The best audiobooks of all time merge compelling storytelling with captivating narration to create an immersive listening experience. With 53% of adults listening to audiobooks, the demand for the best audiobooks continues to increase.
At Voice123, where you can find the best audiobook narrators, we’ve put together a list of the best audiobooks 2024, the best audiobooks of all time by genre, and the best audiobook narrators.
The best audiobooks 2024
1. Anna O by Matthew Blake: The story follows a doctor who tries to wake up a murderer dubbed ‘Sleeping Beauty.’ Dan Stevens’ chilling voice narrates one of the best audiobooks 2024.
2. No Two Persons by Eric Bauermeister: This story of different individuals whose lives are connected by a book won the 2024 Audie Award for Best Multi-Voiced Performance. The narrators included George Newbern and Cassandra Campbell.
3. Bits and Pieces by Whoopi Goldberg: This non-fiction audiobook is a memoir of Whoopi Goldberg’s life. Her engaging, warm tone adds authenticity and humor.
4. Surrender by Bono: This biography, narrated by Bono, explores the life story of one of the most famous rock singers of all time. The audiobook won the 2024 Audie Award for Audiobook of the Year.
5. Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros: One of the best fantasy audiobooks of the year, this sequel in the Empyrean book series explores new battles and betrayals with narrators Rebecca Soler and Teddy Hamilton.
The best audiobooks of all time by genre
The best fantasy audiobooks
1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: This beloved fantasy transports listeners to the world of Harry Potter. Jim Dale’s narration brings each character to life.
2. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss: Nick Podehl’s narration captures the poetic storytelling and emotional depth of Kvothe’s journey.
3. The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan: This iconic fantasy series features complex characters and storytelling. The series is narrated by Michael Kramer and Kate Reading
The best sci-fi audiobooks
1. Dune by Frank Herbert: The story transports listeners to a desert planet with a full-cast narration that includes Simon Vance. The unique story and narration make it one of the best sci-fi audiobooks.
2. Neuromancer by William Gibson: Narrated by Robertson Dean, this cyberpunk dystopian future is brought to life through Dean’s gritty voice.
3. The Expanse Series by James S.A. Corey: Jefferson Mays narrates interstellar conflict and human survival in one of the best sci-fi audiobooks.
The best thriller audiobooks
1. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn: This psychological thriller alternates between Nick and Amy’s perspectives with Julia Whelan and Kirby Heyborne’s narration.
2. None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell: This dark thriller follows two women whose lives become intertwined. It features some of the best audiobook narrators, like Lousie Brealey.
3. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins: Clare Corbett, India Fisher, and Louise Brealey bring this story of obsession and deceit to life, creating one of the best thriller audiobooks.
The best mystery audiobooks
1. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie: This iconic whodunit about ten strangers stranded on an isolated island is elevated by Dan Stevens’ captivating voice over
2. In the Woods by Tana French: Steven Crossley narrates a detective who must confront his past to solve a 20-year-old cold case in one of the best mystery audiobooks.
3. Moriarty by Anthony Horowitz: Julian Rhind-Tutt narrates a new case involving Sherlock Holmes’ greatest nemesis in one of the best mystery audiobooks of all time.
The best audiobook narrators of all time
1. Jim Dale: Known for narrating the Harry Potter series, Dale’s ability to create distinct voices for each character makes him a standout in the best fantasy audiobooks.
2. Julia Whelan: This versatile narrator has told various stories, from chilling thrillers like Gone Girl to compelling stories like Educated, with emotional depth and nuance.
3. Simon Vance: With a voice that adds gravitas to classics like The Sherlock Holmes Collection, Vance elevates the suspense and drama of the best mystery audiobooks.
4. Robin Miles: As one of the best audiobook narrators, Miles brings a rich, expressive tone to emotionally charged audiobooks like Small Mercies.
5. Dion Graham: An award-winning audiobook narrator, Graham captivates listeners in compelling stories like The Wager.
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Final Thoughts
The best audiobooks of all time use the power of voice to create a memorable, impactful experience for listeners. And the best audiobook narrators harness the power of audio storytelling to connect with listeners.
So, when you need to hire vocal talent, you can find the best voice actors on Voice123 or use Voice123 for Companies to get complete project management.
FAQs
Some of the best audiobooks to listen to are fantasy stories like the Harry Potter Series, mysteries like Agatha Christie, or non-fiction books like Surrender.
One of the most purchased audiobooks is Becoming by Michelle Obama. It continues to top charts across platforms like Audible and Spotify.
Stories with rich world-building or strong character development are best in an audio format, but a skilled narrator can bring a wide variety of stories to life as audiobooks.
Surrender, a memoir written and narrated by activist and rockstar Bono, won the 2024 Audie Award for Audiobook of the Year.