BOOKSHOPS & BONEDUST: Legends & Lattes, Book 2 by Travis Baldree
Author/narrator Travis Baldree returns with a prequel to LEGENDS & LATTES. Viv, a mercenary orc, has been injured in a campaign against a necromancer. Looking for distraction, she hangs out in a run-down bookstore owned by a foulmouthed rattkin and discovers a love of reading, some good friends, and a little romance. Baldree draws from a universe of gnomes, elves, skeletons, and other species and provides a perfect voice for each. Using accents, tone, and pacing, he creates a world full of interesting personalities.
REVIEW: https://www.audiofilemagazine.com/reviews/read/234107/
THE OTHER PRINCESS by Denny S. Bryce
Nneka Okoye delivers a lively performance as African Princess Aina, who is kidnapped and taken to Victorian England. Aina, showing intelligence beyond her years, is saved from slavery, renamed Sarah, and given to Queen Victoria as a “gift.” Okoye presents a charming, spirited child who grows into an appealing woman. Okoye’s accents and attitudes perfectly reflect Sarah’s feelings. She’s exceptional as she delivers Sarah’s struggle against racism, jealousy, and ignorance. Based on a true story, this is historical fiction at its finest.
REVIEW: https://www.audiofilemagazine.com/reviews/read/242721/
LESLIE F*CKING JONES by Leslie Jones
In her own inimitable style, Leslie Jones tells listeners how she embraced her self-worth and learned more than a few hard lessons en route to becoming a larger-than-life comic performer. No listener can leave this memoir unaffected as Jones laughs and sobs, sharing the highs and lows, joys and sorrows of her full life. The author’s irresistible personality and candid performance elevates this audiobook production into a must-hear experience.
REVIEW: https://www.audiofilemagazine.com/reviews/read/240491/
ABSOLUTION by Alice McDermott
Rachel Kenney and Jesse Vilinsky each deliver spellbinding interpretations of Alice McDermott’s superb new novel. Set primarily in 1960s Vietnam, the audiobook explores the lives of wives— “helpmeets”—who accompanied their American husbands to a country on the brink of war. Kenney performs the remarkable feat of personifying the young Tricia and her wry older self, fierce Charlene, and many local Vietnamese and GIs. Vilinsky, as Charlene’s daughter, creates an invaluable vocal throughline for the characters. Alternately gripping, moving, and thought-provoking, this is an audiobook to savor.
THE ARMOR OF LIGHT: Kingsbridge, Book 5 by Ken Follett
This audiobook brings to life eighteenth-century Kingsbridge, England, where class warfare engulfs workers who are seeking security amid owners who value progress over people. Narrated skillfully by Golden Voice John Lee, the latest Follett novel offers superb dialogue, fascinating relationships, and characters from varying religions, classes, and political perspectives. Whether he is delivering intensity borne of political desperation, or verbal frustration from employees who know that their bosses care not a whit about them, Lee masterfully presents each character and event.
REVIEW: https://www.audiofilemagazine.com/reviews/read/238889/
WELLNESS by Nathan Hill
Ari Fliakos’s complex yet supremely accessible performance makes this nearly 19-hour audiobook fly by. No nuance of this novel escapes Fliakos: satirical social commentary, tender love story, hilarious missteps of modern life, heartbreaking loss . . . The full kaleidoscope of the human experience simply sings when rendered by his voice. As the plot leaps across time periods and back, Fliakos’s confident pace keeps everything steady.
REVIEW: https://www.audiofilemagazine.com/reviews/read/238886/
THE PARIS ASSIGNMENT by Rhys Bowen
Barrie Kreinik masterfully meets the challenge of voicing men, women and children from the British Isles, Europe, Australia, and America to bring to life the emotional rollercoaster of enduring WWII. Kreinik’s nuanced performance shines as Madeline Grant evolves from a timid student at the Sorbonne, to a wife and mother, and finally to a courageous British spy. Kreinik expertly delivers Bowen’s well-written novel, creating an engrossing and enlightening audio experience.
REVIEW: https://www.audiofilemagazine.com/reviews/read/242894/
10 THINGS THAT NEVER HAPPENED: Material World, Book 1 by Alexis Hall
Will Watt’s delightful performance amplifies the holiday magic in this contemporary workplace romance. Splashes and Snuggles store manager Sam Becker sustains a concussion and fakes amnesia after his frosty boss, Jonathan Forest, fires him and his entire underperforming staff. What ensues is a heartwarming journey for both men. Watt’s comedic timing and attuned delivery of dialogue draw out the depths of humor and heart, and more than a few laugh-out-loud moments. A must-listen for rom-com fans!
REVIEW: https://www.audiofilemagazine.com/reviews/read/240211/
EVERYTHING I LEARNED, I LEARNED IN A CHINESE RESTAURANT: A Memoir by Curtis Chin
Curtis Chin smoothly narrates this memoir of his life and his family’s Chinese restaurant. He was raised in Detroit in the 1980s by a mother who set high standards for him and his siblings because she herself wasn’t allowed to finish school. He writes about navigating public school, his transition to college, and his struggle to honor his family while striking out on his own and exploring his sexuality. Don’t listen to this audiobook when you’re hungry—all the food sounds delicious!
REVIEW: https://www.audiofilemagazine.com/reviews/read/238867/
RESURRECTION WALK: Lincoln Lawyer, Book 7 by Michael Connelly
Peter Giles masterfully portrays the Lincoln Lawyer, Mickey Haller, a defense attorney whose office is his car. Giles is joined by Titus Welliver, as LAPD Detective Harry Bosch, and Christine Lakin, as Renée Ballard. Listeners once again experience Bosch’s struggles working for the defense and gain insight into Haller’s enlightenment. Michael Connelly’s enthralling crime/legal thriller presented by three exceptional narrators provides a totally compelling listening experience.
REVIEW: https://www.audiofilemagazine.com/reviews/read/238917/
This story appears through BookTrib’s partnership with AudioFile and contains material originating from the AudioFile website
