AudioFile Magazine

Too often we hear fairy tales told through the filter of satire or Saturday-morning cartoons, so it’s a pleasure to hear a writer of Philip Pullman’s talent, humor, and intelligence ever-so-slightly and cleverly re-imagine 50 of the original Brothers Grimm’s tales. Samuel West provides a superbly wry and cultured narrative tone plus wonderful voices. Read the full AudioFile review.

Michael Kramer and Kate Reading have been the masters of Jordan's Wheel of Time fantasy series from the very first book to this fourteenth, and final, book. Read the full AudioFile review.

Guatemalan Halfon transcends the short story genre with a collection that maps the geography of his own identity. Duran sensitively balances Halfon's dual messages of melancholy and wonder. Read the full AudioFile review.

When a steamy romance is crossed with an investigative thriller, the listener will be treated to a pulse-pounding story. Kaleo Griffith’s deep, gravelly voice delivers it with passion and enthusiasm. Read the full AudioFile review.

Michal Friedman’s soft Southern accent and enthusiastic tone bring authenticity to the most important facets of this award-winning book—its setting and main character. Read the full AudioFile review.

An entertaining experience awaits the listener of this audiobook. Narrating with appropriate youthful exuberance and well-placed emphasis, Jonathan Ross makes the happenings in the town of Hair Sprinkle take flight. Read the full AudioFile review.

Robert Petkoff’s impressive narration makes Cole’s paranormal romance a must listen. He convincingly depicts the love affair of Lothaire, a blood-thirsty vampire, and Elizabeth, a young woman who is possessed by an evil goddess. Read the full AudioFile review.

There's no doubt that this is one of Crais's best mysteries. Teamed with MacLeod Andrews’s narration, you'll want to finish the book in one listen. Read the full AudioFile review.

JD Jackson’s narration of this 1994 biography for young adults has the understated assuredness of a master and keeps the focus on Walter Dean Myers’s beautiful text. Read the full AudioFile review.

This collection of short stories, originally published in a variety of magazines during the 1950s, is a listener’s delight. Every story stands out. Read the full AudioFile review.

This 1968 memoir poses significant challenges for the narrator. She must capture the essence of the author from an unschooled 4-year-old to a polished adult writer. Lisa Renee Pitts carries it off well. Read the full AudioFile review.

Whether it's a full orchestra, a single violin, or simply the rhythmic snipping of scissors, the music itself becomes a character in this moving story of Paulo. The listener hears young Paulo's first squeaky attempts at playing scales and feels his parents’ anguish as they are forced to play Mozart concertos for the SS during WWII. Read the full AudioFile review.

An emotionally wrenching tale of conflicting ethics, humanity, and early American pragmatism from Tracy Chevalier (GIRL WITH THE PEARL EARRING), superbly performed by Kate Reading. Read the full AudioFile review.

Anne Boleyn spent her formative years in France. Crowley's expressive reading creates an engaging personality for young Anne that flawlessly reflects author Maxwell's well-researched text. Read the full AudioFile review.

Narrator Paul Michael takes a conversational approach, which perfectly fits this affecting novel about the perils of being gay in 1950s America. He uses careful pacing and a just-right level of emotion. Read the full AudioFile review.