Few audiobooks provide as much of an escape as those in the fantasy genre. Each of the best fantasy books introduces us to an entirely new world (or a new version of this one), a diverse cast of complexly constructed characters, and a story so mesmerising we’re reluctant to return to real life. But because the genre is so full of talent, it can be challenging to know what to listen to next. Look no further than this list of the best fantasy novels and series to get you started, from epic world-building stories to mystical fairy tale listens. Here are the best fantasy audiobooks of all time available on Audible.
Inspired by the people and legends of West Africa, Tomi Adeyemi’s first entry in the fantasy genre gives us Zélie Adebola. A heroine with one chance to bring magic back to the world after a tyrant king wipes out all the magic-wielding maji—including her mother—in one night. Along the way, Zélie faces many obstacles; monsters, inconvenient feelings for the enemy, and vengeful spirits are just a few of the threats posed in the magical world of this dark fantasy story. Winner of the 2019 Audie Award for Best Audiobook of the Year, Children of Blood and Bone is one of the best fantasy audiobooks in recent memory. Adeyemi’s exhilarating, fully realised debut is only further enhanced by the prowess of Hall of Fame narrator Bahni Turpin, who crafts a gorgeous, world-building fantasy novel in audio format.
Narrating partners (and married couple) Kate Reading and Michael Kramer won praise and a fan following for their work together on the Wheel of Time saga, and their performance here merits no less acclaim. Brandon Sanderson’s The Way of Kings builds and intertwines the stories of three characters—a slave soldier longing for freedom, a king’s brother, and a young scholarly thief—all living in the intemperate realm of Roshar. Everything about Roshar says life there should be impossible—terrible storms rage, and the kingdom is being torn apart by a war with a cause no one remembers. But then, each of the three protagonists stumbles upon ancient secrets of a once-famous, long-dead order called The Knights Radiant, finding long-awaited answers to forgotten mysteries. An impressive introduction to The Stormlight Archive, a series with a detailed and enthralling world, The Way of Kings is a must-listen for fans of complex, character-driven fantasy novels.
The Hobbit is the prequel to the first title of The Lord of the Rings series, The Fellowship of the Ring -- and is arguably one of the best fantasy books of all time. Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit, a tiny, stout being of the realm of Middle Earth, who lives in a cosy house on the side of a hill and enjoys the simple pleasures in life. It takes the insistence of a powerful wizard and 12 dwarves to awaken his thirst for adventure and lead him as far from home as he could’ve imagined—all the way to a dragon’s lair. The first introduction to J.R.R. Tolkien’s inimitable universe arrives in The Hobbit. Though shorter and a tad lighter in theme than his phenomenal The Lord of the Rings trilogy, this listen carries all the hallmarks of what makes J.R.R. Tolkien arguably the greatest fantasy novel author who has ever lived. Audio icon Rob Inglis’s performance evokes the complex world in a whimsical and entertaining way. In addition, it also gives the darker plot points their due (Inglis famously narrated all of J.R.R. Tolkien’s unabridged novels), making this a perfect fantasy listen for adults and children alike.
Darrow, a member of the red caste in a colour-coded society, works day and night to make the surface of Mars livable for his fellow humans, who will eventually move there with him. Though his work is brutal, Darrow finds honour and peace in giving his life in service of a greater good—until he discovers he has been lied to. The move and society are flourishing on Mars. Darrow and his fellow “Reds” have been betrayed, enslaved in the planet’s mines for no reason other than greed. The first-person perspective of Red Rising calls for an audiobook narrator who can lend passion and anger to Darrow’s story as he starts a revolution and sacrifices everything for justice. The Irish-accented Tim Gerard Reynolds delivers that energy at a perfect pace in this science fiction fantasy. Listeners won’t want to stop until they’ve finished the next four instalments in this fantasy book series.
With a wide enough variety of characters to make a compelling Dungeons & Dragons campaign, this wild and hilarious account of old rivalries, murder plots, and conspiracies unfurl as you listen. It all starts with barbarian Logan Ninefingers, who finds himself out of space to run when old enemies come calling. Steve Pacey’s narration of The Blade Itself is consistently praised for his nuance in crafting distinct character voices—and this performance is no different. A nonstop fun-filled ride, this epic fantasy listen is a character-driven romp that will leave you with soft spots in your heart for all the folks you meet along the way.
Jim Dale’s narrative performance of the entire Harry Potter series has been called a triumph, and it’s easy to understand why. Dale’s narration of the Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone lovingly brings Harry’s story to life by introducing distinct character voices (from the nasal whine of Petunia Dursley to the glorious rasp of the great Albus Dumbledore) while imbuing the entire universe with enthusiasm and joy. Suppose you haven’t yet met Harry, the orphan boy who finds out he’s a wizard on whom the world’s fate depends. In that case, we wholeheartedly recommend that adults, young adults, and children alike unwind with this first book from J.K. Rowling’s unforgettable seven-book series. This coming-of-age fantasy series grips listeners with J.K. Rowling’s magical storytelling and world-building. After gaining popularity worldwide, the first book of the series topped the New York Times bestsellers list. But even if you’re a bonafide Potterhead who can expertly explain the rules of Quidditch, we think you’ll adore this spirited version just as much as the newly initiated.
At once deeply personal and ambitious in scope, The Fifth Season is the first in a trilogy that won N.K. Jemisin three consecutive Hugo Awards. In the monolithic continent called the Stillness, orogenes—humans with the formidable ability to control physical energy—are strictly monitored and regulated by the government. To cling to her freedom, Essun keeps her orogenic status a secret until a tragedy sends her on a perilous journey to protect her family and find some peace. Hall of Fame narrator Robin Miles uses her strong, powerful voice to inhabit Jemisin’s characters wholly and completely, performing Essun’s epic adventure across a barren land in a way that builds suspense in all the right places.
If you thought the ancient pantheons were crowded, the complete list of deities in American Gods might knock you out. But Neil Gaiman’s impressive cast of characters—including ancient Greek, Norse, and Egyptian gods alongside deities like the media, pop culture, globalisation, and technology—is brought to life in this audiobook by a whole cast of narrators, making the listening experience feel rich and immersive. This fantasy book follows down-on-his-luck ex-convict Shadow as he begins a new job as a bodyguard and errand boy for the mysterious Mr. Wednesday. This career choice plummets him into a world of unimaginable wonder. The sheer number of mythological elements in this epic fantasy audiobook is staggering, so we don’t recommend trying to do any complicated chores. At the same time, you listen—this Neil Gaiman title is best experienced if you can kick back, relax,and plunge fully into your auditory adventure.
For fans of Neil Gaiman who seek a similarly multi-layered narrative style, The Name of the Wind combines elements of mediaeval culture, religion, wizards, and more in a modern take on the hero’s journey. As he develops the richly illustrated fantasy world of Temerant, Patrick Rothfuss allows the story to unwind with care, creating space for listeners to become fully immersed in the world he creates. All the while, narrator Nick Podehl’s creative performance makes it feel as though the citizens of Temerant are standing in the room alongside you. In this first instalment of the fantasy, The Kingkiller Chronicles, you’ll be introduced to Kvote, one of the most darkly powerful magicians in his world’s history. Follow along as he recounts the steps, from his orphaning to his acceptance to a legendary magic school, that lead him to his notorious strength. It’s no wonder Lin-Manuel Miranda and George R.R. Martin have praised the story—it’s a stunning, spellbinding work of fantasy that easily earns its place among the best in the genre.
There is only one word that fully describes this first entry in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire fantasy series: epic. With enough audio to occupy listeners for an entire day without pause, the monumental A Game of Thrones introduces its audience to the realm of Westeros. For most, it’s a brutal, bleak existence filled with morally ambiguous figures with dark, entangled histories. The story opens when Ned Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North, goes south to visit the capitol (and his old friend, the King) to investigate the suspicious death of his brother-in-law, Jon Arryn. The astonishing world-building narrative takes off in different directions, following other characters on their many intertwining paths across the Seven Kingdoms. The accomplished narrator Roy Dotrice keeps listeners riveted to every twist and turn. For fantasy novel fans drawn to the series by its television iteration, A Game of Thrones brings a familiar story to an incredibly detailed new level, making this a worthwhile listen whether or not you’ve made the trek to Westeros before.
Nestled in a peaceful valley is the town in which Agnieszka grew up; it would be a perfect haven, save for its proximity to an evil force. To keep dangers at bay, the town must offer up a young woman to an immortal wizard called Dragon every ten years in exchange for his protection. As the date of Dragon’s following selection nears, the female character Agnieszka preemptively mourns the loss of her beautiful, charming best friend, whom everyone is confident will be chosen. But when the day comes, she couldn’t be more wrong. This fantasy novel sounds and feels like a newly discovered Grimm fairytale in audio format: dark, mysterious, and enticing. Performed by narrator Julia Emelin, this epic fantasy fairytale is as immersive and all-encompassing as the threatening, looming woods it features.
Battle Mage introduces Falco Dante, the son of a madman, and his world of warriors, dragons, and magicians. Falco struggles to keep up with his classmates at the Academy of War, and everyone doubts his strength and capability. But internally, Falco is battling something much more significant: an unsettling power. Unlike some of our other picks for best fantasy novels, this is a standalone story, making it a perfect listen when you need a fantasy fix without committing to a lengthy series. Grammy-nominated producer R.D. Watson takes his turn behind the mic as he lends excellent depth and dimension to this emotional tale. With beyond thrilling action sequences that lead to a shocking apex, Battle Mage is a magical underdog story for the ages.
The Lies of Locke Lamora is most definitely a fantasy—for starters, it's set on Camorra, an island city that’s been constructed on the ruins of a mystical alien race. But as the plot follows amateur thief Locke Lamora’s rise to power among the members of an underground crime family called the Gentleman Bastards, it could easily be considered a slick work of crime fiction as well. Author Scott Lynch blends the two genres so seamlessly that this audiobook will likely appeal to listeners who aren’t typically fantasy fans. Audie Award winner Michael Page’s superb narration and Lynch’s exceptional world-building make this urban fantasy feel real, further ensuring that it can be fun to root for the bad guys in a story where no one is without fault.
At the outset of The Axe and the Throne, fantasy author M.D. Ireman warns that the story is a challenge—but fear not. With deft voice actor Matt Cowlrick to guide listeners through the many flashbacks and flashforwards, it’s easy to focus on the central conflict: a grim journey north in pursuit of two village children kidnapped during a siege. Despite his wife’s pleading and belief that the children, the eldest sons of his closest friend, are certainly already dead, Tallos sets out on a harrowing quest that brings surprise after surprise to the listener and our hero alike. Not for the faint of heart, this is one listen that will surely satisfy those who prefer their fantasy with a tinge of darkness.
The Wheel of Time series is likely one of the most beloved fantasy series ever written, and The Eye of the World is your introduction to the massive, winding universe in which it takes place. A dynamic pairing of narrators Kate Reading and Michael Kramer, makes each line feel fresh and exciting, even if this is your hundredth listen. For fans of detailed world-building, Robert Jordan’s writing is a treat. The story begins when five strangers are forced to flee from their besieged town, The Two Rivers, and must join forces to survive in a vast, unknowable wilderness with surprising treasures and dangers. Their shared journey is an unforgettable adventure that’s perfect for fans of high fantasy epics.
Evan Winter’s debut novel was originally self-published as an e-book, but it became so popular that it was picked up for formal publication. It’s a compelling warrior tale of personal sacrifice and honour that follows Tau, a pacifist with plans to leave the military and flee with his family—until a sudden loss awakens his thirst for revenge. But what’s unique about the world of The Rage of Dragons is its fantasy element. In the society Winter has crafted, one in every 2,000 women has the gift of calling dragons, and one in every 100 men possesses superhuman strength. With these game pieces in play, Tau’s quest—and the war that rages on around him—take on a new layer of complexity and intrigue that draws listeners in and holds them there until the very last word. The talented voice of Audie Award finalist and Hall of Fame narrator Prentice Onayemi, who is celebrated for his unique, lyrical style, adds a layer of intrigue.
Now known internationally for the acclaimed television adaptation, Outlander is a story about time travel and love—but not how one might expect. Both a fantasy fiction and a love story, this bestseller follows Claire Randall’s journey, which takes her to Scotland, first on holiday with her recently returned World War II veteran husband and then deep into the past after a ritual accidentally transports her to the year 1743. Captured by time and then captivated by the dashing and kind Laird Jamie Fraser, Claire decides whether to cling to her old life and love or embrace the new ones she’s found. Fans of the series will see that Hall of Fame narrator Davina Porter’s performance brings Claire’s story to life in a crystal clear, compelling fashion, adding an element of beauty to this magnificent tale of time, love, and war on the Scottish highlands.
A Discovery of Witches starts with every scholar’s dream: a one-of-a-kind academic discovery. Diana Bishop is working late one night in the library when she comes across a long-lost alchemical manuscript. That alone would be enough to thrill her, but the manuscript also happens to be enchanted. For Diana, whose ancestors were witches, the discovery is akin to finding the holy grail. With the help of her love interest, Matthew (a vampire geneticist!), Diana explores the magical world the manuscript unlocks. Thus begins an enjoyable fantasy series (made more so by narrator Jennifer Ikeda’s playful style) that spans a trilogy book series and has captured the hearts of fantasy genre fans worldwide.
Trail of Lightning is the dystopian science fiction fantasy mashup of dreams. After a climate apocalypse causes water to flood the planet, Dinétah, a former Navajo reservation, rises stronger than before. But when a girl goes missing, the tribe calls on a monster hunter named Maggie Hoskie to walk the strange post-flood world to find her—and the truth. Legends, myths, and fantastic beasts are an everyday part of this post-apocalyptic reality, and heroine Maggie interacts with them all. As a descendent of Cree and Sioux tribes, narrator Tanis Parenteau is uniquely positioned to perform this sci-fi story’s balance of deep cultural history and futuristic fantasy in a way that feels completely authentic, making for a listen that’s both transporting and captivating.
Before his passing, the legendary Stan Lee decided to publish his final science fiction fantasy book as an audiobook, and listeners can hear his voice in the introduction, explaining this choice and his excitement about sharing the story of A Trick of Light. The steady narration of actress Yara Shahidi (Black-ish) kicks in for an adventure that brings to life aliens, visionary tech, and secret organisations—sci-fi elements Lee uses to significant effect. Everything about the story is undeniably excellent—it is thoughtfully constructed, with detailed and believable world-building, and pushes the action to its tipping point. Bolstered by the impressive work of co-creators Ryan Silbert, Luke Lieberman, and Kat Rosenfield, A Trick of Light is an imaginative, exciting entry into the fantasy pantheon and a touching testament to the lasting legacy of Stan Lee.
The Night Circus is not your typical fantasy novel. Erin Morgenstern’s excellent audiobook takes you on a magical journey into the world of a mystical Victorian circus, which appears unexpectedly and opens only at night. Jim Dale’s resonating voice brings this enchanting story to life, deftly navigating each unimaginable twist and turn throughout the plot to create a truly unforgettable audio experience. Beyond the mesmerising circus and its spell is a tale of love, secrets, and battle. Step right up, hit play, and prepare to be dazzled and amazed. The Night Circus spent seven weeks on The New York Times bestseller list and was longlisted for the Orange Prize for Fiction.
Any list of the best novels from the fantasy genre would be incomplete without Lev Grossman’s The Magicians, marking the debut of a wildly popular series. Brought to audio by narrator Mark Bramhall, this thrilling listen—dubbed by fans as a Harry Potter or Narnia for adults—is the perfect fantasy book for escaping your everyday reality and getting lost in a world of magic. This coming-of-age novel follows the life of schoolboy Quentin Coldwater who suddenly finds himself enrolled in a college of magic in New York City. The book series was adapted into a television show of the same name and aired for five seasons. Listeners of all ages, from young adults on up, will quickly get immersed in the mystical world of The Magicians.
Get acquainted with Ged, the greatest sorcerer from the islands of Earthsea. This powerful wizard has a past and was known as Sparrowhawk in his eventful formative years. A Wizard of Earthsea is the first title of Ursula K. Le Guin’s Earthsea series, gaining a substantial international fandom. Narrator Kobna Holdbrook-Smith does each character justice with his gripping audio performance. A Wizard of Earthsea is an essential fantasy listen that invites you on a journey with the characters as they navigate power, face their fears, and even slay dragons. Each chapter runs for 30 to 45 minutes, making this the perfect episodic listen to enjoy throughout the day.
Philip Pullman is a legend in the world of fantasy fiction. Northern Lights is the first book in one of his best known fantasy series, His Dark Materials, which was adapted into a television series of the same name and aired on the BBC. Brought to audio by Philip Pullman himself, with Ruth Wilson and an entire cast of narrators, this immense fantasy fiction pulls you into a world of daemons, gyptians, polar bears, witches, and more. All the tropes of an epic fantasy combined with Pullman’s captivating storytelling make for an unforgettable listening experience that earns a spot on our best fantasy books list.
From the brilliantly innovative minds of Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, Good Omens is a hilarious and engaging fantasy novel full of the British wit and wildly imaginative world-building powers that Gaiman in particular has become famous for. With the end of the world just around the corner, and plagues, prophecies and predictions coming true all over the world, things on Earth are a little more hectic than usual. This epic story features angels, demons, the Anti Christ himself, and all manner of indication that the Earth is about to crash and burn in a fiery apocalyptic finale. Will anyone survive until the closing act? At once funny, poignant, political, and even, yes, heartwarming, this fantastic fantasy has a little bit of everything. Martin Jarvis expertly narrates it all, in a way that makes it easy for listeners to keep on track of everything and everyone.
If you love a good heist story, then Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo is the perfect story for you. This tale of danger and adventure takes place in the trade city of Ketterdam, where just about anything and everything can be bought or sold. What unfolds is a story of a strange team of talents all looking to get in on the heist of a lifetime. From spies to magicians, witches to wraiths, each character adds their own skills and personality to the mix, ready to take on the ultimate challenge. But things rarely go smoothly when several outcasts, each used to working alone, are thrown together as a group under high pressure and even higher stakes. Can they pull it off or will they—and everything around them—end in disaster?
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke is a story of magic, power, ego, and battle. Proper, composed, and careful, Mr. Norrell is everything an ancient magician should be. He wields impressive power, and is thought to be the only remaining magician on Earth. But then along comes an apprentice, whose bold charisma, charm, and daring lead the two into an epic battle full of wonder and dangers to rival even the wars around them. Exciting, suspenseful, and wonderous, this story has become wildly popular. Narrated by the accomplished Simon Prebble, the audiobook adaptation was shortlisted for Audible's Listen of the Year.
In the Farseer Trilogy, Robin Hobb creates a great modern fantasy world full of wonder and adventure. At its centre is Fitz, the illegitimate son of a royal, an outcast whose only source of solace is his ability to talk to animals—an ancient art known as the Wit. But the Wit is a perilous magic, scorned by nobility. When Fitz is finally adopted into the royal household and enrolled in training to become a royal assistant, will his secret gift come back to bite him? The first book in the trilogy, Assassin’s Apprentice introduces listeners to one enigmatic character and his powerful, engaging story.
Dive into Broken Empire, an epic fantasy trilogy and gripping grimdark saga of brotherhood, betrayal, revenge, and violence. It begins with Prince of Thorns—the story of Prince Honorous Jorg Ancrath, the leader of a band of bloodthirsty thugs who intends to take back what’s rightfully his and return to the castle as king. Mark Lawrence's impressive debut novel interweaves elements of magic, deceit, danger, and bravery in a coming-of-age story set in a dark and dangerous world. Joe Jameson narrates the audiobook version with all the tension, drama, and suspense necessary to build the story, draw you in, and keep you gripped.
A fantasy epic from award-winning Canadian author Guy Gavriel Kay, Tigana is a magical story full of action, battle, bravery, and spirit. Cursed by black sorcery and controlled by a cruel, despotic king, the battered inhabitants of the provinces are forbidden from even uttering the name of their once-beloved homeland. After many years, a courageous band of rebels rises up from the dark world to bring back the brilliance of Tigana. Driven by complex, introspective characters, Tigana covers all sides of war, from the personal toll to the victories and losses. Simon Vance brings the story to life in audiobook form, delivering an engaging, gripping, and heartfelt performance that will instantly connect with you and draw you into the story.
Another masterful fantasy epic from Guy Gavriel Kay, Under Heaven is set in the eighth century in China’s Tang Dynasty. Shen Tai has spent two years honouring the memory of his late father, an illustrious general serving the Emperor of Kitai, by burying the bones of the war dead at the site of one of his father’s last great battles. In return for his hard work and fidelity, he receives an unexpected, overwhelming gift: 250 Sardian horses. Or is it a curse? Winner of the World Fantasy Award for Best Novel (Ysabel) and honoured with the International Goliardos Award for his body of work in fantasy, Kay is internationally known for his powerful and complex storytelling. In Under Heaven, he expertly combines elements of history and fantasy for a genre-bending tale like no other.
Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James is the first book in the Dark Star Trilogy. The story is an incredible odyssey that blends African history and mythology effortlessly for a mesmerising and powerful saga that will take you on a truly unique adventure. Part fantasy, part political drama, and a beautiful confident tale of truth and honour. Dion Graham brings the tale to life, infusing the story with all the emotion, power, and passion it merits. Questions of nature, power, right and wrong are mixed with complex characters and thrilling storylines for an all encompassing story you won’t be able to pause. This New York Times bestseller is a must-add to your listener library for anyone seeking an eye opening tale of truth and the dangers of power.
Enter the world of Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn Saga with the first book in the series, The Final Empire. In a land run by ancient evil and tyranny, average people eke out meagre lives working as slaves and labourers. At last, the people have had enough. When the spark of hope ignites, word starts to spread of a leader willing to take on the revolution. What follows is a tale of magic and power struggles, of good versus evil and of freedom over enslavement. Action packed and wonderous, this story is just the beginning of a great saga spanning seven titles.
In The Dresden Files, author Jim Butcher brilliantly pairs fantasy tropes of supernatural power and magic with a classic murder mystery for an exciting, gripping series that will keep you gripped, guessing and gasping—and it all starts with Storm Front. Follow Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden as he attempts to solve the gruesome crimes and trail of death that winds its way through the dark and seedy Chicago underworld. Mixing mob bosses and other-worldly beings, Butcher creates the perfect mix of classic P.I. and magician in Dresden. Follow along for more crime tales in the series that includes over 15 titles.
Stephen King is world-renowned as a master of storytelling and the king of horror. Despite its distinctly fantastical storyline, The Dark Tower is arguably his greatest epic, and its debut volume, The Gunslinger, is widely considered one of his most iconic works. Combining elements of American westerns with dark fantasy, King creates an entire complex world of danger, adventure, heroes, and evil that perfectly balance into a gripping, adventurous story. Through its many twists, turns, and plot points, the story stays exciting and interesting, largely due to troubled characters and motivations that nearly all listeners can all relate to and connect with on some level. Yet again, King proves that he is a true literary genius, tackling fantasy epics with ease and creating a much loved series you won’t be able to stop listening to.
Last but not least on our list of the best fantasy audiobooks is Circe. Author Madeline Miller seamlessly blends mythology and history with fantasy in an imaginative, riveting story. The main character is pulled from Homer’s classic poem The Odyssey, and Circe’s story references many other legendary gods and titans. Rejected by her divine kin, Circe finds solace in the world of mortals, where she discovers the enticing power of witchcraft and magic. Like The Odyssey, Circe has all the makings of an epic. The main character struggles to protect her sense of self, even as she works to discover it, having to decide who she truly is and where she belongs. Exciting, emotional, and full of wonder, this is an impressive addition to any fantasy book list or listening library.
