While authors often discuss the most popular books they’re reading, we can’t forget about the best fantasy audiobooks that whisk you from modern day to literally anywhere you wish to go. Audiobooks have a unique power.
They can join you on your run, your daily commute to work, while you do laundry or cook, or on that flight. But with so many books and book categories to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start.
In this post, I cover the best fantasy audiobooks you need to add to your to-listen list, and what makes them so great.
Best fantasy audiobooks: what’s covered
- Which genre is best for audiobooks?
- What fantasy books should I listen to?
- What is the best fantasy book of all time?
Which genre is best for audiobooks?
The best fantasy audiobooks are arguably some of the best audiobooks, period, due to the depth of the world and intricacies of the plot. Why? Writers often discuss the power of show, don’t tell, in writing.
When authors follow this rule well, their audiobooks create a unique way for readers (listeners!) to visualize the story. Not only do they have powerful descriptions and perfect dialogue, but they experience the added bonus of the story being read to them.
I mean, what’s better than listening to The Lord of the Rings on audiobook while hiking in the mountains? Talk about an immersive experience! Which of the best fantasy audiobooks should you listen to? Start with the below list.
What fantasy books should I listen to?
There are many great fantasy books to listen to, but I’d argue that the best fantasy audiobooks start with the classic series, The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis, and go on to include everything from Babel to Kindred.
Much of what makes the best fantasy audiobooks comes down to character development, plot, and of course, the narrator. Let’s start with a New York Times bestseller.
Babel, R. F. Kuang
Bestselling author R. F. Kuang tackles the question, Can powerful institutions be changed from within, or does revolution always require violence, in her bestselling book, Babel.
Narrated by Chris Lew Kum Hoi and Billie Fulford-Brown, this sweeping story carries readers across time and space, tackling deep questions that will ring in readers’ ears long after the last sentence is read.
Kindred, Octavia Butler
When I read Kindred, it was such a visceral experience I can only imagine how powerful it would be as an audiobook.
Butler’s use of historical events, interwoven with pulse-pounding fantasy, makes this an important listen. Kim Staunton narrates the almost eleven hours of suspense, romance, and plot points that will help you ponder topics as important as history to as subjective as creative writing.
Harry Potter, J. K. Rowling
A series that took the world by storm and inspired an entire generation to read, this series demanded top-notch narrators. Voiced by Jim Dale and Stephen Fry, each narrator brings a different nuance to their rendition.
Take your pick, then settle in for a long, enticing, and likely nostalgic re-telling of this beloved series.
The Chronicles of Narnia, C. S. Lewis
I still remember listening to this series on audiobook on a road trip as a kid and the magical experience I encountered. This entire series is flooded with an array of world-renown narrators, making it one of the best fantasy audiobooks of all time. Not to mention, the series is a classic in its own right.
A Wrinkle In Time, Madeleine L’Engle
A 1963 Newbery Medal winner, this classic story is narrated by Hope Davis. If you’re looking for the best fantasy audiobooks to inspire your own writing, look no further.
With two children staring as the protagonists of the story, listen in as Davis makes this fantasy adventure story come alive.
Throne of Glass, Sarah J. Mass
Sarah J. Mass has made a name for herself, no question. This story features “next-level-world-building,” making it a standout addition to the best fantasy audiobooks list.
Picture the world Mass creates as you listen to the story of an 18-year-old female protagonist, who is also an assassin. I dare you not to sit on the edge of your seat.
Children of Blood and Bone, Tomi Adeyemi
Tomi Adeyemi’s debut novel became an instant New York Times bestseller and is filled with a quest to bring back magic, despite a loss of hope. Narrated by Bahni Turpin, this nearly eighteen-hour story will keep you listening long after you meant to stop.
The Lord of the Rings, J. R. R. Tolkien
I would be remiss not to include The Lord of the Rings in the best fantasy audiobooks, as this story simply continues to come alive. Whether through the film series or more recent Amazon show, The Lord of the Rings is a fantasy classic.
With part of the narration performed by Andy Serkis (who played the character of Gollum in the show), this is an audiobook series you don’t want to miss.
Eragon, Christopher Paolini
Performed by the wonderful Gerard Doyle, this is one of the best fantasy audiobooks not just because of its narrator but due to the story behind the story. One of the best self-publishing success stories of all time, Eragon will entertain and inspire your own writing.
The Blacktongue Thief, Christopher Buehlman
Written by USA Today bestselling author Christopher Buehlman, this series had to join the list of best fantasy audiobooks. But even more enticing is the fact that this author not only dreamed up, wrote, and published this series, but also narrated the audiobook.
It’s not every day that you get to hear a book read by someone who both wrote the story and had the privilege to make the audiobook, so enjoy this one!
The Fifth Season, N. K. Jemisin
Robin Miles takes on the world of N. K. Jemisin’s creation, using her vocal prowess to narrate a multi-dimensional story covering both justice and peace.
N. K. Jemisin is known for building believable worlds, going so far as to fly to a volcano to experience it through her own senses. Experience the magic come alive via audiobook!
What is the best fantasy book of all time?
Of course, the answer to this question depends on a variety of factors, but The Lord of the Rings series has sold more than 150 million books and is one of the top-selling series of all time. As you start your journey to listening to the best fantasy audiobooks, you may want to begin with this series.
As Bilbo would say, “It’s a dangerous business going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.” Enjoy getting swept away with this best fantasy audiobook series!
Best fantasy audiobooks: take your next step
You have our list, now it’s time to add some to this list or even consider making your own audiobook. Ready to take your next step and publish your own book?
Take our free Publishing Path Assessment to discover which route is best for you. Begin your author journey today!
