Bolding captures the frustration of the troubled teens before propelling listeners into the gory depths of the forest.
Justis Bolding narrates a modern take on the Hansel and Gretel fairy tale. Troublemakers Georgie and her brother, Hamish, travel to the remote Maine wilderness to join other teens participating on a reality show. The adult counselors disappear after chanting strange affirmations around the fire, leaving the teens alone in the woods—or so they think. Bolding imbues Georgie with a believable wary sarcasm. She uses breathwork and inflection to hint at character motivations. The eerie forest feels almost like another character as the lingering scent of gingerbread adds a surprising perceived sensory element to the performance. Georgie and Hamish feel not only like real siblings but ones bound by a deep emotional connection—something Bolding keeps alive in their conversations.
Bolding captures the frustration of the troubled teens before propelling listeners into the gory depths of the forest. (Horror. 16-18)Pub Date: Aug. 4, 2026
Duration: 13 hrs, 42 mins
DD ISBN: 9798897563579
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Oct. 5, 2026
A brilliant, empathetic narration worthy of its complex characters.
Will Watt’s narration shines in this queer Frankenstein retelling. Brilliant scientist Victor is certain that he can find the answer to human reanimation. Desperate to prove himself, he kidnaps innocent Elias, destroys his body, stitches it back together, and revives him using a mix of alchemy and electricity—with horrifying results. Victor then journeys across Europe to reverse his mistake with vengeful Elias on his trail. Watt depicts the alchemists Victor seeks advice from in a variety of languages and accents. He embodies suffering, betrayal, regret, and even budding love with an emotional intensity that will leave listeners in tears. Clarifying footnotes with historical context are interwoven with the prose.
A brilliant, empathetic narration worthy of its complex characters. (Horror. 14-18)Pub Date: Sept. 8, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs, 14 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063449053
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Sept. 8, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2026
An emotionally connected narration elevates this atmospheric listen.
Narrator Emily Lawrence paces her performance meticulously in this folk horror audiobook. Sylvie is a high school senior, and after her father’s crimes come to light, the entire town holds her in contempt. Abandoned by both parents in a run-down building in the woods, her only companions are carnivorous deer and other animals, all of whom are slowly turning white. Lawrence embodies Sylvie’s loneliness and bravado in equal measure. Fellow student Chantry sounds sardonic. And Lawrence gives a soft, sultry voice to the horned god Illican. Sylvie can’t help her attraction to him or her curiosity about his entrapment in the woods. As his death nears, she must choose between him and the town that hates her.
An emotionally connected narration elevates this atmospheric listen. (Horror. 14-18)Pub Date: Aug. 4, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 2 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668176962
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Oct. 5, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
