Let fantastic fiction listens be your companions during this busy month. Whether you’re on the go or trying to carve out some quiet time, our recommendations for historical fiction, mysteries, sci-fi, and more offer great audio escapes.
THE VOYAGE HOME
by Pat Barker, read by Kristin Atherton
Random House Audio
Release date: December 3
In this final volume of her Trojan trilogy, Barker once again focuses on women’s stories. Narrator Kristin Atherton won Earphones for her performances in both previous volumes.
PRIVATE RITES
by Julia Armfield, read by Hannah van der Westhuysen
Macmillan Audio
Release date: December 3
From the author of OUR WIVES UNDER THE SEA, three sisters grapple with their father’s death and their own lives in a world where it won’t stop raining.
THE RIVALS: Claudia Lin, Book 2
by Jane Pek, read by Eunice Wong
Random House Audio
Release date: December 3
Eunice Wong returns to narrate the second Claudia Lin adventure, in which Claudia investigates a murder related to the world of online dating.
THE FORBIDDEN BOOK
by Sacha Lamb, read by Sophie Amoss
Recorded Books, Ages 12+
Release date: December 3
We awarded Earphones to Lamb’s WHEN THE ANGELS LEFT THE OLD COUNTRY, so we’re looking forward to this new novel, a magical exploration of Jewish identity.
THE SHUTOUTS
by Gabrielle Korn, read by Gail Shalan
Macmillan Audio
Release date: December 3
In this follow-up to YOURS FOR THE TAKING, outsiders try to survive in a dystopian future.
RENTAL HOUSE
by Weike Wang, read by Jen Zhao
Penguin Audio
Release date: December 3
A couple grapples with their in-laws in this novel from the author of JOAN IS OKAY.
WIND AND TRUTH: Stormlight Archive, Book 5
by Brandon Sanderson, read by Kate Reading, Michael Kramer
Macmillan Audio
Release date: December 6
Longtime series narrators Kate Reading and Michael Kramer return to perform this latest installment in Sanderson’s fantasy epic.
HEAVENLY TYRANT: Iron Widow, Book 2
by Xiran Jay Zhao, read by Rong Fu
Tundra Books, Ages 14+
Release date: December 24
Fans have been waiting a long time for this sequel to IRON WIDOW, which melded Chinese history with high-octane sci-fi action.
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