OF MONSTERS AND MAINFRAMES

This heartfelt sci-fi monster mash-up of an audiobook is stunningly narrated by an excellent ensemble. Charlie Albers voices DEMETER, a spaceship that travels between planets whose human passengers keep getting murdered through paranormal encounters. Albers's impressive skill at differentiating voices enlivens the robotic DEMETER, who is filled with anxiety; sobbing children who are trying to survive a werewolf; and the bubbly, overzealous spider drones. The rest of the cast voice the AI medical system, a werewolf, a human hybrid created by Frankenstein, a pharaoh, and humans who are slowly becoming more fish-like in worship of Cthulhu. This is a laugh-out-loud audiobook full of thrills and a touch of romance as DEMETER and her surviving passengers set out for revenge against Dracula. A.K.R. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2025]