Best Fantasy series of all time for Audiobooks

By JK Rowling, Narrated by Stephen Fry/ Jim Dale

There are seven books in the series, click on it below to get a free audible trial through Amazon, or read more below.

These books are pure magic and a benchmark in the genre. J.K. Rowling takes a classic idea of young children heading to boarding school, and put’s it on it’s head, generally we would expect all the exciting things to happen while on holiday – but not this time. The Harry Potter audiobooks series may have been written and narrated with children in mind, but that hasn’t stopped thousands of mums and dads giving the first book in the series a five star rating. Harry Potter and the Philosophers stone is an introduction into a world of of optimism and hope, where anything is possible. As a result, this book speaks to a younger audience naturally, however this is a must listen for everyone. How could you not want to live in a world like that?! The books are creative and fun.

The series has been narrated by both Stephen Fry and Jim Dale. Both are excellent, and it often depends on personal preference. I recommend Stephen Fry personally. Please see the sample.

By Joe Abercrombie, Narrated by Steven Pacey

There are three books in this series, click on it below to get a free audible trial through Amazon, or read more below.

The First Law series for audiobook is one of the best epic fantasy series I’ve had the pleasure to listen to. These books are dark. Very dark. If your humor is as black as mine, and you don’t mind if a character gets an axe to the head occasionally, then this series is for you.

The series is narrated by Steven Pacey. Pacey, is an incredible narrator. I don’t think Joe Abercrombie could have asked for anyone better. At times it’s hard to believe it’s one man creating all those voices. Pacey does a great job of bringing the characters to life, with expert pace and varied narration, he makes this good book series into an epic audiobook serie

By Robert Jordan, Narrated by Michael Kramer and Kate Reading

There are fifteen books in this series,  the first five are within the slider below, with a list at the bottom of all books, click on an image below to get a free audible trial through Amazon, or read more below.

The Wheel of Time is a series of high fantasy novels written by American author James Oliver Rigney Jr., under the pen name Robert Jordan. Originally planned as a six-book series, The Wheel of Time spanned fourteen volumes, in addition to a prequel novel and a companion book. Jordan began writing the first volume, The Eye of the World, in 1984. It was published in January 1990.

The Wheel of Time is fantastically epic, intricately complex, more detailed and elaborate than you can imagine, while being both engaging and satisfying. The first books are very strong.

The audiobooks are primarily narrated by Michael Kramer. Michael Kramer is an award winning American audiobook narrator. Kramer has recorded many fantasy audiobooks. With Kramers dramatization, rich character diversification and smooth crisp voice you will sink into this series like nothing else before.

The Lord of the Rings is regarded as some of the best books ever written, beginning innocently and then taking a plunge into a much darker world. The Fellowship gives us a glimpse into the intricate and beautifully crafted world that is Middle Earth.

The audiobooks are narrated by Robert Inglis and Martin Shaw. I recommend the Rob Inglis version. Rob strikes the perfect note in his narrations; again, his voice is suited towards the old fashioned narration. Robs versions of the Lord of the Rings, and the Hobbit are a little more read than dramatised, but the character range is definitely amazing in the Lord of the Rings. Some people can find Rob a little dry, but I find this was mainly due to the books rather than the narrator. I think if you are looking for a narrator to read you the Tolkien classics, you have no better choice than Rob.

By Stephen King, Narrated by George Guidall and Frank Muller

The Dark Tower is a series of books written by American author Stephen King, which incorporates themes from multiple genres, including fantasy, science fantasy, horror, and Western. It describes a “gunslinger” and his quest toward a tower, the nature of which is both physical and metaphorical.

The audiobooks are narrated by two great narrators. George Guidall and Frank Muller. Guidall has narrated over 900 audiobooks in his time. His versatility, range, and his ability to carry the listener off are tremendous. His character diversification is just as fantastic, and often has many accents in each book. Guidall’s pace between characters is often specialised, which adds additional value, there is no trouble differentiating between characters. The below excerpt is George Guidall.

By Patrick Routhfuss, Narrated by Rupert Degas/ Nick Podehl

The Kingkiller Chronicles is a fantasy trilogy by Patrick Rothfuss, telling the autobiography of Kvothe, an adventurer and famous musician. The plot is divided into two different action threads: the present, where Kvothe tells the story of his life to Devan Lochees (known as Chronicler) in the main room of his inn, and Kvothe’s past, the story in question, which makes up the majority of the books. The present-day interludes are in the third person from the perspective of multiple characters, while the story of Kvothe’s life is told entirely in the first person from his own perspective.

The audiobooks are narrated by Nick Podehl and Rupert Degas. Both have done a fantastic job. I prefer Nick Podehl’s narration, however this will be personal preference. He did very well with this series, this was a very clear narration with high distinction between characters. There was a little dramatisation which was good, while not too much over the top exaggeration – very balanced. Howevever, i think the consensus is that Rupert Degas is the favorite. Below is an extract of this gentlemen’s performance

By George RR Martin, Narrated by Roy Dotrice

I really love the Game of Thrones audiobooks. Lots of people do. Of course epic fantasy will never be a ‘one size fits all’ genre, but there is no harm in at least giving these audiobooks a try. The twists and turns in the storyline, even though I knew what was going to happen, that didn’t stop the plot twists having any effect! People will often listen to their favourite audiobooks over and over again because they continue to have an effect on them. Game of Thrones is like that, knowing the plot doesn’t take any of the excitement away.

There are only little hints of magic in Game of Thrones which adds flavor to the story and reminds us that this is in fact a fantasy novel. The dire-wolves I especially liked, although Johns albino wolf is slightly too convenient. The hints of prophecy and visions are interesting too, but the presence of magic in the story is so slight it can’t be easily used to help a struggling character out.

The opening is also great. Personally I really love it when an author drops in a little ‘prologue’ just to give you a taste of what’s in store. Well thought out and beautifully read by Roy Dotrice, the scenes and characters are incredibly easy to visualize. Not to mention the opening is a tad creepy, so bonus points there.

The audiobooks are narrated by Roy Dotrice. His narration earned him a second place in the Guinness Book of Records for creating the largest number of characters voiced in an audiobook. He managed to voice 224 different characters. Dotrice’s favourite character to voice is Tyrion and claimed that he managed to keep up with all the different voices he created by keeping a cheat sheet as well as listening to his previous interpretations of the characters. Dotrice’s range of voices and accents is impressive. Each character is easily distinguishable and perfectly represented. Although Dotrice does fall a little into the love/hate category, Game of Thrones has been the only fantasy audiobook series he has narrated to date.

By Angus Watson, Narrated by Sean Barrett

Age of Iron pulls you in from the beginning with a battle and doesn’t let go until Sean Barrett utters the final word. I especially loved the opening which makes the audiobook seem like an account of true events. In a word: intense. Whenever I thought that the story had calmed down for a bit, there would be a spanner thrown in the works and everything would fall apart. I loved this. It kept me interested, it kept the story moving and i certainly wasn’t expecting some of the plot twists. A round of applause to Watson who has managed to create some amazing fight scenes and some unique trials for the characters to face. There were so many things that I just didn’t see coming and I was kept guessing most of the way through. I loved the action and I loved the characters.

The epic series of audiobooks are narrated by Sean Barrett. Barrett’s low, gritty tones are perfect for the bloodthirsty and rugged universes of fantasy novels. He also does a fabulous Scottish accent. Barrett becomes deeply involved in the story he tells, racing along with the action and emphasising the excitement of a scene. Barrett is highly regarded amongst voice actors and the majority of the books he reads are rated very highly, particularly the fantasy novels. The best sellers below are all part of an amazing epic fantasy series, which are highly rated, and a must listen!

By Anthony Ryan, Narrated by Steven Brand

This story unfolds naturally but subtly. Slowly but surely it engulfs you in a most epic journey. I really appreciate this book because I feel as though it started right where it needed to.

I like this book because it some what reminds me of a Joe Abercrombie novel (a favorite author of mine), in terms of the story line, the magic, mystery, epic battles and intrigue.  It does not have many character perspectives, but in this case it does not detract – each story to their own. This is a definite must listen if you love a good epic series with rich and complex characters.

This epic fantasy audiobook series is narrated Steven Brand. He really has bought these characters to life with his performance and range of character voices. His narration is solid, pleasant, and effectively read. It’s like hearing a fireside story read by a master story teller. Although, in comparison to some of the other narrators above/ below, I would say he is a little below their standard.

By Brandon Sanderson, Narrated by Michael Kramer

What if the hero of prophecy fails? What kind of world results when the Dark Lord is in charge? The answer will be found in the Mistborn Trilogy, a saga of surprises and magical martial-arts action that begins in Mistborn. The audiobooks are primarily narrated by Michael Kramer. Michael Kramer is an award winning American audiobook narrator. Kramer has recorded many fantasy audiobooks, such as the Wheel of Time (which is also amazing). With Kramers dramatization, rich character diversification and smooth crisp voice you will sink into this series like nothing else before.

By Steven Erikson, Narrated by Ralph Lister

Bled dry by interminable warfare, infighting and bloody confrontations with Lord Anomander Rake and his Tiste Andii, the vast, sprawling Malazan empire simmers with discontent. Even its imperial legions yearn for some respite. For Sergeant Whiskeyjack and his Bridgeburners and for Tattersail, sole surviving sorceress of the Second Legion, the aftermath of the siege of Pale should have been a time to mourn the dead. But Darujhistan, last of the Free Cities of Genabackis, still holds out – and Empress Lasseen’s ambition knows no bounds. However, it seems the empire is not alone in this great game. Sinister forces gather as the gods themselves prepare to play their hand.

Conceived and written on an epic scale, Gardens of the Moon is a breathtaking achievement – a novel in which grand design, a dark and complex mythology, wild and wayward magic and a host of enduring characters combine with thrilling, powerful storytelling to resounding effect. Acclaimed by writers, critics and readers alike, here is the opening chapter in what has been hailed a landmark of epic fantasy: the awesome The Malazan Book of the Fallen.

The audiobooks are narrated by Ralph Lister. He has read several of the Malazan books extremely well. His cadence and delivery make for a very easy listen, and his ability to establish different and distinct voices for the characters throughout the book is superb.

By Jim Butcher, Narrated by James Marsters

The books are written as a first person narrative from the perspective of the main character, private investigator and wizard Harry Dresden, as he recounts investigations into supernatural disturbances in modern-day Chicago. Butcher’s original proposed title for the first novel was Semiautomagic, which sums up the series’ balance of fantasy and hard-boiled detective fiction.

The Audiobooks are narrated by James Marsters. Marsters is something special, he has a huge theatre background which means he has the sheer stamina to do unabridged novels. He also had a fabulous voice. His narrations are clear and clean with great pronunciation. I think his voice is suited to the contemporary audiobook – it may be the accent, but that’s just me. Marsters from what i hear has fantastic memory too, he remembers how he portrayed the characters from the earlier work, and his repetitions of characters flow nicely, it’s never fun as a listener to head to the next in the series and find the characters have different voices. You need to listen to these books!

By Christopher Paolini, Narrated by Gerrard Doyle

When Eragon finds a polished stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy as old as the empire itself. Overnight, his simple life is shattered and with only an ancient sword and an old storyteller for guidance, he is thrust into a perilous new world. For anyone wanting to encourage their children to listen to audiobooks, Eragon is a great place to start. I wouldn’t recommend it to Tolkien fans who will certainly recognise most of Paolini’s plot ideas have been taken from Lord of the Rings. The plot is choppy at times, but bear in mind, Paolini wrote this when he was 15. The eragon audiobook is widely regarded as the beginning of the best dragon book series available. In 2003 Eragon was one of the best-selling audiobooks.

The Books are narrated by Gerrard Doyle. Doyle’s range and tone is perfect for the multiple characters of this audiobook epic. On paper Eragon is a sprawling fantasy, filled with obvious nods to Tolkien and too many convenient plot devices. But on audio, through Doyle, it fills the ears with vivid characters, witty dialogue, and nail-biting battle scenes set in a magical world where a beautiful blue dragon and her rider are at the noble center of it all.

By Brandon Sanderson, Narrated by Michael Kramer and Kate Reading

Widely acclaimed for his work completing Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time saga, Brandon Sanderson now begins a grand cycle of his own, one every bit as ambitious and immersive.
Roshar is a world of stone and storms. Uncanny tempests of incredible power sweep across the rocky terrain so frequently that they have shaped ecology and civilization alike. Animals hide in shells, trees pull in branches, and grass retracts into the soilless ground. Cities are built only where the topography offers shelter.
It has been centuries since the fall of the 10 consecrated orders known as the Knights Radiant, but their Shardblades and Shardplate remain: mystical swords and suits of armor that transform ordinary men into near-invincible warriors. Wars were fought for them, and won by them. One such war rages on the Shattered Plains. There, Kaladin has been reduced to slavery. In a war that makes no sense, where 10 armies fight separately against a single foe, he struggles to save his men and to fathom the leaders who consider them expendable.
Brightlord Dalinar Kholin commands one of those other armies. Like his brother, the late king, he is fascinated by an ancient text called The Way of Kings. Troubled by visions of ancient times and the Knights Radiant, he has begun to doubt his own sanity.
Across the ocean, an untried young woman named Shallan seeks to train under an eminent scholar and notorious heretic, Dalinar’s niece, Jasnah. Though she genuinely loves learning, Shallan’s motives are less than pure. As she plans a daring theft, her research for Jasnah hints at secrets of the Knights Radiant and the true cause of the war.

The Books are primarily narrated by Michael Kramer. Michael Kramer is an award winning American audiobook narrator. Kramer has recorded many fantasy audiobooks, such as The Wheel Of Time (there’s no coincidence he’s in here more than once). With Kramers dramatization, rich character diversification and smooth crisp voice you will sink into this series like nothing else before. Kate Reading also does a fantastic job giving strong and rich female characters. Below is an excerpt of Michael Kramer reading the first book.

By Terry Brooks, Narrated by Scott Brick

Living in peaceful Shady Vale, Shea Ohmsford knew little of the troubles that plagued the rest of the world. Then the giant, forbidding Allanon revaled that the supposedly dead Warlock Lord was plotting to destroy the world. The sole weapon against this Power of Darkness was the Sword of Shannara, which could only be used by a true heir of Shannara–Shea being the last of the bloodline, upon whom all hope rested. Soon a Skull Bearer, dread minion of Evil, flew into the Vale, seeking to destroy Shea. To save the Vale, Shea fled, drawing the Skull Bearer after him…

The audiobook are narrated by Scott Brick. Brick is an excellent narrator and I am fine with his representation of the characters. I never expected him to present them to me they way I created them in my head so many years ago and his efforts on this series are typical of his work.

By Robin Hobb, Narrated by Paul Boehmer

With unforgettable characters, a sweeping backdrop, and passionate storytelling, this is a fantasy debut to rival that of Robert Jordan. Filled with adventure and bloodshed, pageantry and piracy, mystery and menace, Assassin’s Apprentice is the story of a royal house and the young man who is destined to chart its course through tempests of change. Young Fitz is the bastard son of the noble Prince Chivalry, raised in the shadow of the royal household by his father’s gruff stableman. An outcast whose existence has forced his father to abdicate his claim on the throne, Fitz is ignored by all royalty except the devious King Shrewd, who has him secretly tutored in the arts of the assassin. For in the young man’s blood is a heritage of magic, the talent called the Skill, as well as another, even more mysterious ability.

As barbarous raiders ravage the coasts and leave behind the zombie-like husks of the townspeople to prowl the countryside, Fitz is growing toward manhood. Soon he will face his first dangerous, soul-shattering mission, a mission that poses as much a threat to himself as it does for his target—for Fitz is a threat to the throne…but he may also be the key to the survival of the kingdom.

The Books are narrated by Paul Boehmer . Boehmer has appeared on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Off-Off-Broadway, and regionally across the country. He has also worked in film and television, including The Thomas Crown Affair, three Star Trek movies, and Frasier. Paul is most proud of his award-winning unabridged recording of Moby Dick. He holds a BFA in acting from Southern Methodist University and an MFA in acting from the Professional Theatre Training Program at the University of Delaware.

By Scott Lynch, Narrated by Michael PageThis is the first book in a number released by Scott Lynch following the story of orphan Locke Lamora and his adventures in his less moral dealings as a con man. The story is fantastic, absolutely fantastic. Think Ocean’s Eleven, but in ancient venice, an ancient venice that was once home to ancient aliens who left much of their structures behind. This isn’t traditional high fantasy though. It will appeal to high fantasy lovers, but also to people who have never read fantasy in their lives. It is, in short, stupendous.A word of warning however, the story is very crude. I have learn’t many insults which is intend to make use of, including ‘you look like hammered shit’, which was a favorite of mine. The biggest warning however is that this story is addictive. You will learn to care about these characters and want to know what happens next. I am testament to this having listened to three books of this series in three weeks.The books are narrated by Michael Page. One of the greatest things about this series for audiobook is the narration. Michael Page gives us a performance to die for, one that i consider the best I have heard – bar maybe Steven Pacey’s rendition of the first law series. Michael Page’s character diversification, accents, and dramatization is mind blowing. For example, Locke is a con man, he is constantly in disguise changing accents and names. Michael Page’s consistency was insane and with out it, this book could have been very confusing for listeners.

By Pierce Brown, Narrated by Gerard Reynolds

Earth is dying. Thousands of workers, who live in the vast caves beneath Mars, mine the precious elements that will make the planet habitable. They are Earth’s only hope. Until the day Darrow learns that it’s a lie. Mars has been habitable – and inhabited – for generations. Darrow disguises himself and infiltrates their society, intent on taking them down. But the surface is a battlefield – and Darrow isn’t the only one with an agenda.

Red Rising is a fantastic series. This is one of my favorite listens. Brown creates believable characters, both good and bad, that are complex and struggle with life and death choices. There are some lighthearted moments which help ease the tension, but not many. I’ve read some comparing this to Hunger Games, which is a stretch I believe. Maybe some elements such as overcoming oppression and injustice but everything else is quite different. The narration was one of the best I’ve heard. I loved hearing Gerard Reynolds representation of Darrow mature with the character over the course of the trilogy.

By Kevin Hearne , Narrated by Christopher Ragland

Atticus O’Sullivan, last of the Druids, lives peacefully in Arizona, running an occult bookshop and shape-shifting in his spare time to hunt with his Irish wolfhound. His neighbors and customers think that this handsome, tattooed Irish dude is about twenty-one years old – when in actuality, he’s twenty-one centuries old. Not to mention: He draws his power from the earth, possesses a sharp wit, and wields an even sharper magical sword known as Fragarach, the Answerer.

Unfortunately, a very angry Celtic god wants that sword, and he’s hounded Atticus for centuries. Now the determined deity has tracked him down, and Atticus will need all his power – plus the help of a seductive goddess of death, his vampire and werewolf team of attorneys, a sexy bartender possessed by a Hindu witch, and some good old-fashioned luck of the Irish – to kick some Celtic arse and deliver himself from evil.

By Tad Williams, Narrated by Andrew Wincot

The beloved first novel in Tad Williams’ classic fantasy series Memory, Sorrow and Thorn, first published in 1988 and now available as an unabridged audiobook for the first time.

Kitchen-boy Simon is bored, restless, and 14 years old – a dangerous combination. It seems, however, that his life has just taken a turn for the better when he’s apprenticed to his castle’s resident wizard. As Simon’s learning to read and write under Doctor Morgenes’ tutelage, forces greater than he could possible imagine are gathering: forces which will change Simon’s life – and his world – forever.

Following the death of Good King John, Osten Ard is plunged into civil war as his sons battle for control of the fabled Dragonbone Chair – the country’s throne as well as the symbol of its power. Simon is forced to flee the only home he has ever known, a journey which will test him beyond his worst nightmares.

With The Dragonbone Chair, Tad Williams introduced readers to the incredible fantasy world of Osten Ard and kicked off the beloved, internationally best-selling series Memory, Sorrow and Thorn.

By R. A. Salvatore, Narrated by Victor Bevine

Drizzt is, by far, the most iconic drow character in fantasy literature. He’s so popular that within the circles of roleplaying gamers, both tabletop and computer, it’s a common joke that every drow is a two-sword wielding goodie goodie, despite their race’s fierce reputation. Players will name their characters in an homage to Drizzt, just as they might with Legolas or Gandalf. That’s some high praise, right there.

Homeland is the first book of the Dark Elf Trilogy and the (truly massive) Legend of Drizzt Saga. While it’s not the first appearance of Drizzt, it’s the place for new readers to start, because here you’ll learn of both his origins and his background. Homeland describes the City of Menzoberranzan, home of the drow, and the struggles for power that take place there.

The sample narration is not from the trilogy, but is an example of both Salvatore’s writing and Bevine’s narration.