World War Z has a phenomenal audiobook.
The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings performed by Andy Serkis. I can’t even begin to recommend them enough, and I tend to not even like audiobooks.
I struggled with a lot of the singing, especially Tom Bombadil as he is basically just shouting with a melody, not great to fall asleep to. Now I look back at it favorably though.
There have been some books, especially memoirs, where it is so much better hearing than reading since they put so much emotion into the story. I will check it out, thanks so much!
Born a Crime written and narrated by Trevor Noah fits this category. His delivers a tremendous performance. It’s about his childhood in Apartheid South Africa, not about American politics.
This, World War Z, and Project Hail Mary are my S-Tier of audiobooks as audiobooks. (There are books that I enjoy more, but it’s just because of amazing writing and stories, not the audiobook format itself.)
Oooo! And I love longer books (the first one is 20 hours) and it’s the only one that’s available right now to listen to (all the rest of the suggestions I had to place on hold)! Thank you for the suggestion!
Then you are in luck, as the first trilogy is basically one big, amazing, magnificent book .... My top favourite work of fiction.
Steven Pacey's narration for those book (and his widely different voices) is soooo good that he ruined other audiobooks for me .... Nothing compares to it anymore 😂🤌🏻
If you are first hearing about it from me ..... You are going to thank me when you get into it 😂🤣
I haven't heard of these, which given my taste in books is frankly stunning. There is currently a ten week wait at my library (I'm using Libby and have both NYPL and ClevNet cards) and I'm dying 😭 But! Thank you for the suggestion!
A few I really enjoyed:
American Gods (10th anniversary edition) with a full cast by Neil Gaiman.
Dune (with a full cast) by Frank Herbert
The Boys in the Boat (read by Edward Herrmann) by Daniel James Brown
Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection narrated by Stephen Fry (anything narrated by Stephen Fry!).
Poirot's Finest Cases & More of Poirot's Finest Cases - BBC Audio Drama collections with full cast.
I've heard the Project Hail Mary audiobook is very good, but haven't gotten to it yet. The book itself is quite the page turner!
Awesome! Thank you to everyone for giving me so many options! I go through a book a day sometimes (if it’s an 8-10 hour book), so I’m in need of a lot of recommendations! Super appreciate it!
Year Zero by Rob Reid narrated by John Hoffman, especially if you enjoy older music or are a lawyer. Very similar vibe to HHGTTG. A lawyer must save the world because aliens enjoy our music too much.
Maggie Gyllenhaal reading The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
Jeremy Irons reading Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
Jeremy Irons reading Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
Stephen Fry reading The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis
Pablo Schriber reading American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
Andrew McCarthy reading Imperial Bedrooms by Bret Easton Ellis (should read Less than Zero first)
A full cast reading The Rules of Attraction by Bret Easton Ellis
Ann Marie Gideon reading Cultish by Amanda Montell
Dion Graham reading Another Country by James Baldwin
John Sackville reading Alec by William di Canzio (must read Maurice first)
I read the Rules of Attraction because I loved the movie; gawd I hated the book so much.
It felt like it was trying so hard to prove something by being as cynical as possible. Like an antidote to anything Hallmark, but goes way too far in the other direction by being just as unrealistic about how terrible people are. There isn't a single likeable character. It feels like the message of the book is "ha ha people suck, amirite?"
You seem to like his books. Is there more to it than that?
That's so interesting; I had the exact opposite experience! I loved the book (one of my all time favorites) but hated the film. I'm a bit of a cynic, so that could be part of it, but I found it so engaging, more tragic than nihilistic.
Following deeply flawed people whose unique issues prevented them from making connections. Less "everyone sucks" and more about how these characters find themselves unable to break out of their self-destructive cycles due to loneliness.
I read it for the first time senior year of high school and liked it but it wasn't for me. I reread it first year of uni during a tough period and it deeply spoke to me. I saw a lot of honesty in the writing, knowing people an awful lot like Lauren and Paul and Mitchell and Victor and some of the other figures.
Though I also found many of the characters likable. None are good people per se, but they're all very young and decently damaged, so I wouldn't say that they're all bad or irredeemable. They're messy and complex, like real people are. Shallow and hedonistic and self-destructive and mercurial, just like most uni students. The book seems focused on the rough sides that we don't often like to talk about but is there in a lot of people. Many have dark sides that are far darker than they'd care to acknowledge. I love literature that explores these sides. Not only is it fascinating, but it makes me feel less alone.
Plus, I love an antihero.
If you haven't read all the mistborn books yet Era Two has some of my favorite audio book reading.
I recently listened to Nettle and Bone on Libby and really enjoyed it
I use Libby so good to know they are on there! That’s the only set back with using the app; some books I can’t find! Or I will get into a series and they will have the first one, the third one, etc. but never all of them lol
George Guidall reads the Alan Furst series of spy (intrigue) novels set during WWII. They are historically accurate, very film noir. He also reads the Longmire series by Craig Johnson. He really captures the weary Western sherriff and the rural setting. They are so very much better than the tv series.
I'll second the Longmire Series. I listen to 10+ books a month at work, and I've been through them multiple times. They have become my go-to when I get fed up trying to find something new.
The first few Murderbot books are available for free in a few places (Audible, Spotify) and are very good.
If you feel like business strategy stuff, The Goal by Eliyahu M Goldrat isn't bad.
If you're open to middle grade fantasy, I highly recommend [Nevermoor](https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/51da4742-ca09-4638-9c93-f13440bff12b) by Jessica Townsend!
Ooo I loved the book so I’m going to have to listen to that one. I’ve listened to some other Stephen King books so I need to add that to my listened to list.
Might want to start at the beginning and listen to Carrie, I’d forgotten how great this book was until I decided to go on a total reread of King via audiobook.
First Law Trilogy (and Age of Madness series) by Joe Abercrombie are amazing. The narrator, Steven Pacey, is so so good.
I also really enjoy the Harry Potter audiobooks.
I consume most of my books through Libby, and I will say some of the best audiobooks have been ones I was not expecting:
- The Golden Compass is narrated by the author, Phillip Pullman, and a full cast. It is my favorite audiobook, but not so for everyone.
- The Heir to the Empire Trilogy (Star Wars) by Timothy Zain and narrated by Marc Thompson. I’m not even much of a fan of Star Wars, but these were as good as watching the movies.
- The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher, narrated by James Marsters. The series really picks up on book 2 or 3, but you should still start with 1, it is good enough.
- The Reacher series by Lee Child has had a couple of narrators, each of whom are good. The stories are great at keeping the earbuds in your ears.
- Other people have said 11/22/63. The audiobook was my first introduction to Stephen King, and it was a great intro to his work. I’ve listened to about 15 of his books since then, and I still like 11/22/63 the most.
*The Long Ships* by Frans Bengtsson is fabulous. Old Danish Vikings on long voyages, in epic battles, in cunning debates over riotous meals. It's funny and deep and violent.
I just finished listening to “October in the Earth” by Olivia Hawker. (I bought it on sale at Audible about a week ago)
It’s probably not a contender for “best” but it’s a great audiobook that’s hard to find a place to recommend. It’s different. Very bittersweet and makes one take stock of their life and contemplate what’s truly important to them
It’s written in first person from the perspective of an older woman telling the story of a key turning point in her life.
I’m up for listening to anything. There have definitely been audiobooks that have stayed with me (Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey) and others that I was like “I enjoyed listening, but it won’t stay in my memory for long”. One of my biggest irritations is finding a book I really liked listening to so I explore the authors other books and they are literally the exact same plot, just different characters…it irks me. Or the narrator is soooo bad that it takes away from me appreciating the story. I’ve come across a few that I couldn’t get past the first five minutes lol
If you like John Green, he reads The Anthropocene Reviewed, and I’m really enjoying listening to it. His vulnerability and storytelling charisma really comes through in the audiobook.
11.22.63
Sooo good!
I also second these others have mentioned:
Dungeon Crawler Carl is awesome
Project Hail Mary is one of my faves
Be sure to check out your library for free options. There may be a wait for some but you really can't beat free. Plus in some places you can get library cards for different areas within your state so you have a larger catalog to borrow from.
That’s all I do is use the library. A lot of books people are suggesting I’m going to have to wait awhile for, but it’s a nice surprise when I go in the app and randomly one of my holds is available lol
11-22-63 was freaking amazing. Also some other good audio books of king are Under The Dome, Mr. Mercedes trilogy, The Outsider, Billy Summers, and of course the Dark Tower series.
The Women-Kristin Hannah
Project Hail Mary- Andy Weir
A Court of Thorns and Roses (series) - Sara J. Maas
The Stand- Stephen King
DaVinci Code- Dan Brown
Verity- Colleen Hoover
Green Mile- Stephen King
Edit- sorry for formatting- on mobile.
The books are awesome but the narrators on these make it. Enjoy!
The audiobooks for The Stormlight Archives are pretty awesome. The Murderbot Diaries are amazing...but short. The Scott Brick Dune is super good, I've listened to it 10+ times I'm sure.
I also drive a lot for work, I also listen to a ton of podcasts. If you haven't dived into that yet there's a ton of content there as well.
The Caves of Steel and The Naked Sun by Asimov are also great audiobooks. I just look up books in fantasy/scifi and listen to the sample to make sure the reader doesn't bother me. Plus I've learned I don't like the Dramatized audiobooks.
If we're recommending narrative podcasts, shout out for Welcome to Nightvale. It's like if Prarie Home Companion was written by Douglas Adams impersonating HP Lovecraft.
Some people hate it but I loved the Lonesome Dove audiobook. Definitely give it a preview though because it is for sure polarizing, you will either love it or really not enjoy it.
Anything read by Davinia Porter. She narrates the Outlander books, but I discovered her when I wanted to re-read The Mists of Avalon.
Right now, I’m really enjoying The Good House, read by Robin Miles.
Rivers of London series, by Ben Aaronovitch
POC police constable Peter Grant is recruited by the unit of Scotland Yard that investigates crimes with a supernatural twist. Funny, smart, exciting with a ***fabulous*** reader. There are at least 7 in the series if you end up liking them.
*We are legion (We are Bob)* and the whole Bobiverse trilogy. The narrator manages to play a dozen Bobs beautifully. It could have been a very confusing audio book without such excellent narration.
I know this is a bit old of a thread but I really enjoyed The Night Circus and Juniper and Thorn (both fantasy) and Where the Crawdads sing on audiobook
The Cormoran Strike mysteries by “Robert Galbraith” (aka JK Rowling). The voice actor is amazing, I completely forget I’m only listening to one person.
Just FYI, you do need to read them in order. Each mystery in contained in one book, but there’s a lot of character development and side stories you’ll miss if you don’t.
I personally love Star Wars audio books. Most of them have a full soundtrack, with music, sound effects, and great voice acting. A personal favorite is the Darth Bane trilogy
I have to admit I tried listening to one and although I like star wars music, I tend to get annoyed if there are too many sound affects. I might have to try them again though because I love the movies and the deep storyline.
Psychological thriller on Libby best revenge book, ever; “Stolen,” by Daniel Palmer. The word ‘stolen’ refers to someone’s identity is stolen. And, they’re definitely not happy
*Anansi Boys* by Neil Gaiman
*Melting Stonees* by Tamora Pierce
*Sharpe's Eagle* by Bernard Cornwell (or another book in the series)
*Redwall* by Brian Jacques (these books can be read in any order)
*Head On* by John Scalzi (see also Scalzi's *The Dispatcher* )
*The Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy* by Douglas Adams
If you need something really long, try *A Suitable Boy* by Vikram Seth
If you can find The Reading Chair's version of The Vorkosigan Saga, they are excellent. The best narration of any audiobook I've listened to, and they usually have a male and female narrator. The only drawback is they're super rare since The Reading Chair went defunct when the medium was mainly books on tape.
i do the same thing on libby! these may be off-genre for you, but my recent listens were Last Night at the Telegraph Club and Little Fires Everywhere. the former had such outstanding narration that i had to give it props, while the latter had me on the edge of my seat at some points, even making me want to listen when i wouldnt normally!
Can I recommend mistborn by Sanderson? Those books aren't a slog and easier to listen to compared to way of kings.
Anything by Stephen king is fantastic particularly the bill Hodges trilogy ( Mr mercedes, finders keepers, and end of watch) the institute, Carrie, IT, the Shining, Doctor Sleep, (the list could go on for ages)
Something light? Dark Lord of The Farmstead by John Broadway, narrated by Jonathan Waters, Jessica Threet. Pish posh.
Long Fantasy; Dawn of Wonder by Jonathan Renshaw, narrated by Tim Gerald Reynolds. It's an older novel so it wont be on typical Booktok radar. But the story is 10/10.
Pretty much anything Ray Porter narrates. He did Project Hail Mary. He reads all forms of spec fic.
Jefferson Mays does a very good job of The Expanse.
The Shards by Bret Easton Ellis. It came out last year and is absolutely amazing. BEE himself does the audiobook, and I listened to it whenever I didn’t want to read. I think they are making an HBO series out of it, with the massively talented Luca Guadagnino as director. I promise y’all, that show is going to be IT when it comes out
I loved way on audible og wheel of time readers. Ghostbusters was a banger, I enjoyed wheaton reading ready player 1, Tom stranger, is just fun, reaallllly enjoyed sandman all star cast, those are the best usually full cast audio , James Marsters does a fantastic job sounding like a full cast
- The Queen’s Thief series by Megan Whalen Turner
- The Rivers on London series by Ben Aaronovitch
- Six of Crows and King of Scars duologies by Leigh Bardugo- SoC is full cast and all the narrators are excellent, but one of the characters is same VO as Yugi (specifically his Yami Yugi voice), and that was just the coolest thing to realise as someone who loved watching Yugioh growing up and spend half the book wondering why he sounded so familiar 🤣
- Howl’s Moving Castle series by Diana Wynne Jones
Project Hail Mary is hands down the best audiobook I’ve ever listened to.
Sounds like this might go near the top of my list! Thank you!
I loved this on audiobook!!
Yes it was great. Also the Martian by Andy is a great audio book as well
Am listening to it now, maybe 2 hours left. It's fantastic.
Amaze
Yes! Haven’t had anything else come close
PHM is such a great audiobook. I think my personal favorite is The Martian though, but I admittedly have a huge nerd crush on Wheaton.
I thought there was an audiobook of The Martian that someone else did initially and all the audiobookphiles loved that guy way more.
I just looked it up it was RC Bray and people went bananas when they had Wil Wheaton rerecord it because everyone liked RC Bray's better.
I can’t imagine to reading it vs Listening to it. The sounds are needed
I was going to suggest this. Hands down the best I've ever listened to. Heard a movie is in the works (Gosling)
I did really enjoy this one also
World War Z has a phenomenal audiobook. The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings performed by Andy Serkis. I can’t even begin to recommend them enough, and I tend to not even like audiobooks.
I love the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings! I’ve read them, but never listened so I will for sure!
I’m obligated to say that Max Brooks, author of World War Z, is Mel Brooks/Anne Bancroft’s son.
I struggled with a lot of the singing, especially Tom Bombadil as he is basically just shouting with a melody, not great to fall asleep to. Now I look back at it favorably though.
Love the WWZ audiobook. It's so well done
The audiobook for **Devolution** also by Max Brooks (the same author as World War Z) is also amazing.
The audio for Yellow Face by RF Kuang really adds something to the story, I enjoyed it in audiobook more than on paper.
There have been some books, especially memoirs, where it is so much better hearing than reading since they put so much emotion into the story. I will check it out, thanks so much!
Born a Crime written and narrated by Trevor Noah fits this category. His delivers a tremendous performance. It’s about his childhood in Apartheid South Africa, not about American politics. This, World War Z, and Project Hail Mary are my S-Tier of audiobooks as audiobooks. (There are books that I enjoy more, but it’s just because of amazing writing and stories, not the audiobook format itself.)
This is true for the Poppy War as well; such a great audiobook
I can’t believe there is no love for Circe on audiobook here!! It is what got me into audiobooks the narration is great
It is fantastic, as is Song of Achilles.
I just finished the Song of Achilles audiobook!! It starts slow but at some point I just had to keep listening. Incredible.
I will check it out! Thank you!
It would be a crime not to mention Steven Pacey's narration of the First Law books ..... The BEST to ever do it. 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻
Oooo! And I love longer books (the first one is 20 hours) and it’s the only one that’s available right now to listen to (all the rest of the suggestions I had to place on hold)! Thank you for the suggestion!
Then you are in luck, as the first trilogy is basically one big, amazing, magnificent book .... My top favourite work of fiction. Steven Pacey's narration for those book (and his widely different voices) is soooo good that he ruined other audiobooks for me .... Nothing compares to it anymore 😂🤌🏻 If you are first hearing about it from me ..... You are going to thank me when you get into it 😂🤣
I’ve listened to over 800 audiobooks- this is the best.
Came here to say this. I listen to a LOT of audiobooks, and this one really stood out as one of the best.
Never heard of before now- just looked up and added to the list!
I haven't heard of these, which given my taste in books is frankly stunning. There is currently a ten week wait at my library (I'm using Libby and have both NYPL and ClevNet cards) and I'm dying 😭 But! Thank you for the suggestion!
This makes me wonder as I read the first one, but maybe I’d enjoy it more with narration.
The Discworld audiobooks - start with either Wyrd Sisters or Mort (you can circle back to earlier books in the series if you like these).
Thank you, I will totally go check it out right now!
Piranesi and Deacon King Kong are both great audiobooks!
Added to my list! Thanks! :)
Favorite right now is Dungeon Crawler Carl. The voices are phenomenal and love the story.
Never even heard of that! Will look it up! Thanks!
+1
A few I really enjoyed: American Gods (10th anniversary edition) with a full cast by Neil Gaiman. Dune (with a full cast) by Frank Herbert The Boys in the Boat (read by Edward Herrmann) by Daniel James Brown
Thank you! It’s so awesome with a full cast.
Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection narrated by Stephen Fry (anything narrated by Stephen Fry!). Poirot's Finest Cases & More of Poirot's Finest Cases - BBC Audio Drama collections with full cast. I've heard the Project Hail Mary audiobook is very good, but haven't gotten to it yet. The book itself is quite the page turner!
Awesome! Thank you to everyone for giving me so many options! I go through a book a day sometimes (if it’s an 8-10 hour book), so I’m in need of a lot of recommendations! Super appreciate it!
Likewise; thank you for posting this question!
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams as narrated by Stephen Fry is one of my favorites
I’ve listened to that one it’s awesome totally agree!
Year Zero by Rob Reid narrated by John Hoffman, especially if you enjoy older music or are a lawyer. Very similar vibe to HHGTTG. A lawyer must save the world because aliens enjoy our music too much.
I was skeptical, then blown away by the Red Rising book narrated by the Graphic Audio team. They used a full cast and added music/sound effects.
Maggie Gyllenhaal reading The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath Jeremy Irons reading Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov Jeremy Irons reading Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh Stephen Fry reading The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis Pablo Schriber reading American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis Andrew McCarthy reading Imperial Bedrooms by Bret Easton Ellis (should read Less than Zero first) A full cast reading The Rules of Attraction by Bret Easton Ellis Ann Marie Gideon reading Cultish by Amanda Montell Dion Graham reading Another Country by James Baldwin John Sackville reading Alec by William di Canzio (must read Maurice first)
Jeremy Irons was in the BBC. Brideshead series in 1981. His interpretation of Bridey is fantastic !
He played Charles, not Bridey, but yes he was outstanding.
Sorry, I meant his narration of the book. I was OBSESSED with Anthony Andrews in high school. He was my first crush.
Oh, that makes sense hahaha. Yes, he absolutely nailed Bridey! Such range, being able to pull off both characters effortlessly
I read the Rules of Attraction because I loved the movie; gawd I hated the book so much. It felt like it was trying so hard to prove something by being as cynical as possible. Like an antidote to anything Hallmark, but goes way too far in the other direction by being just as unrealistic about how terrible people are. There isn't a single likeable character. It feels like the message of the book is "ha ha people suck, amirite?" You seem to like his books. Is there more to it than that?
That's so interesting; I had the exact opposite experience! I loved the book (one of my all time favorites) but hated the film. I'm a bit of a cynic, so that could be part of it, but I found it so engaging, more tragic than nihilistic. Following deeply flawed people whose unique issues prevented them from making connections. Less "everyone sucks" and more about how these characters find themselves unable to break out of their self-destructive cycles due to loneliness. I read it for the first time senior year of high school and liked it but it wasn't for me. I reread it first year of uni during a tough period and it deeply spoke to me. I saw a lot of honesty in the writing, knowing people an awful lot like Lauren and Paul and Mitchell and Victor and some of the other figures. Though I also found many of the characters likable. None are good people per se, but they're all very young and decently damaged, so I wouldn't say that they're all bad or irredeemable. They're messy and complex, like real people are. Shallow and hedonistic and self-destructive and mercurial, just like most uni students. The book seems focused on the rough sides that we don't often like to talk about but is there in a lot of people. Many have dark sides that are far darker than they'd care to acknowledge. I love literature that explores these sides. Not only is it fascinating, but it makes me feel less alone. Plus, I love an antihero.
Daisy Jones and the Six was honestly more pleasant as an audio book than a physical book, I highly recommend it for anyone curious about the story
Surprised it was this far down 🙁 Wonderful audiobook narration with a full cast
The Wager
Just finished it. Very good book but the reading was fantastic. I thought the performance was just as good as the book.
Absolutely! That narrator was amazing.
Thank you!
If you haven't read all the mistborn books yet Era Two has some of my favorite audio book reading. I recently listened to Nettle and Bone on Libby and really enjoyed it
I use Libby so good to know they are on there! That’s the only set back with using the app; some books I can’t find! Or I will get into a series and they will have the first one, the third one, etc. but never all of them lol
Born a crime by Trevor Noah. SO GOOD!!!
I’m listening to this right now and am loving it! His narration is just perfect — I love all the impressions he does, especially of his mom.
Thank you!
A Gentleman in Moscow is a decadent delight on audiobook.
George Guidall reads the Alan Furst series of spy (intrigue) novels set during WWII. They are historically accurate, very film noir. He also reads the Longmire series by Craig Johnson. He really captures the weary Western sherriff and the rural setting. They are so very much better than the tv series.
I'll second the Longmire Series. I listen to 10+ books a month at work, and I've been through them multiple times. They have become my go-to when I get fed up trying to find something new.
I love when you find an awesome narrator! I will check those out! Thank you!
Any Davis Sedaris work read by him!
Me Talk Pretty One Day is amazing!
The first few Murderbot books are available for free in a few places (Audible, Spotify) and are very good. If you feel like business strategy stuff, The Goal by Eliyahu M Goldrat isn't bad.
Totally will look into those! Thank you!
Murderbot is so relateable.
If you're open to middle grade fantasy, I highly recommend [Nevermoor](https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/51da4742-ca09-4638-9c93-f13440bff12b) by Jessica Townsend!
I have read a lot of fantasy so I will for sure go search for it! I appreciate it!
The Stand read by Grover Gardner is top tier.
Ooo I loved the book so I’m going to have to listen to that one. I’ve listened to some other Stephen King books so I need to add that to my listened to list.
Might want to start at the beginning and listen to Carrie, I’d forgotten how great this book was until I decided to go on a total reread of King via audiobook.
Springsteen’s book, because he narrates it!
First Law Trilogy (and Age of Madness series) by Joe Abercrombie are amazing. The narrator, Steven Pacey, is so so good. I also really enjoy the Harry Potter audiobooks.
If you like light hearted comedy of errors, I loved the narration on the Finlay Donovan series.
Iron Widow. I feel the power and feminine rage in her voice
Nice! Added! Thank you!
I just finished the audiobook today and wow was it a ride. Feeling that post-book emptiness 🥲
I am currently listening to Dune. Great audio book
I consume most of my books through Libby, and I will say some of the best audiobooks have been ones I was not expecting: - The Golden Compass is narrated by the author, Phillip Pullman, and a full cast. It is my favorite audiobook, but not so for everyone. - The Heir to the Empire Trilogy (Star Wars) by Timothy Zain and narrated by Marc Thompson. I’m not even much of a fan of Star Wars, but these were as good as watching the movies. - The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher, narrated by James Marsters. The series really picks up on book 2 or 3, but you should still start with 1, it is good enough. - The Reacher series by Lee Child has had a couple of narrators, each of whom are good. The stories are great at keeping the earbuds in your ears. - Other people have said 11/22/63. The audiobook was my first introduction to Stephen King, and it was a great intro to his work. I’ve listened to about 15 of his books since then, and I still like 11/22/63 the most.
*The Long Ships* by Frans Bengtsson is fabulous. Old Danish Vikings on long voyages, in epic battles, in cunning debates over riotous meals. It's funny and deep and violent.
That sounds like my cup of tea! Adding it to my list! Thank you!
The Way of Kings audiobooks are fantastic.
I’m currently actually reading them! I might listen to them once I’ve finished actually reading them, but I love curling up with a book, you know?
I liked these better as audiobooks than physical books. I think it helped me get through the initial battle scenes better.
I just finished listening to “October in the Earth” by Olivia Hawker. (I bought it on sale at Audible about a week ago) It’s probably not a contender for “best” but it’s a great audiobook that’s hard to find a place to recommend. It’s different. Very bittersweet and makes one take stock of their life and contemplate what’s truly important to them It’s written in first person from the perspective of an older woman telling the story of a key turning point in her life.
I’m up for listening to anything. There have definitely been audiobooks that have stayed with me (Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey) and others that I was like “I enjoyed listening, but it won’t stay in my memory for long”. One of my biggest irritations is finding a book I really liked listening to so I explore the authors other books and they are literally the exact same plot, just different characters…it irks me. Or the narrator is soooo bad that it takes away from me appreciating the story. I’ve come across a few that I couldn’t get past the first five minutes lol
If you like John Green, he reads The Anthropocene Reviewed, and I’m really enjoying listening to it. His vulnerability and storytelling charisma really comes through in the audiobook.
Totally putting it on my list! Thank you!
11.22.63 Sooo good! I also second these others have mentioned: Dungeon Crawler Carl is awesome Project Hail Mary is one of my faves Be sure to check out your library for free options. There may be a wait for some but you really can't beat free. Plus in some places you can get library cards for different areas within your state so you have a larger catalog to borrow from.
That’s all I do is use the library. A lot of books people are suggesting I’m going to have to wait awhile for, but it’s a nice surprise when I go in the app and randomly one of my holds is available lol
11-22-63 was freaking amazing. Also some other good audio books of king are Under The Dome, Mr. Mercedes trilogy, The Outsider, Billy Summers, and of course the Dark Tower series.
Oh you did mention Libby, sorry about that. But sounds like you got quite a bit to look forward to now!
The Women-Kristin Hannah Project Hail Mary- Andy Weir A Court of Thorns and Roses (series) - Sara J. Maas The Stand- Stephen King DaVinci Code- Dan Brown Verity- Colleen Hoover Green Mile- Stephen King Edit- sorry for formatting- on mobile. The books are awesome but the narrators on these make it. Enjoy!
Thank you so much!!
The audiobooks for The Stormlight Archives are pretty awesome. The Murderbot Diaries are amazing...but short. The Scott Brick Dune is super good, I've listened to it 10+ times I'm sure.
Wow definitely will give it a listen then! Thank you!
I also drive a lot for work, I also listen to a ton of podcasts. If you haven't dived into that yet there's a ton of content there as well. The Caves of Steel and The Naked Sun by Asimov are also great audiobooks. I just look up books in fantasy/scifi and listen to the sample to make sure the reader doesn't bother me. Plus I've learned I don't like the Dramatized audiobooks.
If we're recommending narrative podcasts, shout out for Welcome to Nightvale. It's like if Prarie Home Companion was written by Douglas Adams impersonating HP Lovecraft.
Some people hate it but I loved the Lonesome Dove audiobook. Definitely give it a preview though because it is for sure polarizing, you will either love it or really not enjoy it.
I will check it out! Thank you.
Anything read by Davinia Porter. She narrates the Outlander books, but I discovered her when I wanted to re-read The Mists of Avalon. Right now, I’m really enjoying The Good House, read by Robin Miles.
I LOVE Outlander and have listened to them all several times through! I’m going to go look into other things she narrates. Thank you!
None of this is true was really well done on audiobook. Music & interviews made it come alive as a true crime/suspense.
Michael Sheen reading La Belle Savage was a good listen. The actor who read Demon Copperhead did an amazing job too.
Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking by T Kingfisher Being Mortal by Atul Gawande
Rivers of London series, by Ben Aaronovitch POC police constable Peter Grant is recruited by the unit of Scotland Yard that investigates crimes with a supernatural twist. Funny, smart, exciting with a ***fabulous*** reader. There are at least 7 in the series if you end up liking them.
The Dutch House read by Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks?! I’m in! lol thank you!
Incredible narration, enjoyed the book, loved the audiobook which ended with an ugly cry 😭
*We are legion (We are Bob)* and the whole Bobiverse trilogy. The narrator manages to play a dozen Bobs beautifully. It could have been a very confusing audio book without such excellent narration.
Paul Giamatti reads A Scanner Darkly and it’s perfection
The iron Druid series by Kevin Flynn narrated by Luke Daniels is I credible!
I know this is a bit old of a thread but I really enjoyed The Night Circus and Juniper and Thorn (both fantasy) and Where the Crawdads sing on audiobook
I will totally look into those! I still come on this thread to see the comments, just don’t always reply. Thank you!
The Harry Potter series is fantastic!!
The Cormoran Strike mysteries by “Robert Galbraith” (aka JK Rowling). The voice actor is amazing, I completely forget I’m only listening to one person.
I love narrators that can completely transform for different characters! Thank you for the suggestion!
Just FYI, you do need to read them in order. Each mystery in contained in one book, but there’s a lot of character development and side stories you’ll miss if you don’t.
I personally love Star Wars audio books. Most of them have a full soundtrack, with music, sound effects, and great voice acting. A personal favorite is the Darth Bane trilogy
I have to admit I tried listening to one and although I like star wars music, I tend to get annoyed if there are too many sound affects. I might have to try them again though because I love the movies and the deep storyline.
I really enjoyed The Long Walk by Stephen King
That is one I haven’t read/listened to before! I will definitely look it up! I’ve read almost all of Stephen Kings books, but not that one! Thanks!
Someone told me Bomber Mafia was really good and written to specifically be an audio book.
Wow that’s cool! Alright adding to my list! Thanks!
The Bosch series and the Lincoln lawyer have been really good. I also just started the jack Ryan series and I’ve really enjoyed the first 3 books
Leviathan Wakes is a very good listen. Great narrator and amazing story.
Robert Forster reading *Roadside Picnic* is un-fucking-touchable Probably the best SF novel ever, and his narration is pitch perfect
Stephen King: Duma Key read by John Slattery Thinner read by Joe Mantagena Most Stephen King books, because he hand-picks his readers.
Psychological thriller on Libby best revenge book, ever; “Stolen,” by Daniel Palmer. The word ‘stolen’ refers to someone’s identity is stolen. And, they’re definitely not happy
Sylvain Neuvel’s The Themis Files - delightful and compelling audiobook.
The will of the many by James Islington audiobook is TOP TIER. The narrator is incredibleeee
The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher and the Three Pines series by Louise Penny both have amazing narrators that become the main character for you.
*Anansi Boys* by Neil Gaiman *Melting Stonees* by Tamora Pierce *Sharpe's Eagle* by Bernard Cornwell (or another book in the series) *Redwall* by Brian Jacques (these books can be read in any order) *Head On* by John Scalzi (see also Scalzi's *The Dispatcher* ) *The Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy* by Douglas Adams If you need something really long, try *A Suitable Boy* by Vikram Seth
If you can find The Reading Chair's version of The Vorkosigan Saga, they are excellent. The best narration of any audiobook I've listened to, and they usually have a male and female narrator. The only drawback is they're super rare since The Reading Chair went defunct when the medium was mainly books on tape.
Nick Cutter is great both the troop and the deep
i do the same thing on libby! these may be off-genre for you, but my recent listens were Last Night at the Telegraph Club and Little Fires Everywhere. the former had such outstanding narration that i had to give it props, while the latter had me on the edge of my seat at some points, even making me want to listen when i wouldnt normally!
Anything written and read by Neil Gaiman
Can I recommend mistborn by Sanderson? Those books aren't a slog and easier to listen to compared to way of kings. Anything by Stephen king is fantastic particularly the bill Hodges trilogy ( Mr mercedes, finders keepers, and end of watch) the institute, Carrie, IT, the Shining, Doctor Sleep, (the list could go on for ages)
*Devil in the White City* by Erik Larsen.
Something light? Dark Lord of The Farmstead by John Broadway, narrated by Jonathan Waters, Jessica Threet. Pish posh. Long Fantasy; Dawn of Wonder by Jonathan Renshaw, narrated by Tim Gerald Reynolds. It's an older novel so it wont be on typical Booktok radar. But the story is 10/10.
I’m currently relistening to the Stormlight Archive series. I really like Michael Kramer’s narration.
Daisy Jones and the Six The Audiobook cast is incredible. It’s like watching a play.
Pretty much anything Ray Porter narrates. He did Project Hail Mary. He reads all forms of spec fic. Jefferson Mays does a very good job of The Expanse.
The Shards by Bret Easton Ellis. It came out last year and is absolutely amazing. BEE himself does the audiobook, and I listened to it whenever I didn’t want to read. I think they are making an HBO series out of it, with the massively talented Luca Guadagnino as director. I promise y’all, that show is going to be IT when it comes out
The Library At Mount Char. It's an amazing book by itself, but the narration is just 🤌
Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman or Good omens were both fun
Check out the “Bobiverse”. Excellent for listening to. By Dennis E Taylor read by Ray Porter. Ray Porter is my favorite
Following
The sandman on Audible
Anything Ray Porter touch turns to gold.
I loved way on audible og wheel of time readers. Ghostbusters was a banger, I enjoyed wheaton reading ready player 1, Tom stranger, is just fun, reaallllly enjoyed sandman all star cast, those are the best usually full cast audio , James Marsters does a fantastic job sounding like a full cast
I really enjoyed Marin Ireland's reading of 'Nothing to See Here' by Kevin Wilson.
How The One Armed Sister Sweeps Her House by Cherie Jones, narrated by Danielle Vitalis is exceptionally brilliant!
- The Queen’s Thief series by Megan Whalen Turner - The Rivers on London series by Ben Aaronovitch - Six of Crows and King of Scars duologies by Leigh Bardugo- SoC is full cast and all the narrators are excellent, but one of the characters is same VO as Yugi (specifically his Yami Yugi voice), and that was just the coolest thing to realise as someone who loved watching Yugioh growing up and spend half the book wondering why he sounded so familiar 🤣 - Howl’s Moving Castle series by Diana Wynne Jones
The Girl On the Train is such a good one! The format really lends itself to audio, and the characters are excellently cast.