Zaffre, the flagship adult fiction imprint of Bonnier Books UK, has announced that Shvorne Marks will narrate the audiobook version of Scarlett Brade’s debut thriller, The Hive.
Marks, (best known for roles in The Baby, Breeders and Endeavour, and for her narration of Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams), will star alongside a full cast of ten young actors performing social media sections within the novel, enhanced with sound effects to create an immersive, unique audio experience.
The full cast will include Tanika Yearwood, Sophie Jacob, Rachel-Leah Hosker, Aretha Ayeh, Tiwa Lade, Archie Backhouse, Oseloka Obi, Jake Waring, Al Jarrett and Clifford Samuel
The Bonnier Books UK audio team collaborated with ID Audio in Queen’s Park to cast the ten actors, all of whom are drama graduates from The Central School of Speech and Drama, to voice the lively social media chatter that plays a key role throughout the novel, with author Scarlett Brade featuring in a cameo role in the audiobook alongside the cast.
Scarlett Brade said: ‘I’m honoured to have my voice included in The Hive audiobook. My day at the studio was magical and I was buzzing after recording it. A huge thank you to Shvorne Marks, whose portrayal of Charlotte Goodwin had me glued to my seat. I can’t wait for the world to #votelive or #votedie.’
Laura Makela, managing editor, audio at Bonnier Books UK, added: ‘We knew from the moment we read The Hive that it had the potential to be a unique audio production. We were delighted to collaborate with the brilliant team at ID Audio and are thrilled to have such a talented array of young actors join the cast, led by the exceptionally talented Shvorne Marks. Having Scarlett so involved in the audiobook process, even lending her voice to the production, has made it truly special’.
The Hive is the unmissable feminist revenge thriller. With themes of mental health, social media and the power of sisterhood at its heart, this bold, unflinching debut is set to shake up the genre, perfect for anyone who has ever sworn revenge on an ex.
The Hive will be published in the UK and Ireland on 21st July 2022 in hardback, audio and eBook.
