The Ward Audiobook by Jordana Frankel

On a crisp morning, as the sun peeked through the blinds of my cozy bedroom, I found myself completely immersed in “The Ward Audiobook” by Jordana Frankel. The soft hum of the city waking up outside blended perfectly with the dystopian world Frankel created – a New York City transformed by catastrophe and desperation. With a steaming cup of coffee in hand and my headphones snugly in place, I let Merritt Hicks’ captivating narration guide me through Renata Dane’s harrowing journey.

From the very first chapter, I was hooked. Ren, a 16-year-old daredevil racer with a heart of gold, is both fierce and vulnerable. Her determination to save her foster sister, Aven, from the deadly Blight struck a chord deep within me. It’s not just about survival; it’s about love, loyalty, and the lengths we go to for those we care about. The futuristic setting – a flooded Manhattan divided into the impoverished Ward and the privileged Upper Islets – felt eerily plausible, especially in today’s world where environmental crises loom large.

What truly stood out to me was how vividly Frankel painted this world. The descriptions of Ren maneuvering her mobile – a gravity-defying vehicle that can scale skyscrapers or transform into a boat – were so cinematic that I could almost feel the adrenaline rush myself. And Merritt Hicks’ narration? Absolutely stellar. Her voice brought Ren’s grit and vulnerability to life, making every twist and turn of the story even more gripping.

As Ren delves deeper into her mission to find freshwater for a potential cure, she uncovers secrets that challenge everything she thought she knew. The tension builds beautifully, blending action with emotional depth. I found myself holding my breath during high-stakes moments and tearing up at Ren’s quiet moments of reflection about family and sacrifice.

By the time I finished listening (reluctantly pausing only for work breaks), I felt like I had lived through this adventure alongside Ren. It left me thinking about resilience, hope, and the power of human connection – even in the bleakest of circumstances.