The top 100 fantasy books of all time on Audible | Audible.com

The top 100 fantasy books of all time on Audible | Audible.com

Audible Essentials

The top 100 fantasy books of all time

The surest bets to whisk you away on adventures to the most fantastical worlds that exist in audio.

Melissa Bendixen

January 7, 2024

The top 100 fantasy books of all time

When compiling our list of the best fantasy listening out there, we immediately came up against the age-old question: Is this fantasy or science fiction? The distinction is not as clear as you may think. Dragons, elves, and wizards are definitely fantasy, but what about wizards that also fly space ships? (Looking at you, Star Wars.) For the sake of fantasy purity, the top 100 fantasy listens include the best audio works in all manner of fantasy subgenres, including urban fantasy, high fantasy, sword and sorcery, LitRPG, young adult, classics, and paranormal. You'll find journeys to new realms, wintry castles, warring warrens, traveling circuses, and even heaven and hell. All with the best narration that human imagination can muster.

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In this fantastic world, heavily inspired by Asian history and mythology, jade is the ultimate currency, valuable not only for its beauty but for its use by Kekon warriors to augment their magical abilities.

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Only Victor LaValle could write—and narrate!—this brilliant, terrifying amalgamation of myth, folklore, and Lovecraftian horror for the modern age, all set in contemporary New York City.

Kate Reading and Michael Kramer make this absorbing volume from Sanderon's Stormlight Archive shine with a narration that's nothing short of magical.

Okorafor brings a literary edge to this novel set in post-apocalyptic Africa, where tribal wars still bloody the land and a young girl’s greatest gift endangers her very existence.

As he is a reigning king of fantasy, we couldn't help but put two Sandersons on the list. The Mistborn trilogy is his first published series, and it has since become a beloved classic.

Novik’s reimagining of “Rumpelstiltskin” recenters Miryem, a young woman with a talent for spinning silver into precious gold as she teams up with unlikely allies to save all she holds dear.

Detailed world-building and exquisite narration combine to create one unforgettable story in this acclaimed saga that follows five strangers on a journey through the unknowable wilderness.

In this essential listen for LitRPG fans and newcomers alike, narrator Nick Podehl’s lively performance shines amid a richly developed soundscape as gamer Richter fights his way through a perilous kingdom.

Rothfuss’s spellbinding tale is a modern take on the hero’s journey combining medieval culture, theology, wizards, and more. It’s made all the more immersive with narrator Nick Podehl’s impressive range.

Andy Serkis, who played Gollum in the films, brings his incredible talent and astounding vocal range to this telling of Tolkien's foundational adventure.

Tolkien's work is indisputably a pillar of the fantasy genre. Hear his magnum opus as it was meant to be told—through the multifaceted, dynamic performance of Rings alum Andy Serkis.

Travis Baldree narrates all 12 audiobooks in Wight’s mind-blowing Cradle series, beginning with this unforgettable introduction to underdog protagonist Lindon, born powerless in a world of magic.

Susanna Clarke's spellbinding story, made all the more mesmerizing by Chiwetel Ejiofor’s exquisite performance, is the labyrinthine listen we never wanted to end.

Full of political machinations and morally ambiguous characters with dark, entangled histories, this grim, epic fantasy series recounts the intertwining lives of those vying for rule of Westeros.

A dark academia fantasy about language is meant to be heard in audio, and narrators Chris Lew Kum Hoi and Billie Fulford-Brown are pure perfection as they explore the secret world of an alternate Oxford.

Abercrombie’s wild account of old rivalries and new conspiracies unspools at a breakneck pace after barbarian Logen Ninefingers finds himself with nowhere left to hide.

This lighthearted, fish-out-of-water take on the LitRPG genre tracks Martin, an everyman hacker capable of manipulating reality, as he attempts to evade legal ramifications with a quick trip to the Middle Ages.

Encapsulating both the irreverent joy of the earlier Potter books and the more mature emotional and dramatic tones of the later, this series turning point features new magic, mystery, and pivotal story moments.

The endlessly delightful Michael Sheen and David Tennant reprise their small-screen roles as angel and demon Aziraphale and Crowley in this riotous end-times romp.

The late Sir Terry Pratchett was renowned for his ability to make the mundane extraordinary, crafting ever-unfolding fantasy worlds like Discworld, first introduced in this gem of a novel.

This enchanting, dreamy story, narrated by the unparalleled Jim Dale, leaves the listener with the feeling that magic must be just around the corner.

Often billed as an adult extension of those familiar magical worlds of our youth, this listen pits collegiate life (sex, friendship, parties) against the backdrop of a grim, terrifying hidden world.

Academy Award winner Anne Hathaway performs this universally treasured fairy tale with an enchantment all her own, capturing hearts with her telling of young Midwesterner Dorothy’s windswept trip to Oz.

This madcap classic filled with whimsical characters including the White Rabbit, the Cheshire Cat, and the Mad Hatter is enlivened further by a shimmering performance from superstar Scarlett Johansson.

With its vivid magical realms, timeless themes of good and evil, and core cast of four endearing, adventurous siblings, Lewis's beloved series endures, as charming as ever.

Kate Winslet pours boundless warmth and love into this relatable story about a misunderstood, bookish little girl with remarkable abilities charting her path toward self-acceptance.

This epic series, which inspired both a beloved video game and a small-screen adaptation, stars Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter tasked with protecting a powerful child prophesized to change the world.

In magical 18th-century Cairo, streetwise con-artist Nahri accidentally summons a djinn warrior during a routine swindle, upending her life and unearthing Daevabad, the legendary city of brass.

Arthurian legend has had a massive influence on the fantasy genre, inspiring sword, sorcery, and many a heroic quest. It also serves as a muse for this brilliant, milestone retelling of the Camelot mythos.

Robin Miles wields her incomparable voice to completely inhabit Jemisin’s characters and unyielding landscape, expertly rendering the story of a heroine with formidable abilities in search of justice and peace.

Jumpstarting the Winternight Trilogy, this listen draws upon Russian folklore (including the fearsome Baba Yaga) to craft an adventure about one girl’s quest to save her village from ancient evils.

This genre-blending thriller combines supernatural fantasy with crime fiction, introducing Harry Dresden (voiced by star James Marsters of Buffy the Vampire Slayer fame), a part-time private investigator and full-time wizard.

A remarkable time-traveling journey between lovers is made even more remarkable by Davina Porter’s authentic Scottish burr and delightful British accent.

A bold, queer, and lyrical reimagining of the rise of a Ming Dynasty emperor from a fresh voice in literary fantasy, this Hugo and Lambda winner is a must for fans of introspective fantasy.

A 1963 Newbery Medal winner, this longtime kidlit favorite follows two children who set out in search of their missing father after a time travel experiment gone awry.

This quirky childhood favorite, renowned for its clever wordplay and wacky characters, has the perfect narrator in The Office’s Rainn Wilson, who also wrote the foreword.

The first volume in the celebrated His Dark Materials trilogy, this Audie-winning, full-cast listen transports you to a carefully crafted world where witch clans and armored bears rule.

All is not warm and fuzzy in this community of rabbits (impeccably developed by Doctor Who's Peter Capaldi) as they face warring factions, oppression, and some terrifying moments in the woods.

Stina Nielsen’s narration immerses listeners in a layered, high-stakes adventure with a tale of loneliness, friendship, love, and the power of choice at its center.

Indigenous legends, myths, and beasts ground this captivating ongoing series set after the events of a climate catastrophe, blending deep cultural history, apocalyptic fiction, and futuristic fantasy.

Eleanor West’s Home for Wayward Children offers an unusual refuge for youngsters of our world returning from journeys through fantasy lands in this heartfelt, meta take on memory and magic.

Hear the tale of how legendary sorcerer Ged came into his own in this origin tale of his apprenticeship, training, and all the hijinks that ensued on his journey toward mastery.

Melding fantasy with sci-fi, this series-starter ditches the usual medieval setting for the planet of Pern, where dragon-like creatures have been genetically modified by humans to be larger and telepathic.

As much a fantasy as a slick work of crime fiction, this seamlessly crafted listen follows the titular amateur thief’s rise in an underground crime syndicate that, despite its reputation, can be fun to root for.

Hobb’s universe is as intricately imagined as it is thoroughly immersive. Fitz, the illegitimate son of a royal and a gifted magic-user, is raised in shadows until a high-stakes mission comes calling.

Tim Curry is a performer unlike any other, further proven by his gripping rendition of this story, following the daughter of a necromancer in search of both her missing father and her destiny.

Shortly after joining her brother at a military outpost following her father’s death, Angharad “Harry” Crewe comes to find her true destiny may lie with the Hillfolk, descendants of a legendary heroine.

Nathan Lowell’s strangely soothing fantasy novel captivates listeners with its excellent narration and intricate details of a job working for a most extraordinary employer.

Sara Amini, a fresh voice to audiobooks, thrives in the narration of this imaginative urban fantasy, breathing life into rough-and-tumble protagonist Charlie with her slightly smoky voice and sardonic tone.

Lorelei King transports us into a world saturated with fae, vampires, witches—and lots of sarcasm and humor—in this essential urban fantasy series with romance crossover.

Next-level world-building, a fan-favorite strong female lead (18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien), a dash of romance, and no shortage of intrigue—what more could you ask for?

Prolific narrator Travis Baldree’s debut "high fantasy, low stakes" novel is an irresistibly warm-hearted, cozy story about an adventurer-turned-coffee shop owner.

Writer Ken Liu and veteran fantasy narrator Michael Kramer brilliantly build tension in this saga of an unlikely alliance that gives way to old conflicts after the dismantling of an empire.

Inspired by Indian epics and emoted to perfection by Shiromi Arserio, this sweeping sapphic fantasy has something for everyone, be it ruthless princesses, revenge plots, vindictive brothers, or fallen empires.

Wicked and engrossing, this dark fantasy meditates on themes of force and corruption, trailing three enemies who each attempt to manipulate a young witch queen foretold to wield incredible power.

With Tim Curry at the helm, Audible's dramatic edition of Dracula won two Audie Awards for its distinguished multi-cast performance in 2013. A decade later, it remains one of the greatest renditions ever.

Driven by an undercurrent of melancholic sensuality and set against the brooding backdrop of 18th-century New Orleans, this is a vampire story unlike any other, told in the entrancing voice of Simon Vance.

Iconic pairing Amanda Ronconi and Molly Harper join up with Jonathan Davis in this charming series about a town of magical creatures in the Louisiana bayou.

Necromancers, ghosts, gothic castles, space—the Locked Tomb Trilogy is as genre-bending as it gets. Come for the laughs, romance, and sword fights; stay for the corpses, sentient skeleton battles, and mythology.

It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say Twilight totally reinvigorated the vampire story. Ilyana Kadushin's seductive narration satisfies our thirst for supernatural love.

World-class narrator Tim Gerard Reynolds lends an unsurprisingly stellar performance to this high-fantasy caper centered on a thief and mercenary team unwittingly caught up in the repercussions of a heist-turned-assassination.

Cal is a "Dungeon Core," a soul transposed into a magical stone. When a mysterious threat descends on him, he must pull out all the stops to protect himself and those he cares for.

Spanning thousands of years and a dozen audiobooks, the Malazan saga covers an empire's history, cataloging a complex web of endless war, political machinations, and the corruption born from the pursuit of power.

The full cast of this post-apocalyptic audio drama makes the fear palpable as the chilling, otherworldly sound design sucks you in. Listening in the dark highly recommended.

Narrator Kobna Holdbrook-Smith instills tremendous humor in this sprawling story of an up-and-coming police officer who accidentally stumbles into the world of magical police work after a run-in with a ghost.

Luke Daniels brings a cool swagger to Atticus O’Sullivan, Irish bookseller and the last of the Druids, while delivering impeccable character work on a number of ancient Celtic gods and spirits.

When agreeable Thomas Senlin and his wife arrive at the Tower of Babel for their honeymoon, they have no way of knowing the chaos soon to transpire, a flurry of events that ignites a perilous journey.

Ravka is marred by the Shadow Fold, a swath of darkness housing monstrous demons. And though Alina’s ability to summon light offers hope, it also brings forth foes who want such power for themselves.

With themes of found family and belonging, Klune’s breakout about six magical kids and the man devoted to protecting them is as powerful an allegory as it is a fine work of storytelling.

Imbued with the golden warmth of Perdita Weeks's voice, Madeline Miller's rich, remarkably human depiction of Circe rivals the deepest of literature’s great characters.

Fantasy meets historical fiction in early 1900s New York, a city home to new immigrant communities and two unmoored mythical figures. A creature tale that’s transcendantly human, this one is special.

In this moving listen, Nora, gorgeously rendered by the gifted Carey Mulligan, is depressed and contemplating death when she finds herself in a strange library housing every single version of her life that could’ve been.

In this romantic fantasy, a young woman achieves immortality, but the cost is steep: Everyone Addie LaRue ever meets is destined to forget her. Julia Whelan brings tremendous heart to Addie’s pursuit of permanence.

Author Stephanie Garber and narrator Rebecca Soler make for an excellent combo in this twisty tale of two sisters who escape their cruel father only to find themselves players in a dangerous game.

Maggie Stiefvater’s horses are not like other horses: They come from the water and eat flesh instead of hay, with tempers to match their ferocious diets. Nevertheless, a horse race ensues annually, and newcomer Puck is determined to win.

British-East Asian actor Daniel York Loh imbues Jin Yong’s classic saga of Chinese history and breathless kung fu action with cinematic flair and modern energy.

Performing a story perfect for daydreamers and adventurers alike, Gerard Doyle artfully unspools this tale with all the wonder of a good bedtime story, sketching out a magic land, a boy, and his dragon.

Inspired by the people and legends of West Africa, Adeyemi’s foray into fantasy gifted us Zélie Adebola, a heroine facing a tyrant who’s wiped out all magic-wielders in one night.

After his algebra teacher shifts into a Fury and attacks him, tween Percy Jackson learns he is a demigod, fathered by the Greek god Poseidon. Soon follows a coming-of-age adventure that's wholly unique.

After a series of strange visions and supernatural encounters, 15-year-old Clary learns of her destiny as a Shadowhunter, a being tasked with protecting humanity from demonic forces.

Electrifying, wickedly fun, and told from the alternating perspectives of scholar Laia and soldier Elias, this series opens on a brutal, ancient Rome-inspired world where citizens are at the mercy of the Empire.

Khristine Hvam artfully narrates this epic trilogy, set in both Prague and a magical realm, about a woman raised by a chimera who must make a decision about where she fits in an otherworldly war.

Marisa Calin narrates all three books in this trilogy focusing on a family with the ability to time travel. When Gwyneth, presumed powerless, goes on an unexpected journey, she resolves to harness her skills.

A languid, masterful study of characterization, language, and memory, this work of thoughtful literary fiction is a standout for its characters, each alive with individual personalities, desires, and motivations.

A great listen for fans of Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson, James Islington’s complex, immersive Licanius Trilogy is brought to life by beloved performer Michael Kramer.

As this dark fantasy saga opens, the war between humans and vampires has been raging for decades, since the sun last rose. In a sea of darkness, only a few tiny sparks of light remain.

After his brother enters the Serpent Spire and never returns, Corin follows suit, venturing into the tower abounding with traps, puzzles, and monsters. If he survives, a tremendous reward awaits.

This brutal Norse revenge saga brings gritty complexity and inspired world-building to tired Viking archetypes, finding the perfect voice in Colin Mace’s gravelly delivery.

For fans of LitRPG with a darker, more intense edge, this story that combines reality television with global catastrophe is a stunner. With civilization in ruins, survival depends on who puts on the best show.

You haven't heard fantasy voice work until you've heard Heath Miller’s take on monsters, wizards, and more in this story of a charming but decidedly unprepared everyman thrust into a world of interdimensional adventure.

A tale of sacrifice and honor unfolds as Tau, a pacifist with plans to leave the military and flee with his family, is instead driven by loss to become the greatest swordman alive and exact his revenge.

A witch living in Britain, Mika knows she has to hide her magic and keep her head down. She’s trying her best to follow the rules, but things rarely go according to plan in this quirky, uplifting listen.

Christopher Buehlman proves his storytelling chops as both a writer and narrator in this outstanding masterclass, a fun, fast-paced thrill ride that sees down-on-his-luck thief Kinch crossing paths with knight Galva.

Aiden Thomas and Avi Roque make for an electric author-narrator pairing in this story about a trans boy who fights to become a ghost-summoning brujo.

Narrator Natalie Naudus invites you to sink into this story of Xingyin, forced to challenge the Celestial Emperor to save her mother. The stakes are high, the love is deep, and the story unforgettable.

In 2023, Rebecca Yarros introduced us to a new series that was a definite detour from her usual contemporary romances. The audiobook, narrated by Rebecca Soler and Teddy Hamilton, is nothing short of perfection.

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