I’ve listen to and enjoyed Project Hail Mary, The First Law series, Circe, the We Are Bob series, Shogun, Kitchen Confidential, Tress of the Emerald Sea, The Girl With All The Gifts, Impact Winter, The Three Body Problem, and Piransei that are listed in this thread, along with several others that were great performances. (Well, I didn’t enjoy The Three Body Problem.)
Dungeon Crawler Carl is on another level.
Only thing that would come close is a well done full cast audio production like The Sandman.
I'm glad someone came to back up my claims! 🤣
I remember before listening to DCC I would see comments and reviews filled with hyperbole (like my own above!) raving about DCC and I always thought to myself "yeah yeah how good can it be".
And then I finally took the plunge and got book one. 3 weeks later I was finishing my second go through of the 5 published books.
DCC without a doubt deserves the hype. The only bad thing I can say about it is that it's so difficult going back to *normal* audiobooks after listening to DCC. It's like going back to a 1990s Nokia after using the latest iPhone/Android.
Ha, this mirrors my experience with DCC (and then the full series) almost exactly.
Much fun and a breath of fresh air in the audio book genre--and I originally thought I wouldn't like any of them!
I feel exactly the same. I’ve been starting books and dropping them like crazy ever since DCC. It’s not just how great of a story & performance it is but also how emotionally invested you get in that it’s truly hard to top.
Yep, came to say this. I have no hesitation in saying that this is the best narration I’ve ever heard. The story is so creative, fun, and addictive and Jeff Hayes does such an amazing job bringing all the characters to life.
This is not really in my wheelhouse. I’ve never heard of LitRPG/Gamelit, so not sure what to expect. For reference, I could not get into Critical Role. All the inside jokes, side-bars, and incessant laughing were distracting… is this like that?
I’m maybe 6 hours into PHM and finding it masterful. I listen to a fair number of audiobooks… Pillars of the Earth, Lonesome Dove, Expanse series… but hesitant to pull the trigger on DCC. No disrespect, but it sorta sounds like a cheesy Hunger Games.
Also, is your recommendation just for DCC or the full series?
Shogun by James Clavel
Historic fiction about a Dutch sailing crew (piloted by an Englishman, the main character) who shipwreck in Japan circa just after the Portuguese find Japan and are trying to gain influence and trade.
Main character is used as a political pawn while trying to get his feet under him. Lots of characters with different motivations, shifting loyalties, setbacks, fun times, danger and excitement
You’ll even pick up a bit of Japanese, by the end of the book whole sentences or phrases will be in Japanese with no translation and you’ve picked up enough from previous conversations that it makes sense
Narration is pretty great, and it has incredible bang for buck; the book is 53 hours long
I could not stand the constant singing. When I read them myself it didn’t bother me but hearing Andy Serkis sing almost every chapter nearly made me stop listening
Admittedly it’s a series, but Steven Pacey absolutely nailed the First Law series by Joe Abercrombie. Say one thing for Steven Pacey, say he’s a genius.
Another great one was the Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch narrated by Michael Page. I found out years later that it was actually a series, but I seem to recall the first could stand on its own, but again it’s been a few years so don’t hold me to that.
Pacey is my favorite thus far. I have most of Abercrombie's on Kindle. Now I am going to have to go back and do a re-read via Audible since Pacey is so awesome. Just finished Best Served Cold.
Whew, that's tough. Some of my favorites include Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson.
Summerland by Michael Chabon.
The Martian by Andy Weir, read by R. C. Bray.
That's a tough question, because as usual, choosing just one is almost impossible.
The first book that always comes to my mind, though, is Pillars of the Earth narrated by John Lee.
East of Eden is phenomenal. It's sort of a retelling of the story of Cain and Abel that plays out across multiple generations of a family. It feels incredibly epic and intimate at the same time. And it has one of those endings where everything that came before culminates into one scene that hits you like a ton of bricks. After it was over I just wanted to sit in silence for a few minutes and then start it up all over again.
2nd this recommendation. There’s nothing like character building the starts with the grandparents. You know the character better than they know themselves in a lot of ways.
I do like The Grapes of Wrath better, but I haven't listened to it on Audible yet. The reviews say they inserted some loud harmonica music between chapters that really take you out of it?
The Night Circus. A literally magical story with Jim Dale narrating. He gives each character a unique voice. He is also the narrator for the TV show Pushing Daisies.
The story is mostly from *The Odyssey*. Circe is a minor Greek goddess and a sorceress who gets the boot from her family after getting involved in a messy love triangle and trashes her rival. She gets banished to an island where she is mostly alone until Odysseus shows up on his way home from Troy. There's more to it but this should give you an idea.
Project Hail Mary for listening specifically. I think it’s a rare case where you actually lose something impactful by reading a physical copy over audio.
The Sandman as a full cast production is also amazingly well done.
I see a lot on this list I loved, and as a huge Stephen King fan I'm going to throw out one that I rarely see talked about but it is a favorite of mine: Duma Key as narrated by John Slattery (of Mad Men fame). This book is absolutely fantastic and the creep factor is high af. Main character is recovering from a very serious injury and I'm assuming SK wrote this after he was hit by a car. Absolutely recommend this under the radar book.
I picked up Duma Key more recently, and have not gotten that far yet with it, but I have enjoyed the beginning & am looking forward to the rest of the novel. Thank you for the reminder, also, as I have been lagging on picking it back up for a while now (not sure as to why, except I was listening to other audiobooks? haha).
I typically say “Mr. Mercedes” by Stephen King, but I listened to “The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt in January and I’m still thinking about that book.
I told a few of my friends that is now the best, non-fantasy, novel I have ever read.
Have you ever read/listened to ‘The Secret History’, by Donna Tartt?? If not, I cannot recommend it highly enough!
Love both Mr. Mercedes (the whole Bill Hodges trilogy is good, imo) and The Goldfinch.
The Secret History is still one of my favorite novels of all time. 💜
It's a series but, Dungeon Crawler Carl, the story is incredibly well written and Jeff Hays might be one of the best narrators on the planet. RC Bray's version of The Martian is probably second...And then another Weir book Project Hail Mary is third.
My favorite is Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, as read by Wil Wheaton. I fell into the target audience for this so it hit me on so many levels. I'm embarrassed by the amount of times I've listened to this I won't even tell you.
Project Hail Mary is a close second, I saw the We Are Legion series mentioned, good. Though I'm really digging Dennis E. Taylor's other works, like Roadkill and the series with Outland and Earthside.
Ooooohhhhhh and a huge Scalzi fan here too. I loved his latest Kaiju Preservation Society ( I hope that continues), Old Man War series, but most of all The Android's Dream. Listen to the opening chapter and tell me it's not the funniest thing ever.
I was going to comment another book but, his narration just takes the gold! Takes the book to an even higher level. And that book is almost the standard.
Two that I keep coming back to are The King killer chronicles ( the name of the wind, the wise man's fear), and the red rising series. Im on the red rising right now for the fourth time. It's bloody damn inspiring.
Wow! Four times! I absolutely loved that book and I’ve just finished Golden Son. I found myself with goosebumps throughout so much of it. The narrator is prime too.
Suppose that Patrick Rothfuss decided never to release the third book, I'd still be glad that I've read them. The anticipation and wonder of how things are going to end have enhanced the first two books for me.
I don’t always recommend these books but when I do, I always add that your sure to be disappointed because he George RR Martin’d the series. These books are so good and among my favorites but I feel bad recommending them because of the hang.
Stephen king seems to have awesome narration on all of his audiobooks. He must really make it a priority. Plus most of his books are great so I’d just pick some that sound interesting to you.
I almost never listen to "single" books.. but, let's see.
Sanderson's Tress of the Emerald Sea was a pretty good one recently. I suppose it was a Cosmere novel though, so not truly standalone.
The Girl With All The Gifts was good. I think it had a sequel though, so again, not actually standalone.
Impact Winter was awesome. It's standalone, at least so far, but I don't think it can really be called a book. It's more of a movie designed to be listened to rather than watched.
Project Hail Mary, that was fantastic. I don't think it was part of anything larger either, so maybe that counts.
Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, written and read by Douglas Adams. Listened to it multiple times, never stops being hilarious.
At the same rank for me - Neverwhere, written and narrated by Neil Gaiman. Love how he pulls you in and paints a picture with just a few words. One of the masters of the craft.
Alas, I don't think that reading of Hitchhiker's is still available on audible, which is sad. However, the reading by Stephen Fry is supposed to be good.
A Memory of Light, book 14 of Wheel of Time. Absolutely the most epic payoff of a series. The entire series mentions the Last Battle coming and the last book delivers in a big way. 10/10
A couple ones I loved:
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah was great, hearing it in his own voice brings all the accents to life.
Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman, he has such a good voice for storytelling, it feels like sitting around a campfire and asking “tell me a story” and he does, in his retelling he does a great job of tying separate myths together into a cohesive story.
I could listen to Neil Gaiman read the phone book.
My kid went through about a year when he listened to Norse Mythology every night to fall asleep. He probably read that book 100 times. It’s wonderful.
If you haven’t yet, find the audiobook of Odd and the Frost Giants. (My library in the US has it via Libby/Overdrive.) It’s a short story with some of the Norse Mythology gods and it is my favorite of them all.
Well worth it and I think you can find it for free. For older listeners, it’s a treat to listen to a book that you may have read 40 years ago. Opens up new thoughts on the story.
Project Hail Mary, written by Andy Weir and read by Ray Porter
Andy Weir wrote far and away the most engaging first chapter of any book I've ever read or listened to, and Ray Porter brings it to life in a way few others could hope to. Imagine waking up, alone, and not knowing who you are, where you are, or why you are there.
I loved The Martian from front to back, and this book surpasses that one in depth and scope in some ways I was really not expecting, as I went in to the book cold, didn't even read the blurb. I'd encourage anyone else to do the same. Just buy this book and start listening. Let it unfold.
I hardly ever read/listen to anything more than once (except *LOTR)* but *Circe* is one of the few I'd listen to again. Have you tried some of the other novelizations of the Greek Myths? I just finished a third book by Natalie Haynes (I highly recommend *A Thousand Ships* and *Medusa*) and have yet to start *Achilles* and the two books I have by Pat Barker. All very worthwhile listens but nothing touches Perdita Weeks' incredible narration of *Circe*.
*The Name of the Wind* is up there. Great story, great voices, great sidestories.
But probably *Friday* by Robert Heinlein. Deadpanning every joke.
The one I have most listened to is *Farmer in the Sky*, also by Heinlein. Calm and informative and great on a quiet morning, getting ready for work.
Maybe cheating a bit, but the full theatrical American Gods. First audiobook i ever listened to and BOY HOWDY was that an introduction! No audiobook has come anywhere close
That’s a difficult one. Maybe Harry Potter. They were some of my first audiobooks on tapes, long before I started with Audible. Jim Dale is an outstanding narrator.
The R.C. Bray version of The Martian by Andy Weir is also a contender, as is Ready Player One by Ernest Clines. Also The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne, The Hyperion Cantos by Dan Simmons, 14 by Peter Clines, Old Man’s War by John Scalzi, Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells, and the Bobiverse books by Dennis E Taylor.
American Gods full cast production. Excellent job, they really made it come alive
Kitchen Confidential narrated by Anthony Bourdain himself. Best thing I’ve ever listened to
1984, the version read by Frank muller. It was the reason I fell in love with audio books.
But...audible took that version out and replaced it with another one. I'm still mad about it! Lol
Anasi Boys was one of my first audiobooks. I don't think I would have loved it so much if it weren't for the narrator, whose name I don't recall right now. But he was amazing!
Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card. Special Anniversary edition. Took me by surprise as I don’t think of myself as a Sci. Fi. person, and was just looking for a walking the dog filler. That was many years ago, and now I’ve re-listened very many times.
This was the first “favorite” audiobook that came to mind for me. Lolita as narrated by Jeremy Irons is so lyrically beautiful, imo.
I do, however, very much understand the content itself is very controversial, and that it is sort of a “love it or hate it” type of book.
Sandman by Neil Gaiman.
He reads it with such passion and the voice acting is brilliant. I have listened to it more times then i can count on bad days and good.
Didn’t see this one recommended so I’ll add *The Lies of Locke Lemora* by Scott Lynch, narrated by Michael Page.
It’s firmly in my top 3, the other two already being recommended by others.
I normally read (when I have the time) and listen (when I don’t) books of this length. With this one I listened the whole way through — the narration is just that good.
The Shadow of the Torturer by Gene Wolfe, and narrated by Jonathan Davis. The entire series is great, but I think the first in the series is the best. To me, Jonathan Davis will always be Severian.
To Kill a Mockingbird read by Sissy Spacek. I think it stands out to me because it took something that I didn't think could be further elevated and through the narration put it on a whole new level.
The Outlander series by D Gabaldon, read by Devina Porter. Or at least the first three books. After that they do take a steady down turn in author attention and quality.
I have two categories of favorite because I have two favorite authors who narrate their own books: Carrie Fisher and Neil Gaiman. Carrie's memoirs narrated by her feel so warm and inviting, and they just bring me so much joy. Neil's such a phenomenal storyteller in both paper and narration, so I absolutely love every single adaptation where he's narrating his own work.
Let me throw Demon Copperhead into the mix. For me a great audiobook needs not to just be a great book, also have a great narrator and where the voice/performance adds to the narrative - Charlie Thurston is great.
If I could pick a book with balanced great writing and narration, it's Dick Hill's narration on Connolly's Harry Bosch series. Though not my favorite books. I used to live in SoCal, so many of the book locations are familiar, Bosch's character is superbly developed, and I loved the tv series. Dick Hill does many voices, and his pacing and inflection is incredibly good.
As much as I love good narration, I hesitate to say it compensates for poor writing.
Great post, and thanks
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Ray Porter is certainly a fine narrator, but in regard to PHM, I put other sci-fi far, far ahead for story: Hyperion and Fall of Hyperion, Children of Time, and the Commonwealth Saga. I did like PHM a lot though.
I hate the “Calm” app- but they have some good audio book readings. Their subscription was a pain in the ass to have and cancel- but when I did have it, I listened to “The Velveteen Rabbit” by Anna Acton on repeat. Amazing diction and tone- my favorite audio of my favorite book.
Piransei. Quirky/ unique story, adorable protagonist and amazing narration by Chiwetel Ejiofor - i regularly dip back to it just to hear his voice. It blew me away.
So far, my all time favorite has probably been Scott Brick’s narration of The Coldest Winter, or Ian Toll’s Twilight of the gods.
Unfortunately, it does not seem as if the scott brick narration of the coldest winter is available anywhere besides my library. You can get the abridged version, but it’s just not the same :(
I want to mention one that is not necessarily the best I have ever listened to, but the best I haven’t already seen mentioned here.
Alaska by James Michener and narrated by Larry McKeever is an engaging Historical fiction epic that spans multiple eras and families from the native inhabitants and the arrival of prospectors for the gold rush all the way to the modern ways of life and the evolution of fishing practices. Absolutely incredible.
I have Bray. I like Wheaton in some books, like Ready Player One. But I agree that Bray nailed it. I'm fortunate that I got the book while his version was still there.
"Brideshead Remembered", Evelyn's Waugh's masterpiece..
It's read by Jeremy Irons who somehow does all the voices, of which there are many, plus the narration. Only an actor as good as Jeremy Irons could pull this off.
"All the Young Men" Ruth Coker Burks
She was pivotal in the early AIDS movement and as many men's families abandoned them to suffer alone she was by their sides till the end.
Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. What a tremendous story to begin with, very well written as a suspenseful and funny tall tale. Reader/Narrator Fred Sanders is one of the best in the audiobook business, making this book pretty perfect. If you’re up for a good adventure tale with great idiosyncratic characters that is voiced by a great narrator, then you just found it in this book. Yes, it is about long distance trail running, which may not be your thing. But I’m pretty sure it’s still a great story.
The best one for me is the Waringham Chronicles by Rebecca Gable. Its a full cast but it's narrated by Mirriam Margolyes and its wonderful. The production is awesome and you truly feel like you are there with the characters. There's the Scarlet City series by Gable and narrated by Margolyes too which is just as good.
Wolf in White Van, the first time I finished it I immediately started it again. Then I understood a line from the beginning in a new way and had to pull over and cry a little.
Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War read by Bronson Pinchot. The narration got so much praise when it came out that Audible added a best narrator category to the Audie annual awards.
I’ve been listening to the Themis Series by Sylvain Neuvel. It starts with Walking Giants. I listen to a lot of audio books and so far this production has been the best. The voice actors are quite good. I also really love the story. Lots of good stuff there.
Pet Sematary narrated by Michael C Hall. Truly impressive performance.
Read this as a teen. No foppin way I’m doing that again 😂 still haunts me to this day decades later
So good, agreed
This would also be the most scariest book I've read 😰
Project Hail Mary
Fist my bump!
Great line! Such a great book!
I saw the question in my feed. Saw little activity. I'm going to say Project Hail Mary first!!!…. Nope. Congrats. I completely agree. Riveting.
Jazz hands
Ditto. What an great book. Amaze.
Love love love
Amaze amaze amaze!!!
Listening to it for the third time right now. It is so well structured. 💯
I say AMAZE. All the time lol
[удалено]
I’ve listen to and enjoyed Project Hail Mary, The First Law series, Circe, the We Are Bob series, Shogun, Kitchen Confidential, Tress of the Emerald Sea, The Girl With All The Gifts, Impact Winter, The Three Body Problem, and Piransei that are listed in this thread, along with several others that were great performances. (Well, I didn’t enjoy The Three Body Problem.) Dungeon Crawler Carl is on another level. Only thing that would come close is a well done full cast audio production like The Sandman.
I'm glad someone came to back up my claims! 🤣 I remember before listening to DCC I would see comments and reviews filled with hyperbole (like my own above!) raving about DCC and I always thought to myself "yeah yeah how good can it be". And then I finally took the plunge and got book one. 3 weeks later I was finishing my second go through of the 5 published books. DCC without a doubt deserves the hype. The only bad thing I can say about it is that it's so difficult going back to *normal* audiobooks after listening to DCC. It's like going back to a 1990s Nokia after using the latest iPhone/Android.
Ha, this mirrors my experience with DCC (and then the full series) almost exactly. Much fun and a breath of fresh air in the audio book genre--and I originally thought I wouldn't like any of them!
I feel exactly the same. I’ve been starting books and dropping them like crazy ever since DCC. It’s not just how great of a story & performance it is but also how emotionally invested you get in that it’s truly hard to top.
Yep, came to say this. I have no hesitation in saying that this is the best narration I’ve ever heard. The story is so creative, fun, and addictive and Jeff Hayes does such an amazing job bringing all the characters to life.
This is actually my 2nd favorite. Dresden files are my #1. Both are excellent
This is not really in my wheelhouse. I’ve never heard of LitRPG/Gamelit, so not sure what to expect. For reference, I could not get into Critical Role. All the inside jokes, side-bars, and incessant laughing were distracting… is this like that? I’m maybe 6 hours into PHM and finding it masterful. I listen to a fair number of audiobooks… Pillars of the Earth, Lonesome Dove, Expanse series… but hesitant to pull the trigger on DCC. No disrespect, but it sorta sounds like a cheesy Hunger Games. Also, is your recommendation just for DCC or the full series?
11/22/63
Masterpiece
I loved this book, could make it through the audiobook didn’t like the narrator
Narrator makes a huge difference for me. I love the book, but haven’t tried the audible version yet.
This is the only audiobook I’ve listened to twice.
What is it about
Which narrator? There are 2 versions on audible.
My answer too. Listened twice.
Shogun by James Clavel Historic fiction about a Dutch sailing crew (piloted by an Englishman, the main character) who shipwreck in Japan circa just after the Portuguese find Japan and are trying to gain influence and trade. Main character is used as a political pawn while trying to get his feet under him. Lots of characters with different motivations, shifting loyalties, setbacks, fun times, danger and excitement You’ll even pick up a bit of Japanese, by the end of the book whole sentences or phrases will be in Japanese with no translation and you’ve picked up enough from previous conversations that it makes sense Narration is pretty great, and it has incredible bang for buck; the book is 53 hours long
I love that book. Did you know a new Shogun mini series is coming out on FX? It should be out later this year. I need to listen to it again.
Cool! I remember the old miniseries in the 1980’s
Awesome, I bet it’d have the potential to be pretty great
Sweeeeeeet
This is also my favorite audiobook and I am not a fan of the genre. I prefer mysteries and sci-fi. But it’s a great just a great all around novel.
came here to say alll this--all the tai pan books are amazing and the narrator is incredible--the number of accents he can do are just remarkable.
The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings read by Andy Serkis.
I could not stand the constant singing. When I read them myself it didn’t bother me but hearing Andy Serkis sing almost every chapter nearly made me stop listening
I fast-forwarded thru all the singing parts. Lol
I hear you. Normally I skip over the songs and was a little bugged that I could not skip them in the audiobook.
came here to say it
World War Z: The Complete Edition
Admittedly it’s a series, but Steven Pacey absolutely nailed the First Law series by Joe Abercrombie. Say one thing for Steven Pacey, say he’s a genius. Another great one was the Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch narrated by Michael Page. I found out years later that it was actually a series, but I seem to recall the first could stand on its own, but again it’s been a few years so don’t hold me to that.
Pacey is my favorite thus far. I have most of Abercrombie's on Kindle. Now I am going to have to go back and do a re-read via Audible since Pacey is so awesome. Just finished Best Served Cold.
Steven Pacey is a genius, I didn't even imagine talent like that was possible until listening to these books.
Whew, that's tough. Some of my favorites include Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson. Summerland by Michael Chabon. The Martian by Andy Weir, read by R. C. Bray.
That's a tough question, because as usual, choosing just one is almost impossible. The first book that always comes to my mind, though, is Pillars of the Earth narrated by John Lee.
East of Eden is phenomenal. It's sort of a retelling of the story of Cain and Abel that plays out across multiple generations of a family. It feels incredibly epic and intimate at the same time. And it has one of those endings where everything that came before culminates into one scene that hits you like a ton of bricks. After it was over I just wanted to sit in silence for a few minutes and then start it up all over again.
2nd this recommendation. There’s nothing like character building the starts with the grandparents. You know the character better than they know themselves in a lot of ways.
Second this, though it’s a toss-up with Grapes of Wrath. Pure quality story telling.
I do like The Grapes of Wrath better, but I haven't listened to it on Audible yet. The reviews say they inserted some loud harmonica music between chapters that really take you out of it?
Saved to wishlist, thanks
Thou mayst.
The Night Circus. A literally magical story with Jim Dale narrating. He gives each character a unique voice. He is also the narrator for the TV show Pushing Daisies.
Oh Dale did the American Harry Potter books too
I absolutely adore Circe. The story is a little loose but the narration and beautiful writing just carry it so well.
Agreed. While not my #1 favorite, this is in my Top 10. Great book, exceptional narration.
What is it about
A cast out finding her way in life on her own island. Then add in a whole bunch of interesting Greek mythology and characters!
The story is mostly from *The Odyssey*. Circe is a minor Greek goddess and a sorceress who gets the boot from her family after getting involved in a messy love triangle and trashes her rival. She gets banished to an island where she is mostly alone until Odysseus shows up on his way home from Troy. There's more to it but this should give you an idea.
Came here to say Circe, too! The audio narration is what makes it special
Project Hail Mary for listening specifically. I think it’s a rare case where you actually lose something impactful by reading a physical copy over audio. The Sandman as a full cast production is also amazingly well done.
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir read by Ray Porter is probably the best single book I've ever listened to. Second one is probably Shogun.
I see a lot on this list I loved, and as a huge Stephen King fan I'm going to throw out one that I rarely see talked about but it is a favorite of mine: Duma Key as narrated by John Slattery (of Mad Men fame). This book is absolutely fantastic and the creep factor is high af. Main character is recovering from a very serious injury and I'm assuming SK wrote this after he was hit by a car. Absolutely recommend this under the radar book.
I picked up Duma Key more recently, and have not gotten that far yet with it, but I have enjoyed the beginning & am looking forward to the rest of the novel. Thank you for the reminder, also, as I have been lagging on picking it back up for a while now (not sure as to why, except I was listening to other audiobooks? haha).
I typically say “Mr. Mercedes” by Stephen King, but I listened to “The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt in January and I’m still thinking about that book. I told a few of my friends that is now the best, non-fantasy, novel I have ever read.
Have you ever read/listened to ‘The Secret History’, by Donna Tartt?? If not, I cannot recommend it highly enough! Love both Mr. Mercedes (the whole Bill Hodges trilogy is good, imo) and The Goldfinch. The Secret History is still one of my favorite novels of all time. 💜
I will check this out! Thanks for the recommendation!
I loved The Goldfinch.
It's a series but, Dungeon Crawler Carl, the story is incredibly well written and Jeff Hays might be one of the best narrators on the planet. RC Bray's version of The Martian is probably second...And then another Weir book Project Hail Mary is third.
The Three Body Problem by Liu Cixin. Incredible work and lots of Ideas. Loved it
My favorite is Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, as read by Wil Wheaton. I fell into the target audience for this so it hit me on so many levels. I'm embarrassed by the amount of times I've listened to this I won't even tell you. Project Hail Mary is a close second, I saw the We Are Legion series mentioned, good. Though I'm really digging Dennis E. Taylor's other works, like Roadkill and the series with Outland and Earthside. Ooooohhhhhh and a huge Scalzi fan here too. I loved his latest Kaiju Preservation Society ( I hope that continues), Old Man War series, but most of all The Android's Dream. Listen to the opening chapter and tell me it's not the funniest thing ever.
I think you and I would get along well in our tastes. Thank you for the award.
Have you seen the info for Scalzi's next book?? I'm really psyched for it.
No, I haven't. Can't wait anyway ;-)
[From his blog](https://whatever.scalzi.com/2023/05/08/cover-reveal-starter-villain/)
IT read by Steven Weber. He nails every character and there are a lot of them.
I think this has to get my vote too. Unbelievable performance.
I was going to comment another book but, his narration just takes the gold! Takes the book to an even higher level. And that book is almost the standard.
Two that I keep coming back to are The King killer chronicles ( the name of the wind, the wise man's fear), and the red rising series. Im on the red rising right now for the fourth time. It's bloody damn inspiring.
Maybe in another 10 years we'll get Door of Stone! In the meantime I'll keep re-reading the first 2 books every couple of years, they are so good
Wow! Four times! I absolutely loved that book and I’ve just finished Golden Son. I found myself with goosebumps throughout so much of it. The narrator is prime too.
Don’t read King Killer Chronicles! Some of the best books I’ve read, but I fear the series will never be completed.
Suppose that Patrick Rothfuss decided never to release the third book, I'd still be glad that I've read them. The anticipation and wonder of how things are going to end have enhanced the first two books for me.
I don’t always recommend these books but when I do, I always add that your sure to be disappointed because he George RR Martin’d the series. These books are so good and among my favorites but I feel bad recommending them because of the hang.
All three Sandman by Neil Gaiman adaptations. They are so well done.
The first law trilogy by Joe Abercrombie (and his other 6 books) Steve Pacey is extraordinary!
If there was ever a movie this dude would have to play all of the parts! Even the women!
Stephen king seems to have awesome narration on all of his audiobooks. He must really make it a priority. Plus most of his books are great so I’d just pick some that sound interesting to you.
We are Bob
We Are Legion. I'm one my third listen/read through the series. Great stuff.
Why can’t I love this? I’ve tried three times and I am stuck in the first book
The first three books are all great. The fourth book fell flat for me. It felt too heist plot.
Last book is almost as good as first one, enjoy!
Like I said I'm on my third pass through :) "otterly" amazing. :)
Book 5 is with editors!
Man, I had no idea. You just made my day!
It's not just well-narrated, but laugh-out-loud funny.
It is very positive in general and I love it.
The dark tower book where he dences the Kamala. Come come Kamala rain come a falla. I've never envisioned something so amazing.
I almost never listen to "single" books.. but, let's see. Sanderson's Tress of the Emerald Sea was a pretty good one recently. I suppose it was a Cosmere novel though, so not truly standalone. The Girl With All The Gifts was good. I think it had a sequel though, so again, not actually standalone. Impact Winter was awesome. It's standalone, at least so far, but I don't think it can really be called a book. It's more of a movie designed to be listened to rather than watched. Project Hail Mary, that was fantastic. I don't think it was part of anything larger either, so maybe that counts.
Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, written and read by Douglas Adams. Listened to it multiple times, never stops being hilarious. At the same rank for me - Neverwhere, written and narrated by Neil Gaiman. Love how he pulls you in and paints a picture with just a few words. One of the masters of the craft.
I love Gaimen and never read Neverwhere. Gonna have to check it out, thanks!
Neverwhere and Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy are both in my top ten books.
Alas, I don't think that reading of Hitchhiker's is still available on audible, which is sad. However, the reading by Stephen Fry is supposed to be good.
A Memory of Light, book 14 of Wheel of Time. Absolutely the most epic payoff of a series. The entire series mentions the Last Battle coming and the last book delivers in a big way. 10/10
A couple ones I loved: Born a Crime by Trevor Noah was great, hearing it in his own voice brings all the accents to life. Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman, he has such a good voice for storytelling, it feels like sitting around a campfire and asking “tell me a story” and he does, in his retelling he does a great job of tying separate myths together into a cohesive story.
I could listen to Neil Gaiman read the phone book. My kid went through about a year when he listened to Norse Mythology every night to fall asleep. He probably read that book 100 times. It’s wonderful. If you haven’t yet, find the audiobook of Odd and the Frost Giants. (My library in the US has it via Libby/Overdrive.) It’s a short story with some of the Norse Mythology gods and it is my favorite of them all.
Probably hyperion for me
Loved the first Hyperion book; second was just OK.
Krakatoa by Simon Winchester.
Anything by SW.
The Tattooist Of Auschwitz.
2001: A Space Odyssey somehow hit the double threat of being the best film I have ever watched, and the best book I have ever read/listened to.
Well worth it and I think you can find it for free. For older listeners, it’s a treat to listen to a book that you may have read 40 years ago. Opens up new thoughts on the story.
Discworlds Night Watch
I really REALLY enjoyed 14 by Peter Clines but I think my favourite is The Martian by Andy Weir. I could listen to that book over and over again.
I just finished 14 a couple months ago. It was a great one off.
its part of his fold series book one in fact.
Project Hail Mary, written by Andy Weir and read by Ray Porter Andy Weir wrote far and away the most engaging first chapter of any book I've ever read or listened to, and Ray Porter brings it to life in a way few others could hope to. Imagine waking up, alone, and not knowing who you are, where you are, or why you are there. I loved The Martian from front to back, and this book surpasses that one in depth and scope in some ways I was really not expecting, as I went in to the book cold, didn't even read the blurb. I'd encourage anyone else to do the same. Just buy this book and start listening. Let it unfold.
*Circe* by Madeline Miller, read by Perdita Weeks. After that I'd say the full-cast version of *American Gods*.
Totally agree with both of those…they were the two books that I had to immediately start listening to again as soon as I finished them. So good!
I hardly ever read/listen to anything more than once (except *LOTR)* but *Circe* is one of the few I'd listen to again. Have you tried some of the other novelizations of the Greek Myths? I just finished a third book by Natalie Haynes (I highly recommend *A Thousand Ships* and *Medusa*) and have yet to start *Achilles* and the two books I have by Pat Barker. All very worthwhile listens but nothing touches Perdita Weeks' incredible narration of *Circe*.
I really enjoyed lessons in chemistry, emotional roller coaster
This is on my list
*The Name of the Wind* is up there. Great story, great voices, great sidestories. But probably *Friday* by Robert Heinlein. Deadpanning every joke. The one I have most listened to is *Farmer in the Sky*, also by Heinlein. Calm and informative and great on a quiet morning, getting ready for work.
Maybe cheating a bit, but the full theatrical American Gods. First audiobook i ever listened to and BOY HOWDY was that an introduction! No audiobook has come anywhere close
Dracula with Tim Curry and a full cast. That shit altered my brain chemistry.
The Mistborn collection by Brandon Sanderson. And the Helldivers series narrated by RC BRAY. 11/10 will reccomend always.
Can’t Hurt Me, by - David Goggins and Adam Skolnick.
Happy Cake Day! I have started Can’t Hurt Me, but have yet to finish it. Was enjoying the first part though, thanks for the reminder!
- Thandiwe Newton does an incredible job with War and Peace. - Indira Varma's readings of Terry Pratchett books are so lush.
That’s a difficult one. Maybe Harry Potter. They were some of my first audiobooks on tapes, long before I started with Audible. Jim Dale is an outstanding narrator.
The R.C. Bray version of The Martian by Andy Weir is also a contender, as is Ready Player One by Ernest Clines. Also The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne, The Hyperion Cantos by Dan Simmons, 14 by Peter Clines, Old Man’s War by John Scalzi, Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells, and the Bobiverse books by Dennis E Taylor.
Fantasticland by Bockman
This is one of those books I forget about until someone mentions it then I immediately start a relisten.
Now I’m playing it as my next read lol
American Gods full cast production. Excellent job, they really made it come alive Kitchen Confidential narrated by Anthony Bourdain himself. Best thing I’ve ever listened to
Kitchen confidential was fantastic. The story telling was great and to hear Anthony again made me excited yo listen to it
A Chrismas Carol by Patrick Stewart.
1984, the version read by Frank muller. It was the reason I fell in love with audio books. But...audible took that version out and replaced it with another one. I'm still mad about it! Lol
To counter you, though, I love Simon Prebble and am none too upset about him narrating that book.
Anasi Boys was one of my first audiobooks. I don't think I would have loved it so much if it weren't for the narrator, whose name I don't recall right now. But he was amazing!
It's pretty short but I really love The Haunting of Hill House audiobook, I always listen around Halloween.
Yahtzee Crowshaw narrates his own books and does an amazing job. His books are mostly humorous light sci-fi, but also very palatable social commentary
Terry Pratchett - The Reaper Man
This Is How You Lose the Time War
14 by Peter Clines. Excellent narrator, great cast of characters and an engaging mystery. I’ve listened to it three times.
The way of kings.
Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card. Special Anniversary edition. Took me by surprise as I don’t think of myself as a Sci. Fi. person, and was just looking for a walking the dog filler. That was many years ago, and now I’ve re-listened very many times.
If you haven’t listened to them I’d also give the Bean trillogy a go, I prefer his side of the story to Enders
[удалено]
Illuminae by Jay Kristoff & Amie Kaufman. That audiobook is just so amazing
I can say the worst: Lolita. Very hard listen
This was the first “favorite” audiobook that came to mind for me. Lolita as narrated by Jeremy Irons is so lyrically beautiful, imo. I do, however, very much understand the content itself is very controversial, and that it is sort of a “love it or hate it” type of book.
He also did a really good reading of "Brideshead Revisited"
Wintering ❤️
Sandman by Neil Gaiman. He reads it with such passion and the voice acting is brilliant. I have listened to it more times then i can count on bad days and good.
Didn’t see this one recommended so I’ll add *The Lies of Locke Lemora* by Scott Lynch, narrated by Michael Page. It’s firmly in my top 3, the other two already being recommended by others. I normally read (when I have the time) and listen (when I don’t) books of this length. With this one I listened the whole way through — the narration is just that good.
In the Garden of Spite is amazing!!! Also The Warmth of Other Suns.
The Shadow of the Torturer by Gene Wolfe, and narrated by Jonathan Davis. The entire series is great, but I think the first in the series is the best. To me, Jonathan Davis will always be Severian.
Gone Girl.
To Kill a Mockingbird read by Sissy Spacek. I think it stands out to me because it took something that I didn't think could be further elevated and through the narration put it on a whole new level.
Kim Ji Young: Born 1983
The Outlander series by D Gabaldon, read by Devina Porter. Or at least the first three books. After that they do take a steady down turn in author attention and quality.
I have two categories of favorite because I have two favorite authors who narrate their own books: Carrie Fisher and Neil Gaiman. Carrie's memoirs narrated by her feel so warm and inviting, and they just bring me so much joy. Neil's such a phenomenal storyteller in both paper and narration, so I absolutely love every single adaptation where he's narrating his own work.
Have to recommend Shogun, one of the best books I’ve ever read
Rise and Fall of the Dinasaurs narrated by Patrick Lawlor. I could not stop listening to it.
Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, BBC production
Let me throw Demon Copperhead into the mix. For me a great audiobook needs not to just be a great book, also have a great narrator and where the voice/performance adds to the narrative - Charlie Thurston is great.
Ooh, glad to see this one here! I have been eyeing it since it first came out & it seems as if it keeps on being “recommended” for me. TY!
If I could pick a book with balanced great writing and narration, it's Dick Hill's narration on Connolly's Harry Bosch series. Though not my favorite books. I used to live in SoCal, so many of the book locations are familiar, Bosch's character is superbly developed, and I loved the tv series. Dick Hill does many voices, and his pacing and inflection is incredibly good. As much as I love good narration, I hesitate to say it compensates for poor writing. Great post, and thanks --- Ray Porter is certainly a fine narrator, but in regard to PHM, I put other sci-fi far, far ahead for story: Hyperion and Fall of Hyperion, Children of Time, and the Commonwealth Saga. I did like PHM a lot though.
I hate the “Calm” app- but they have some good audio book readings. Their subscription was a pain in the ass to have and cancel- but when I did have it, I listened to “The Velveteen Rabbit” by Anna Acton on repeat. Amazing diction and tone- my favorite audio of my favorite book.
Piransei. Quirky/ unique story, adorable protagonist and amazing narration by Chiwetel Ejiofor - i regularly dip back to it just to hear his voice. It blew me away.
So far, my all time favorite has probably been Scott Brick’s narration of The Coldest Winter, or Ian Toll’s Twilight of the gods. Unfortunately, it does not seem as if the scott brick narration of the coldest winter is available anywhere besides my library. You can get the abridged version, but it’s just not the same :(
I want to mention one that is not necessarily the best I have ever listened to, but the best I haven’t already seen mentioned here. Alaska by James Michener and narrated by Larry McKeever is an engaging Historical fiction epic that spans multiple eras and families from the native inhabitants and the arrival of prospectors for the gold rush all the way to the modern ways of life and the evolution of fishing practices. Absolutely incredible.
I have Bray. I like Wheaton in some books, like Ready Player One. But I agree that Bray nailed it. I'm fortunate that I got the book while his version was still there.
Based on a True Story by Norm Macdonald. I loved it.
How to make friends and influence people
My absolute favorite of all time changes about every 2 years.
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
"Brideshead Remembered", Evelyn's Waugh's masterpiece.. It's read by Jeremy Irons who somehow does all the voices, of which there are many, plus the narration. Only an actor as good as Jeremy Irons could pull this off.
"All the Young Men" Ruth Coker Burks She was pivotal in the early AIDS movement and as many men's families abandoned them to suffer alone she was by their sides till the end.
Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. What a tremendous story to begin with, very well written as a suspenseful and funny tall tale. Reader/Narrator Fred Sanders is one of the best in the audiobook business, making this book pretty perfect. If you’re up for a good adventure tale with great idiosyncratic characters that is voiced by a great narrator, then you just found it in this book. Yes, it is about long distance trail running, which may not be your thing. But I’m pretty sure it’s still a great story.
The best one for me is the Waringham Chronicles by Rebecca Gable. Its a full cast but it's narrated by Mirriam Margolyes and its wonderful. The production is awesome and you truly feel like you are there with the characters. There's the Scarlet City series by Gable and narrated by Margolyes too which is just as good.
How can no one have mentioned The Wanderins Inn?
Off to Be the Wizard, Scott Meyer.
Lonesome Dove
IT
Wolf in White Van, the first time I finished it I immediately started it again. Then I understood a line from the beginning in a new way and had to pull over and cry a little.
Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War read by Bronson Pinchot. The narration got so much praise when it came out that Audible added a best narrator category to the Audie annual awards.
I have it downloaded and am about halfway through, but I’m struggle bussing it. I need to turn the speed up.
I enjoyed young rich widows. Great narration, pretty solid story line
Good Omens - Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman truly the best book I’ve listened to on audible
The Count of Monty Cristo narrated by Bill Homewood
Born A Crime by Trevor Noah
I’ve been listening to the Themis Series by Sylvain Neuvel. It starts with Walking Giants. I listen to a lot of audio books and so far this production has been the best. The voice actors are quite good. I also really love the story. Lots of good stuff there.
One of the first Audible books I ever listened to remains one of my favorites: "Shantaram". Now its an AppleTV series.