Few audiobooks provide as much of an escape as those in the fantasy genre. Each of the best 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 mesmerizing we’re reluctant to return to real life. But because the genre is so full of talent, it can be difficult to know what to listen to next. Look no further than this list of the best fantasy audiobooks to get you started.
Listeners are raving about Waybound, the epic conclusion to Will Wight’s bestselling Cradle series. The 12th and final installment of the action-packed series finds Lindon, born a powerless Unsouled, facing his most formidable foes in a battle over the future of the Cradle itself. Narrator Travis Baldree narrates all 12 audiobooks in the series, to the delight of listeners who say his performance is the perfect match for Wight’s mind-blowing storytelling. Start with volume one, Unsouled, and hear what all the buzz is about.
redcaste in a color-coded society, works day and night to make the surface of Mars livable for his fellow humans, who will eventually move there with him. Darrow’s work is brutal, but he finds honor and peace in giving his life in service of a greater good. That is, until he realizes the move is already complete, and he’s been lied to. Society is flourishing on Mars; he 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 a narrator who can lend passion and anger to Darrow’s story as he starts a revolution and sacrifices everything for justice—Irish-accented narrator Tim Gerard Reynolds delivers that energy at a perfect pace. Once you start listening, you won’t want to stop until you’ve finished the next four books in the [series](https://www.audible.com/series/Red-Rising-Audiobooks/B00U1UJCU8).
The voice acting is probably the best I’ve ever heard.A nonstop, fun-filled ride, this 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](https://www.audible.com/series/The-First-Law-Trilogy-Abercrombie-Audiobooks/B014LL6WNW).
deitieslike the media, pop culture, globalization, and technology—is brought to life in this audiobook by a full cast of narrators, making the listening experience feel rich and immersive. The story 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, a career choice that plummets him into a world of unimaginable wonder. The sheer number of mythological elements in this audiobook is staggering, so we don’t recommend trying to do any complicated chores while you listen—this title is best experienced if you’re able to kick back, relax, and [plunge fully](https://www.audible.com/series/American-Gods-Audiobooks/B071R3P4YJ) into your auditory adventure.
Nestled in a peaceful valley is the town in which Agnieszka grew up; it would be a perfect haven, save its proximity to the nearby corrupted forest that threatens it. To keep these dangers at bay, the town must offer up a young woman every ten years to an immortal wizard called Dragon, who protects the town in exchange. As the date of Dragon’s next selection nears, Agnieszka preemptively mourns the loss of her beautiful, charming best friend whom everyone is certain will be chosen. But when the day comes, she couldn’t be more wrong. This fantasy audiobook sounds and feels like a newly discovered Grimm fairytale: dark, mysterious, and enticing. Performed in the grounding, authentically Eastern European accent of narrator Julia Emelin, this listen is as immersive and all-encompassing as the dark, looming woods it features.