Impact Winter: Series Three — Audible Review

Hailed for its “masterful storytelling” by Fandom, the groundbreaking Audible Original series continues.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. Darcy, who once seemed to be our only hope for surviving the vampire apocalypse, has gone to the dark side—she’s now the reigning vampire queen. Meanwhile, her sister Hope must lead the charge to save humanity—on a path that’s taking her straight to Darcy.

Will an emboldened Hope destroy her own sister to save the world? Would a godlike Darcy ever allow that to happen? They say hope is a dangerous thing, and they just might be right.

Please note: This content is for mature audiences only. It contains adult language and themes. Discretion is advised.

Just finished Impact Winter Season 3 and I am absolutely wrecked—in the best way possible. This season takes everything I loved about the first two and pushes it to an entirely new level, diving deep into the dark heart of vampire politics and mythology. Where previous seasons focused on the survival struggles of human characters, Season 3 flips the narrative and explores the complex, shadowy world of the vampires themselves.

This shift is nothing short of brilliant. Characters we’ve only heard whispered about in rumours or legends in past seasons are now terrifyingly real and fully fleshed out, with complex motivations, dark histories, and frightening powers. The mythology of the series expands dramatically, weaving a rich tapestry of intrigue, betrayal, and power struggles that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The world feels bigger, darker, and infinitely more dangerous. It’s not just about survival anymore—it’s about navigating a brutal hierarchy of beings that are both monstrous and deeply human in their flaws.

Travis Beacham continues to prove he’s a master storyteller with truly incredible scripts. The writing this season is packed with heart, danger, and a palpable sense of consequence. Unlike many apocalyptic shows currently on TV that often rely on clichés or predictable plot devices, Impact Winter delivers moments that feel earned and authentic. Every twist feels shocking yet inevitable, and every character beat lands with emotional impact. The stakes have never felt higher, and the tension is relentless from start to finish.

One of the biggest highlights is Holliday Grainger’s performance as Darcy. She absolutely delivers her best work yet. Darcy is a character layered with strength, vulnerability, and ruthless determination—and Holliday brings all of that to life with nuance and intensity. Whether she’s maneuvering through deadly vampire politics or confronting her own inner demons, her voice carries a compelling mix of emotion and grit that makes every scene gripping. She truly owns the season.

This season also introduces a fantastic lineup of new cast members who elevate the story even further. Christina Chong (known for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Black Mirror), Imogen King (Clique), Ali Ariaie (The Great), Jordan Long, Gary Oliver, and others bring fresh energy and depth to their roles. Their characters feel vital to the story, adding new layers to the mythology and increasing the stakes. Meanwhile, the returning cast—Esmé Creed-Miles, Ellie Bamber, Sacha Dhawan, David Gyasi, Gina Stiebitz, Caroline Ford, and more—continue to deliver powerful performances that make the series feel truly cinematic.

The sound design in Season 3 is another standout feature. It’s immersive, atmospheric, and incredibly detailed, creating a sense of place that pulls you into the story. Whether it’s the eerie silence of a post-apocalyptic wasteland or the tense whispers in a vampire council chamber, every sound is carefully crafted to enhance the mood and storytelling. Combined with the excellent pacing and direction, it results in an experience that feels more like watching a high-budget TV show than just listening to an audio drama.

Overall, Impact Winter Season 3 is not just one of the best audio dramas out there—it’s one of the best stories being told anywhere right now. The blend of dark fantasy, horror, political intrigue, and deeply human storytelling makes it a must-listen for fans of any genre.

That said, I have to admit there’s a bittersweet feeling looming over all this excitement. Season 4 has been announced as the final season, and while I cannot wait to see how the story wraps up, it’s hard to say goodbye to a series that has delivered so much. It’s been a journey full of heartbreak, suspense, and unforgettable moments—and I’m genuinely not ready to leave this world behind.

If you haven’t yet started Impact Winter, now is the perfect time to jump in. Whether you’re new to audio dramas or a longtime fan, this series is a stunning example of what the medium can achieve. Powerful performances, gripping scripts, and immersive sound design combine to create an unforgettable experience that stays with you long after the final episode ends.

Here’s hoping Season 4 gives us a finale worthy of this incredible saga. But for now, I’m just going to sit with Season 3, reflect on its brilliance, and eagerly count down the days until the final chapter.

My rating for Impact Winter: Series Three is ★★★★★.

Impact Winter: Series One to Three is available on Audible as an episodic audio drama. Season Four has recently wrapped production and a Netflix adaptation has officially been confirmed to be in development!