This splendid romantic adventure, loosely based on the Persephone myth, receives a sterling performance by Ariel Blake. In the fifteenth century, Òdòdó is a member of the women’s blacksmith’s guild in Timbuktu, where conditions are terrible for her and other women. When Timbuktu falls, Òdòdó is abducted and spirited away to the Royal City, where her life changes forever. Òdòdó is an original character, and Blake invests her with gravitas and dignity. Wonderful listening.

AudioFile Earphones Award

Steven Rowley gives an exuberant performance of this heartwarming story about treasuring family. When his brother announces his upcoming remarriage, Patrick O’Hara, a gay sitcom star, must resume his most challenging role—as uncle to his teenage nephew and niece. Patrick’s interactions with relatives at the Italian wedding further showcase Rowley’s versatile voices, flamboyance, and cabaret-level vibrancy. 

AudioFile Earphones Award

Thanks to Golden Voice narrator Grover Gardner, listeners will once more get to accompany irascible attorney Andy Carpenter, who reluctantly agrees to defend a mass murderer as a favor to his formidable colleague Marcus Clark. Gardner delivers Andy’s snarky comments to perfection and masterfully keeps up the tension and pace in scenes ranging from physical fighting to courtroom battles. A fun, engaging listen and a worthy addition to the series. 

Ari Fliakos and a full cast perform this gripping story of moviemaking gone wrong. “The Thin Kid,” portrayed by Fliakos, played a pivotal role in a never-released indie horror movie filmed in the 1990s. Now, he’s been asked to reprise his role in the remake. Together, the narrators create an unforgettable listening experience, making this one of the must-listen horror audiobooks of the year.