Beyond the Wall

I’ve listened to a dozen YA sci‑fi narrations, but Helms’ performance on Beyond the Wall feels like a breath of fresh air. Her vocal timbre is warm enough to humanize Drea, but she doesn’t let the monotone creep in. The moments of high tension—when Drea hacks the wall’s security panel—are delivered with a keening urgency that laces the audio with palpable dread. The pacing is mostly spot on, but somewhere mid‑book the narrative stalls. A few scenes linger on world‑building at the expense of character progression, and the climax arrives a little rushed, leaving some secondary arcs unresolved. I also found the ambient soundscape a touch flat; a deeper layering could have amplified that sense of claustrophobia. Still, the production values are solid: clear cuts, balanced levels, and a consistent narrative tone. If you’re a fan of YA dystopias that are grounded yet expansive, this audiobook will keep you hooked until the final line. Overall, Helms’ steady narration, combined with Mary's sharp storytelling, makes Beyond the Wall a compelling listen—just be prepared for a few pacing hiccups in the middle.