Audiobooks Like A Darker Shade of Magic

10 audiobooks for fans of A Darker Shade of Magic

1. 1

   

   The Fragile Threads of Power

   Threads of Power • Book 1

   by V.E. Schwab, Victoria Schwab

   Narrated by Kate Reading, Marisa Calin, Michael Kramer

   The Fragile Threads of Power deepens the intricate magic system and morally complex characters that made A Darker Shade of Magic captivating, while the expanded runtime allows Schwab's atmospheric world-building to unfold with even greater richness. Kate Reading and Michael Kramer's familiar narration maintains the immersive listening experience, guiding you through a more expansive narrative that rewards the investment with greater emotional and magical depth.

   Why this book?

   The Fragile Threads of Power deepens the intricate magic system and morally complex characters that made A Darker Shade of Magic captivating, while the expanded runtime allows Schwab's atmospheric world-building to unfold with even greater richness. Kate Reading and Michael Kramer's familiar narration maintains the immersive listening experience, guiding you through a more expansive narrative that rewards the investment with greater emotional and magical depth.

   ★ 4.28 ABR Score (47.9K ratings)

   ★ 4.26 Goodreads (47.0K) ★ 4.66 Audible (847)

   21h 35m listening time • Released 2023

   Three skilled narrators return to Schwab's magical London across parallel worlds, where the balance between four realities threatens to collapse seven years after the previous crisis.

   More about this pick

   Three skilled narrators return to Schwab's magical London across parallel worlds, where the balance between four realities threatens to collapse seven years after the previous crisis.

   Start Listening → Get the Book →
   Start Listening → Get the Book →
2. 2

   

   Tress of the Emerald Sea

   Hoid's Travails • Book 1

   by Brandon Sanderson, Howard Lyon

   Narrated by Michael Kramer

   Michael Kramer's commanding narration brings the same immersive quality to Sanderson's inventive world-building and character-driven adventure, capturing both the wonder of fantastical settings and the intimate emotional stakes that made A Darker Shade of Magic compelling. Both audiobooks deliver richly layered fantasy with morally complex protagonists navigating impossible choices across vividly realized landscapes.

   Why this book?

   Michael Kramer's commanding narration brings the same immersive quality to Sanderson's inventive world-building and character-driven adventure, capturing both the wonder of fantastical settings and the intimate emotional stakes that made A Darker Shade of Magic compelling. Both audiobooks deliver richly layered fantasy with morally complex protagonists navigating impossible choices across vividly realized landscapes.

   ★ 4.50 ABR Score (302.4K ratings)

   ★ 4.32 Goodreads (297.2K) ★ 4.74 Audible (5.1K)

   12h 27m listening time • Released 2024

   A simple island girl ventures across deadly spore seas to rescue her kidnapped love, with Sanderson's trademark magic systems governing every ocean. Michael Kramer brings warmth to this fairy-tale adventure that feels like The Princess Bride in a cosmere setting.

   More about this pick

   A simple island girl ventures across deadly spore seas to rescue her kidnapped love, with Sanderson's trademark magic systems governing every ocean. Michael Kramer brings warmth to this fairy-tale adventure that feels like The Princess Bride in a cosmere setting.

   Start Listening → Get the Book →
   Start Listening → Get the Book →
3. 3

   

   Shadows of Self

   Mistborn, Era 2: Wax & Wayne • Book 2

   by Brandon Sanderson

   Narrated by Michael Kramer

   Michael Kramer's distinctive narration captures the same atmospheric darkness and moral complexity in both works, moving from Schwab's Victorian-tinged magic system to Sanderson's intricate fantasy noir. Both audiobooks deliver richly layered worlds where morally ambiguous characters navigate dangerous conspiracies, making the extended runtime feel essential rather than indulgent.

   Why this book?

   Michael Kramer's distinctive narration captures the same atmospheric darkness and moral complexity in both works, moving from Schwab's Victorian-tinged magic system to Sanderson's intricate fantasy noir. Both audiobooks deliver richly layered worlds where morally ambiguous characters navigate dangerous conspiracies, making the extended runtime feel essential rather than indulgent.

   ★ 4.56 ABR Score (243.6K ratings)

   ★ 4.26 Goodreads (211.7K) ★ 4.75 Audible (31.9K)

   12h 37m listening time • Released 2015

   Lawman Waxillium Ladrian faces a shapeshifting kandra assassin targeting government officials in this Wild West-meets-steampunk fantasy. Michael Kramer navigates Sanderson's intricate magic system as political conspiracy threatens the fragile democracy of Elendel.

   More about this pick

   Lawman Waxillium Ladrian faces a shapeshifting kandra assassin targeting government officials in this Wild West-meets-steampunk fantasy. Michael Kramer navigates Sanderson's intricate magic system as political conspiracy threatens the fragile democracy of Elendel.

   Start Listening → Get the Book →
   Start Listening → Get the Book →
4. 4

   

   The Alloy of Law

   Mistborn, Era 2: Wax & Wayne • Book 1

   by Brandon Sanderson

   Narrated by Michael Kramer

   Both audiobooks deliver richly immersive fantasy worlds through Michael Kramer's skillful narration, grounding complex magic systems and morally nuanced characters in deeply engaging storytelling. The Alloy of Law matches A Darker Shade of Magic's blend of intricate worldbuilding with intimate character development, while its faster-paced plot and wry humor offer a slightly different flavor within the same high-quality listening experience.

   Why this book?

   Both audiobooks deliver richly immersive fantasy worlds through Michael Kramer's skillful narration, grounding complex magic systems and morally nuanced characters in deeply engaging storytelling. The Alloy of Law matches A Darker Shade of Magic's blend of intricate worldbuilding with intimate character development, while its faster-paced plot and wry humor offer a slightly different flavor within the same high-quality listening experience.

   ★ 4.53 ABR Score (335.9K ratings)

   ★ 4.19 Goodreads (294.2K) ★ 4.72 Audible (41.7K)

   10h 48m listening time • Released 2011

   Wax returns from the frontier to inherit his family's city estate, bringing gunslinger skills to an industrial world with railroads and electricity. Michael Kramer voices this Mistborn sequel that trades epic fantasy for steampunk detective work with familiar magical rules.

   More about this pick

   Wax returns from the frontier to inherit his family's city estate, bringing gunslinger skills to an industrial world with railroads and electricity. Michael Kramer voices this Mistborn sequel that trades epic fantasy for steampunk detective work with familiar magical rules.

   Start Listening → Get the Book →
   Start Listening → Get the Book →
5. 5

   

   Words of Radiance

   The Stormlight Archive • Book 2

   by Brandon Sanderson

   Narrated by Michael Kramer, Kate Reading

   Both audiobooks feature Michael Kramer and Kate Reading's masterful dual narration, bringing richly layered fantasy worlds to life with distinct character voices and emotional depth. Words of Radiance expands on the intricate magic systems and character-driven storytelling that made A Darker Shade of Magic compelling, offering an even more immersive listening experience across its epic scope.

   Why this book?

   Both audiobooks feature Michael Kramer and Kate Reading's masterful dual narration, bringing richly layered fantasy worlds to life with distinct character voices and emotional depth. Words of Radiance expands on the intricate magic systems and character-driven storytelling that made A Darker Shade of Magic compelling, offering an even more immersive listening experience across its epic scope.

   ★ 4.96 ABR Score (587.5K ratings)

   ★ 4.76 Goodreads (498.0K) ★ 4.9 Audible (89.5K)

   48h 15m listening time • Released 2014

   Kaladin leads the royal guard while Shallan seeks ancient secrets and Dalinar unites the war camps. Michael Kramer and Kate Reading handle Sanderson's massive cast and intricate magic systems flawlessly.

   More about this pick

   Kaladin leads the royal guard while Shallan seeks ancient secrets and Dalinar unites the war camps. Michael Kramer and Kate Reading handle Sanderson's massive cast and intricate magic systems flawlessly.

   Start Listening → Get the Book →
   Start Listening → Get the Book →
6. 6

   

   The Way of Kings

   The Cosmere • Book 1

   by Brandon Sanderson

   Narrated by Kate Reading, Michael Kramer

   Both works deliver immersive, character-driven fantasy with intricate magic systems and morally complex protagonists navigating corrupt power structures, while the consistent dual narration creates the same engaging listening experience across their expansive worlds. The Way of Kings deepens the atmospheric world-building and philosophical depth that Schwab establishes, offering a more sprawling epic for listeners hungry for longer narrative immersion.

   Why this book?

   Both works deliver immersive, character-driven fantasy with intricate magic systems and morally complex protagonists navigating corrupt power structures, while the consistent dual narration creates the same engaging listening experience across their expansive worlds. The Way of Kings deepens the atmospheric world-building and philosophical depth that Schwab establishes, offering a more sprawling epic for listeners hungry for longer narrative immersion.

   ★ 4.89 ABR Score (796.4K ratings)

   ★ 4.66 Goodreads (683.1K) ★ 4.84 Audible (113.2K)

   45h 30m listening time • Released 2010

   On storm-ravaged Roshar, a slave fights in bridge crews while a prince questions his honor during an endless war. The dual narration by Reading and Kramer handles Sanderson's massive world-building seamlessly.

   More about this pick

   On storm-ravaged Roshar, a slave fights in bridge crews while a prince questions his honor during an endless war. The dual narration by Reading and Kramer handles Sanderson's massive world-building seamlessly.

   Start Listening → Get the Book →
   Start Listening → Get the Book →
7. 7

   

   The Hero of Ages

   The Mistborn Saga • Book 3

   by Brandon Sanderson

   Narrated by Michael Kramer

   Michael Kramer's rich, atmospheric narration elevates both works' exploration of magic systems and morally complex characters navigating parallel worlds and dark destinies. The Hero of Ages offers a similarly immersive fantasy experience with intricate world-building, though at a more epic scope and length that rewards deep engagement with its intricate plot.

   Why this book?

   Michael Kramer's rich, atmospheric narration elevates both works' exploration of magic systems and morally complex characters navigating parallel worlds and dark destinies. The Hero of Ages offers a similarly immersive fantasy experience with intricate world-building, though at a more epic scope and length that rewards deep engagement with its intricate plot.

   ★ 4.83 ABR Score (680.8K ratings)

   ★ 4.56 Goodreads (606.0K) ★ 4.85 Audible (74.8K)

   27h 25m listening time • Released 2008

   Vin faces the apocalyptic Deepness while Elend builds his kingdom, as Sanderson concludes his Mistborn trilogy with the ultimate test of heroism and sacrifice.

   More about this pick

   Vin faces the apocalyptic Deepness while Elend builds his kingdom, as Sanderson concludes his Mistborn trilogy with the ultimate test of heroism and sacrifice.

   Start Listening → Get the Book →
   Start Listening → Get the Book →
8. 8

   

   Oathbringer

   The Stormlight Archive • Book 3

   by Brandon Sanderson

   Narrated by Kate Reading, Michael Kramer

   The dual narration that brought depth to the London worlds returns here to enhance Sanderson's epic exploration of faith, power, and redemption across a richly realized fantasy realm. Listeners drawn to A Darker Shade of Magic's atmospheric world-building and morally complex characters will find the same narrative sophistication expanded across a sprawling, immersive audiobook experience.

   Why this book?

   The dual narration that brought depth to the London worlds returns here to enhance Sanderson's epic exploration of faith, power, and redemption across a richly realized fantasy realm. Listeners drawn to A Darker Shade of Magic's atmospheric world-building and morally complex characters will find the same narrative sophistication expanded across a sprawling, immersive audiobook experience.

   ★ 4.83 ABR Score (432.0K ratings)

   ★ 4.6 Goodreads (365.0K) ★ 4.84 Audible (67.0K)

   55h 5m listening time • Released 2017

   Dalinar's flashbacks to his violent past and the Knights Radiant's return unfold across 55+ hours that Kate Reading and Michael Kramer navigate expertly.

   More about this pick

   Dalinar's flashbacks to his violent past and the Knights Radiant's return unfold across 55+ hours that Kate Reading and Michael Kramer navigate expertly.

   Start Listening → Get the Book →
   Start Listening → Get the Book →
9. 9

   

   The Final Empire

   The Mistborn Saga • Book 1

   by Brandon Sanderson

   Narrated by Michael Kramer

   Michael Kramer's narration brings the same atmospheric gravitas to The Final Empire's intricate magic system and morally complex characters that made A Darker Shade of Magic so compelling. Sanderson's epic scope and richly layered world-building will satisfy listeners who appreciated Schwab's darker fantasy tone, while the extended runtime allows for even deeper immersion in a meticulously constructed fantasy realm.

   Why this book?

   Michael Kramer's narration brings the same atmospheric gravitas to The Final Empire's intricate magic system and morally complex characters that made A Darker Shade of Magic so compelling. Sanderson's epic scope and richly layered world-building will satisfy listeners who appreciated Schwab's darker fantasy tone, while the extended runtime allows for even deeper immersion in a meticulously constructed fantasy realm.

   ★ 4.78 ABR Score (1.1M ratings)

   ★ 4.49 Goodreads (999.3K) ★ 4.79 Audible (97.4K)

   24h 39m listening time • Released 2008

   Street thief Vin discovers she can ingest metals to gain magical powers, then joins a heist to overthrow an immortal emperor. Sanderson creates a unique magic system where swallowing steel lets you fly and pewter enhances strength.

   More about this pick

   Street thief Vin discovers she can ingest metals to gain magical powers, then joins a heist to overthrow an immortal emperor. Sanderson creates a unique magic system where swallowing steel lets you fly and pewter enhances strength.

   Start Listening → Get the Book →
   Start Listening → Get the Book →
10. 10

    

    The Gathering Storm

    The Wheel of Time • Book 12

    by Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson

    Narrated by Michael Kramer, Kate Reading

    The intricate world-building and morally complex characters that define A Darker Shade of Magic resonate throughout this epic installment, where magic systems interweave with personal struggle in increasingly high stakes. Michael Kramer and Kate Reading's dual narration brings the same immersive depth to The Gathering Storm's sprawling narrative, creating a listening experience that rewards the same appetite for richly layered fantasy.

    Why this book?

    The intricate world-building and morally complex characters that define A Darker Shade of Magic resonate throughout this epic installment, where magic systems interweave with personal struggle in increasingly high stakes. Michael Kramer and Kate Reading's dual narration brings the same immersive depth to The Gathering Storm's sprawling narrative, creating a listening experience that rewards the same appetite for richly layered fantasy.

    ★ 4.77 ABR Score (224.4K ratings)

    ★ 4.44 Goodreads (178.7K) ★ 4.9 Audible (45.7K)

    41h 47m listening time • Released 2013

    Brandon Sanderson takes over Jordan's epic as Rand's madness deepens and Egwene fights to reunite the fractured White Tower before the Last Battle arrives.

    More about this pick

    Brandon Sanderson takes over Jordan's epic as Rand's madness deepens and Egwene fights to reunite the fractured White Tower before the Last Battle arrives.

    Start Listening → Get the Book →
    Start Listening → Get the Book →