Maya and the Rising Dark by Rena Barron, Read by Soneela Nankani

Every Monday through Friday, AudioFile’s editors recommend the best in audiobook listening. We keep our daily episodes short and sweet, with audiobook clips to give you a sample of our featured listens.

Looking for something to entertain younger listeners—or the whole family? Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Emily Connelly discuss Maya and the Rising Dark, Rena Barron’s middle-grade fantasy audiobook that shines thanks to Soneela Nankani’s animated performance. Maya has loving parents, good friends, and a welcoming community in Chicago. She also has just discovered that everyone’s been hiding a huge secret: they have magic! Maya and her friends find dangerous magical creatures lurking in their neighborhood, and a sinister Lord of Shadows visits her in her dreams. When Maya’s father, an Orisha, is stolen away into the Dark world, she decides to use her newfound powers to rescue him. Nankani’s emotional connection will delight listeners of all ages, and sound effects amplify the tension and excitement.

***

To listen to the rest of the episode, as well as the whole archive of Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine, subscribe and listen on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, or wherever else you find your favorite podcasts.

Support for AudioFile’s Behind the Mic comes from Penguin Random House Audio, dedicated to producing top-quality fiction and nonfiction audiobooks written and read by the best in the business. Visit penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/audiofile now to start listening.