The Biggest Release Day of the Season!

I’ve mentioned how much I ADORE Sabriel narrated by Tim Curry, and I recently relistened to it because the 25th anniversary edition of the novel is this year. I loved revisiting the Old Kingdom, a medieval-like world where the kingdom has fallen into disarray after the death of the queen 200 years before. Sabriel grew up across the wall in a steam-based world, safe from the undead that wander the Old Kingdom.

I love how Nix introduces us to this incredibly rich world filled with darkness and mystery. Sabriel’s father is the Abhorsen, an office tasked with laying the dead to rest and defending the Kingdom from necromancers. There’s the bells of his office, a magic infused sword, and a mysterious house sitting on a waterfall.

But for me, the book shines when Tim Curry gives voice to Mogget, a free magic entity bound to serve the Abhorsen. Curry has such a brilliant way of voicing his characters, and his voice naturally lends itself to a book about necromancers and the undead that serve them.

If you’re looking for a spooky listen for the fall that isn’t too scary, this is it.

Narrated by Tim Curry

If you came up to me on the street and pitched me a book about 12th century nuns, I’d probably be giving you a look that said, “Say what now?” But The Matrix is written by the one and only Lauren Groff, a masterful storyteller. I’d read anything she wrote. Yes, even a book about nuns. Adjoa Andoh beauflly narrates the book, capturing that austere quality I imagine a 12th century nun would have.

Narrated by Adjoa Andoh

I’ll admit it; I adore Sally Rooney. There’s just something about the way that she capture 20-somethings having terrible sex and intense relationship drama that has me finding every excuse in the world to keep listening. Her latest novel is everything I’d hoped it would be—full of young millennial angst, messy relationships, and lots of steamy scenes. Aoife McMahon is a gem of a narrator, helping create the perfect atmosphere for Rooney’s story.

Narrated by Aoife McMahon

This memoir follows Qian Julie Wang as her family moves from China to America. In China, her parents were professors, but in America, they work in sweatshops. The stress of their new lives causes her parents to fight constantly, and when illness strikes the family, Qian feels even more isolated. The author also narrates the audiobook, which makes this memoir even more impactful on audio.

Narrated by Qian Julie Wang

In this retelling of Little Women, Bethany C. Morrow introduces us to four Black sisters coming of age during the civil war. I love Morrow’s work, so when I heard she was taking on Little Women for this remix series, I couldn’t have been more thrilled. All-star narrator Adenrele Ojo performs the audiobook with the author.

Narrated by Adenrele Ojo and Bethany C. Morrow

Zoraida Córdova might be more well known for her young adult novels, but The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina marks her adult fiction debut. The novel follows the Montoya family, who all gather at the matriarch’s funeral. There, her descendants are given gifts that manifest later in their lives. There are family secrets and hidden magic, which is definitely my speed. Frankie Corzo performs the audiobook edition brilliantly, proving once again why she is one of the best.

Narrated by Frankie Corzo

Colm Tóibín is back with an epic family saga that spans the decades through WWI and WWII. Thomas Mann, the family patriarch, is an incredible novelist trying to live up to the expectations that come with his success. He marries well and his children join the resistance against the Nazi regime. This novel is sure to be the engrossing fall listen that you need in your life. In Gunnar Cauthery’s performance, he captures the time period so well.

Narrated by Gunnar Cauthery

Nature lovers, assemble! Earlier this year, I shared some nature books that I really loved, and I was delighted to learn that mushrooms, in particular, are having a bit of a moment. The latest book celebrating these fantastic organisms is The Secret Life of Fungi by Aliya Whitely, which gives listeners an inside peek at the lives of mushrooms and celebrates all of their quirky glory. Alison Larkin narrates the audiobook, giving the whole experience a delightfully cozy feel.

Narrated by Alison Larkin