Six Audiobooks Getting Rave Reviews on NetGalley

A collage of the covers included in this article

It can be difficult to narrow the selection down with so many buzzy books hitting shelves every week, which is why I’ve turned to NetGalley member reviews for recommendations. Here’s a list of audiobooks that are already exciting me and NetGalley members alike. I predict you’ll be adding quite a few of these to your TBR!

Four Treasures of the Sky by Jenny Tinghui Zhang, narrated by Jenny Tinghui Zhang, Katharine Chin

Jenny Tinghui Zhang explores the impact of the Chinese Exclusion Act through this tale of a young girl kidnapped from China who must fight to survive and make her life in the American West during the 1880s. “Absolutely exquisite,” writes librarian Melani E. “Gorgeously written in lyrical but compelling prose, Jenny Tinghui Zhang tells an unforgettable and powerful story… Daiyu is a heroic and unforgettable heroine.”

The Murder Rule by Dervla McTiernan, narrated by Kate Orsini, Sophie Amoss, Michael Crouch

If you’re looking for a mystery, bookseller Nancy M had nothing but praise for Dervla Mctiernan’s latest: The Murder Rule was a riveting story… The ending was totally unexpected following some real heart-stopping action.” This psychological thriller jumps between Virginia in 2019, where law student Hannah is working for the Innocence Project, and Maine in 1994, where excerpts from her mother’s diary reveal the truth behind a mysterious death.

Savage City by L. Penelope, narrated by Caroline Sorunke, Nathan Lang

Savage City is the first book in L. Penelope’s new fantasy romance series: The Bliss Wars. The book follows Talia, who is mistaken for a lost shifter princess and must feign amnesia if she hopes to survive. Reviewer Jesse C plans to continue future installments on audio given this book’s “especially good narration” and adds that it had a “well-developed plot and solidly built universe.” Reviewer Ri S couldn’t agree more and writes “[Savage City was] a great read and I am excited to see how the rest of this series unfolds. If you haven’t added this book to your TBR yet, what are you doing?”

The Silent Unseen by Amanda McCrina, narrated by Laura Jennings

Amanda McCrina’s young adult novel is set in July 1944, when 16-year-old Maria makes her way home to Poland after escaping from a forced labor factory in Germany, only to find that her home is not at all like she remembered. “Fantastic historical fiction,” writes librarian Bonny K. “[The Silent Unseen is a] gripping story full of suspense and intrigue! Historical fiction fans, especially those who enjoy books about WWII, will find this hard to put down!”

On Rotation by Shirlene Obuobi, narrated by Mela Lee

Ghanaian-American Angela Appiah lives to make her parents proud and thinks she’s succeeding as she works her way through med school. But when her life starts falling apart after a series of disasters, her fears of letting them down spark a major crisis that leaves her questioning everything from her career to her relationships. In a review, librarian Shannon O writes “I really enjoyed this story,” adding that On Rotation is “perfect for fans of Grey’s Anatomy and wonderful on audio.”

Wild and Wicked Things by Francesca May, narrated by Marisa Calin, Gemma Dawson, Ralph Lister

Set after the Great War, this sapphic fantasy draws inspiration from The Great Gatsby. Reviewer Autumn E called the book a “dark and enchanting story” with writing that was “beautiful and descriptive and really transported you to this place full of dark magic and glamorous parties.” The review ends with high praise for the audiobook: “The voice actors are very talented and manage to add a special charm to the characters that reading it alone you might miss… the audiobook had multiple voice actors as well as atmospheric music that furthered the immersion.”

What’s the last audiobook you read and loved?

Kelly Gallucci

Kelly Gallucci is the Executive Editor of We Are Bookish, where she oversees the editorial content, offers book recommendations, and interviews authors and NetGalley members. When she's not working, Kelly can be found color coordinating her bookshelves, eating Chipotle, and watching way too many baking shows.

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