AudioFile Magazine's 2022 Best Audiobooks in Science Fiction & Fantasy

Every December, I eagerly look forward to reading all the best-in-books lists so I can add titles to my own reading wish list. Of all the many such lists, my favorite by far are the audiobook genre lists compiled by AudioFile Magazine.

As many of you know, I've had a long association with AudioFile, both as a freelance reviewer and as a contributing editor. Thanks to that partnership, I'm very excited to share with you the magazine's picks for the Best Science Fiction & Fantasy Audiobooks for 2022.

Before we get to this year's best SFF audiobooks, here's some background information. AudioFile's lists are unique in that they take into consideration the entire audiobook experience, which is headlined by the narrator's performance. In the case of fiction, the magazine's editors weigh such things as the narrator's use of voices to differentiate characters, their sense of pacing and tension, their ability to convey the emotional heart of the story, and their delivery of humor and dialogue. When an audiobook is narrated by more than one voice actor, AudioFile's editors take a look at how well the performances blend, contrast, or compliment each other.

Each one of the six Best Science Fiction & Fantasy Audiobooks for 2022 tells a great story, which is made all the better by an outstanding audiobook narrator or full cast. Here, then are the year's best SFF audiobooks to add to your listening queue. Click the titles to read the AudioFile Magazine review.

The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake (Macmillan Audio; 16 h) is the first in the Atlas science fiction series, which involves a competition and a secret library. The audiobook is performed by a full cast of narrators—Steve West, David Monteith, Damian Lynch, Caitlin Kelly, Andy Ingall, Munirih Grace, Siho Ellsmore, and James Patrick Cronin—each of whom take on a different character. Six individuals with magical talents are recruited to be part of an elite society. They have a year to prove themselves worthy: five will get in, one will die. The narrators won AudioFile's attention for capturing the characters' personalities and signaling their flaws, strengths, and growth.

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas (GraphicAudio; 16 h) is the second entry in the Court of Thorns and Roses series, which is about how a teenage human copes after she's been transported to the world of the Faeries while hunting in the woods. This audiobook edition is a full-cast dramatization, performed by Melody Muze, Anthony Palmini, Henry W. Kramer, and others. The audiobook, which was released in two parts (the linked review is to part 1), includes sound effects and music to create an immersive experience. The AudioFile reviewer was particularly impressed with how the narrators homed in on the characters' emotional centers.

Even though I Knew the End by C. L. Polk (Recorded Books; 4 h) is a stand-alone mashup of fantasy and noir mystery performed by January LaVoy. If Helen, a detective with magical abilities, can find the vampire who's terrorizing Chicago, she hopes to be able to get out of her deal with the devil. One major problem: she has only three days. If she succeeds, she might have a chance to find a happy future with the woman she loves. LaVoy works her own magic, enrapturing listeners with her nuanced and thoughtful performance of this twisty historical fantasy.

Maxine Justice: Galactic Attorney by Daniel Schwabauer (Oasis Audio; 9 h) is a fast-paced legal thriller played out on a galactic stage and read by Aimee Lilly. Maxine, a struggling personal injury lawyer, gets the chance to take a high-profile case representing an alien medical researcher who claims to have a miracle cure for all that ails humans. Even in the future, big pharma isn't really looking to heal the sick, and Max soon finds herself on their enemies list. Lilly's spot-on delivery of Max's humor, feistiness, and determination makes this audiobook a winner.

Moon Witch, Spider King by Marion James (Penguin Audio; 31 h) is the second installment in the Dark Star trilogy. This audiobook puts a powerful 177-year-old female witch on center stage, where she provides an alternate perspective on the magical African-inspired world introduced in the first audiobook by a male tracker. Narrator Bahni Turpin's talents are in full bloom, as she gives each character a unique and appropriate voice all the while honoring the pace and rhythm of the author's style. The audiobook takes listeners along as the witch discovers and then learns to use her powers.

Witches Abroad by Terry Pratchett (Penguin Audio; 10 h) is the twelfth entry in the beloved Discworld series, which takes listeners on adventures across a 10,000-mile-wide (and disc-shaped) world. This new audiobook edition of the story of how a godmother-witch must prevent a marriage in order to save her kingdom is principally narrated by Indira Varma, who delivers on the humor and picks up on the characters' unique traits. Peter Serafinowicz and Bill Nighy perform supporting roles. Both new and old fans of the Discworld universe will be delighted by this audiobook.

To learn about the top audiobooks of the year in other genres, be sure to visit AudioFile's Best of 2022 webpage. For exclusive interviews with the narrators of these winning audiobooks, tune in (and subscribe) to the magazine's Behind the Mic podcast.

Photo credits: January LaVoy photo by Todd Cerveri; Bahni Turpin photo Linda Posnick.

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What I Read in October: Part 2

Happy Monday -- long time, no linking up. I know. In any case, here's part 2 of what I read in October. If you're interested, I posted part 1 on Friday (click through to see my thoughts).

As on Friday, the books here are presented in no particular order. Note that my brief thoughts are also available on Goodreads. Thanks to the publishers and to Libro.fm for the print, digital, and/or audiobook review copies.

The Taking of Jemima Boone: The True Story of the Kidnap and Rescue That Shaped America by Matthew Pearl (Harper; Sept.): This is an interesting examination of the far-reaching effects of the capture of Daniel Boone's daughter and her friends by Native Americans. The book starts with the kidnapping of the girls by a group of Shawnee and Cherokee men. Boone and other men from the Boonesboro settlement tracked the girls (who tried to leave clues) and eventually rescued them, but not before one of the White men killed the son of a Shawnee chief. The remainder of the book ties this event into the general settlement of Kentucky, the Revolutionary War, and indigenous-settler conflicts. Though I knew of Jemima's capture and rescue, I didn't know the many later events surrounding Boonesboro, the Boone family, and other prominent settlers. This is a very readable account, though it is less about Jemima's capture than it is about the aftermath.

Audiobook: I partially read and partially listened to this book (as I often do with nonfiction). The audiobook comes with a PDF of the footnotes and a chart showing the major players. Jeremy Arthur performed the text in an engaging style.

Shards of Earth by Adrian Tchaikovsky (Orbit; Aug.): This is a complex and very well-received space opera. Unfortunately, this is my only DNF of the month. I need to point out that I do not think it was the fault of the book or the narrator. I think I had trouble getting into the story because I started the audiobook on vacation and then had to put it down for a almost a week. By the time I picked it back up, I needed to start from the beginning again. By then, I realized I should have waited because my mind wandered during the re-listen. SO this was totally a me issue and not a reflection on the story or on narrator Sophie Aldred's performance. I do plan on listening again sometime this coming winter.

Nanny Needed by Georgina Cross (Bantam; Oct.): This thriller is set in New York. A deeply in debt young woman accepts a job with an uber-rich, uber-private family to be the nanny for their toddler. The penthouse apartment is everything Sarah has ever imagined, and at first she's in awe of how the one-percenters live. All, however, is not normal in her employer's household, but once Sarah starts to get really uncomfortable, it's way too late. She has signed a contract, a NDA, and other papers that lock her into her job for at least three months. And if that weren't enough, she's been not-so-subtly threatened with lawsuits (or worse) if she tries to leave early. There are some twists and turns, but the novel fell short in building the tension and making me root for Sarah. I found a few plot points beyond my ability to suspend disbelief.

Audiobook: The audiobook was read by Emma Ashton, who did an okay job, though her delivery was a little too earnest during tense moments.

The Woman All Spies Fear: Code Breaker Elizebeth Smith Friedman and Her Hidden Life by Amy Butler Greenfield (Random House; Oct.): I'm not quite sure why this biography is tagged for a young adult audience. The biography is well documented and solidly written. In any case, this is the story of Elizebeth Smith Friedman who spent decades in the cypher business. As a young woman in the early 1900s, she worked for a man who wanted to know if it was true that Shakespeare's original folios included cyphers. Later she broke codes for the government during both World Wars, helped break a ring of rum runners during Prohibition, and figured out how to read encrypted messages from enemy countries and spies. She was called as an expert witness in court and was a formidable force when it came to deciphering codes.

Greenfield also talks about Friedman's struggles with being a working woman, especially after she got married and then after she had children. Her husband was also a well-respected code breaker, and the public often gave him credit for her work, even when the couple worked for completely different government agencies and were under strict nondisclosure and security orders (which they both obeyed).

The book is amply illustrated with examples of codes, photographs, and even a page from Friedman's diary. A bibliography and footnotes round out the biography. Don't let the YA rating put you off. This account of Elizebeth Smith Friedman's life is readable, serious, and in no way simplified for a teen audience.

Audiobook:The unabridged audiobook is read by Samantha Desz, who did a great job keeping my attention and subtly distinguishing between quoted material and running text. Note that I both listened to and read this book. The audiobook comes with a PDF, though I haven't seen it.

A Spindle Splintered by Alix E. Harrow (Tordotcom; Oct.): I really enjoyed this short retelling of the fairy tale "Sleeping Beauty," especially with its feminist and LGBTQ+ aspects. The good news is that this is the first in Harrow's new Fractured Fables series.

Ohioan Zin Gray celebrates her 21st birthday a little differently from most because she was born with a rare disease that, statistically speaking, should kill her before the year is out. Still, her BFF Charm hosts a small Disney-inspired Sleeping Beauty party. When Zin pricks her finger on the spinning wheel meant for decoration, she is transported to an alternate world where she meets Prim, another Sleeping Beauty, also cursed at birth. The story is full of pop culture references and tongue-in-cheek fairy tale dialogue and shows how Zin, Prim, Charm, and other surprise feminist heroes find a way to give everyone their happy ending. Fun!

The 500 Years of Indigenous Resistance Comic Book: Revised and Expanded by Gord Hill (Arsenal Pulp; Oct.): Just in time for the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims' original Thanksgiving feast (I'll leave it you to research Indigenous peoples' view on that day and the contemporary federal holiday). This revised and expanded graphic look at Indigenous history after contact with Europeans focuses on resistance and activism and provides a perspective that most of us throughout the Western Hemisphere aren't taught in school or in popular culture. From Columbus's several voyages and settlements through to very current protests against development of Native lands and the destruction of the environment, the stories are heartbreaking and introduce readers to Indigenous groups throughout the Americas.

Highly recommended for anyone interested in learning a different view of history and perfect for homeschooling or the classroom.

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What I Read in October: Part I

I read 11 books in October, one of which was a DNF. Here are my brief thoughts on the first six; see my post on Monday for the remainder. The books are presented in no particular order.

Note that the following thoughts are also available on Goodreads. Thanks to the publishers and to Libro.fm for the print, digital, and/or audiobook review copies. "AFM" means you can find my thoughts about the audiobook production over on the AudioFile Magazine website.

Fault Lines by Emily Itami (Custom House, Sept.): This is the story of Mizuki who once dreamed of becoming a singer but is now a proper Japanese wife and mother who often feels invisible. When she meets a handsome, charming restaurateur who seems to really pay attention to her, she lets the friendship evolve into an affair. All the while she struggles to balance her love for her family with the need for something more. The novel includes beautiful descriptions of Tokyo--the sights, sounds, smells, and food. In the end, the was book only okay for me.

Audiobook: Lydia Wilson did a fine job with the narration, but her British accent was off-putting--the main character of the book is a Japanese native who became proficient in English after spending a few years living in New York. I would have preferred an audiobook narrator who had an American accent or who had a slight Japanese accent.

The Ballad of Laurel Springs by Janet Beard (Gallery; Oct.): Set in the mountains of Tennessee, this book follows the lives of several generations of women from the early 1900s into the 21st century. One common thread through time is the story told in the folk song "Pretty Polly" and the nearby Laurel Springs, where the murder outlined in the song took place. Generally, this is a "men do women wrong"--again and again--kind of book.

Audiobook: The audiobook was read by Jennifer Jill Araya, Andi Arndt, Robin Eller, Angel Pean, Candace Thaxton, Megan Tusing, and Nancy Wu, each of whom performed chapters told by different women through time. The performances were solid, with no weak links.

The Guide by Peter Heller (Knopf; Aug): Peter Heller is one of my favorite authors. This book is a followup to The River, his 2019 book. As always, Heller writes beautifully about the outdoors and about fly fishing. He captures the sounds, the moods, and the excitement. He also writes a good thriller. This story is set in Colorado, where Jack (one of the main characters in The River) was lucky enough to get a mid-season job as a guide at an exclusive resort. The fishing is good, and his client is a famous singer, who wants to spend some down time away from prying eyes. She's at home in the outdoors, so Jack enjoys the time he spends with her. The lodge is upscale, but Jack and Alison begin to notice that something's off--and soon their curiosity puts them in danger. Though this isn't Heller's strongest novel, it's well worth your time.

Audiobook: Mark Deakins is the voice for Heller's work. The performance is stellar.

When Two Feathers Fell from the Sky by Margaret Verble (Marinar; Oct): I liked this story of Two Feathers--the stage name of a Cherokee woman who pretty much grew up in the Wild West show arena. It's 1926, and she's one of the star attractions at a Tennessee zoo. Her act involves diving into a pool of water while on horseback. After an accident makes it impossible for her to perform, she begins to observe the goings on of her fellow performers and staff. There's a lot in this book about Two's uncertainty of where she fits in society, based on her skin color and her heritage. Among the other characters are a white World War I veteran who suffers from PTSD, a black man who didn't live up to his family's expectations, and a Native American ghost. The plot is sometimes bogged down with the serious themes and issues, but the book held my interest.

Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki (Tor; Sept.): This is one of those books that's difficult to explain. It's a mashup of fantasy, science fiction, and contemporary fiction. I'm not quite sure how or why this book works, but it does. There are three basic plot lines that converge and twist together. Katrina Nguyen is a trans girl who ran away from the parents who don't understand her to pursue her dream of becoming a musician. Shizuka Salomi is one of the most famous and respected violin teachers in the world. What the public doesn't know is that decades ago she made a deal with the devil; in order to regain her own soul she must deliver the souls of seven brilliant violinists -- Katrina may be her key to freedom. Meanwhile Lan Tran, a starship captain, fled from intergalactic war to hide out on Earth with her family. They blend in with Earthlings by running a doughnut shop.

As improbable as it seems the stories of these three women work and tell a tale of self-acceptance and finding safety even in the bleakest of times. The major themes are love, friendship, family, and loyalty, and Aoki's descriptions of the power of music and the tastes and meaning of food are powerful. CW: Katrina's transitioning experiences are sometimes rough. AFM

My Monticello by Jocelyn Nicole Johnson (Holt; Oct.): Sharp, moving, thought-provoking collection of stories and the title novella. Johnson explores the legacy of slavery and ongoing racism in a variety of situations.

The title novella is set in the immediate aftermath of a white supremacy takeover of Charlottesville. A group of neighbors from a predominately Black neighborhood flee the violence and destruction, ending up at Jefferson's Monticello. Two of the characters are in fact direct descendants of the president and Sally Hemings. Besides issues of survival (including medical care), the novella explores relationships among the refugees and their sometimes uneasy connections to the estate, the house, and the artifacts stored there.

Audiobook: The unabridged audiobook is narrated by Aja Naomi King, January LaVoy, Landon Woodson, LeVar Burton, Ngozi Anyanwu, and Tomiwa Edun. Excellent performances all around.

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12 Science Fiction, Dystopian, & Fantasy Books for July 2021

What's your favorite type of escape reading for hot summer days? I go for either speculative fiction or crime fiction. In today's roundup, I'm sharing some of the science fiction, fantasy, and dystopian books that caught my eye this month. I've already read some of them (reviews to come) and haven't been disappointed yet. All of the following books will be available in July.

The short descriptions are based on the publishers' summaries or from my own impressions, and I've included audiobook information. Thanks to the publishers for the review copies (either print, digital or audio).

Science Fiction Meets Mystery/Thriller

The 22 Murders of Madison May by Max Barry (Putnam): Set in an alternate New York City. A space/time-traveling serial killer is perused by the journalist who was assigned to report on the murder of Madison May. The audiobook (Penguin Audio) is read by Helen Laser.

Midnight Water City by Chris McKinney (Soho Crime): First in a science fiction noir trilogy. A kind of police procedural set in the not-so-distant future involving the murder of a space scientist and the detective who will stop at nothing to solve the case. The audiobook (Recorded Books) is read by Richard Ferrone.

We Have Always Been Here by Lena Nguyen (Daw). Set on a space ship. A behavioral psychologist attempts to save her fellow crew members from a mysterious mental breakdown that begins to manifest after the ship was hit by a radiation storm. The audiobook (Recorded Books) is read by Catherine Ho.

It's a Dystopian World

Appleseed by Matt Bell (Custom House). Set in an alternative North America with sci-fi, historical fiction, and fantasy elements. In the past, two brothers plant apple trees in the territories slated for colonists; in the near future, a group of people are devoted to the rewilding of the continent; in the far future an AI being makes a startling discovery. The themes include climate change, survival, and humankind's relationship to the environment. The audiobook (Harper Audio) is read by Mark Bramhall.

Council of Animals by Nick McDonell, illustrated by by Steven Tabbutt (Henry Holt): Set in the future when humans are almost extinct thanks to pandemics, climate change, and more. The fate of the remaining people are in the "hands" of the animals. The audiobook (Macmillan Audio) is read by the author.

East Asian Roots

A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers (Tordotcom): This hopepunk novel is set on a moon. A tea monk travels the wilderness offering solace to those they talk to; when they cross paths with a sentient robot, the two begin a series of discussions about the nature of humankind and what people need. The audiobook (Macmillan Audio) is read by Emmett Grosland.

She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan (Tor Books): Set in an alternative ancient China. This is a reimagining of the founding of the Ming Dynasty with a young woman, who must pass as male, at the center. The audiobook (Macmillan Audio) is read by Natalie Naudus.

Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim (Knopf BYR): Based on Asian folklore and Western fairy tales. This is the story of a banished and silenced princess who must find a way to save both her cursed brothers and her repressed kingdom. The audiobook (Listening Library) is read by Emily Woo Zeller.

A Return to Camelot

Half Sick of Shadows by Laura Sebastian (Ace): A retelling of the Arthurian legend from the point of view of Elaine, the Lady of Shalott. The audiobook (Penguin Audio) is read by Ell Potter.

Sword Stone Table edited by Swapna Krishan and Jenn Northington (Vintage): A collection of reimaginings of Arthurian tales from a variety of perspectives, times, and places, emphasizing diversity in its many forms. The audiobook (Random House Audio) is read by a stellar cast of narrators.

Strong Young Women

Red Wolf by Rachel Vincent (HarperTeen): A fairy tale retelling of "Little Red Riding Hood" in which the wolves have a surprisingly different role to play and a young woman must decide her fate and that of her community. The audiobook (Harper Audio) is read by Taylor Meskimen.

What We Devour by Linsey Miller (Sourcebooks Fire): A young woman is caught between believing what she’s always been taught--that the rulers of her land are evil--and an alternative view presented by the crown prince himself. Down which path will she find the salvation of her land? The audiobook (Recorded Books) is read by Amy Scanlon.

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Stacked-Up Book Thoughts; Or What I Read in November

Can it be? This year is almost over, and most of us can't wait to say good-bye to 2020 and hello to new possibilities and a happier new year. November turned out to be a kind of bust of a reading month. The first week was taken up with election news and the last week with Thanksgiving. In between I read and listened to small batch of meh books. Well, some months are like that, I guess.

I'm still in the middle of three books: one is a book of essays, one is nonficiton, and the other is a thriller. I'll write about those at the end of December. In the meantime, here are my thoughts on November in books.

Note that I've also posted these thoughts in GoodReads. Thanks to the publishers for the review copies -- whether audio, digital, or print. If you see "AFM" at the end, visit AudioFile Magazine to see my review of the audiobook production.

First I want to mention a book I didn't finish. Early in November I started Tower of Fools by Andrzej Sapkowski (trans. David A. French, Orbit, Oct. 27). This book has all kinds of elements I usually really love: history, religious politics, Renaissance, and fantasy. It's also a book in translation, which is normally a draw for me. Unfortunately, it just didn't click, maybe owing to my pre-election mood. I might try this again.

We Keep the Dead Close by Becky Cooper (Grand Central, Nov. 10). This is true crime about the 1969 murder of a Harvard anthropology grad student. I was interested in the book for two reasons: (1) I'm fan of true crime and (2) I have a doctorate in physical (biological) anthropology and knew about this case and was familiar with some of the people in the Harvard anthropology department.

It's clear Cooper dug deep into this case, conducted as many interviews as possible, and honored the life and work of the victim, Jane Britton. I know published reviews praised this book to the ends of the earth, and I can see why because of the quality of Cooper's investigation and because the book reveals many less-pleasant aspects of academia and graduate departments: gender inequality, socioeconomic privilege, department politics, and Harvard culture. On the other hand, Cooper's account could have used a tighter edit to eliminate filler, tangents, some of the dead-end paths, and some rambling. Still, if you like true crime, you'll like We Keep the Dead Close.

I listened to the unabridged audiobook, which was read by the author. Cooper did only an okay job as a narrator. She's clearly not a professional or a dynamic voice actor, and a few mispronunciations were annoying. My advice is to listen to a sample before trying the audiobook.

Sweet Harmony by Claire North (Orbit, Sept. 22). Set in the future, this short book explores addiction, relationships, FOMO, self-image, and an acquisitive society. In Harmony's world, people can buy biological upgrades through a phone app: no more broken-out skin and no more weight gain; it's possible to have perfect teeth, perfect hair, level moods, perfect health, and so on. The problem is, each upgrade comes with a monthly fee, quickly plunging Harmony into insurmountable debt. When she can't pay, her enhancements stop working, one by one, which not only affects her self-image but also leads to the destruction of her relationships and her being downsized at work.

North offers an interesting perspective on many contemporary issues, which might make this a good book club pick. I, however, simply just didn't like Harmony and couldn't get behind her choices. If the book had been any longer, I'm sure I would have DNF'd it. For my thoughts on the audiobook, see AFM.

The Constant Rabbit by Jasper Fforde (Viking; Spet. 29). I love Fforde and went into this book with high hopes. Warning: It took me a while to warm up to the story, and it is certainly not my favorite of his books. What I did like was the satire on all things sociopolitical in contemporary America and the UK.

The book opens about 50 years after there was a cosmic event in which several species of mammals (including rabbits, weasels, and foxes) and a few insects became anthropomorphized. While these creatures retained much of their animal characteristics, they also became kind of human: they were able to speak and read and drive cars and own homes and have jobs right along side humans. Fforde uses the interactions between people and the human-like animals to explore prejudice, integrated neighborhoods, power, equal rights, citizenship, and so on.

There were some laugh-out-loud moments and lots to think about. On the other hand, the whole thing became a bit wearying once the general gist and message were clear. My very positive review of the audiobook can be found at AFM.

The Arrest by Jonathan Lethem (Ecco; Nov. 10). Set in the future, this book explores what happens to society and the world when we suddenly lose the power to run our TVs, computers, phones, and cars. Different groups of people react differently to the new normal, some making political power grabs and others trying communal living, hiding in isolated paranoia, forming bands of militia, and so on. Without mass communication, no one knows what's happening in the world outside their own small community.

When the Arrest happened, Hollywood script doctor Sandy was visiting his sister, who runs an organic farm in Maine. When transportation and communication go down, Maine is where he had to remain, and he now does odd jobs for the town's butcher and for the farm. Where Sandy lives, all is peaceful. The residents have almost no contact with outsiders until a mega movie producer friend from Sandy's past shows up in a mysteriously powered vehicle and begins to woo the town and disrupt the delicate balance of peace.

The book was only okay for me. The drama and tension among Sandy, his sister, and his friend didn't fully resonate, and I found much of the story just kind of weird. I liked the dynamics of the town and its relationship to the more militant group that lived nearby, but I was less intrigued when the plot spun into a different orbit. On the other hand, Robert Fass did a super-duper job with the narration of the audiobook, especially in the way he created a mood and connected us to the characters' mental state.

The Orchard by David Hopen (Ecco; Nov. 17). I really wanted to love this book because I was taken by the premise: An ultra-Orthodox Jewish family from Brooklyn moves to south Florida to another Orthodox Jewish community, but one that is more connected to contemporary America.

Ari Eden is just about to start his senior year of high school. In Brooklyn, his yeshiva concentrated mostly on Jewish studies, preparing young men to be good members of their closed, religious community. The Florida yeshiva, however, covers all subjects and while religious, also prepares its students (male and female) for college and life in the world at large.

The story promises to show how Ari adjusts to his new life, mingling with Orthodox Jews who bend the law--for example, not always wearing a yarmulke and allowing casual touching between unrelated men and women. While the book is a lot about that, the events and relationships don't seem at all realistic. Ari quickly falls in with the cool kids; has a girlfriend; and discovers smoking, drinking, and drugs. Despite being well behind in some academic subjects, he seems, with minimal tutoring, to keep up with the rest of his class and is on a path to graduation and possibly college. His friends are privileged and wild, suffering few consequences for their actions. At the same time, they come off as religious and philosophical scholars.

The boys' explorations into the mysteries of God and the spiritual world don't ring true. It's hard to imagine seniors in high school behaving and thinking the way they did. The cast includes at least three high school girls and a couple of adult women, all of whom are uni-dimensional and seem to appear only for a love interest or for motherly concern. It's a shame, because the the setup offered much to be explored about the interface between strict religious traditions and contemporary society.

The Survivors by Jane Harper (Flatiron, Feb. 2). I'm a big fan of Jane Harper, and her newest didn't disappoint. When Kieran returns to small coastal town in Tasmania to help his mother settle his father in a nursing home and close up his childhood home, he knew things would be uncomfortable. After all, a dozen years ago during a tremendous storm, he got trapped on a rocky beach; when his brother and a friend tried to rescue him, their boat capsized and the pair drowned. Most people in the small town (and maybe even Kieran's parents) blame Kieran for those deaths, though the storm also took others, including a teenage girl whose body was never found.

On Kieran's first night home, a young woman is murdered on the beach. The investigation opens up old wounds and hurts within the community, affecting Kieran's relationship with his parents, his friends, and even his girlfriend and their infant daughter.

This is a multilayered, atmospheric mystery that masterfully interlaces the past with the present. Harper has a way of making the landscape come alive, acting almost as another character. The story is character driven, and Kieran's personal journey is as important as solving the murder. This is a don't-miss read.

Narrator Stephen Shanahan is a perfect match to Harper's prose, and he once again captures the heart the soul of her work. Recommended in either print or audio.

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12 Audiobooks: What I've Listened to This Summer

Here's what I've read since my last check-in. All books were received for review or for a freelance assignment unless otherwise indicated. Where you see "AFM," please check out my full audiobook review on the AudioFile Magazine website. Also note that I've given fuller treatment to some of these titles over on Goodreads. Also note that I listened to all of these titles. I miss print/digital reading, but audios are what works for now.

Before I get into my brief thoughts on the dozen books I listened to since my last post, I want to mention one that I didn't finish. While I really liked the first book in the Aurora Cycle series, I ultimately turned off Aurora Burning. It may be my mood, it may be a case of sophomore slump for the authors, but I just didn't care enough to find out what happens to the characters. Note that I normally love Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff, so blame the DNF on me. The narrators were Kim Mai Guest, Johnathan McClain, Lincoln Hoppe, Donnabella Mortel, Jonathan Todd Ross, Erin Spencer, and Steve West, and they all did a fine job. The performances were not the issue. (Listening Library; 15 hr, 16 min).

• Wandering Strange Lands by Morgan Jerkins (author read; HarperAudio; 8 hr, 3 min): In this memoir, the author sets out to search for her roots and along the way discusses the Great Black Migration north, myths and traditions, food and customs, and more that connect and disconnect Black Americans from each other and their ancestors. Adequately read by the author.
• The Golden Cage by Camilla Lackberg (read by Ann Richardson; Random House Audio; 11 hr, 2 min): This is a standalone thriller that focuses on a woman who is out to seek revenge on her husband who has done her wrong. A few good twists. I like Lackberg's main series better, but this is a good listen. Richardson does well with the accents and builds the tension.
• Death of Yesterday by M.C. Beaton (read by Graeme Malcolm; Grand Central; 5 hr, 36 min): The 28th installment in the Hamish Macbeth series still doesn't disappoint. I was, however, unhappy that I downloaded a "Booktrack" version of the audiobook. Malcolm's delivery was fine, but the so-called enhancements (music, sound effects) were too distracting for me. Your mileage may vary, but I'm not a fan of Booktrack.
  

• The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley (read by Gary Furlong, Elle Newlands, Morag Sims, Imogen Church, and Moira Quirk; HarperAudio; 10 hr, 8 min): What a super closed-door mystery with a ton of red herrings and an exquisite slow burn. You don't even know who the victim is until pretty far along. Loved this. The full cast was terrific; highly recommended. (personal collection)
  
• Summer Longing by Jamie Brenner (read by Molly Parker Myers; Hachette Audio; 11 hr; 36 min): It's not summer without a Brenner book. Her beach reads always have some depth to them and focus a lot on mothers and daughters and family. Perfect for these hot August days. Myers's performance was engaging.
• Northernmost by Peter Geye (read by Edoardo Ballerini and Lisa Flanagan; Random House; 11 hr, 34 min): Just a quick note here to say that this is probably my top read of the year. I'm pretty much in awe of Geye's talents and love the generations of characters he has created. I write more about this book on GoodReads. Ballerini and Flanagan were amazing. Listen to this one!

• Death of a Policeman by M.C. Beaton (read by Graeme Malcolm; Hachette Audio; 5 hr, 20 min): I'm almost done with the series and will likely finish up by the time I post reviews again. Still fun and Malcolm is still good.
• The Aunt Who Wouldn't Die by Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay (read by Deepti Gupta and Zehra Jane Naqvi; HarperAudio; 3 hr, 15 min): I'm not sure I understood this Bengali audiobook in translation. It's the story of a poor woman who marries into a rich family and also the story of her daughter. The magical realism and the cultural references I didn't really get made this only meh for me. On the other hand, Gupta and Naqvi's performances were fine. AFM.
• His & Hers by Alice Feeney (read by Richard Armitage and Stephanie Racine; Macmillan Audio; 10 hr, 39 min): A twisty thriller set in England. Every time I thought I had figured it all out, I was wrong! Well done and worth your time. Armitage and Racine kept my interest and didn't give the story away.

• Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir (read by Moira Quirk; Recorded Books; 16 hr, 50 min): This is the first in the Locked Tomb trilogy and because the second book was (or will be?) released this summer, I thought it was time to get on board. It's a unique fantasy and science fiction mashup with good characters, okay world building, and some mysteries. I'm interested enough to listen to the second book. Quirk was good; I have no complaints.
• The Fixed Stars by Molly Wizenberg (read by Erin Mallon; Dreamscape; 6 hr 21 min): I wrote more about this on GoodReads. I like Wizenberg's earlier memoirs so I knew I would like this one too, though the subject matter is not food related. Instead Wizenberg writes about her growing self-awareness in terms of her sexuality and discusses gender in broader terms. Mallon was excellent.
• Becoming Eve by Abby Chava Stein (author read; Seal; 7 hr, 53 min): Go see my thoughts on GoodReads for more. Fascinating look into both contemporary Hasidic life and the journey of a transgender member of the community. Stein writes with openness and feeling and seems like a natural behind the mic. One of my favorites of the year.
  

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4 Books in 4 Days; Or My Holiday Reading List

Happy Friday! If you're in the USA or UK, are you ready for the long holiday weekend? I am, even though we'll be celebrating by ourselves this year. No matter, because I have plans. Reading plans, that is.

I hope to read one book every day of the weekend, starting today. I'll also be queuing up a new audiobook, but I'll talk about that next week. Here's what's on my 4-day reading stack (in no particular order).


Unreconciled by W. Michael Gear (DAW, May 12): I really liked the first three books in Gear's sci-fi Donovan series, which takes place on an outpost planet. A hostile environment, strange creatures, tough women, politics, and sleazy bad guys all play a part. Gear's anthropology background colors the story about colonizing a planet that, of course, already has an indigenous population, even if those beings don't look very much like Earthlings. Lots of action, and not everyone is destined to survive. The audiobooks in the series have been wonderfully performed by Alyssa Bresnahan, who brings the characters alive and amps up the danger and action. I've both read and listened to the first three books and will probably listen to this one as a reread later in the summer.

Answer Creek by Ashley E. Sweeney (She Writes Press, May 19): I have a thing for stories about the Donner Party and about American pioneers who made the trek west for a better life. This book is about 19-year-old Ada Weeks, who is traveling to California on her own, though she is not without useful skills. The group, of course, becomes snowed in before they can cross the Sierra Nevadas and must find a way to survive the winter with no food and little resources. Sweeney doesn't sugar-coat or romanticize the journey or what it took to survive that snowy winter in the mountain pass. We've heard the stories of cannibalism, starvation, and dwindling hope and faith. Does Ada survive the winter and, if so, at what personal cost?

The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner (St. Martin's Press, May 26): This novel takes place in post-World War II England in the village of Chawton, where Austen spent her last years. When Austen's cottage is threatened by the current heirs to the estate, seven men and women form an unlikely alliance to preserve the home as a museum, honoring the author's work and life. Each member of the society harbors his or her own scars, sorrows, and burdens, but there is hope in their joint work. I'm a big Austen fan and am curious about this dual-level debut: first is Jenner's take on the author's life and books and second is following the stories of the characters who form the society. The audiobook is read by veteran narrator Richard Armitage, and I bet it's fabulous.

Beginning with Cannonballs by Jill McCroskey Coupe (She Writes Press, May 26): This novel focuses on race issues and civil rights during the last half of the twentieth century as experienced by two friends who drift apart as they become adults. Hanna's mother is the housekeeper for Gail's family, and thus the two girls grew up together in Knoxville, becoming--despite segregation--the best of friends. However, their interracial friendship doesn't survive after the girls are separated when Gail moves east. Through the years, as the two marry and raise children, Gail strives to maintain contact with Hanna and to reignite their childhood closeness, but the divide between them may be too wide to bridge. The themes of race, friendship, and possible reconciliation are what call to me here.

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Stacked-Up Book Thoughts: A Major Reset

Hello, friends. Now that I'm attempting to engage in real life again, I'm ready to start talking books. I've missed you, and I've missed reading.

January was the slowest reading month I've had in a very long time. I managed to finish only two audiobooks and start another (I'm almost done with it). I have a stack of print books and a list of ebooks from late December through to the end of January that I never got to.

I still have to sort through the book mail from the last few weeks (see below) and to organize the digital ARCs I have for this month's releases. I'll get to both during this coming week. I'm sure February will be another slow reading month, because I still have a lot of odds and ends to take care of and several long weekends of travel ahead.

What I Listened To

Here's what I listened to in January. The theme of "retellings" was totally unplanned and coincidental. All books were provided by the publisher.

• Meg & Jo by Virginia Kantra (Penguin Audio; 13 hr, 46 min) is read by Shannon McManus and Karissa Vacker. I really enjoyed this retelling of the classic Little Women from the perspectives of the two older March sisters. Set in modern times and given a light tone, the story captures the essence of the original while adding new elements. McManus and Vacker did a great job conveying Meg and Jo's personalities and kept me engaged throughout. You don't have to have read Alcott's book to enjoy this one, but I think a lot of fun was seeing how Kantra worked familiar scenes into her retelling.
• The Clergyman's Wife by Molly Greeley (HarperAudio; 6 hr, 17 min) is read by Susie Riddell. This audiobook is a spin off of Pride & Prejudice, following the fate of Elizabeth's friend Charlotte Lucas after she marries Mr. Collins and gains Lady Catherine de Bourgh as her patroness. Again, you don't have to be familiar with Austen's original to enjoy the story, but knowing the circumstances of Charlotte's marriage and her relationship with the Bennets will likely help you connect more strongly to the story. Riddell's expressive delivery brings the story alive.
• Wife after Wife by Olivia Hayfield (Penguin Audio; 14 hr, 57 min) is read by Steve West. This audiobook takes the story of Henry VIII and brings it into the 20th and 21 centuries. Henry Rose is a rich, handsome businessman who can't seem to hold onto his wives. Hayfield updated the names of the wives (for example, Kate and Anna are the first two) and nicely captured the scope of their lives and personalities. She even worked in details such as Henry's bad leg and his daughter Elizabeth's strong will. West's good pacing and distinct characterizations add to the enjoyment.

Book Mail

Here's the first stack. The Light in Hidden Places is a World War II story based on true events. Unreconciled is the fourth book in the Donovan series, set on a harsh planet (I love these books!). Ravenmaster is the paperback edition of a memoir of the man in charge of tending the ravens of the Tower of London. One Minute Out is a CIA thriller that's been getting a lot of buzz. The Love Story of Missy Carmichael is a contemporary story about friendship, self-acceptance, and community. Mazes of Power is the first in a new "sociological science fiction" series. The Infernal Battalion is the newest entry in the Shadow Campaigns series, epic fantasy with great characters and fast action. Dressed for a Dance in the Snow is one of my most anticipated books: true stories of women who had been imprisoned in the Russian gulag. The Sweet Indifference of the World is by one of my favorite authors in translation; this one is about memory, identity, and relationships. The Decent Inn of Death is the newest entry in the John Madden mystery series, set in England after World War II.

Here's the second stack: The Deadly Omens is the final entry in the Uncommoners trilogy, a middle grade fantasy / alternate history story that's won lots of praise. Fairy Unicorn Wishes is book 3 in Sophie Kinsella's Fairy Mom and Me series geared to young middle grade readers. Survival Instincts is a thriller set in a remote cabin in New Hampshire. The Unspoken Name is a debut epic fantasy that has garnered multiple starred reviews for its world building and tight plotting. Tombstone is the true story of how the Earp brothers and their friends found themselves at the famous shootout at the O.K. Corral. The Mother-in-Law is the paperback edition of a deadly kind of family story. Pretty as a Picture is crime fiction / mystery set in the world of the film industry. The Light after the War is based on the true story of what happened to two Jewish women in the decades after they together survived the Holocaust. A Silent Death is a new thriller from Peter May; this one is set in Spain but features a Glaswegian investigator. No True Believer is an #ownvoices story about a Muslim American teen who is framed for a crime she didn't commit. Beside Myself is a family saga spanning several generations and set in multiple countries, including the Soviet Union, Turkey, and Germany.

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5 Books for Speculative Fiction Fans

This week's roundup is all about escaping real life through speculative fiction. These days my world is full-on hard realities, so I want my reading to transport me to words that don't exist (at least not yet). The books I feature today represent some of the variety of stories found under the umbrella of fantasy and science fiction. I hope at least one will make it to your wish list.

Followers by Megan Angelo (Graydon House, Jan. 14) is a dual-time story that focuses on the effects of social media--first in 2015 and then in 2051. While some of the elements will seem familiar to our everyday lives in contemporary times (influencers and reality TV), how Angelo imagines that social media will evolve and change in the fairly close dystopian future gives us something to think about. The novel has garnered starred reviews and is billed as appealing to literary fiction lovers as well as dystopian fans. Opener:

Prologue / New York / 2051

So she still believed in mail, this woman, whoever she was. The first thing Marlow saw when she walked into the building was a grid of metal boxes, each with its own window and cobwebbed keyhole.

Audiobook: Read by Jayme Mattler (HarperAudio; 13 hr, 29 min)

The Vanished Birds by Simon Jimenez (Del Rey, Jan 14) is the proof that science fiction is much more than the Earthlings-meet-aliens scenario of old television shows. Nia pilots a faster-than-light ship, which means she barely ages in comparison to her friends and family, eventually leaving her alone and lonely. When she meets an apparently orphaned boy, something tugs at her, and she takes him in. Others, however, have not forgotten the child, and they may want him back. Another novel with starred reviews and much buzz. Opener:

He was born with an eleventh finger. A small bead of flesh and bone beside his right pinky. The doctor calmed the worried parents and told them the nub was a harmless thing. “But still,” he said, unlacing a small cloth pouch, “a farmer needs only ten fingers to work the dhuba.” He coaxed the child to sleep with the smoke of torched herbs, and sliced the nub from the hand with a cauterizing knife.

Audiobook: Read by Shayna Small (Random House Audio; 13 hr, 17 min)

Strange Exit by Parker Peevyhouse (Tor Teen, Jan. 14) is a stand-alone science-fiction/dystopian thriller in which the only survivors of a nuclear holocaust are in orbit around Earth awaiting the time until it's safe to return to the planet. The people are kept alive in a virtual reality version of San Francisco, meant to ease their fears. When the system starts to break down and supplies run low, two teens manage to escape the simulation--one wants to rescue everyone on board before it's too late; the other decides that only some are worth saving. The reviews have been mixed. Opener:

The San Francisco Zoo: gates rusted open, weeds bursting through cracks in the asphalt, trees like many-armed scarecrows, broken and stunted. Lake figured she was the only person to set foot in the place in years. Not counting the boy in the tiger exhibit. Lake peered in at him through a curtain of dirt over the viewing glass. She guessed he was around her age, seventeen. He sat on a log, hunched over something she couldn’t see. No tiger in sight.

Audiobook: Read by Caitlin Davies (Blackstone; ~6 hr)

A Beginning at the End by Mike Chen (Mira, Jan. 14) is a different kind of dystopian story set in the aftermath of deadly flu pandemic that killed all but about 2 billion people on Earth. After a six-year quarantine, people emerge into public to start over, whether in closed cities, on communes, or in marauding gangs. Amid rumors of another flu outbreak, some survivors learn that it isn't all that easy to make a new beginning, especially when the secrets of their "before" life may be exposed. Another novel with mixed reactions. Opener:

People were too scared for music tonight. Not that MoJo cared. Her handlers had broken the news about the low attendance nearly an hour ago with some explanation about how the recent flu epidemic and subsequent rioting and looting kept people at home. They’d served the news with high-end vodka, the good shit imported from Russia. . . .

Audiobook: Read by Emily Woo Zeller (Harlequin Audio; 11 hr, 39 min)

Diamond City by Francesca Flores (Wednesday Books, Jan. 28) is a dark fantasy debut about a young adult orphan who is trying to make her way in a violent world. Aina, a professional assassin, takes on an assignment that will give her the funds to be her own boss--if she can evade her enemies long enough to make the successful hit. To complicate matters, she must justify her life choices against the lessons taught by her murdered parents, who used their magic to protect those in need. Reviewers feel the world-building could be stronger but praise the action and the plotting. Opener:

The baker’s final words were smothered by a whimper.

“You know how they say you should watch out for the quiet ones?” Aina’s breath fogged the blade of the dagger she held. “They were right.” She took her time with the blade, heedless of his screams.

Audiobook: Read by Frankie Corzo (Macmillan Audio; 9 hr, 59 min)

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Stacked-Up Book Thoughts: My Uneven Reading Week

My fingers are crossed, but I think we may be seeing the end of the monsoon season. This past weekend was beautiful, and I managed to get outside and work in my gardens. They aren't the best they've looked, but I think the flowers are happy for the improvement.

The good weather couldn't have been better timed because a friend was in town, visiting from England. We were invited to lovely afternoon cookout, which was the perfect way to reconnect and relax.

I didn't get much reading finished this week, mostly because I had to bail on two -- yes, two -- of my books. One I ditched fairly early on, but the other I stupidly hung in there for way too long. Fortunately, I managed to finish one audiobook and made good progress on print books.

Rayne & Delilah's Midnite Matinee by Jeff Zentner (Crown Books for Young Readers, Feb. 2019). This young adult novel is about two best friends struggling to balance their teenage loyalties and dreams with the realities of their after-high-school opportunities. Josie and Delia have spent two years as hosts of a weekly fright night, which shows raunchy horror flicks on local-access television. They've had some success with their on-screen banter and intermission acts, and their show has been syndicated to several other local-access stations across the country. As their senior year ends, their future as TV co-hosts comes into question. A cute boy, an invite to a horror com (think Comic Com, except for horror movies), and family issues leave Delia and especially Josie with tough decisions.

Zentner nails this story. The girls were easy to connect with, their dilemmas seemed realistic, and the conclusion was satisfying. I loved the humor and quick dialogue but was also heartbroken for the girls as they dealt with the first steps of becoming adults and faced the consequences of their choices. Rayne & Delilah's Midnite Matinee has good crossover appeal to older readers, and I fully recommend it. Note that I listened to the unabridged audiobook (Listening Library; 10 hr, 20 min) read by Sophie Amoss and Phoebe Strole, who blended well together and delivered on the full range of emotions. See AudioFile magazine for my audiobook review. (Review copy provided by the publisher; audiobook provided for a freelance review)

I gave Ancestral Night by Elizabeth Bear (Gallery, March 2019; Simon & Schuster Audio, 16 hr, 48 min) more than a fair chance. This first in a new space opera series has garnered much praise. In the far future, Haimey Dz and her partner Connla Kurucz (male) fly a space salvage ship, collecting debris that has been left behind by all kinds of sentient species. When trying to score big, they uncover a secret and catch the attention of space pirates and the universe authorities. The entire story is told from Haimey's point of view (supposedly her diary), which is full of introspection and angst. I wish I knew why I devoted 10 hours of my life to this audiobook. There was too much "being in Haimey's head" for me, which consisted mostly of her wondering if she was doing the right thing, missing her friends, tweaking her emotions, ruminating over her upbringing, and reviewing her one big failed relationship. I guess I kept thinking something or other would happen. Sigh. Narrator Nneka Okoye did a fine job delivering Haimey's inner voice, but in the end, I had to say good-bye. (audiobook copy provided by the publisher)

Fortunately, I didn't spend much time at all with The Wolf Connection: What Wolves Can Teach Us about Being Human by Teo Alfero (Atria, June 25). This book was compared to Clarissa Pinkola Estés's Women Who Run with the Wolves and with Sy Montgomery's The Soul of an Octopus. Who could resist downloading a review copy? I pretty much jumped at the chance to read this. I wish I had paid closer attention to the publisher's summary, because I quickly realized this was not a book for me. On the other hand, it may be the perfect book for you. I was looking for a study about animal behavior, but what I got was the story of a program that helps heal people and guide them to a fuller life through a connection with these amazing animals. I support any program that can help people move past trauma while at the same time preserve Native American lore and can further our understanding of wolf behavior. It just wasn't the book I was expecting to read this week, and so put it aside. I may return to The Wolf Connection later in the year, now that I understand what it's all about. (digital copy provided by the publisher)

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