My Dearest Darkest by Kayla Cottingham

My Dearest Darkest

Mysterious Death Defied by a Feisty New Heroine

Narrated byLindsey Dorcus
Length10h20m
Release dateSeptember 13, 2022
LanguageEnglish
★★★★☆ 4.5 on Audible

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Quick Facts

AuthorKayla Cottingham
NarratorLindsey Dorcus
Runtime10h20m
PublishedSeptember 13, 2022
Rating★★★★☆ 4.5 / 5 on Audible
CategoriesTeen & Young Adult, Literature & Fiction, LGBTQ+, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy, Contemporary
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

My Dearest Darkest is a darkly captivating tale of survival and self-discovery set in the cutthroat world of Ulalume Academy. Narrator Lindsey Dorcus brings a perfect balance of snarky wit and vulnerability to Finch's journey, making her relatable and endearing. Cottingham's writing is a masterclass in atmospheric tension, weaving together mythological elements and small-town secrets into a rich and immersive narrative. One of the standout aspects of this audiobook is its ability to balance Finch's personal struggles with the eerie, supernatural forces at work around her. The result is an addictive listen that's equal parts spooky, suspenseful, and heartwarming.
In the hands of a lesser narrator, Finch's complex personality might have felt like a liability, but Dorcus's deft performance brings her to life in a way that's both authentic and compelling. By extension, the world of Ulalume Academy feels similarly well-developed, with a cast of supporting characters that add depth and texture to the story. Overall, My Dearest Darkest is a gripping and unforgettable listen that will appeal to fans of atmospheric horror and coming-of-age tales alike.

Tags: Teen & Young AdultDark FantasyLGBTQ+ FictionMythological FictionSmall-Town SecretsFemale Protagonist

About the Narration

Narrated by Lindsey Dorcus, this 10h20m audiobook holds a 4.5-star average rating on Audible. The narration brings Kayla Cottingham's writing to life, making it a compelling choice for audiobook listeners.

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Editor's Review

AudioBook Atlas Editorial Team

As someone who's always been drawn to the darker corners of fairy tales and mythology, I was instantly hooked on My Dearest Darkest. Lindsey Dorcus's narration perfectly captures the tone of the story, oscillating seamlessly between Finch's sarcastic inner monologue and the eerie, otherworldly atmosphere of the setting. One of my favorite aspects of the audiobook is the way Cottingham slowly builds tension, drip-feeding the listener with clues and hints that keep you guessing until the very end. Of course, no audiobook is perfect, and My Dearest Darkest has its share of minor flaws. Occasionally, the supporting cast feels a bit one-dimensional, with some characters feeling more like caricatures than fully-rounded people. Additionally, the pacing can feel a bit uneven in places, with some plot threads feeling rushed while others drag on a bit too long. Nonetheless, these are relatively minor quibbles in an otherwise engaging and suspenseful listen. If you're a fan of dark, atmospheric fiction and are looking for a compelling heroine to root for, My Dearest Darkest is an absolute must-listen.

This review was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy and quality.

How to Listen

My Dearest Darkest by Kayla Cottingham is available as an audiobook on Audible. You can start with a free trial — the audiobook is yours to keep even if you cancel. Lindsey Dorcus's narration spans 10h20m.

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