Audiobooks are truly a gift. Whether you're trying to discover fresh authors and stories or experience an old favorite in a brand new way, there's nothing better than sitting down—or getting on with your day—while listening to a perfectly narrated book. We've curated 10 of the best audiobooks with stunning narration, full cast performances, and unbelievable stories that will capture your imagination and keep you listening until the very last page.
The best way to listen to these titles in 2024 is through an Audible subscription, but there are a few other places to find audibooks we've mentioned below.
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The Best Audibooks in 2024
Neverwhere by Neal Gaiman
- Read by a full cast including the late Christopher Lee, James McAvoy, Natalie Dormer, David Harewood, Sophie Okonedo, Benedict Cumberbatch, Anthony Head, and David Schofield
We're starting with an all-timer here, as this full cast recording of Gaiman's beloved fantasy novel is one of the best and most unique audiobooks ever made. That's because it began life as a British radio play before being released for audiences to listen to whenever they like.
McAvoy leads the cast as Richard Mayhew, a young man who discovers a secret world under the streets of London known as London Below. In these subterranean tunnels he embarks on an immense adventure that introduces us to an memorable cast of characters who Richard will have to befriend, defeat, or survive as he tries to make his way back to his own world.
Babel: Or the Necessity of Violence by R.F. Kuang
- Read by Chris Lew Kum Hoi, Billie Fulford-Brown
Though it's a far newer addition to our list, Babel: Or the Necessity of Violence is already considered as one of the top tier audiobook experiences of recent years.
Bringing Kuang's intense dark academia novel to life, this immersive and magical audiobook throws listeners into an alt-universe version of 1830s England. It's here that we meet Robin Swift, a young orphan from Canton who is brought to London by a mysterious academic, with the aim of enrolling him in the magical language school known as Babel. Inspired by Kuang's own time studying at Cambridge and Oxford, this is a startlingly brilliant listen.
A Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin
- Read by Roy Dotrice
The late actor Roy Dotrice literally broke a world record — for most characters voiced — with his now legendary performances of Martin's quintessential fantasy books.
In case you've been living under a rock for the last decade these fantasy smash-hit novels inspired the game changing HBO TV series. The series follows numerous families and players in the fictional world of Westeros as they battle for supremacy in the titular Game of Thrones. Dotrice brought his many talents — and voices — to the series, crafting a memorable cast of characters that add new layers to the world and people that Martin created.
If you're looking to read these instead, you can check out our guide to the Game of Thrones books.
One by One by Ruth Ware
- Read by Imogen Church
This claustrophobic and wintery take on the classic Agatha Christie tale And Then There Were None is a perfectly haunting addition to your audiobook lineup.
When a group of old friends who founded a now globally successful tech company reunite for a company retreat in a beautiful ski resort, it should be a time for celebration. But when the French Alps are hit by a wild storm the crew finds themselves snowed in and resentments begin to slither to the surface, and when one of the group doesn't return from the slopes it starts to look like someone has a more deadly agenda for the retreat than just powerpoint presentations.
His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass by Phillip Pullman
- Read by Philip Pullman and a full cast including Joanna Wyatt, Rupert Degas, Alison Dowling, Douglas Blackwell, and Jill Shilling.
Another full cast classic is this epic British fantasy from Phillip Pullman that has become a much-loved tale in both audio and prose format since its release decades ago.
Following a young girl named Lyra Belacqua who lives in an alt-universe version of Oxford, this story introduces listeners to a world where humans live alongside their own souls in the form of animals known as Dæmons. Raised in the hallowed halls of Jordan College Lyra becomes entangled in a universe-ending theological battle for survival after her friend Roger is kidnapped. But as we soon learn Lyra's multiverse-hopping adventures are only just beginning...
Dread Nation by Justina Ireland
- Read by Bahni Turpin
One of the best entries into zombie canon in recent years, Dread Nation is just as impactful in listening form thanks to critically acclaimed audiobook narrator Bahni Turpin.
In an alt-universe version of America where the dead came back to life on the battlefields of Gettysburg, Dread Nation centers on Jane McKeene. Spending years at Miss Preston's School of Combat in Baltimore, Jane is almost ready to become an Attendant, protecting the wealthy from the hordes of undead. But before that unappealing future can come to life she becomes entangled in a vast conspiracy that'll change everything for Jane and America.
The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty
- Read by William Peter Blatty and Eliana Shaskan
If you think that Exorcist is a scary movie wait until you listen to this 2011 audiobook edition of William Peter Blatty's terrifying novel, co-narrated by none other than the author himself.
A classic story of good and evil that centers around a young woman named Regan MacNeil. Living a charmed life with her actress mother, Regan is a happy child until she begins to exhibit strange and violent signs of illness. Of course, something more demonic is afoot and soon Regan is put in the care of the titular Exorcist who must battle to save the child from the demonic presence that has a hold over her soul. Listen to this one with the lights on.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
- Read by Jim Dale
If you love audiobooks then you're likely familiar with the reassuring tones of Jim Dale. He's likely never been better suited to a story than this fantastical bite of magical realism.
Le Cirque des Rêves has arrived in town, but it's far from your average traveling carnival. In this spell-binding novel, Morgenstern introduces readers to the immense and complex world of the Night Circus and those who inhabit it. While the crowd watches incredible feats, two young magicians, Celia and Marco, battle for power but find love instead. It's a match of fates that could put the fate of the circus and all who exist inside its sparkling canopy in grave danger.
The Fifth Season (Broken Earth books) by N. K. Jemisin
- Read by Robin Miles.
Jemisin is one of the best speculative fiction writers working today, this startling collection teams the author's powerful words with the talents of Robin Miles for a truly fantastic audio experience.
This Hugo Award winning novel is seen as a modern classic for a reason, Jemisin's skill for worldbuilding and dynamic characters are on full show in this expansive genre-bending series. It begins with the end of the world, a woman with a secret, and the mission that drives her. We challenge you to put this one down once you've started, as Jemisin crafts a truly unforgettable tale. Luckily, it's the first in a trilogy so you'll be able to continue the journey after the last page.
To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini
- Read by Jennifer Hale.
Iconic voice actor Hale (Mass Effect, Metal Gear Solid, BioShock Infinite) takes on Paulini's stunning sci-fi in this audiobook gem that will terrify and enchant you in equal measure.
Relocating to a space colony with her fiance is the dream life that Kira has always wanted. But when she discovers an alien artifact known as the Soft Blade her life is thrown into chaos. Science-fiction of the highest order, this startling novel catapults you through the depths of the cosmos into an intergalactic war and a battle for Kira's humanity. Narrated expertly by Hale, this is a must listen for fans of the genre whether on screen or on page.
Where to Find Audiobooks
If you're curious where you can pick up audiobooks for your collection, there are a few different places that are worth checking out. Audible is a fantastic pick. It offers a 30-day free trial and will then set you back $14.95/month to access its library, though there will likely be some discounts for Amazon Black Friday. Amazon Prime Members also get 2 free titles with the trial! Alongside Audible, there's also Audiobooks.com - which offers a 30-day free trial and then $14.95/month - and Apple Books and Google Play Books (for iPhone and Android) for purchasing titles. If you're looking for free alternatives that only require a library card, there's also Hoopla and OverDrive.
For additional book lists, see:
Rosie Knight is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything from anime to comic books to kaiju to kids movies to horror flicks. She has over half a decade of experience in entertainment journalism with bylines at Nerdist, Den of Geek, Polygon, and more.
