-abiding 17-year-old Gospel, a Keeper who lives in the Leaving Room. She's responsible for helping young souls transition between life and death. McBride's precise delivery echoes her stunning images of evocative memories and settings. Gradually, McBride's narration is colored with questioning as Gospel... Read More

Seven talented narrators deliver Shusterman's compelling science fiction stories, which include two new ones from the popular "Arc of the Scythe" series. The works provide introductions to new worlds and are loosely grouped into two categories: strange and terrifying beings and personal transformations. Shusterman; his son, Brendan; and the other narrators alternate, portraying... Read More

Lucy Walker-Evans impeccably presents this look at 1810 Oxford. Cascabel Gray poses as her brother in order to study medicine under kindly Scottish surgeon Knox. But when a blackmailer is murdered, Cascabel finds herself a suspect and joins the dangerous Oxford Rogues Club to investigate and save herself. In the midst of all this, Cascabel also meets and falls in love with deaf... Read More

Narrator Shayna Small is excellent as she portrays Leena, a 16-year-old girl who is being raised by her single mother, Asiyah. Leena has always dreamed of being part of a big family, but so far her family is just two people. When an unexpected phone call reveals that she has a Muslim grandfather and great-aunt, Leena is forced to rethink everything about her identity and... Read More

Freddy Carter and Emily Carey continue their compelling performances in the second installment of the City of Fantome series. As Sera explores her new powers amid the Order of Flames, Ransom struggles with leading the Order of Daggers. While both are trying to protect their kingdom, they are drawn back to the city of Fantome when the king orders them to settle their rivalry and... Read More