The Conjurer

I’ll admit, I went into *The Conjurer* skeptical—witchy revenge stories can so easily tip into cliché, all dark lipstick and empty empowerment. But Smith’s worldbuilding is *so* specific, so rooted in the physicality of magic (think blood and bone, not just sparkly incantations), that it feels fresh. The audiobook’s dual narration is a masterstroke: Susannah Jones’ performance as the protagonist, Élodie, is all jagged edges and restrained power, like a blade barely sheathed. When she snarls a spell, you *believe* it could peel skin from bone. Vaneh Assadourian, meanwhile, gives the villainous Adèle a chilling polish—her voice is honeyed, but you’re always waiting for the sting. Their dynamic turns what could’ve been a straightforward cat-and-mouse game into something far more psychologically tense. That said, the romance subplot occasionally stumbles. The chemistry between Élodie and her love interest is well-performed (Jones’ voice softens just enough to sell the vulnerability), but the pacing here feels rushed compared to the meticulous buildup of the revenge plot. I also wished for more distinction in the secondary characters’ voices—some of the sisterhood members blur together in crowded scenes. Still, the production quality is top-notch: the audio mix ensures the magical moments *hum* with energy, and the lack of overdone sound effects keeps the focus on the narrators’ talents. This is a story for listeners who want their fantasy with teeth, their heroines flawed, and their magic to leave scars. Just don’t expect a neat, happy ending—Smith isn’t here to soothe you.