Discover the very best adult fantasy novels and series with this list of epic adventure tales, quests and otherworldly tales. From wizards and magicians to enchanted forests, gods, and mystical beings, these audiobooks have something for every fantasy lover to enjoy. Find your next favourite audiobook and dive right in.
When the first Harry Potter was published, the Bloomsbury publishing house printed two different covers. Why? So that adult readers didn't have to be ashamed to be seen with a teenage book on the London Tube. In the meantime, this issue has been resolved.
Fantastic novels like the Twilight series or Cornelia Funke's Ghost Knight are deliberately marketed as books for all-ages or crossover fantasy. A seasoned businesswoman with violet-blue hair is now considered cool instead of embarrassing, and a manager can come out as an Artemis Fowl fan without being ridiculed. Unimaginative people may lament this as an indication of the increasing infantilisation of society. All the others stand by their profoundly human need to be beamed out of everyday life into a complex world of fantasy.
After all, the themes in most all-ages fantasy books tend to be universal: unwilling outsiders discover their extraordinary abilities and must choose the right side in the battle between good and evil. The heroes succumb to the magic of first love and experience the value of true friendship. Unlike in "adult" fantasy novels, the protagonists have a fresh, unbiased view of the world, which does not mean that severe and unpleasant topics are excluded. But instead of cynical detachment, there is still absolute idealism here, and the portrayal of sex and violence is also adapted to more squeamish minds. This is the case in these all-ages fantasy novels worth listening to.
In Shadow of the Fox, US bestselling author Julia Kagawa transports her heroine to a fabulous world in a fictional Japan. Young Yumeko is half-human and half-fox and possesses a magical scroll. On the run from demons, she meets the secretive samurai Tatsumi, who is guarding a sinister secret. She does not tell him she has the scroll he’s looking for.
The one thing they both know: under no circumstances should they fall in love with each other. Narration is the key factor that captivates audiences in the first part of the fantasy series Shadows. Narrators Marie Bierstedt and Julian Horeyseck read the chapters alternately, depending on whether Yumeko's or Tatsumi's point of view is the focus.
Is Harley Merlin the successor to Harry Potter? Author Bella Forrest has created a magical world in the eleven parts of her Harley Merlin series, which is often compared to that of the young sorcerer's apprentice. Harley is a young witch, and much of her life is mysterious. Why did her father kill her mother? What is her aunt up to, and how can she save the other children who also have magical powers? She feels she must solve these mysteries in Harley Merlin and the Mysterious Twins. The voice of the experienced fantasy audiobook narrator Marlene Rauch brings this mysterious story of the young orphan witch to life.
The His Dark Materials trilogy is one of the best-known fantasy books that captivate young people and adults alike. The adventures of Lyra, who comes from a parallel universe, and Will, who comes from our world, have sold more than 15 million copies. Author Philip Pullman has subsequently written not only the prequel to the classics but also a sequel, His Dark Materials (Books 1-3). In it, Lyra is no longer a girl but a young student who wants to find out about the mysterious dust. Like the other His Dark Materials novels, Rufus Beck reads with thunderous authority, calm composure, or ingenious cunning depending on the character and situation.
The eight books about the brilliant boy Artemis Fowl have earned author Eoin Colfer a fanbase in more than 30 countries worldwide. It’s no wonder, as his stories combine fantasy, action, science fiction, and humour in a unique blend. In The Conspiracy, Artemis ends up in Murmansk, Russia, where he wants to track down unscrupulous blackmailers who allegedly kidnapped his father.
Mysterious beings from the underworld help the boy fight evil goblins. Artemis Fowl is brought to audio by the talented Gerry O’Brien, Adrian Dunbar, and Nathaniel Parker. This bestselling series is popular among adults and young adults alike and it has been adapted into a film of the same name by Disney+.
From the master of adult fantasy novels comes Stardust by Neil Gaiman. Gaiman is well known for delivering some of the best fantasy books that delve into dark and complex themes. Stardust is a modern fairytale set in a fantastical Victorian-age city called Faerie. It follows the story of a young man trying to win his love by finding a shooting star that fell to Earth. It blends romantic and fantastical elements with Gaiman’s signature style for a gripping and enticing listen. He even narrates the title himself, adding emotion and nuance in all the right places, making for an even more engaging audio experience. You won’t be able to stop listening!
Whether you’re a fan of the hit TV show, or you’re discovering this story for the first time, the Game of Thrones book series is a great choice. One of the most celebrated adult fantasy books, this fantasy series will take you on an epic journey of adventure from legendary battles, to political drama and otherworldly creatures. George R.R. Martin is a master of worldbuilding and creates a fully immersive experience you can sink into. From exciting characters to complex plotlines, impressive kingdoms, and of course, dragons, this series has it all. A Game of Thrones is the first in the series: A Song of Ice and Fire, which includes five amazing novels to enjoy.
The Way of Kings is the first book in The Stormlight Archive series by Brandon Sanderson. This epic tale is full of battles and mystical wars and is ultimately a story of power, greed, and the fight for freedom. The legend goes that long ago, god and men were cast out of the heavens by Voidbringers. Protectors were given powerful weapons to ensure the people’s safety, but as often happens, things didn’t quite go to plan, and the world has taken a turn for the worse. Listen to an incredible story of unlikely heroes, epic battles, and bravery that will take you to a whole new world, full of imagination, wonder, and power. It is an exciting and gripping listen.
From S. A. Chakraborty comes this incredible fantasy world of The City of Brass. Complex and enchanting, it is a story of wonder, magicians, and ancient ways. Chakraborty builds a unique world and story that is truly fantastic, full of spirits, djinn, and old Egyptian wonder. Add in a heavy helping of danger and bravery and you have a story that you simply won’t be able to pause. Follow head-strong Nahri as she uncovers a side of Cairo everyone thought was long forgotten, and be swept up in this outstanding tale. Beautifully described and full of tension, it is a story that will grab you and hold you all the way through. A true must-listen for any fan of adult fantasy.
The Eye of the World is the first book in the epic fantasy series The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan. Jordan is a master of the fantasy genre and includes everything you want in a good novel: a malicious evil overlord known as “The Dark One,” a quest fueled by an ancient prophecy, monsters wreaking havoc and destruction, and a chosen one who will restore hope and strength to the people once more. Rosamund Pike narrates this exciting and gripping tale, that will take you on a true journey through 11 audiobooks of adventure and wonder. Her reading brings this story to life in a way that is both engrossing and exciting.
N. K. Jemisin's The Fifth Season is the first novel from the Broken Earth series. This Hugo Award-winning trilogy is an amazing sci-fi and fantasy story that will blow you away. Jemisin creates a fantastic world of excitement, fantasy, and wonder in this three-part story, which is made all the more impactful by the stellar narration from Robin Miles. The twisting, turning, complex plot will have you guessing all along, while still providing a gripping and intriguing storyline. Compelling characters and a well-imagined wonderous world fill out the experience for a listen that will take you to a whole new place. Get lost in the story that is Broken Earth, with The Fifth Season, and its follow-ups The Obelisk Gate and The Stone Sky.
Is there a more well-known fantasy epic than The Lord of the Rings? This grandfather of fantasy by J.R.R. Tolkien is the blueprint and inspiration for so many amazing stories that have come since. A favourite book for many fantasy lovers, it is the ultimate quest of good versus evil. Follow the hobbit Frodo and his loyal and brave fellowship as they seek to destroy the all-powerful ring, and in so doing, defeat evil Lord Sauron. Tolkien creates a fully imagined world that is so detailed and intricate, that listeners will feel as though they, too, are trekking through Middle Earth on the adventure of a lifetime. Whether you’ve seen the award-winning movie series, or are discovering this tale for the first time, it is an absolute cannot-miss for any fantasy fan.
Uprooted by Naomi Novik bridges the gap between young adult fantasy novels and adult literature. It is an enchanting tale of love, loss and magic. The main character, Agnieszka is a courageous young adult heroine who, alongside her mentor, wages a war against a sinister forest that casts a shadow of darkness and fear over the nearby village. The story includes dragons, wizards, deep friendships, and acts of bravery. It is an exciting and adventurous story that puts a spin on old fairytales and classic fantasy stories. The result is an inventive story that is well worth a listen.
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