Summary: In today's article, I have handpicked 20 of the best fantasy audiobooks I think you'll find impossible to put down. My top 3 picks:
- The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
- The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
- Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
Fantasy audiobooks are a perfect way to escape into magical worlds full of epic adventures, mythical creatures, and exciting plots. With immersive narration, sound effects, and distinct character voices, these audiobooks bring the story to life in a way that pulls you right into the fantasy realm. They let you enjoy rich, imaginative tales while on the go—whether you're multitasking or just relaxing. Whether you're a fantasy fan or just getting into it, audiobooks make it easy and enjoyable to dive into otherworldly stories anytime, anywhere.
TOP 20: Best Fantasy Audiobooks
- The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
- The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
- Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
- The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
- The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie
- The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
- The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty
- The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan
- The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin
- The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
- The Magicians by Lev Grossman
- The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
- A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin
- The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
- The Inheritance Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin
- The Gentleman's Bastard Sequence by Scott Lynch
- The Broken Empire Trilogy by Mark Lawrence
- The Black Prism by Brent Weeks
- The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart
- The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
1. The Name of the Wind
- Author: Patrick Rothfuss
- About: The story of Kvothe, a legendary figure recounting his rise from a poor orphan to a powerful and feared figure.
- Style of Writing: Lyrical and detailed, focusing heavily on character development and world-building.
- Length: Approximately 250,000 words.
- Year Written: 2007
- Emotional Impact: Deeply emotional, especially when dealing with themes of loss, love, and the passage of time.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; Rothfuss uses a flowing narrative with some complex prose.
- Why Read It: It’s a richly woven tale with a compelling protagonist and beautiful prose, making it an unforgettable fantasy experience.
2. The Way of Kings
- Author: Brandon Sanderson
- About: The first book in The Stormlight Archive series, set in a world constantly ravaged by storms, it follows multiple characters on their quests for survival and purpose.
- Style of Writing: Epic, with multiple viewpoints and extensive world-building. Sanderson blends deep lore and action sequences.
- Length: Approximately 400,000 words.
- Year Written: 2010
- Emotional Impact: Powerful, with themes of leadership, honor, and personal growth that leave a lasting impression.
- Difficulty Level: Challenging due to the complexity of the world-building and the multiple character arcs.
- Why Read It: It’s an epic tale with complex characters and an intricate, immersive world, making it a must-read for fantasy fans.
3. Mistborn: The Final Empire
- Author: Brandon Sanderson
- About: Set in a world ruled by an immortal emperor, a group of rebels discovers a unique power to overthrow the empire and its tyrant.
- Style of Writing: Fast-paced, with an emphasis on action and a unique magic system.
- Length: Approximately 200,000 words.
- Year Written: 2006
- Emotional Impact: The twists and characters will stay with you long after reading. The stakes are high, and the ending is emotional.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; relatively easy to follow but contains some complex world-building.
- Why Read It: A fantastic magic system and a gripping story with emotional depth make it a top choice for fantasy lovers.
4. The Lies of Locke Lamora
- Author: Scott Lynch
- About: Follow Locke Lamora, a master thief in the city of Camorr, as he navigates criminal schemes and dangerous enemies.
- Style of Writing: Witty, fast-paced, and full of dialogue-driven action.
- Length: Approximately 200,000 words.
- Year Written: 2006
- Emotional Impact: While fun and adventurous, it also packs an emotional punch, especially in terms of loyalty and betrayal.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; the story is engaging but can be complex due to the layered plotting.
- Why Read It: The combination of humor, action, and intricate plotting makes it an exciting and unpredictable read.
5. The Blade Itself
- Author: Joe Abercrombie
- About: The first book in The First Law trilogy, focusing on morally complex characters in a brutal world where no one is purely good or evil.
- Style of Writing: Gritty, dark, and often cynical, with a focus on character development.
- Length: Approximately 200,000 words.
- Year Written: 2006
- Emotional Impact: It’s dark and thought-provoking, leaving you questioning the nature of morality and power.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging, especially in understanding the morally grey characters.
- Why Read It: For readers who enjoy morally complex characters and a gritty, realistic take on fantasy.
6. The Hobbit
- Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
- About: Bilbo Baggins embarks on a dangerous journey with a group of dwarves to reclaim treasure from the dragon Smaug.
- Style of Writing: Simple and accessible, with poetic elements.
- Length: Approximately 95,000 words.
- Year Written: 1937
- Emotional Impact: Nostalgic and heartwarming, with themes of courage and adventure.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; straightforward, especially compared to Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy.
- Why Read It: A classic fantasy adventure that captures the spirit of wonder and bravery in a whimsical world.
7. The City of Brass
- Author: S.A. Chakraborty
- About: Set in 18th-century Cairo, a young woman discovers she has a connection to a mystical world of jinn and political intrigue.
- Style of Writing: Lush, descriptive, and immersive with rich world-building.
- Length: Approximately 150,000 words.
- Year Written: 2017
- Emotional Impact: Deeply engaging and filled with layers of conflict, with an emphasis on identity and power.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; the intricate political and magical systems can take time to grasp.
- Why Read It: For its unique blend of historical and magical elements, rich world-building, and strong characters.
8. The Wheel of Time
- Author: Robert Jordan
- About: A sprawling epic about the struggle between the forces of light and darkness, centering around a young man, Rand al'Thor, and his destiny to face the Dark One.
- Style of Writing: Detailed, with a focus on world-building, politics, and intricate plotlines.
- Length: Over 4 million words (across 14 books).
- Year Written: 1990 (first book)
- Emotional Impact: High emotional stakes, with moments of triumph and devastating loss throughout the series.
- Difficulty Level: Challenging due to the series' length and complexity.
- Why Read It: It’s a seminal work in epic fantasy, with incredible depth, complex characters, and an expansive world.
9. The Broken Earth Trilogy
- Author: N.K. Jemisin
- About: A post-apocalyptic tale set in a world prone to devastating natural disasters, following a group of people who can control these catastrophes.
- Style of Writing: Innovative, with a unique narrative structure and compelling social commentary.
- Length: Approximately 300,000 words (for the first book).
- Year Written: 2015 (first book)
- Emotional Impact: Powerful and thought-provoking, exploring themes of oppression, survival, and the human condition.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging due to its unique structure and heavy themes.
- Why Read It: For its bold narrative and exploration of societal issues through fantasy.
10. The Chronicles of Narnia
- Author: C.S. Lewis
- About: A series of seven books following children who discover the magical land of Narnia, where they battle evil and fulfill prophecies.
- Style of Writing: Accessible, with rich symbolism and allegory.
- Length: Approximately 400,000 words (across all seven books).
- Year Written: 1950 (first book)
- Emotional Impact: Whimsical, nostalgic, and deeply inspiring, particularly for younger readers.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; perfect for younger readers, but also rich for adults.
- Why Read It: A timeless classic with themes of good vs. evil, bravery, and the power of imagination.
11. The Magicians
- Author: Lev Grossman
- About: A young man, Quentin Coldwater, enters a magical university, only to discover that magic isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
- Style of Writing: Dark, modern, and filled with philosophical undertones.
- Length: Approximately 170,000 words.
- Year Written: 2009
- Emotional Impact: Thought-provoking and at times disillusioning, it explores themes of adulthood, longing, and dissatisfaction.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; blends fantasy with complex character psychology.
- Why Read It: A darker, more cynical take on the “coming-of-age” fantasy genre with a unique tone.
12. The Night Circus
- Author: Erin Morgenstern
- About: A magical competition between two young illusionists, set in an enchanting and mysterious circus.
- Style of Writing: Lyrical and atmospheric, with a dreamlike quality.
- Length: Approximately 120,000 words.
- Year Written: 2011
- Emotional Impact: Captivating and whimsical, leaving a lingering sense of wonder.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; the nonlinear storytelling and poetic language may take some time to get into.
- Why Read It: It’s a beautifully crafted, atmospheric fantasy with a unique concept and magical feel.
13. A Song of Ice and Fire series
- Author: George R.R. Martin
- About: The epic story of the political intrigue, wars, and battles for the Iron Throne in a medieval-inspired world.
- Style of Writing: Complex, with multiple POVs and intricate political and social dynamics.
- Length: Over 4 million words (across the completed books).
- Year Written: 1996 (first book)
- Emotional Impact: Intense and often brutal, with shocking twists that have a lasting emotional impact.
- Difficulty Level: Challenging; Martin’s deep world-building and vast array of characters can be overwhelming.
- Why Read It: For its political depth, complex characters, and unflinching exploration of power and its consequences.
14. The Priory of the Orange Tree
- Author: Samantha Shannon
- About: A high-fantasy epic where dragons, magic, and political intrigue intertwine as the world faces a rising dark power.
- Style of Writing: Lush, with a strong focus on world-building and diverse characters.
- Length: Approximately 250,000 words.
- Year Written: 2019
- Emotional Impact: Engaging and empowering, especially for those who love strong female protagonists.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to high due to the extensive world-building.
- Why Read It: A rich, inclusive story with compelling characters and a world filled with magic and dragons.
15. The Inheritance Trilogy
- Author: N.K. Jemisin
- About: The first book in the trilogy follows a young woman caught in the politics of gods, vengeance, and the collapse of a powerful empire.
- Style of Writing: Deeply thoughtful, with rich social commentary and a focus on complex character dynamics.
- Length: Approximately 200,000 words.
- Year Written: 2010
- Emotional Impact: Thought-provoking and emotional, dealing with themes of power, revenge, and identity.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; requires some patience due to the slow-building plot and character development.
- Why Read It: Jemisin's exceptional writing and the richly imagined world make this an essential read for any fantasy lover.
16. The Gentleman's Bastard Sequence
- Author: Scott Lynch
- About: Follows Locke Lamora, a skilled thief in the city of Camorr, as he navigates criminal schemes and betrayal.
- Style of Writing: Witty, fast-paced, and often filled with humor and snark.
- Length: Approximately 200,000 words.
- Year Written: 2006
- Emotional Impact: It’s a thrilling ride, full of twists and turns, with deep emotional stakes tied to friendships and betrayals.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; quick pacing, but with intricate plotting.
- Why Read It: It’s a gripping, action-packed fantasy with plenty of humor and a lovable protagonist.
17. The Broken Empire Trilogy
- Author: Mark Lawrence
- About: The trilogy follows Jorg Ancrath, a young prince with a brutal past, as he seeks revenge in a dark, grim world.
- Style of Writing: Dark and poetic, often philosophical and introspective.
- Length: Approximately 300,000 words.
- Year Written: 2011 (first book)
- Emotional Impact: Dark and haunting, the series explores heavy themes like revenge, morality, and the human condition.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; it's intense and dark, but the writing is sharp and captivating.
- Why Read It: If you love antiheroes and a deeply introspective story with philosophical undertones, this is a must-read.
18. The Black Prism
- Author: Brent Weeks
- About: The first book in The Lightbringer series, set in a world where magic is based on colors and light, following the struggle of a powerful figure to keep the world from falling apart.
- Style of Writing: Fast-paced, with deep character work and innovative magic systems.
- Length: Approximately 200,000 words.
- Year Written: 2010
- Emotional Impact: Exciting and thrilling, with moments of emotional depth and introspection.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; easy to follow, but with complex magic and character dynamics.
- Why Read It: It has a unique magic system and an engaging story, making it a strong start to a great series.
19. The Bone Shard Daughter
- Author: Andrea Stewart
- About: Set in a world where bone shard magic controls the fate of the empire, a young woman fights to unravel her father's dark secrets.
- Style of Writing: Intricate world-building and character-driven storytelling.
- Length: Approximately 120,000 words.
- Year Written: 2020
- Emotional Impact: Engaging with a sense of mystery and exploration, leaving readers invested in the characters.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; relatively easy to read with some complexity in the magic system.
- Why Read It: For its fresh take on magic systems and a strong female protagonist in a politically charged world.
20. The Poppy War
- Author: R.F. Kuang
- About: A military fantasy following a war-torn world where a gifted young woman rises through the ranks to face a brutal war.
- Style of Writing: Gripping and dark, with elements of historical fiction and mythology.
- Length: Approximately 180,000 words.
- Year Written: 2018
- Emotional Impact: Deeply impactful, dealing with themes of trauma, survival, and the cost of war.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; the story is intense, and its themes are heavy.
- Why Read It: It’s a unique, intense story that blends fantasy with real-world history and delivers an unforgettable emotional journey.
Conclusion
If you’re diving into fantasy audiobooks, I think The Name of the Wind, The Way of Kings, and Mistborn: The Final Empire are must-reads. Each one takes you into a unique world with unforgettable characters and gripping stories. Whether you're hooked by Kvothe’s tale, drawn into Sanderson’s epic world, or fascinated by Mistborn’s magic, these audiobooks will leave you captivated and wanting more. They’re definitely some of my top picks!
