New Reviews: Fantasy

What happens after the fairy tale is not always a happy ending. Esther Wane narrates this bewitching extension to the tale of Hansel and Gretel, set in seventeenth-century Germany. Wane's range of character accents brings a magical essence to the story. Fifteen years after they escaped the witch in the gingerbread house, Hans and Greta are having a hard time surviving.... Read More

Mollie Stark and Sebastian Grove narrate the first in a new fantasy romance series. With only three years until she meets her fated death at age 27, Althea knows time is running out to make her dream of becoming a warrior true--especially when women in her world aren't allowed to hold weapons. Then, an encounter with warrior Wilder Hawthorne provides the opportunity she's... Read More

Miranda Raison performs this magical adventure set on an alternative Earth, where a collection of mysterious books gives special powers to those who possess one of its volumes. When a customer dies in the bookstore where she works, Cassie discovers that he's left her an old, leather-bound work called THE BOOK OF DOORS, which can open almost any door across the world. In... Read More

January LaVoy performs this epic story of three teenagers who are brought back from the dead just long enough to compete in a mysterious game to see who gets to continue to live. In this debut novel by Pulitzer Prize finalist Kelly Link, characters Laura, Daniel, and Mo find themselves back in Lovesend, Massachusetts, one year after they died. Their families have no memory of... Read More

Golden Voice narrator Robin Miles brings a sense of wonder to a near future fantasy that explores the consequences of climate change. Firefighter Syrah Carthan has been angling for a return to Sequoia National Park ever since her family's death there in a wildfire when she was young. After a terrible incident during a planned burn, Syrah discovers there are uncanny forces at... Read More

David Tennant is at his best with his narration of this whimsical fantasy for children and adults alike. The audiobook was Pratchett's first published novel in 1971 and was rewritten 30 years later. Whether viewed as a parable of war, apropos of current events, or as a mere humorous tale of little creatures living in your carpet, it's a story that begs to be listened to.... Read More

Kitty Parker narrates a lush and atmospheric romantasy. In each generation, the most talented Everly is taken as payment for a wrong committed centuries earlier--until Violet Everly decides to break the curse. Parker's impeccable delivery perfectly matches the dense and sensuous tone of the story, emphasizing the moody and mysterious world in which Violet finds herself cast... Read More

Voice actor Colleen Delany narrates the conclusion to the Court of Thorns and Roses series, set amid the Night Court of the High Fae. Proud, prickly, short-tempered Nesta Archeron, portrayed by Natalie Van Sistine, spars with her battle-scarred lover, silken voiced Cassian, performed by Jon Vertullo. Sometimes they tangle between the sheets in scenes of explicit sex; sometimes... Read More

Sara Novak narrates the first installment of a new trilogy called The Soulfire Saga. Kat is a trained thief who is hoping to wipe out her father's debt. When a planned heist goes awry, she is sentenced to be executed and is then rescued by rebels. Everything gets much more complicated as political intrigue unfolds. The audiobook begins with the cast of characters and concludes... Read More

Bahni Turpin narrates a West African-inspired romance blended with high fantasy. After a falling out with their chieftain, elven sisters Yeeran and Lettle wind up in fae lands and must adapt if they hope to survive. Turpin portrays elder sister Yeeran, a battle-hardened warrior, as proud and energetic, always ready to take charge. In contrast, younger sister Lettle is training... Read More

In this dramatized adaptation, Khaya Fraites brings to life the character of Violet Sorrengail, and Gabriel Michael embodies Xaden Riorson. Together, they lead a distinguished cast, which includes LaMont Ridgell, Torian Brackett, and Rob McFadyen, through the harrowing world of the Empyrean series. Their performances, augmented by immersive sound effects and cinematic music,... Read More

Shannon McManus's cocksure, feisty delivery will keep listeners engrossed as Dani, a magically gifted art thief, prepares to steal works from a coveted art collection. McManus uses a gentle Southern accent as Dani heads home to Kentucky to reunite with the crew she betrayed years ago. Devising unique voices, McManus portrays the confident crew of magical criminals as they plan... Read More

Jeanne Syquia's narration of this audiobook skillfully portrays the enthralling story of Talasyn, a young woman who possesses hidden light magic, and Prince Alaric, the Night Empire's heir, who possesses shadow magic. Their intertwined destinies on the battlefield set the stage for a compelling narrative. Syquia's nuanced portrayal of each character's emotions enriches the... Read More

Using an ethereal voice and delicate intonation, Zura Johnson elevates this mystery loosely based on ancient Greco-Roman mythology into a captivating listening experience. Tirne, the herald for the god of Autumn, escorts him yearly from the godly to the human world. This time, the magical mirror used for the trip shatters. Tirne loses her exalted herald status, and the human... Read More

Bahni Turpin narrates this atmospheric audiobook, lending her voice to the four young Cauley women as they fight for their magic and their lives. As sisters Charlie, Lynn, Nicole, and their cousin, Rene, gather to grieve a loss, they are faced with literal demons. To save their family magic, they must work through their rivalries and look to the past. This audiobook features... Read More

In this audiobook, we delve into the tale of Balthazar and his band of thieves, embarking on what first appears to be a straightforward heist. Sunil Malhotra's exceptional narration is the highlight; he provides each character with a unique voice that vividly paints the story's universe. The drama quickly escalates as the characters are entangled in a grandiose plot involving... Read More

Tanja Milojevic takes on the role of Trinity, a half-angel who narrates this story, on the eve of an apocalyptic battle between good and evil. In a warm tenor Robb Moreira voices Zayne, a shape-shifting gargoyle and bonded protector of the somewhat snarky, self-assured Trinity. Along with the smooth-talking Roth, a Demon Prince, played by Danny Gavigan, they patrol Washington,... Read More

Bert Seymour and Clare Corbett narrate this delightful historical fantasy, set in the mid-eighteenth century. Abel, a London watchmaker who creates fabulous automata, has disappeared. His son, Zachery, endowed with second sight, is being raised by his eccentric Aunt Franny. Many years later, Zachery sets off to rescue him from a sultan in Constantinople. Seymour, the primary... Read More

Andrew Fallaize shines voicing this Sherlock-style mystery set in a fantasy world. The Khanum Empire faces threats from Leviathans that make it most vulnerable during the wet season. In a mansion belonging to a wealthy family, a high-ranking commander is killed by a tree that grows from his body. Discovering the assassin and motive before the upcoming wet season becomes... Read More

Alison McKenna and Gary Furlong bring all the angst of an enemies-to-lovers story to this retelling of "Beauty and the Beast" inspired by Irish folklore. In this version, the beast is trapped inside the body of a shape-shifting beauty named Rozlyn due to a curse spanning three centuries. When the charismatic Jamie comes to win her heart, Rozlyn suspects more is afoot. And she's... Read More

January LaVoy and Michael Crouch perform this historical novel with a supernatural twist. LaVoy delivers the perspective of Laura, a nurse who has recently returned from a WWI battlefield to her home in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Crouch narrates the viewpoint of Laura's brother, Freddie, a young soldier who has gone missing in the cold, wet trenches of Belgium. LaVoy conveys all of... Read More