An ensemble of narrators delivers this collection of 16 classic stories, poems, fairy tales, and myths reimagined with a Latinx spin and frequent genre bending, mostly into sci-fi and fantasy. Each short story utilizes one or more narrators who mostly fit the gender identity of the main character. Each narrator fully commits to their story, emotionally connecting with teens who are experiencing love, claiming autonomy, and fighting fate. Karla Serrato is particularly delightful as she portrays a popular teen vlogger in space and her prejudice toward another shipmate. She also narrates a version of Goldilocks with fangs and a lust for blood. Andrew Joseph Perez's kaleidoscopic performances utilize an impressive range of accents and tones to differentiate characters in both short stories he narrates.
(Speculative fiction anthology. 13-18)Pub Date: Feb. 6, 2024
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781666654875
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 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.
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