These starred reviews invite those who read with their ears into deeply imagined alternate worlds.

Jemisin, N.K. The World We Make. Hachette Audio. (The Great Cities, Bk. 2). Nov. 2022. 12:58 hrs. ISBN 9781668611357. $26.98. FANTASY

Voice actor Robin Miles provides a masterful narration of Jemisin’s sequel to The City We Became. As New York’s boroughs—mostly unified after the first book’s events—realize that the extradimensional threat to the multiverse isn’t over, they try to convince other cities’ avatars to join the battle. This means that in addition to giving voice to New York’s accents and cultures, Miles must also narrate voices from other countries. She does so with aplomb. Miles’s vocal range is staggering; she fully inhabits each character, channeling their emotions as they face sexism, racism, and all other manner of prejudices that the otherworldly threat can leverage. Miles communicates the complexity of Jemisin’s characters, allowing their contradictions and struggles to come through. For instance, while it would be easy to make the xenophobic Staten Island into a mockery, Miles taps into the nuances of Jemisin’s words, making Staten Island into someone who can be understood, if not condoned. VERDICT Listeners of the series’ prior audiobook will already be clamoring for this one. Purchase multiple copies, and rest assured that patrons will be delighted.—Matthew Galloway

Polk, C.L. Even Though I Knew the End. Recorded Books. Nov. 2022. 3:54 hrs. ISBN 9781705051825. $19.99. FANTASY

Award-winning voice actor January LaVoy narrates Polk’s (The Midnight Bargain) poignant novella with a jaded but yearning tone—a perfect fit for this romantic noir set in Jazz-Age Chicago. Detective and exiled wizard Helen is used to sacrificing everything for those she loves. She’s already sold her soul to save her brother, but then she’s given an offer she can’t refuse—if she finds the White City Vampire, she can get her soul back and spend the rest of her life with her lover, Edith. The hope and longing that run throughout this classically styled mystery stretch the short listen satisfyingly and create an emotional, edge-of-the-seat listening experience. Listeners may want more time in Polk’s world, but they won’t feel the journey ended too abruptly. Though the presence of angels and demons complicates the mystery of the novel, the clues and worldbuilding are carefully revealed, inviting listeners to join in the search for an otherworldly serial killer. While all of LaVoy’s characterizations are astonishingly well done, Helen stands out in particular, convincing listeners of the strength and purity of her love. VERDICT An essential buy for modern-fantasy collections. Share with fans of Emily Tesh’s Silver in the Wood or Ellen Klages’s Passing Strange.—Matthew Galloway