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Sacrilege: Curse of the Mbirwi
The following contains mature content and language some may find offensive. Listener discretion is advised.
When the sacred is defiled, darkness awakens.
The Wallace family's vacation to a luxury game reserve in Zimbabwe becomes a living nightmare in this heart-stopping psychological thriller from visionary writer/director Nyasha Hatendi. Starring Caleb McLaughlin (Stranger Things, The Deliverance), who delivers a gripping performance in his Audible debut, Curse of the Mbirwi (mBeerwee) plunges listeners into a world where ancient spirits collide with inner wounds and family secrets are as deadly as the strange beasts that stalk the savanna.
Lost in his headphones, self-absorbed teen Dashon Wallace (McLaughlin) never imagined that a strained family trip meant to bring everyone closer could unravel so completely. But when he unwittingly desecrates hallowed ground, he unleashes the Mbirwi, a vengeful entity born from centuries of colonial oppression. As possessed wildlife and shape-shifting horrors close in, Dashon must confront not only the supernatural threat but also the horrors of his own past to save what remains of his family.
Presented in spectacular Dolby Atmos, Sacrilege blends pulse-pounding suspense with profound explorations of identity and privilege to deliver a thriller as thought-provoking as it is terrifying. With its lush sound design and sensational ensemble cast, Sacrilege redefines the boundaries of audio storytelling, drawing listeners into an immersive experience they will not soon forget.
When the sacred is defiled, darkness awakens.
The Wallace family's vacation to a luxury game reserve in Zimbabwe becomes a living nightmare in this heart-stopping psychological thriller from visionary writer/director Nyasha Hatendi. Starring Caleb McLaughlin (Stranger Things, The Deliverance), who delivers a gripping performance in his Audible debut, Curse of the Mbirwi (mBeerwee) plunges listeners into a world where ancient spirits collide with inner wounds and family secrets are as deadly as the strange beasts that stalk the savanna.
Lost in his headphones, self-absorbed teen Dashon Wallace (McLaughlin) never imagined that a strained family trip meant to bring everyone closer could unravel so completely. But when he unwittingly desecrates hallowed ground, he unleashes the Mbirwi, a vengeful entity born from centuries of colonial oppression. As possessed wildlife and shape-shifting horrors close in, Dashon must confront not only the supernatural threat but also the horrors of his own past to save what remains of his family.
Presented in spectacular Dolby Atmos, Sacrilege blends pulse-pounding suspense with profound explorations of identity and privilege to deliver a thriller as thought-provoking as it is terrifying. With its lush sound design and sensational ensemble cast, Sacrilege redefines the boundaries of audio storytelling, drawing listeners into an immersive experience they will not soon forget.
Audible Audio
Published May 29, 2025
49 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
June 3, 2025
This was good as hell. I got to run it back 🔥
June 7, 2025
I knew the ending was going to be something I wouldn't understand. Yet I get it
June 7, 2025
Im not typically one for dramatized audiobooks, but I wanted something different. This was disturbing and deep...gruesome. I'm perplexed by the ending... plunged into darkness but arriving at light?
May 31, 2025
Honestly, the concept could have been great.. until Black folk were compared to colonizers.. I was going to give 3 stars, but after sitting on this for a little while.. I wouldn’t recommend this to story.
The narrator’s were good, the plot wasn’t.
The narrator’s were good, the plot wasn’t.
June 2, 2025
This wasn’t a book… the audible originals like this are like listening to a movie without the video. Which can make things very confusing. There are so many sound effects that you just can’t understand without oral or visual explanation…
June 3, 2025
this had some interesting ideas lol, and it is well acted.
I agree with others that the amount of sound effects, etc., made it hard to follow at times though. I am also not sure that horror like this works super well just voice acted? like I am sure that any visuals that would have gone along with the scenes would have made them miles scarier for me.
additionally, I am not super sure of the message? because it seems like this was trying to have one but it is not super clear what that message is. It even felt like the horror was exploitive of the African culture it was trying to celebrate (?) but maybe I missed the mark there. if not exploitive, definitely cliché. I liked how short it ended up being, but maybe if some things were explored more it would have been better.
the thing I disliked the most though is how the ending is?? I was so excited for it to be left open-ended and I had so many interesting readings in my head of what could have gone down, but then the narrator comes back ugh. give me something to feast my brain on please, not everything has to be cut and dry, especially when you are literally telling a story about personified/mythological pain/grief/guilt/shame. anyways, I digress. thank you for reading if you got this far <3
I agree with others that the amount of sound effects, etc., made it hard to follow at times though. I am also not sure that horror like this works super well just voice acted? like I am sure that any visuals that would have gone along with the scenes would have made them miles scarier for me.
additionally, I am not super sure of the message? because it seems like this was trying to have one but it is not super clear what that message is. It even felt like the horror was exploitive of the African culture it was trying to celebrate (?) but maybe I missed the mark there. if not exploitive, definitely cliché. I liked how short it ended up being, but maybe if some things were explored more it would have been better.
the thing I disliked the most though is how the ending is?? I was so excited for it to be left open-ended and I had so many interesting readings in my head of what could have gone down, but then the narrator comes back ugh. give me something to feast my brain on please, not everything has to be cut and dry, especially when you are literally telling a story about personified/mythological pain/grief/guilt/shame. anyways, I digress. thank you for reading if you got this far <3
June 11, 2025
The production quality, narration, and story of this book are so impressive that I have to give it a perfect score. However, I do have an issue with one line that defines the term "mzungu" as any foreign person, when it actually specifically means a white person.
June 21, 2025
Great listen with a great cast ! Disturbing story well told! I couldn’t stop listening and should not have been driving for this one!
November 19, 2025
This was terrifying! I should have read it during October.
I don’t really understand why this has such an average rating because I thought it was excellent. The story was engaging. The characters were interesting.
I don’t really listen to dynamic audiobooks, but I need to do so more often because this was incredible. It was like a movie was playing in my head! I felt all the emotions they felt and it was really cool to hear all the sounds that were happening. I was terrified and grossed out in so many parts!
I think it is pretty clear how it ended, but you almost could decide how you think the book ended; there was a couple ways it could’ve went.
All the narrators were amazing and Caleb really shined as a voice actor.
Solomon was a great character! Him and Dashon were my favorites! I also loved his sister. It was hard to root for his parents. Not that they were awful characters because I thought they were very realistic, but some of the actions they chose were not great. Dashon wasn’t perfect either by any means, but it was easy to like him since he was the main character.
I think this book has a great message and it wove beautiful storytelling and setting throughout.
Highly recommend the listen.
The only thing I wasn’t a fan of was the sex scenes, but other than that this was great.
I don’t really understand why this has such an average rating because I thought it was excellent. The story was engaging. The characters were interesting.
I don’t really listen to dynamic audiobooks, but I need to do so more often because this was incredible. It was like a movie was playing in my head! I felt all the emotions they felt and it was really cool to hear all the sounds that were happening. I was terrified and grossed out in so many parts!
I think it is pretty clear how it ended, but you almost could decide how you think the book ended; there was a couple ways it could’ve went.
All the narrators were amazing and Caleb really shined as a voice actor.
Solomon was a great character! Him and Dashon were my favorites! I also loved his sister. It was hard to root for his parents. Not that they were awful characters because I thought they were very realistic, but some of the actions they chose were not great. Dashon wasn’t perfect either by any means, but it was easy to like him since he was the main character.
I think this book has a great message and it wove beautiful storytelling and setting throughout.
Highly recommend the listen.
The only thing I wasn’t a fan of was the sex scenes, but other than that this was great.
June 4, 2025
This audiobook was an experience.
It truly felt like a movie playing in my head. A solid 5⭐️ for the voice actors and everyone involved in bringing this story to life.
The story itself was deeply intriguing. I think I fully grasped it, but part of me is still unsure, which has me seriously considering a re-listen. At its core, I interpreted the overarching message as a powerful reflection on facing our inner demons and traumas, and choosing to confront them rather than letting them consume us. Only then can we gain the clarity to start fresh and build healthier relationships with ourselves and those around us.
The dynamic between the male protagonist, his inner self, and his family was raw, honest, and incredibly human. I found myself emotionally invested and wanting to reach into the story and hold their hands through it all.
Overall, it was such a compelling listen. My only real critique is the ending as it felt a bit rushed and left me slightly confused. I was hoping for a tidier conclusion, but the ambiguity has kept the story lingering in my mind, which might have been exactly what the author intended.
It truly felt like a movie playing in my head. A solid 5⭐️ for the voice actors and everyone involved in bringing this story to life.
The story itself was deeply intriguing. I think I fully grasped it, but part of me is still unsure, which has me seriously considering a re-listen. At its core, I interpreted the overarching message as a powerful reflection on facing our inner demons and traumas, and choosing to confront them rather than letting them consume us. Only then can we gain the clarity to start fresh and build healthier relationships with ourselves and those around us.
The dynamic between the male protagonist, his inner self, and his family was raw, honest, and incredibly human. I found myself emotionally invested and wanting to reach into the story and hold their hands through it all.
Overall, it was such a compelling listen. My only real critique is the ending as it felt a bit rushed and left me slightly confused. I was hoping for a tidier conclusion, but the ambiguity has kept the story lingering in my mind, which might have been exactly what the author intended.
September 19, 2025
Yes, I read this while on vacation. No, I was not crazy enough to desecrate anything😂💀
I’ve never been into horror and I only added this to my list because it was short and I knew I wouldn’t be able to focus for long stretches of time in between all the site-seeing I had lined up. So of course, I ended up reading this on a cold night while painting my nails alone in the hotel room. And I was sufficiently terrified.
The audio production is STELLAR and the narration is so good it feels like watching a move instead of listening to an audiobook. Also, the messy family drama?? I was gobbling that shit up.
Audiobook review: 5 stars
Superb in every way!
Audiobook included with my Audible membership.
I’ve never been into horror and I only added this to my list because it was short and I knew I wouldn’t be able to focus for long stretches of time in between all the site-seeing I had lined up. So of course, I ended up reading this on a cold night while painting my nails alone in the hotel room. And I was sufficiently terrified.
The audio production is STELLAR and the narration is so good it feels like watching a move instead of listening to an audiobook. Also, the messy family drama?? I was gobbling that shit up.
Audiobook review: 5 stars
Superb in every way!
Audiobook included with my Audible membership.
July 21, 2025
Audio of this was superb. Rough, gruesome listen for sure. Enjoyable story.
July 1, 2025
I'm still not even sure what happened in the end.
July 30, 2025
This is an atmospheric, spine-chilling tale that blends dark spirituality with family dynamics in a way that lingers long after the final chapter. The audiobook, narrated by Caleb McLaughlin, elevates the experience to another level—his performance is captivating, drawing listeners into the eerie world with an authenticity that makes every twist hit harder.
The story delves into a family burdened by a sinister curse, unraveling secrets that tie them to an ancient spiritual force. As the eldest sibling, I found the portrayal of sibling relationships deeply resonant, adding an emotional depth that made the horrors even more impactful. The creeping dread builds steadily, immersing you in a haunting atmosphere that’s as unsettling as it is enthralling.
The pacing is tight, the supernatural elements are both unique and terrifying, and the narrative is packed with unexpected turns that keep you hooked. The ending delivers a gut punch—shocking, emotional, and utterly satisfying.
For fans of dark, twisty supernatural stories with rich cultural undertones, Sacrilege: Curse of the Mbirwi is a must-listen. It’s a chilling experience that will leave you both creeped out and craving more.
The story delves into a family burdened by a sinister curse, unraveling secrets that tie them to an ancient spiritual force. As the eldest sibling, I found the portrayal of sibling relationships deeply resonant, adding an emotional depth that made the horrors even more impactful. The creeping dread builds steadily, immersing you in a haunting atmosphere that’s as unsettling as it is enthralling.
The pacing is tight, the supernatural elements are both unique and terrifying, and the narrative is packed with unexpected turns that keep you hooked. The ending delivers a gut punch—shocking, emotional, and utterly satisfying.
For fans of dark, twisty supernatural stories with rich cultural undertones, Sacrilege: Curse of the Mbirwi is a must-listen. It’s a chilling experience that will leave you both creeped out and craving more.
June 16, 2025
in addition to the stunning voice acting, i love the use of soundscapes to build atmosphere and give readers a movie for our ears. it's definitely newer in the audiobook game and i love it. it was really fun and i loved the concept of the monster and the horror-thriller aspects. my biggest gripe was the family; they are SO horrible to everyone, including each other. it would have been fine because i would rather these things happen to unlikable characters, but their behaviors were grating enough for me to almost dnf. there are readers who are part of the black community and african community who can speak to the subject matters on diaspora, xenophobia, culture, etc better than me so i'd look for those reviews.
July 21, 2025
I heavily disliked this book because I didn't understand what it is about. Yes, the sound design was good, but I listened to it like a movie, which makes it a bad experience. How can I connect to something that jumps from a scene to another if I don't understand the context? Or the same, despite it being 3h long, it's like a summary of a 10h book. Hard to listen, maybe if it has a readable version, it might be better. Maybe... Although, to contradict myself, the last chapter feels like another book.
My thoughts through listening to this book: What? How? Say what? Where are we now? How is this? Wait, what was going on here?
My thoughts through listening to this book: What? How? Say what? Where are we now? How is this? Wait, what was going on here?
June 9, 2025
I loved how immersive it was. it was like listening to a movie.
May 30, 2025
3.7 I love the live audios
July 15, 2025
Wonderful audible production with great acting, music and sound. I was not crazy about the plot which within the family dynamic was deeply disturbing. This family needed to be in an environment that could lead them to healing because each one, the mother, father, sister and brother are all messed up. Instead, their family vacation leads them into chaos and worse. Nope, not crazy about this storyline. And the ending was more than a little confusing. Unfortunately, by the time I got to the end I was beyond trying to figure out what was going on. I was just glad the book ended.
May 30, 2025
They need to make this into a limited series on Netflix and also offer this on hard copy!
June 4, 2025
The narrative and storyline were excellent; however, the conclusion was unclear.
June 29, 2025
I love that this was set up more like a radio show. Six episodes, intense themes, dark. Loved it
September 1, 2025
4 🌟 Phenomenal! Creepy! Gripping!
This was my first Audible Original audiobook and I am NOT disappointed in the least bit. The production quality was great with all the sound effects and the amazing cast of voice actors, especially Caleb McLaughlin! I have loved him since the first season of “Stranger Things” and it was solidified with his role in the New Edition biopic movie / limited series.
My only critique is the fact that the ending was a bit ambiguous and I'm not really sure if all the events of the story actually transpired or not... But maybe that was the whole point. Also the African language felt like spells and chants being spoken, so I will not be subjecting my psyche to another listen of this audiobook, but once was more than enough. 😅
This was my first Audible Original audiobook and I am NOT disappointed in the least bit. The production quality was great with all the sound effects and the amazing cast of voice actors, especially Caleb McLaughlin! I have loved him since the first season of “Stranger Things” and it was solidified with his role in the New Edition biopic movie / limited series.
My only critique is the fact that the ending was a bit ambiguous and I'm not really sure if all the events of the story actually transpired or not... But maybe that was the whole point. Also the African language felt like spells and chants being spoken, so I will not be subjecting my psyche to another listen of this audiobook, but once was more than enough. 😅
June 2, 2025
Interesting, but I was annoyed by some of the ways the characters acted. Didn't love the privileged American trope, but I understand that the way the yanks were acting while visiting Africa is typical, though. Sometimes, I wish that wasn't the case, but stereotypes are there for a reason. As were the locals' reactions. Nice creepy story that kinda prepared me for what the locals will think of me when I visit for a safari which is #1 on my bucket list. I definitely will not be playing into the stereotypes if I can help it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Absolutely immersive!
Sacrilege: Curse of the Mbirwi is one of the most cinematic audiobook experiences I’ve ever had. Nyasha Hatendi’s performance completely transported me—I felt like I was walking through the shadows of ancient legends, hearing whispered secrets and thunderous battles as if I were truly there.
The story is rich in mythology, layered with suspense, and unapologetically bold in its voice. It blends folklore, power, and betrayal into something wholly original and unforgettable. If you love audiobooks that feel like an epic performance rather than just a reading—this one is a must.
🎧 Perfect for fans of immersive, voice-driven storytelling with roots in African mythology and supernatural suspense.
Absolutely immersive!
Sacrilege: Curse of the Mbirwi is one of the most cinematic audiobook experiences I’ve ever had. Nyasha Hatendi’s performance completely transported me—I felt like I was walking through the shadows of ancient legends, hearing whispered secrets and thunderous battles as if I were truly there.
The story is rich in mythology, layered with suspense, and unapologetically bold in its voice. It blends folklore, power, and betrayal into something wholly original and unforgettable. If you love audiobooks that feel like an epic performance rather than just a reading—this one is a must.
🎧 Perfect for fans of immersive, voice-driven storytelling with roots in African mythology and supernatural suspense.
July 26, 2025
Summary
The Wallace family's vacation to a luxury game reserve in Zimbabwe becomes a living nightmare where ancient spirits collide with inner wounds and family secrets are as deadly as the strange beasts that stalk the savanna.
Lost in his headphones, self-absorbed teen Dashon Wallace never imagined that a strained family trip meant to bring everyone closer could unravel so completely. But when he unwittingly desecrates hallowed ground, he unleashes the Mbirwi, a vengeful entity born from centuries of colonial oppression. As possessed wildlife and shape-shifting horrors close in, Dashon must confront not only the supernatural threat but also the horrors of his own past to save what remains of his family.
Review
The audioscaping of this audiobook was great and I appreciated the social commentary and experience of African Americans traveling to Africa, and how they are often treated unequally there as well. However I really got confused by the actual plot of the book. Clearly I missed something big because I didn’t understand if the whole thing was a dream, if he had died too, or what the heck happened and the internet hasn’t discussed it enough to find any answers yet. Spooky but I’m more confused than anything.
The Wallace family's vacation to a luxury game reserve in Zimbabwe becomes a living nightmare where ancient spirits collide with inner wounds and family secrets are as deadly as the strange beasts that stalk the savanna.
Lost in his headphones, self-absorbed teen Dashon Wallace never imagined that a strained family trip meant to bring everyone closer could unravel so completely. But when he unwittingly desecrates hallowed ground, he unleashes the Mbirwi, a vengeful entity born from centuries of colonial oppression. As possessed wildlife and shape-shifting horrors close in, Dashon must confront not only the supernatural threat but also the horrors of his own past to save what remains of his family.
Review
The audioscaping of this audiobook was great and I appreciated the social commentary and experience of African Americans traveling to Africa, and how they are often treated unequally there as well. However I really got confused by the actual plot of the book. Clearly I missed something big because I didn’t understand if the whole thing was a dream, if he had died too, or what the heck happened and the internet hasn’t discussed it enough to find any answers yet. Spooky but I’m more confused than anything.
August 3, 2025
2.75 ⭐️
I'm not a fan. The background sounds and music overtook the voices, I couldn't hear what was being said most of the time. I get the point, but it didn't make sense, or it just didn't flow well.
I'm not a fan. The background sounds and music overtook the voices, I couldn't hear what was being said most of the time. I get the point, but it didn't make sense, or it just didn't flow well.
June 6, 2025
3.8 TOTAL⭐️ (100% listen via Audible)
3.5 ⭐️ MUSIC / SOUND EFFECTS created a fully immersive experience; it was like listening to a movie. Overall, this was good, but it was a little loud and distracting at times. I found it better to listen with headphones as opposed to utilizing the speaker function of my phone or car.
5 ⭐️ VOICE ACTORS were very good!
3 ⭐️ STORY was pretty good, and the finale was a little open-ended.
3.5 ⭐️ MUSIC / SOUND EFFECTS created a fully immersive experience; it was like listening to a movie. Overall, this was good, but it was a little loud and distracting at times. I found it better to listen with headphones as opposed to utilizing the speaker function of my phone or car.
5 ⭐️ VOICE ACTORS were very good!
3 ⭐️ STORY was pretty good, and the finale was a little open-ended.
June 24, 2025
Wild, I'm not sure what to think of the whole story but it definitely caught my attention with its themes!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews