The Smoky Hills Academy by Emma Wolfe

The Smoky Hills Academy

Teen romance meets small-town secrets

Written byEmma Wolfe
Narrated byLiz Krane
Length18h35m
Release dateNovember 17, 2020
LanguageEnglish
★★★★ 4.1 (30 ratings)

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Quick Facts

AuthorEmma Wolfe
NarratorLiz Krane
Runtime18h35m
PublishedNovember 17, 2020
Rating★★★★ 4.1 / 5 (30 ratings)
CategoriesTeen & Young Adult, Romance, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

Emma Wolfe’s *The Smoky Hills Academy* isn’t just another YA romance—it’s a moody, atmospheric escape wrapped in small-town secrets and supernatural undercurrents. The story follows a nameless protagonist who moves to Smoky Hills, Tennessee, desperate to leave her past behind. But the town, with its mist-laden hills and eerie academy, refuses to let her vanish. What starts as a fresh start turns into a tangled web of first love, forbidden friendships, and a mystery that lingers like the scent of woodsmoke. Wolfe’s prose is vivid, blending Southern Gothic whimsy with a dash of sci-fi intrigue, making this a standout for readers who crave more than just a love story. The romance isn’t rushed; it simmers, simmers, and then boils over in a way that feels earned and electric. If you love stories where the setting feels like a character, this one’s for you.

Liz Krane’s narration is the cherry on top. She doesn’t just read the lines—she embodies them. Her voice shifts effortlessly between the protagonist’s brittle resilience and her slow-burning vulnerability, and she nails the cadence of small-town dialogue without ever slipping into caricature. The pacing keeps the story from dragging, even during the book’s slower, moodier stretches. The audiobook’s production is polished, with subtle sound design that enhances the eerie, immersive atmosphere without overpowering the narrative. This isn’t a book that screams for attention; it whispers, then grips you by the throat when you least expect it.

Tags: smoky hills academyya romance with mysteryteen sci-fi fantasy audiobooksmall-town gothic vibesLiz Krane narration

Why Listen to The Smoky Hills Academy?

  • Expert narration by Liz Krane brings every character and scene to life across 18h35m of immersive audio.
  • Highly rated at 4.1 stars by 30 listeners.
  • Free with your Audible trial — keep the audiobook forever even if you cancel.
  • Perfect for commutes, workouts, and relaxation. Listen anywhere, anytime.
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Editor's Review ★★★★

AudioBook Atlas

I went into *The Smoky Hills Academy* expecting a fluffy YA romance, and I walked away with something far more haunting. Liz Krane’s narration is a masterclass in tonal versatility—her voice for the protagonist is fragile but determined, while her performance of the town’s quirky residents feels lived-in and authentic. The first-person perspective pulls you into the protagonist’s head so deeply that her internal monologue almost becomes your own, which makes the moments of emotional rawness hit even harder. That said, the book isn’t without its flaws. The sci-fi elements feel like they’re playing second fiddle to the romance, and the mystery at the heart of the academy’s secrets resolves a bit too neatly for my taste. I also wished the secondary characters had more depth—the love interest is compelling, but his motivations sometimes feel underdeveloped. Still, the production elevates the experience significantly. The subtle use of ambient sound (think distant owl calls or the creak of old floorboards) adds an extra layer of immersion that makes it feel like you’re right there in Smoky Hills, inhaling the damp pine air alongside the protagonist. If you’re a fan of atmospheric YA with a side of slow-burn romance and a hint of the supernatural, this audiobook is a must-listen. Just don’t expect easy answers—sometimes the best stories leave you with more questions than resolutions.

Download: The Smoky Hills Academy

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The Smoky Hills Academy by Emma Wolfe is an immersive listening experience. Performed by Liz Krane with a runtime of 18h35m, you can start with a free trial that you can cancel at any time. The audiobook remains yours forever, even if you end the trial.