New Reviews: Fantasy

Kristin Atherton gives a masterful performance of this historical fantasy. Every first daughter in the Harding family is cursed to bring disaster, and in 1592 Cybil experiences this firsthand. Miriam is a creature of darkness who feeds her immortality with the souls of mortals, and Cybil's soul calls to her more than any other. In exchange for Cybil's soul, Miriam agrees to... Read More

Travis Baldree successfully narrates Book 3 of this action-packed fantasy series. Fern, a bookseller, moves across the Territory to open a shop next to the Legends & Lattes coffee shop. Shortly after, she has a midlife crisis and runs away. Baldree depicts Fern's anxiety and uncertainty with equal parts charm and compassion. On a journey of self-discovery, Fern travels with... Read More

Anna Burnett narrates an unexpected reimagining of "Cinderella." After having been murdered at 16 by her stepmother, "Ella" now haunts her family home. Burnett deftly handles Ella's transition from a lonely girl to a lonely ghost. Burnett's portrayal of her longing and frustration is heartrending, especially as she confronts hard truths about herself and her family. Add a royal... Read More

This time-bending romantasy, set in a nation called Dominion, is told from the perspectives of Sir Una Everlasting and her admirer and biographer, Owen Mallory. Moira Quirk and Sid Sagar bring these two characters to life, weaving the story with finesse. As Owen travels back in time to discover the true nature of Sir Una, they both discover that legends, songs, and stories... Read More

The first installment of the The Chaos Constellation trilogy is the author's debut, narrated by Alexandra Boulton. As a child, Bataar killed a gryphon. Now an adult, he's conquering countries one by one, seeking to unite them. When he expands his empire to Nohra's homeland, she must decide whether to submit to his rule or lead the Harpy Knights in resistance. Meanwhile, all... Read More

Narrators Hollis McCarthy and Pete Cross form an unlikely duo in this fantasy set in 1920s Carmel-by-the-Sea. Grieving Fayette Wynne heads to Carmel, bringing along her family's healing sourdough starter, which failed to save her late mother. In the middle of a storm she saves Hollywood star Rex Hallstrom from near death. The two find refuge in a sentient house that seems to... Read More

This vibrant account of the mythical Medusa's short but powerful life expands on her origin story. Narrator Tyla Collier illuminates the young woman's vulnerability, warmth, and passion. The teenage Medusa craves life beyond her family's island home. As she strives to establish her place in the world as an acolyte and priestess of the goddess Athena, she is unwillingly... Read More

Shiromi Arserio narrates award-winning novelist Tasha Suri's newest audiobook. Fantasy and romance come together in a Sapphic delight as a witch and a knight navigate their love for each other while also serving their queen. Although Arserio doesn't create distinct voices for each character, only occasionally is it a challenge to recognize who's speaking. Simran, a witch of the... Read More

Natalie Naudus puts listeners under her spell as she delivers this romantasy. Certainty Bulrush longs to become a mage and make her family proud, but her six years as an apprentice haven't revealed any major magical talents--aside from talking to objects. Her unique skill becomes essential, however, when she's assigned to help transport an abundance of magical items to a... Read More

Moira Quirk's narration of this fantasy is outstanding. To avenge her brother's death 13 years ago, Lyssa has been hunting and killing as many fairies as she can find. But the beast that actually killed her brother has been elusive. Then she meets Alderic, who might have what she needs to track it down. Quirk captures Lyssa's persona--all rough edges and traces of... Read More

Immersive and imaginative storytelling is enlivened by narrators Lindsey Dorcus and Mara Wilson. After Charlie's sister dies, her ability to see the dead leads her into a Chicago way station for souls beneath Lake Michigan. There, she becomes caught up in a struggle for humanity between the station's ferryman; his daughter, Nera, a ferryman-in-training; and an imprisoned demon.... Read More

Mary Robinette Kowal's narration of the newest installment of the award-winning October Daye series shines with her characterizations and delightful timing. When Sir October "Toby" Daye, Knight errant and Hero of the Realm, is called upon to investigate the looting of the royal vaults, she answers the call despite being late in her pregnancy. Kowal's voices and accents bring... Read More

Narrator Elena Rey gives a solid performance of this story in which animal and plant spirits reign over an isolated desert town. Selena is still settling in, having just fled the city. It's a beautiful town, she thinks--except that she frequently feels she's being watched. Rey conveys the voices and emotions of all the characters, each easily distinguishable from the next. The... Read More

English actor Kristin Atherton's spectacular performance is perfect for this fantasy, a spin on the fairy tale "Sleeping Beauty." The long awaited heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Bavaugh, a princess, is born with both a blessing and a curse. Three women--the queen, her lady-in-waiting, and a master's apprentice--try their best to alter the curse but encounter difficulties.... Read More

Sara Amini returns to narrate the majority of the second book in the Charlatan Duology. Charlie's lover, the powerful shadow Vince, lost his memories of their time together after becoming tethered to her. Amini's narration captures Charlie's trademark cynicism, as well as her heartbreak and feelings of vulnerability as she struggles with having a shadow that doesn't care about... Read More

Jesse Vilinsky narrates an episodic urban fantasy with strong elements of a police procedural. Over the course of a year, Detective Beth Fahey interacts with both the humans of Penwych and the Arcane of Wyrd. In doing so, she also learns more about herself and her mysterious past. Central to the island of Wyrd is the maxim: "Words have power; intentions matter." Vilinsky... Read More

Krysta Gonzales' energy propels listeners through a vivid urban-fantasy world. As Joan Greenwood returns to New York City and becomes entangled in a supernatural power struggle, Gonzales' narration keeps the momentum strong and the characters engaging. Her delivery captures Joan's insecurity about her limited magic skills while allowing listeners to observe her determination... Read More

The third installment of Kingfisher's Sworn Soldier series is once again masterfully performed by Avi Roque. When Alex receives an urgent telegram from their friend, Dr. James Denton, begging them to come to America immediately, they jump on a ship bound for Boston. Denton's missing cousin, Oscar, was last seen in a West Virginia mine that is rumored to be haunted. Roque adds... Read More