★Grossman, Lev. The Bright Sword. Books on Tape. Jul. 2024. 23:10 hrs. ISBN 9781524783013. $95. FANTASY

Grossman (The Magicians) returns with an intricately woven, richly detailed, and thoroughly researched Arthurian tale. Collum, a knight-aspirant to the fabled Round Table, finds himself drawn into the realms of magic and treachery when he arrives at Camelot in the wake of King Arthur’s demise, as told in Le Morte d’Arthur. Only a handful of forgotten and misbegotten knights remain. Searching for a new king for Camelot, they set out on a great quest that challenges them beyond their usual stations. Each character has a place in the tale, and their individual backstories are interwoven with the main narrative to add depth to the ongoing quest. Don’t be fooled, however—these ancient stories are given new life by Grossman, who embraces the challenge to rethink who these knights may have been and what they looked like. Grossman’s skillful recreation and evolution of Arthurian storytelling is bolstered by Nicholas Guy Smith’s exceptional performance as narrator, imbuing each character with a richness and fullness that will have listeners hanging on his every word. VERDICT A triumph of classic fantasy storytelling that embraces tradition just as much as it turns tradition on its head, this is sure to resonate with high-fantasy readers everywhere.—Collin Stephenson

★Klune, TJ. Somewhere Beyond the Sea. Macmillan Audio. (Cerulean Chronicles, Bk. 2). Sept. 2024. 15:48 hrs. ISBN 9781250331601. $26.99. FANTASY

Arthur Parnassus had a rough time growing up but now lives an idyllic life, despite his past. Along with his partner, Linus, he is the beloved headmaster of an orphanage of magical children. When the Department of Magical Youth, Linus’s former employer, opens an investigation into the home, citing the so-called danger of these children, Arthur, Linus, Zoe (the island’s sprite, and Mayor Helen Webb (Zoe’s girlfriend) fight back to keep the children safe and protected from those who wish to harm them. Klune’s sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea is a warm welcome back to the island and into the home that Arther and Linus have built. Daniel Henning shines as the narrator. His variety of voices—from Chauncey, the tentacled child, to Lucie, the Anti-Christ, and his voicing of the newest character, a yeti named David—showcase his wide range. Klune’s novel is a timely tale of acceptance, love, and fighting for those who may be outsiders. Klune reads his author’s note, talking about the importance of books that focus on queer joy, community, and working together for a better future. VERDICT A wonderful companion novel that once again leaves listeners feeling all warm, fuzzy, and joy-filled.—Elyssa Everling

★Soria, D.L. The Cottage Around the Corner. Books on Tape. Sept. 2024. 12:47 hrs. ISBN 9780593746493. $95. FANTASY

Cozy romance and errant witchcraft are the perfect ingredients for the spell Soria (Thief Liar Lady) weaves. Charlie Sparrow grew up with her moms in the cozy world of Chanterelle Cottage, selling spells to a little town her family has served for six generations. Now, however, mage corporation Maven Enterprises threatens her family business. As if this weren’t bad enough, Maven is run by the infuriating (and handsome and charming and with such a cute dimple!) Fitz, whom Charlie believes is out to destroy Chantarelle. Plus, weird supernatural catastrophes are threatening the town Charlie loves. She may have to set aside her rivalry with (and feelings for) Fitz to protect her home. Victoria Villareal provides a great feel to this cozy romantasy, never moving from even ground. Her voices are distinct but not startling, and she makes sure listeners are wrapped up in the story, not in her presentation. VERDICT An enjoyable romance for the fantasy crowd.—Richard Winters

★Tchaikovsky, Adrian. Alien Clay. Hachette Audio. Sept. 2024. 13:56 hrs. ISBN 9781668642702. $31.99. SF

Tchaikovsky (Lords of Uncreation) once again secures his place in the modern science fiction canon. Throughout the story, Tchaikovsky effortlessly weaves together political conflict and extraterrestrial survival, neatly connecting the seemingly disparate pieces. Ecobiologist Artom Daghdev is sentenced to exile on a distant and hostile planet, Kiln, for his resistance to the authoritarian Mandate. Daghdev has to balance his scientific study of the planet against the competing interests of his Mandate overseer, who courts Daghdev’s scholarship and that of his fellow revolutionaries, who are plagued by suspicions of traitors in the ranks. The unraveling of the mystery of life on Kiln will keep listeners equal parts horrified and fascinated, and the tension among characters who struggle to trust one another helps maintain a sense of unease in what could otherwise be a sluggish scene. Ben Allen’s narration is a perfect pairing for Tchaikovsky’s work; Daghdev’s sardonic, gallows humor could become irritating in the wrong delivery, but Allen speaks with a natural dryness and control that keeps the asides from disrupting the narrative. VERDICT Tchaikovsky delivers another resounding success that will find an audience anywhere science fiction is popular.—Collin Stephenson