It’s official: Jon Rand is back to narrate Nemesis, the latest in Tony Marturano’s bestselling Haunted series. For fans who’ve journeyed alongside Marco Battista through Psychosis, Haunted, and Cursed, hearing Jon return is like reconnecting with an old friend—and that’s no accident.
The Rise of AI in Audiobook Narration
The audiobook industry is changing, with the rise of AI-generated narrations offering lower-cost alternatives. But in a world where so much can now be automated, the decision to bring Jon back was a deliberate one. “I seriously considered AI narrators,” Tony admits. “They’ve come a long way, and production costs are much lower, but Jon brings something I couldn’t replicate. He’s been Marco’s voice since Book 2. He’s shaped that character in a way that’s both unique and essential to the series’ continuity.”
Continuity and Jon’s Return
With Nemesis, there’s also a tonal shift. While the first three books focused on Marco’s past—his childhood traumas, therapy sessions, and personal growth—Nemesis takes readers into fresh territory. “The Origin Trilogy was about Marco, but Nemesis moves beyond that. This isn’t more of the same. It’s a brand new story that just happens to feature our favourite character,” Tony explains. “That’s why Jon’s return felt vital. His voice helps bridge the gap between Marco’s past and the new horrors he faces.”
Principle recording has begun on NEMESIS. The audiobook is expected
out on Audible Amazon & iTunes by the end of December 2024
Marco’s Unique Voice
For Jon, narrating Marco is more than just a job. “Jon is a Yorkshireman, and there’s something about his background—his straightforwardness—that really suits Marco,” Tony says. “Marco’s witty, sarcastic, and often emotional. Jon delivers that perfectly, bringing out both the humour and the tension.”
In Nemesis, the stakes are higher. Marco is thrust into a remote, snowbound island where strange and terrifying events unfold. “There are some big surprises in this book,” Tony teases. “It’s a claustrophobic, atmospheric thriller that needs a voice like Jon’s to really sell the terror and emotion. We’ve already started principal recording, and I can’t wait for listeners to experience it.”
Why Jon Rand, Not AI?
While AI narrators continue to improve, there’s something irreplaceable about hearing Jon breathe life into Marco. “The Haunted series is written in the first person, and Marco often breaks the fourth wall. He talks directly to the listener, making them feel like they’re right there with him. That’s hard to replicate. Listeners have been through all of Marco’s traumas with him—they feel like they know him. Hearing Jon again will be like catching up with an old friend.”
A Shift in Tone
The shift from the personal, Marco-centric themes of the first three books to a new external horror is a significant one. “This isn’t just about Marco anymore. He’s finished that arc. Now he’s ready to explore new things—psychological mysteries, unexplainable phenomena. He’s more open to the world around him in Nemesis,” Tony explains. “And as Marco discovers these new threats, listeners are discovering them right along with him. That’s one of the reasons people love this series—they’re on the journey with him every step of the way.”
Nemesis is released on October 25th, worldwide.
The audiobook is slated for release by end of December 2024
What to Expect Next
As Nemesis heads towards its December 2024 release, it promises to bring new terrors to the Haunted series, but for long-time fans, Jon’s return ensures one thing: Marco Battista is in good hands. “We’re deep into recording now,” Tony adds, “and if all goes well, the audiobook will be out before the year’s end. It’s exciting to be back in the studio with Jon.”
