Rivals! Frenemies Who Changed the World

I went into this expecting the usual dry recitation of “great men doing great things,” but *Rivals!* is closer to *Horrible Histories* meets a TED Talk—if TED Talks were narrated by someone who just chugged an energy drink. The standout performance comes from Prentice Onayemi, whose theatrical flair sells the absurdity of Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison’s feud as if it were a WWE match commentary. Samantha Turret’s portrayal of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera’s toxic love affair is equally compelling, though she occasionally overdoes the dramatic sighs to the point of camp. The pacing is relentless, which is both a strength and a weakness; by the 20-minute mark, my kid was riveted, but I craved a breather to process the sheer pettiness of these historical figures. My biggest gripe? The audiobook’s brevity. At under three hours, it feels like a highlight reel of rivalries rather than a deep dive—perfect for a car ride but frustrating if you’re hoping for more context. The sound design, however, makes up for it with playful interludes (a record scratch for rival breakthroughs, a kazoo for patent disputes). It’s not a book you’ll revisit often, but it’s the kind of listen that sticks because it’s equal parts hilarious, infuriating, and weirdly inspiring. Best for kids 8+ with a short attention span or adults who need a history fix without the guilt of skipping their chores.