Last Updated on by Nishil Prasad
Let’s dive into the realms of imagination today with this carefully curated list of the best fantasy audiobooks. Our article today features a variety of enchanting stories, from epic sagas and dark revenge tales to whimsical adventures and magical mysteries. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of the genre or a newcomer seeking an escape into the fantastical, this compilation offers something for every fantasy enthusiast. So, sit back, relax, and let the magic of these captivating audiobooks transport you to far-off lands and extraordinary adventures.
30 Best Fantasy Audiobooks of All Time
1. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Hobbit transports listeners to the fantastical realm of Middle-earth, recounting the extraordinary journey of Bilbo Baggins alongside Gandalf and a company of dwarves. The audiobook, narrated by the talented Rob Inglis, enhances the experience, allowing Tolkien’s rich language to come alive in your ears.
As the precursor to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit offers a delightful introduction to the world of Middle-earth and its array of compelling characters. Throughout the tale, listeners will encounter trolls, goblins, elves, and even the fearsome dragon Smaug, as Bilbo discovers his courage and wit. Inglis’ masterful narration brings each character to life, making this audiobook a captivating experience for audiences of all ages.
2. The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Fellowship of the Ring invites you to embark on an epic adventure as Frodo Baggins and his companions set out to destroy the One Ring. This audiobook is a must-listen for any fantasy enthusiast seeking to be immersed in a world of magic, wonder, and peril. As the story unravels, you are introduced to Middle-earth’s diverse cultures and histories, from the tranquil Shire to the ominous land of Mordor.
Narrator Rob Inglis masterfully captures the essence of Tolkien’s prose, bringing the diverse characters and breathtaking landscapes to life. Inglis’ emotive storytelling style ensures that this classic tale of heroism, friendship, and sacrifice will remain unforgettable to all who experience it.
3. A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
A Game of Thrones is the opening act of the groundbreaking A Song of Ice and Fire series. The audiobook, voiced by Roy Dotrice, plunges you into Westeros’s political intrigue and power struggles, a land divided by competing noble houses. With a vast cast of characters and interwoven plotlines, Dotrice skillfully navigates the complexities of Martin’s world, giving each character a unique voice and presence.
As the story unfolds, you witness acts of love, betrayal, and the supernatural, all set against the backdrop of an impending winter. This immersive experience will enthrall fans of the fantasy genre as you become increasingly invested in the fates of your favorite characters and the ever-shifting balance of power.
4. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
The Name of the Wind is the first installment in the Kingkiller Chronicle, a gripping tale of magic, mystery, and the pursuit of knowledge. Narrated by Nick Podehl, the audiobook follows the life of Kvothe, a legendary figure who shares his story with a traveling scribe.
Podehl’s dynamic narration breathes life into Rothfuss’ lyrical prose, immersing listeners in Kvothe’s world as he recounts his experiences at the University, mastery of magic, and encounters with the enigmatic Chandrian. With its richly imagined world and gripping characters, The Name of the Wind is a captivating listen that will leave you eager to delve further into the Kingkiller Chronicle and learn the secrets at the heart of Kvothe’s tale.
5. The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
The Way of Kings, the first book in The Stormlight Archive series, sweeps you into the epic world of Roshar, where powerful storms and ancient magic shape the fate of its inhabitants. Narrators Kate Reading and Michael Kramer expertly bring Sanderson’s vivid world to life, drawing listeners into the intertwined stories of its unforgettable characters.
As the narrative unravels, the protagonists – a slave, an assassin, and a scholar – grapple with their destinies, each playing a crucial role in the unfolding conflict that threatens to consume Roshar. With its intricate magic system, breathtaking world-building, and complex characters, The Way of Kings offers a profoundly engaging listening experience that will captivate fans of epic fantasy.
6. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is the magical beginning of the beloved Harry Potter series. Voiced by Stephen Fry, this enchanting audiobook introduces listeners to the wizarding world and the young boy who discovers his destiny. Both narrators masterfully bring to life the colorful cast of characters, from the lovable trio of Harry, Ron, and Hermione to the sinister figure of Voldemort.
As the story unfolds, you will be swept away by the wonder of Hogwarts, the excitement of Quidditch, and the mysteries that Harry must unravel in his quest to uncover the truth about his past. A timeless tale of friendship, courage, and self-discovery, this audiobook is a must-listen for fans of all ages.
7. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is the first book in the Chronicles of Narnia series, transporting listeners to a world of magic, adventure, and talking animals. Narrated by Michael York, the audiobook follows the story of the four Pevensie siblings as they discover the hidden realm of Narnia through a wardrobe in their uncle’s house.
As the children explore this fantastical world, they become embroiled in a battle between good and evil, pitting them against the White Witch, who has cast Narnia into perpetual winter. York’s expressive narration brings each character to life, from the wise lion Aslan to the mischievous faun, Mr. Tumnus. This captivating tale of bravery and redemption is a delight for listeners, young and old.
8. The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
The Eye of the World is the enthralling first entry in the Wheel of Time series. Voiced by Kate Reading and Michael Kramer, this audiobook immerses you in the rich world of Rand al’Thor and his friends as they’re drawn into a struggle against the Dark One. The skilled narrators lend their voices to the vast array of characters and settings, creating a vivid tapestry of Jordan’s meticulously crafted world.
As the story unravels, listeners will be swept up in the plot’s intricacies, the characters’ complexity, and the vast scope of the world in which they live. An epic fantasy journey that spans fourteen books, The Eye of the World is a must-listen for fans seeking an immersive and unforgettable experience.
9. Northern Lights by Philip Pullman
Northern Light, also known as The Golden Compass, is the first book in the His Dark Materials trilogy. The audiobook, narrated by Pullman himself and featuring an entire cast, plunges listeners into a parallel world where the human soul exists outside the body as an animal companion called a daemon.
The story follows the adventures of Lyra Belacqua, a brave and resourceful girl, as she uncovers a sinister plot and embarks on a perilous journey to rescue her friend. The full cast of the audiobook enhances the experience, giving life to the diverse characters and creatures that inhabit Pullman’s richly imagined world.
10. The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
The Lies of Locke Lamora is the first book in the Gentleman Bastard series, introducing you to the charismatic thief Locke Lamora and his band of skilled con artists. Voiced by Michael Page, the audiobook transports you to the vibrant city of Camorr, a place of intrigue, danger, and spectacular heists.
As the story unfolds, we follow Locke and his crew as they navigate the treacherous underworld, hatch elaborate schemes, and confront powerful enemies. Blending elements of fantasy, crime, and adventure, The Lies of Locke Lamora offers a thrilling and engaging listening experience that will leave you eager for more tales of the Gentleman Bastards.
11. The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie
The Blade Itself is the first installment in the gritty and darkly humorous First Law trilogy. Steven Pacey’s masterful narration transports you seamlessly to a brutal, unforgiving world populated by a diverse cast of morally complex characters.
The story weaves together the lives of a crippled torturer, a barbarian with a troubled past, and a self-absorbed nobleman as they navigate a world teetering on the brink of war. Pacey’s skillful characterizations and immersive prose bring Abercrombie’s vision to life, making The Blade Itself a captivating and unforgettable listening experience for fans of grimdark fantasy.
12. Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson
Gardens of the Moon introduces you to the Malazan Book of the Fallen series, a vast and complex epic fantasy world filled with intrigue, magic, and war. Voiced by Ralph Lister, the audiobook follows a diverse cast of characters, from mages and assassins to soldiers and gods, as they are caught up in a struggle for power and survival.
Lister’s narration captures the depth and intricacy of Erikson’s world, providing listeners with a vivid and gripping listening experience. With its rich world-building and intricate plot, Gardens of the Moon offers a challenging and rewarding journey for fans of epic fantasy.
13. Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence
Prince of Thorns is the first book in The Broken Empire trilogy, telling the story of Jorg Ancrath, a ruthless and cunning young prince determined to reclaim his throne. Narrated by James Clamp, the audiobook immerses listeners in a brutal, unforgiving world where Jorg must navigate treacherous alliances, face powerful foes, and confront his dark past.
Clamp’s vivid narration brings Lawrence’s dark and twisted world to life, capturing the intensity and raw emotion of the story. With its morally ambiguous protagonist and gritty, fast-paced storytelling, Prince of Thorns offers a thrilling and thought-provoking listening experience for fans of dark fantasy.
14. The Black Prism by Brent Weeks
The Black Prism is the first book in the Lightbringer series, a tale of magic, politics, and rebellion set in a world where light is the source of power. Simon Vance’s expert narration transports listeners to the Seven Satrapies, where they follow the story of Gavin Guile, the most powerful person in the world, as he navigates political intrigue and a looming war.
Vance’s dynamic storytelling and characterizations bring the complex world and its inhabitants to life, providing an immersive and captivating listening experience. With its intricate magic system and compelling plot, The Black Prism is a must-listen for fans of epic fantasy.
15. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
The Night Circus is a magical and enchanting tale of love and rivalry set against the backdrop of a mysterious, nocturnal circus. Narrated by Jim Dale, the audiobook weaves together the stories of Celia and Marco, two young magicians pitted against each other in a deadly competition.
Dale’s mesmerizing narration transports listeners to the enchanting world of the circus, where wonders and illusions abound. With its lush prose, unforgettable characters, and atmospheric setting, The Night Circus offers a spellbinding listening experience that will linger long after the final word.
16. The Gunslinger by Stephen King
The Gunslinger is the first entry in the iconic Dark Tower series, blending elements of fantasy, horror, and Western genres. Narrated by George Guidall, the audiobook follows the story of Roland Deschain, the last Gunslinger, as he pursues the enigmatic Man in Black across a desolate landscape.
Guidall’s atmospheric narration immerses listeners in the eerie world of the story, capturing the tension and mystery that pervades Roland’s quest. As the series unfolds, you will be drawn into the rich mythology and intricate tapestry of King’s unique universe. With its engaging protagonist and genre-defying storytelling, The Gunslinger offers a thrilling and haunting listening experience for dark fantasy and horror fans.
17. The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin
The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms is the first book in the Inheritance Trilogy, a story of gods, mortals, and the struggle for power in a complex, imaginative world. Narrated by Casaundra Freeman, the audiobook follows Yeine Darr, a young woman summoned to the capital city to compete for her grandfather’s throne.
Freeman’s expressive narration brings Jemisin’s lush, intricate world to life, capturing the essence of the characters and the complex power dynamics at play. With its vivid world-building, compelling characters, and intriguing plot, The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms offers an enthralling and thought-provoking listening experience for fans of epic fantasy.
18. The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett
The Colour of Magic is the first entry in the beloved Discworld series, a satirical and humorous take on traditional fantasy tropes. Narrated by Nigel Planer, the audiobook introduces you to the eccentric wizard Rincewind and his hapless companion Twoflower as they embark on a series of misadventures in a world that rests on the back of four elephants, which in turn stand on the back of a giant turtle.
Planer’s lively narration brings Pratchett’s wit and whimsy to life, immersing you in the absurd and hilarious situations that the characters encounter. With its clever satire, memorable characters, and laugh-out-loud moments, this is a delightful listening experience for fans of humorous fantasy.
19. Nevernight by Jay Kristoff
Nevernight is the first book in the Nevernight Chronicle, a dark and brutal tale of vengeance set in a world of shadows and secrets. Narrated by Holter Graham, the story follows Mia Corvere, a young woman seeking to become an assassin and exact revenge on those who destroyed her family.
Graham’s gripping narration captures Kristoff’s storytelling’s intensity, emotion, and suspense, bringing the world of Nevernight to life. With its complex characters, intricate plot, and merciless action, Nevernight offers a thrilling and captivating listening experience for fans of dark fantasy and revenge stories.
20. Promise of Blood by Brian McClellan
Promise of Blood is the first book in the Powder Mage trilogy, a unique blend of epic fantasy and flintlock technology. Voiced by Christian Rodska, the audiobook transports listeners to a world on the brink of revolution, where powder mages wield magic through gunpowder and ancient gods plot in the shadows.
Rodska’s dynamic narration brings McClellan’s vivid world and its characters to life, capturing the tension and excitement of the story. With its innovative magic system, intricate plot, and engaging personalities, Promise of Blood offers a fresh and exhilarating listening experience for fans of epic fantasy.
21. The Magicians by Lev Grossman
The Magicians is the first book in a trilogy that follows Quentin Coldwater, a young man who discovers that the magical world he once believed was only fantasy is all too real. Narrated by Mark Bramhall, the audiobook delves into the darker side of magic, exploring the consequences of power and the complexities of human nature. Bramhall’s narration captures the emotional depth and nuance of Grossman’s storytelling, bringing the characters and their experiences to life.
As the story unravels, you follow Quentin’s journey through the magical school of Brakebills and beyond as he grapples with his newfound abilities and the harsh realities of a world where magic exists. Blending elements of fantasy, coming-of-age, and literary fiction, The Magicians offers a thought-provoking and gripping listening experience for fans of genre-bending stories.
22. A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
A Wizard of Earthsea is the first book in the Earthsea Cycle, a groundbreaking and influential work of fantasy literature. Voiced by Rob Inglis, the audiobook follows the story of Ged, a young wizard who must learn to control his immense power and confront the darkness within himself. Inglis’s evocative narration brings Le Guin’s richly imagined world to life, capturing the beauty and wisdom of her prose.
As the story unfolds, you will be drawn into Ged’s journey of self-discovery as he navigates the perils of magic, the complexities of human nature, and the responsibilities that come with power. A timeless tale of growth and redemption, this audiobook offers a profound and enchanting listening experience for fans of classic fantasy.
23. The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud
The Amulet of Samarkand is the first book in the Bartimaeus Trilogy, an inventive tale of magic, politics, and unlikely alliances. Narrated by Simon Jones, the audiobook introduces you to the world of Nathaniel, a young magician’s apprentice, and Bartimaeus, a powerful and sarcastic djinni. Jones’s gripping narration captures the wit in Stroud’s storytelling, bringing the characters and their adventures to life.
As the story unfolds, you are swept up in Nathaniel and Bartimaeus’s quest to uncover a dangerous conspiracy, navigating a world of danger, intrigue, and magical creatures. With its compelling characters, clever humor, and thrilling plot, this production offers a delightful and captivating listening experience for fans of fantasy and adventure.
24. Theft of Swords by Michael J. Sullivan
Theft of Swords is the first book in the Riyria Revelations series, a tale of adventure, friendship, and treachery. Voiced by Tim Gerard Reynolds, the audiobook follows the story of Royce Melborn and Hadrian Blackwater, two skilled thieves who find themselves framed for the murder of a king.
Reynolds’s narration brings Sullivan’s vibrant world to life, capturing the excitement and suspense of the story. As the series unravels, you are drawn into the adventures of Royce and Hadrian as they navigate a world of danger, secrets, and ancient mysteries. With its engaging characters, fast-paced plotting, and classic fantasy elements, the story offers a thrilling and entertaining listening experience for adventure and epic fantasy fans.
25. Storm Front by Jim Butcher
Storm Front is the first book in the Dresden Files series, blending urban fantasy, mystery, and noir. Narrated by James Marsters, the audiobook introduces listeners to Harry Dresden, a private investigator, and wizard who navigates the supernatural underworld of Chicago. Marsters’s expressive narration brings Butcher’s world and its inhabitants to life, capturing the story’s wit, suspense, and emotion.
As the series unfolds, you can’t help but be drawn into Dresden’s investigations, which blend elements of magic, crime, and adventure to create a compelling and immersive listening experience. With its unique premise, memorable characters, and a blend of genres, Storm Front is a must-listen for fans of urban fantasy and detective stories.
26. Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb
Assassin’s Apprentice is the first book in the Farseer Trilogy, a character-driven fantasy epic. The series follows the life of Fitz, the illegitimate son of a nobleman, who is trained in the art of assassination. Voiced by Paul Boehmer, the audiobook immerses you in Fitz’s journey as he navigates the treacherous politics of the royal court and discovers his unique magical abilities.
Boehmer’s heartfelt narration captures the emotional depth and complexity of Hobb’s story, bringing the world of the Six Duchies and its inhabitants to life. With its richly drawn characters, intricate world-building, and compelling narrative, Assassin’s Apprentice offers an enthralling and poignant listening experience for fans of epic fantasy.
27. The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison
The Goblin Emperor is a stand-alone fantasy novel that tells the story of Maia, a young half-goblin who unexpectedly ascends to the throne after his father’s death, the Emperor. Narrated by Kyle McCarley, the audiobook follows Maia’s struggle to navigate the intricate politics, power plays, and social conventions of his new position.
McCarley’s emotive narration brings Addison’s beautifully crafted world and its characters to life, capturing the nuance and depth of Maia’s journey. With its focus on character development, court intrigue, and leadership challenges, The Goblin Emperor offers a captivating and thought-provoking listening experience for fans of character-driven fantasy.
28. Uprooted by Naomi Novik
Uprooted is a stand-alone fantasy novel inspired by Eastern European folklore, weaving a tale of magic, mystery, and the power of friendship. Voiced by Julia Emelin, the audiobook tells the story of Agnieszka, a young woman chosen by the enigmatic wizard known as the Dragon to serve him for ten years.
Emelin’s enchanting narration brings Novik’s lush, atmospheric world to life, immersing you in the story’s rich folklore and vividly drawn characters. You are swept up in Agnieszka’s journey as she discovers her magical abilities and faces a malevolent force threatening her world. With its beautiful prose, compelling characters, and enchanting storytelling, Uprooted offers a mesmerizing and immersive listening experience for fans of fairy-tale-inspired fantasy.
29. Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is a richly imagined, alternate-history fantasy novel set in 19th-century England, where magic has all but vanished from the world. Narrated by Simon Prebble, the audiobook follows the lives of two very different magicians, the reclusive Mr. Norrell, and the ambitious Jonathan Strange, as they navigate the politics and rivalries of the magical world.
Prebble’s captivating narration brings Clarke’s intricate and immersive world to life, capturing the story’s wit, charm, and atmosphere. With its gripping characters, complex plot, and a blend of historical fiction and fantasy, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell offers a unique and engrossing listening experience for fans of genre-bending stories.
30. Sabriel by Garth Nix
Sabriel, the first book in the Old Kingdom series, is a captivating and dark fantasy tale that follows the journey of Sabriel, who must step into her father’s shoes as the Abhorsen, a powerful necromancer tasked with protecting the living from the restless dead. Voiced by Tim Curry, the audiobook takes you on an adventure through a world filled with magic, danger, and ancient secrets.
Curry’s enthralling narration breathes life into Nix’s vivid world and its unforgettable characters, capturing the essence of Sabriel’s struggle as she faces her destiny. With its inventive magic system, the engaging protagonist, and atmospheric plotting, Sabriel offers a thrilling and immersive listening experience for fans of dark fantasy and coming-of-age stories.
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