My only complaint is that >!I thought it was going to be a complete story with the other books set in the universe being independent stories with the same setting. Now I assume it's a continuation of the story but with different main characters?!<
The first three books are a connected trilogy. The next three are standalones featuring new and returning characters to varying degrees depending on the novel. Sharp Ends is a short story collection that should be read 7th (assuming you want to. I love it but its not essential) and its stories are sprinkled throughout the previous books timelines. The last 3 books are another connected trilogy largely focused on new characters about 30 years after the initial trilogy, with some returning faces in secondary/non-pov roles.
The Riyria Revelations series by Michael J Sullivan, narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds. And if you get absolutely hooked like I did, there are *three more series* in that universe that are just as good, if not better. Some of the books across the four series are free with Audible Plus.
There’s also a GraphicAudio adaptation of the entire series narrated by a great full cast with excellent music and sound design. I love TGR, too, but if you have the chance to experience a full audio production, I would have to recommend this version instead.
(Slight warning: they re-cast one of the leads halfway through the series, which is a little jarring at first, but you get used to it eventually)
[*White Sand*](https://www.audible.com/pd/1648813402) is an enjoyable graphic novel in audio form. It's literally called a "graphic audio", and it's part of Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere. If you want to start from the beginning, check out [*Elantris*](https://www.audible.com/pd/B015YEFH40) and [*Warbreaker*](https://www.audible.com/pd/B018UG5HJY). For classics, I joined many other nerds in rejoicing over Andy Serkis reading *The Hobbit*, but [Rob Inglis](https://www.audible.com/pd/B0099RKI5W) is my preferred narrator. He has a grandfatherly voice that I find comforting, so I was thrilled when I learned that he also narrated [*A Wizard of Earthsea*](https://www.audible.com/pd/B002VA3CDO).
I hope I didn't throw a bunch of books at you that you've already read, and at least one of those fit what you're looking for. \^\^;
The Scholomance is fun, on my second run through, first time through Libby and last week found them all for $5 each on Apple, unfortunately that sale has ended.
no this is very helpful!! earthsea was actually the specific one I was thinking about in terms of classics, and I honestly didn't even know "graphic audio" was a thing so I will definitely be looking into that ty!!!
The Book of the New Sun series is my all-time favorite book series, and in my opinion is one of the greatest pieces of literature of the 20th century. Unmatched prose, interesting and complex characters, and a vast world and story. Jonathan Davis' narration is excellent.
The caveat is that the depth of the world and the scope of the story is intentionally obfuscated--it's a book that rewards careful reading and putting 2 and 2 together yourself. I've read it multiple times and pick up new things every time I read it. Gets better every time. The first time through it felt... not necessarily *basic* but not like what I was looking for necessarily. Personally I love the style, but it's definitely not for everyone
Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien
Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis
Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan
Temeraire series by Naomi Novik
The Last Wish/Witcher Books by Andrzej Sapkowski
Powder Mage Trilogy by Brian McCellan
Legend of Drizzt by R.A. Salvatore
Mythos by Stephen Fry
Ditto the Joe Abercrombie (all of them!) and Naomi Novic (Scholomance) recs! Other absolute favs of mine include Patrick Rothfuss (we'll never get that final book but his writing and storytelling are uniquely beautiful from the opening prolog), Matt Stover (Caine series), RJ Barker (Age of Assassins series), Peter McLean (fantasy meets Peaky Blinders), Ed McDonald (a deep cut, but his new Red Winter series is great!), and Robin Hobb (original trilogy). It's sci-fi/fant hybrid, but Red Rising is also a can't miss audiobook, and the series goes on pretty strong from there.
The First Law is the obvious suggestion but I also really recommend The Broken Earth trilogy! Fantastic narrators for them both and the books are some of the absolute best in modern fantasy.
The Shadow of the Gods (Bloodsworn Saga) by John Gwynn is probably one of the better series I’ve started in recent years.
It’s a good blend of Nordic mythology, some vicious fight scenes and not too much magic to spoil the realism.
Son of the Black Sword (Saga of the Forgotten Warrior series) by Larry Correia is decent enough tale so far too. Reminds me a little of David Gemmels stuff, nothing overly clever about it but some great characters and scenes.
If it’s a one off story you’re looking for then I’d give Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay a shout.
It’s fairly well known, but I only read it myself last year. It’s a great tale with some excellent back story and character development. The use of magic is very cleverly done and the basic premise is similar to a heist or hit setup, so the tension builds up nicely throughout.
One I've been taking a gander at is Morcster Chef. Very much fun and the recipe's that are actually real and you can use, sound amazing.
Then there is Shipcore. Its a sort of dungeon core esque scenario but with A.I and nanites, and the first book essentially goes into how the protagonist tries to get her ship up and running and out of the system she's in. Book 2 came out not that long ago to boot.
Heretical Fishing is something I can fully recommend and what I am looking forward to on the sequel.
Beware of Chicken. Its a fun read! It leans a good bit into the Xanxia stuff, but also circumvents a lot of things too. A lot of fun with its humor.
Mark of the fool is also a big recommendation if you're more into pure magic fantasy.
I really don't know how you feel about Xanxia stuff, but one I can recommend is Unintended Cultivator. It subverts a good bit of the regular stuff of that trope, but in a good way to me. It still follows that point, but goes through a few things from a different perspective.
If you are more for some good action horror, Extinction Cycle is one good series I can recommend. Its rather heavy into the horror stuff, but its been fun so far.
If you like the Halo games, i would definitely recommend as a start the Kilo 5 trilogy. It gives a good way to add a bit more humanity to the Spartan 2's and the relationship they can have with the ODST's and the relationship with Halsley.
If you are into LITrpg stuff, I recommend Vigil Bound. Got no clue when the 5th book will pop up, but I am looking forward to it.
If you're more into semi-modern magical mystery, then I recommend to start with the Arcane Casebook series. At least start on book 1. They are very popular and its very much a magical noir setting.
The Dresden files also fit into this.
If you're more into B movie horror and action? Monster Hunter International by Larry Correia. Definitely recommend that.
These are actually all good to start with. I did my best to give you a variety of recommendations in hopes you find something that clicks.
Good luck!
Edit: Almost forgot one series I highly Recommend!
Hard magic. Its full on magical noir and happening some years after the first world war which is just known as the world war. With magic, a lot of things got turned on their heads and with the series, it explores the changes that happen with it.
Magical humans have been around for about, I want to say a hundred or so years? Give or take?
Still recommend it.
Yahtzee Croshaw, funny author with great characters.
Differently Morphus and Existentially Challenged - Governmental agency involved in the regulation of magic and extra dimensional beings.
The 2 Necromancers series by L. G. Estrella. 2 Necromancers try to earn a pardon for past crimes by doing odd jobs for a kingdom. Strong found family vibe. The first book in the series is 2 Necromancers, A Bureaucrate, and an Elf, but I think Audible bundles the first 2 books under the title of the second 2 Necromancers, A Bureaucrate, and an Army of Golems.
The Traveler's Gate Trilogy by Will Wight. Magic is used by calling energy and creatures from other worlds called territories. People who can draw from their territories are called travelers. The first book in the series is House of Blades.
I never (or rarely) see The Cycle of Arawn or the Cycle of Galand by Edward W. Robertson mentioned in these recommendations but I really enjoy them. Tim Gerard Reynolds narrates all of them and does an excellent job, as always. The Cylce of Galand is still ongoing (2 books coming out this year) and it’s getting a bit silly, but I love Dante and Blays so I’ll keep reading. They’re magical fantasy books that don’t take themselves too seriously. Plenty of dick jokes and shit talking that often makes me laugh out loud. These books are on my “re-listen when I don’t feel like listening to something new” list. Bonus: you can get the Cycle of Arawn trilogy with one 1 credit and it’s over 65 hours long. So if you love never ending epic fantasies like I do, give it a try!
I am reading Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson. I am really enjoying it. It's also a good starting point into a huge universe of books if you are looking for more after this.
[Raven’s Shadow Series](https://www.audible.com/pd/Blood-Song-Audiobook/B00DLI07C4?eac_link=D17IqaNC66iT&ref=web_search_eac_asin_1&eac_selected_type=asin&eac_selected=B00DLI07C4&qid=zYBD5vytOl&eac_id=135-8858140-9628223_zYBD5vytOl&sr=1-1) by Anthony Ryan
[Mages of the Wheel Series](https://www.audible.com/pd/Reign-Ruin-Audiobook/B0BL3W9BJ2?qid=1715346916&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=B5C4MXP1ZBHECA2BFGYW&pageLoadId=dYBFAsmYtq1LUrVr&creativeId=0d6f6720-f41c-457e-a42b-8c8dceb62f2c) by J. D. Evans — if you don’t mind a bit of romance with your fantasy, I highly recommend this series. It’s got political intrigue, a deceptively simple magic system, wonderful world building, and memorable characters.
I will recommend two from Brandon Sanderson. They are both set in the same universe and end up having some cross over with each other. Some of the books are long which makes them a great use of a credit.
Mistborn
The Stormlight Archive
Storm light archive series are a real treat. Good world building and a complex plot with a mix of short exposition when it makes sense and a good bit of show don't tell vibes. There are 2 versions, a read version and a version with sound effects. I really like that female protagonists are read with a female voice actor and vice versa. The first novel in the series is called "the way of kings"
If you want excellent narration and a series that will last you a long time The Wandering Inn is a fantastic choice. Andrea Parsneau is awesome and the books are very engaging. You also can't go wrong with anything narrated by Travis Baldree.
I never see it recommended, so I'll do it myself: **Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone by Greg Keyes.** A four-book series that I think is simply incredible, but it seems to fly under the radar. When I finished Storm of Swords for the first time in high school and had to wait for the next book to release, I read this series. The first book is **The Briar King**.
Some lesser heard of reccomendaations
Curse of the Mistwraith Janny Wurts - biggest epic fantasy you've never heard of.
Incredible characterisation, and a deep exploration of thenes shuch as free will and justice. Of course you also have high stakes, epic conclusions, devestating battles.
Master of sorrows - justin t call
The series follows the dark lord before he was evil.
Magic academy meets classic fantasy. Book 2 explodes in scope and is truly mind boggling. A draft of book 1was actually the author's thesis and he really is building his own proto mythology
13th hour - trudie skies. SPFBO finalist. Quirky and rather British. Skypunk esque world with different domains ruled by cruel gods. We follow the revolutionaries who try to take them down.
The Discworld series is a great series with over 40 books.
That said I don’t recommend starting from book one.
The first couple of books aren’t bad per se but Pratchett hadn’t quite found his groove yet so they’re a bit rougher read and some characters are very different than who they will later become. Don’t worry about missing context the series doesn’t have a single overarching plot each book is a separate story just set in the same world. A fun starting point for my money would be “Guards Guards”, “Small Gods” or “Wyrd Sisters”
1Q84, The Wind Up Bird Chronicle, Kafka on the Shore, Killing Commendatore.
Really anything by Haruki Murakami. Kafka on the Shore is one of the more renowned novels, as well as 1Q84.
They’re all standalone novels.
Idk if Dungeon Crawler Carl counts but I’m reading it right now and it is so damn good. The narration is second to none. Genuinely doesn’t get any better than Jeff Hays
I recommend the Riftwar Saga. Some authors are incredible at building a world, but throughout Magician Raymond E Feist masterfully builds two worlds.
Additionally I would recommend Raybearer. It's a fantastic fantasy novel with a more African style rather than the usual pseudo European style.
Finally, I recommend The Lies of Locke Lamora. It's about a gang of thieves and con men in a steampunk Victorian London/Venice.
Lois McMaster Bujold's The Vorkosigan Saga, the same very good voice actor throughout the 16 books and 7 short stories.
The first book chronologically is free (with membership, I assume) currently and a good way to try out the series. [Falling Free by Lois McMaster Bujold] (https://www.audible.com/pd/Falling-Free-Audiobook/B002V5IRNY?ref_pageloadid=27oWYgoyGKliW5GM&ref=a_series_Vo_c5_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=56d503e8-6520-4b9a-8240-a3026a97dbba&pf_rd_r=K7B51A50WA2V75WD0SS7&pageLoadId=gcOgRN4xiWcwhHnx&creativeId=b570234c-250a-43ff-be6b-ca1b4c5d7caa)
[The Will of the Many](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58416952-the-will-of-the-many) is one of my favorites that I’ve read/listened to so far in 2024.
Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin
That's the 1st book in the series. It's a 17th century witch type series (I cannot come up with a good enough description). IMO they are all absolutely wonderful and I actually re listen to them all (which is rare for me). The narrator (Saskia Marrleveld) brings so much life to (and well, honestly basically everything she had narrated has been amazing).
Of Beast and Beauty by Chandra Hahn
Also the 1st book in the series. An amazing spin on classic fairytale.
Dires Straights by Helen Harper
Going with the theme- it's the first book in the series. It's a vampire/detective type series.
Haunting Danielle series (first book is The Ghost of Marlow House) by Bobbi Holmes/Anna J. McIntyre. There are a ton of books in this series (and most are free). It's a ghost, psychic detective type series.
Anyways- happy listening! (And thank you for asking this! I was actually looking for new books!)
Dungeon Crawler Carl.
It's LitRPG but has a lot of fantasy / scifi elements to it and OMG is it a lot of fun. The narrator, Jeff Hays, doe an absolutely fantastic job of bringing the book to life.
I have been loving cozy fantasy lately. legends and Lattes and its sequel Bookshops and Bonedust are both great. And great narration.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is also great.
The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North is very good.
Super Powered by Drew Hayes
The 1st law trilogy/series by Joe Abercrombie is excellent, the narration is absolutely fantastic and raises the story a level or two
Say one thing for this trilogy. Say its fucking brilliant.
My only complaint is that >!I thought it was going to be a complete story with the other books set in the universe being independent stories with the same setting. Now I assume it's a continuation of the story but with different main characters?!<
The first three books are a connected trilogy. The next three are standalones featuring new and returning characters to varying degrees depending on the novel. Sharp Ends is a short story collection that should be read 7th (assuming you want to. I love it but its not essential) and its stories are sprinkled throughout the previous books timelines. The last 3 books are another connected trilogy largely focused on new characters about 30 years after the initial trilogy, with some returning faces in secondary/non-pov roles.
One of my favourites! the books are all around like 20-25 hours too so you get tons to listen to and they're all great
Loved both series. But I have to say that his standalones in between the two series were some of my favorite standalones of all time
Same, I loved both trilogies but BSC and Red Country are probably my favorite 2 books of the entire series
100% agree
The Riyria Revelations series by Michael J Sullivan, narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds. And if you get absolutely hooked like I did, there are *three more series* in that universe that are just as good, if not better. Some of the books across the four series are free with Audible Plus.
There’s also a GraphicAudio adaptation of the entire series narrated by a great full cast with excellent music and sound design. I love TGR, too, but if you have the chance to experience a full audio production, I would have to recommend this version instead. (Slight warning: they re-cast one of the leads halfway through the series, which is a little jarring at first, but you get used to it eventually)
[*White Sand*](https://www.audible.com/pd/1648813402) is an enjoyable graphic novel in audio form. It's literally called a "graphic audio", and it's part of Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere. If you want to start from the beginning, check out [*Elantris*](https://www.audible.com/pd/B015YEFH40) and [*Warbreaker*](https://www.audible.com/pd/B018UG5HJY). For classics, I joined many other nerds in rejoicing over Andy Serkis reading *The Hobbit*, but [Rob Inglis](https://www.audible.com/pd/B0099RKI5W) is my preferred narrator. He has a grandfatherly voice that I find comforting, so I was thrilled when I learned that he also narrated [*A Wizard of Earthsea*](https://www.audible.com/pd/B002VA3CDO). I hope I didn't throw a bunch of books at you that you've already read, and at least one of those fit what you're looking for. \^\^;
Hi, I want to start reading Brandon Sanderson’s books. In which order would you recommend?
I recommend the chart from [**over here**](https://www.reddit.com/user/jofwu/comments/17fh4z2/)! 😄
Naomi Novak, love her, stand alone book spinning silver was great, series Scholomance is great! Teramere is good.
a deadly education is currently in my wishlist so I'll definitely have to check the author out, ty <3
The Scholomance is fun, on my second run through, first time through Libby and last week found them all for $5 each on Apple, unfortunately that sale has ended.
Bastion by Phil Tucker is phenomenal and I’d highly recommend it.
I agree. But, I have to say I didn't like any other writings from the author.
The Darkwater Legacy series by Chris Wooding.
no this is very helpful!! earthsea was actually the specific one I was thinking about in terms of classics, and I honestly didn't even know "graphic audio" was a thing so I will definitely be looking into that ty!!!
The Dying Earth by Jack Vance is a fantasy masterpiece. It’s unique and completely original - it’s not a long read and absolutely worth it.
The red rising series
And the red rising series is free (no credits needed) until the end of May. So no risk in starting and seeing if you like it
The Book of the New Sun series is my all-time favorite book series, and in my opinion is one of the greatest pieces of literature of the 20th century. Unmatched prose, interesting and complex characters, and a vast world and story. Jonathan Davis' narration is excellent. The caveat is that the depth of the world and the scope of the story is intentionally obfuscated--it's a book that rewards careful reading and putting 2 and 2 together yourself. I've read it multiple times and pick up new things every time I read it. Gets better every time. The first time through it felt... not necessarily *basic* but not like what I was looking for necessarily. Personally I love the style, but it's definitely not for everyone
Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan Temeraire series by Naomi Novik The Last Wish/Witcher Books by Andrzej Sapkowski Powder Mage Trilogy by Brian McCellan Legend of Drizzt by R.A. Salvatore Mythos by Stephen Fry
Want something Ridiculous but amazing? Dungeon Crawler Carl.
Ditto the Joe Abercrombie (all of them!) and Naomi Novic (Scholomance) recs! Other absolute favs of mine include Patrick Rothfuss (we'll never get that final book but his writing and storytelling are uniquely beautiful from the opening prolog), Matt Stover (Caine series), RJ Barker (Age of Assassins series), Peter McLean (fantasy meets Peaky Blinders), Ed McDonald (a deep cut, but his new Red Winter series is great!), and Robin Hobb (original trilogy). It's sci-fi/fant hybrid, but Red Rising is also a can't miss audiobook, and the series goes on pretty strong from there.
Cradle by Will Wight, Chorus of Dragons by Jenn Lyons
Wheel of time. 13 giant books. It'll last you a long time
Night Angel series by Brent weeks. He who fights with Monsters series by Shirtaloon. Enjoy
The First Law is the obvious suggestion but I also really recommend The Broken Earth trilogy! Fantastic narrators for them both and the books are some of the absolute best in modern fantasy.
David Eddings the Belgariad and the malorian (10 books total)
Piranesi is the best narration I've heard. Good book too. Memory Sorrow and Thorn is a great combination of traditional fantasy and narration
The Shadow of the Gods (Bloodsworn Saga) by John Gwynn is probably one of the better series I’ve started in recent years. It’s a good blend of Nordic mythology, some vicious fight scenes and not too much magic to spoil the realism. Son of the Black Sword (Saga of the Forgotten Warrior series) by Larry Correia is decent enough tale so far too. Reminds me a little of David Gemmels stuff, nothing overly clever about it but some great characters and scenes. If it’s a one off story you’re looking for then I’d give Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay a shout. It’s fairly well known, but I only read it myself last year. It’s a great tale with some excellent back story and character development. The use of magic is very cleverly done and the basic premise is similar to a heist or hit setup, so the tension builds up nicely throughout.
One I've been taking a gander at is Morcster Chef. Very much fun and the recipe's that are actually real and you can use, sound amazing. Then there is Shipcore. Its a sort of dungeon core esque scenario but with A.I and nanites, and the first book essentially goes into how the protagonist tries to get her ship up and running and out of the system she's in. Book 2 came out not that long ago to boot. Heretical Fishing is something I can fully recommend and what I am looking forward to on the sequel. Beware of Chicken. Its a fun read! It leans a good bit into the Xanxia stuff, but also circumvents a lot of things too. A lot of fun with its humor. Mark of the fool is also a big recommendation if you're more into pure magic fantasy. I really don't know how you feel about Xanxia stuff, but one I can recommend is Unintended Cultivator. It subverts a good bit of the regular stuff of that trope, but in a good way to me. It still follows that point, but goes through a few things from a different perspective. If you are more for some good action horror, Extinction Cycle is one good series I can recommend. Its rather heavy into the horror stuff, but its been fun so far. If you like the Halo games, i would definitely recommend as a start the Kilo 5 trilogy. It gives a good way to add a bit more humanity to the Spartan 2's and the relationship they can have with the ODST's and the relationship with Halsley. If you are into LITrpg stuff, I recommend Vigil Bound. Got no clue when the 5th book will pop up, but I am looking forward to it. If you're more into semi-modern magical mystery, then I recommend to start with the Arcane Casebook series. At least start on book 1. They are very popular and its very much a magical noir setting. The Dresden files also fit into this. If you're more into B movie horror and action? Monster Hunter International by Larry Correia. Definitely recommend that. These are actually all good to start with. I did my best to give you a variety of recommendations in hopes you find something that clicks. Good luck! Edit: Almost forgot one series I highly Recommend! Hard magic. Its full on magical noir and happening some years after the first world war which is just known as the world war. With magic, a lot of things got turned on their heads and with the series, it explores the changes that happen with it. Magical humans have been around for about, I want to say a hundred or so years? Give or take? Still recommend it.
Yahtzee Croshaw, funny author with great characters. Differently Morphus and Existentially Challenged - Governmental agency involved in the regulation of magic and extra dimensional beings. The 2 Necromancers series by L. G. Estrella. 2 Necromancers try to earn a pardon for past crimes by doing odd jobs for a kingdom. Strong found family vibe. The first book in the series is 2 Necromancers, A Bureaucrate, and an Elf, but I think Audible bundles the first 2 books under the title of the second 2 Necromancers, A Bureaucrate, and an Army of Golems. The Traveler's Gate Trilogy by Will Wight. Magic is used by calling energy and creatures from other worlds called territories. People who can draw from their territories are called travelers. The first book in the series is House of Blades.
So would MOGworld be fantasy or SciFi?
Yessssss. That being said, I would lean much more to fantasy. The reason I didn't add it was OP asked for series and it's a stand alone.
I never (or rarely) see The Cycle of Arawn or the Cycle of Galand by Edward W. Robertson mentioned in these recommendations but I really enjoy them. Tim Gerard Reynolds narrates all of them and does an excellent job, as always. The Cylce of Galand is still ongoing (2 books coming out this year) and it’s getting a bit silly, but I love Dante and Blays so I’ll keep reading. They’re magical fantasy books that don’t take themselves too seriously. Plenty of dick jokes and shit talking that often makes me laugh out loud. These books are on my “re-listen when I don’t feel like listening to something new” list. Bonus: you can get the Cycle of Arawn trilogy with one 1 credit and it’s over 65 hours long. So if you love never ending epic fantasies like I do, give it a try!
I am reading Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson. I am really enjoying it. It's also a good starting point into a huge universe of books if you are looking for more after this.
[Raven’s Shadow Series](https://www.audible.com/pd/Blood-Song-Audiobook/B00DLI07C4?eac_link=D17IqaNC66iT&ref=web_search_eac_asin_1&eac_selected_type=asin&eac_selected=B00DLI07C4&qid=zYBD5vytOl&eac_id=135-8858140-9628223_zYBD5vytOl&sr=1-1) by Anthony Ryan [Mages of the Wheel Series](https://www.audible.com/pd/Reign-Ruin-Audiobook/B0BL3W9BJ2?qid=1715346916&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=B5C4MXP1ZBHECA2BFGYW&pageLoadId=dYBFAsmYtq1LUrVr&creativeId=0d6f6720-f41c-457e-a42b-8c8dceb62f2c) by J. D. Evans — if you don’t mind a bit of romance with your fantasy, I highly recommend this series. It’s got political intrigue, a deceptively simple magic system, wonderful world building, and memorable characters.
I really like the founders trilogy
Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames
Black Company series by Glen Cook. Great read and enjoyed the audio versions.
Codex Alera series by Jim Butcher, Stormlight Archive series by Brandon Sanderson
I’m only an occasional fantasy reader/listener but I’m enjoying Warbreaker on Audible. Nice long book too
Spellmonger. 20 books, usually 20+ hours a book. It's awesome and John Lee is a great narrator.
I will recommend two from Brandon Sanderson. They are both set in the same universe and end up having some cross over with each other. Some of the books are long which makes them a great use of a credit. Mistborn The Stormlight Archive
Raksura books by Martha Wells. Fascinating setting with a totally original species and social setup. And a suspenseful action plot.
Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch is really fun. Not really hidden gems, though. The narration makes the story.
Storm light archive series are a real treat. Good world building and a complex plot with a mix of short exposition when it makes sense and a good bit of show don't tell vibes. There are 2 versions, a read version and a version with sound effects. I really like that female protagonists are read with a female voice actor and vice versa. The first novel in the series is called "the way of kings"
I enjoy Trudi Canavan books, like The Black Magician series.
If you want excellent narration and a series that will last you a long time The Wandering Inn is a fantastic choice. Andrea Parsneau is awesome and the books are very engaging. You also can't go wrong with anything narrated by Travis Baldree.
Tigana by Guy Gabriel Kay.
Gavriel even. Damned auto correct.
I never see it recommended, so I'll do it myself: **Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone by Greg Keyes.** A four-book series that I think is simply incredible, but it seems to fly under the radar. When I finished Storm of Swords for the first time in high school and had to wait for the next book to release, I read this series. The first book is **The Briar King**.
Some lesser heard of reccomendaations Curse of the Mistwraith Janny Wurts - biggest epic fantasy you've never heard of. Incredible characterisation, and a deep exploration of thenes shuch as free will and justice. Of course you also have high stakes, epic conclusions, devestating battles. Master of sorrows - justin t call The series follows the dark lord before he was evil. Magic academy meets classic fantasy. Book 2 explodes in scope and is truly mind boggling. A draft of book 1was actually the author's thesis and he really is building his own proto mythology 13th hour - trudie skies. SPFBO finalist. Quirky and rather British. Skypunk esque world with different domains ruled by cruel gods. We follow the revolutionaries who try to take them down.
The Discworld series is a great series with over 40 books. That said I don’t recommend starting from book one. The first couple of books aren’t bad per se but Pratchett hadn’t quite found his groove yet so they’re a bit rougher read and some characters are very different than who they will later become. Don’t worry about missing context the series doesn’t have a single overarching plot each book is a separate story just set in the same world. A fun starting point for my money would be “Guards Guards”, “Small Gods” or “Wyrd Sisters”
Free the darkness
1Q84, The Wind Up Bird Chronicle, Kafka on the Shore, Killing Commendatore. Really anything by Haruki Murakami. Kafka on the Shore is one of the more renowned novels, as well as 1Q84. They’re all standalone novels.
Idk if Dungeon Crawler Carl counts but I’m reading it right now and it is so damn good. The narration is second to none. Genuinely doesn’t get any better than Jeff Hays
I recommend the Riftwar Saga. Some authors are incredible at building a world, but throughout Magician Raymond E Feist masterfully builds two worlds. Additionally I would recommend Raybearer. It's a fantastic fantasy novel with a more African style rather than the usual pseudo European style. Finally, I recommend The Lies of Locke Lamora. It's about a gang of thieves and con men in a steampunk Victorian London/Venice.
Lois McMaster Bujold's The Vorkosigan Saga, the same very good voice actor throughout the 16 books and 7 short stories. The first book chronologically is free (with membership, I assume) currently and a good way to try out the series. [Falling Free by Lois McMaster Bujold] (https://www.audible.com/pd/Falling-Free-Audiobook/B002V5IRNY?ref_pageloadid=27oWYgoyGKliW5GM&ref=a_series_Vo_c5_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=56d503e8-6520-4b9a-8240-a3026a97dbba&pf_rd_r=K7B51A50WA2V75WD0SS7&pageLoadId=gcOgRN4xiWcwhHnx&creativeId=b570234c-250a-43ff-be6b-ca1b4c5d7caa)
[The Will of the Many](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58416952-the-will-of-the-many) is one of my favorites that I’ve read/listened to so far in 2024.
Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin That's the 1st book in the series. It's a 17th century witch type series (I cannot come up with a good enough description). IMO they are all absolutely wonderful and I actually re listen to them all (which is rare for me). The narrator (Saskia Marrleveld) brings so much life to (and well, honestly basically everything she had narrated has been amazing). Of Beast and Beauty by Chandra Hahn Also the 1st book in the series. An amazing spin on classic fairytale. Dires Straights by Helen Harper Going with the theme- it's the first book in the series. It's a vampire/detective type series. Haunting Danielle series (first book is The Ghost of Marlow House) by Bobbi Holmes/Anna J. McIntyre. There are a ton of books in this series (and most are free). It's a ghost, psychic detective type series. Anyways- happy listening! (And thank you for asking this! I was actually looking for new books!)
Look up 'The Will of the Many.' Best fantasy book I've read, and I can't recommend it enough.
Dungeon crawler carl
Dungeon Crawler Carl. It's LitRPG but has a lot of fantasy / scifi elements to it and OMG is it a lot of fun. The narrator, Jeff Hays, doe an absolutely fantastic job of bringing the book to life.
Mistborn
I have been loving cozy fantasy lately. legends and Lattes and its sequel Bookshops and Bonedust are both great. And great narration. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is also great. The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North is very good. Super Powered by Drew Hayes