10 audiobooks for fans of Shadows of Self
- 1
Tress of the Emerald Sea
Hoid's Travails • Book 1
by Brandon Sanderson, Howard Lyon
Narrated by Michael Kramer
Why this book?
Michael Kramer's consistent narration brings the same immersive quality to this lighter, more adventurous tale, while Sanderson's signature world-building and intricate magic systems remain equally compelling. Though Tress trades Shadows of Self's noir detective atmosphere for a whimsical journey across a fantastical sea, both deliver the author's trademark blend of humor, heart, and meticulously crafted lore.
★ 4.50 ABR Score (302.4K ratings)★ 4.32 Goodreads (297.2K) ★ 4.74 Audible (5.1K)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.
- 2
Words of Radiance
The Stormlight Archive • Book 2
Narrated by Michael Kramer, Kate Reading
Why this book?
Both audiobooks deliver Sanderson's intricate magic systems and morally complex characters with the same stellar narration from Kramer and Reading, though Words of Radiance expands dramatically on the scope and emotional depth you'll experience over its 48-hour runtime. The philosophical themes of duty, redemption, and self-discovery that resonate through Shadows of Self deepen considerably in this epic continuation, rewarding your investment with richer character development and a more immersive listening journey.
★ 4.96 ABR Score (587.5K ratings)★ 4.76 Goodreads (498.0K) ★ 4.9 Audible (89.5K)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.
- 3
The Way of Kings
The Cosmere • Book 1
Narrated by Kate Reading, Michael Kramer
Why this book?
Michael Kramer's commanding narration brings the same immersive intensity to The Way of Kings, while Sanderson expands the philosophical exploration of duty and moral ambiguity that defines Shadows of Self into an epic, multi-layered world. The longer runtime rewards patient listeners with the intricate character development and introspective pacing you appreciated in the novella, now stretched across a richly detailed fantasy landscape.
★ 4.89 ABR Score (796.4K ratings)★ 4.66 Goodreads (683.1K) ★ 4.84 Audible (113.2K)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.
- 4
The Hero of Ages
The Mistborn Saga • Book 3
Narrated by Michael Kramer
Why this book?
The Hero of Ages deepens the philosophical exploration of identity and moral ambiguity that defines Shadows of Self, with Michael Kramer's masterful narration bringing even greater emotional weight to Sanderson's complex characters and their impossible choices. The expanded runtime allows the intricate world-building and character arcs to unfold with the same meticulous pacing that made the first book compelling, creating a richer listening experience for those invested in Sanderson's exploration of power and redemption.
★ 4.83 ABR Score (680.8K ratings)★ 4.56 Goodreads (606.0K) ★ 4.85 Audible (74.8K)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.
- 5
Oathbringer
The Stormlight Archive • Book 3
Narrated by Kate Reading, Michael Kramer
Why this book?
Oathbringer deepens the philosophical exploration of identity and moral complexity that defines Shadows of Self, while Michael Kramer's narration brings the same intensity to an even more expansive world. The extended runtime allows for richer character development and world-building, rewarding listeners who appreciated Sanderson's intricate plotting with a more immersive experience.
★ 4.83 ABR Score (432.0K ratings)★ 4.6 Goodreads (365.0K) ★ 4.84 Audible (67.0K)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.
- 6
The Final Empire
The Mistborn Saga • Book 1
Narrated by Michael Kramer
Why this book?
The Final Empire shares Sanderson's intricate magic system and morally complex characters with Shadows of Self, while Michael Kramer's narration brings the same engaging vocal performance that made the first book compelling. The expanded runtime allows deeper immersion in Sanderson's world-building and character development, rewarding listeners who appreciated the first book's blend of mystery and dark fantasy tone.
★ 4.78 ABR Score (1.1M ratings)★ 4.49 Goodreads (999.3K) ★ 4.79 Audible (97.4K)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.
- 7
The Gathering Storm
The Wheel of Time • Book 12
by Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson
Narrated by Michael Kramer, Kate Reading
Why this book?
Michael Kramer's distinctive narration carries the same immersive intensity across both works, while The Gathering Storm expands the epic scope and complex character arcs that define Sanderson's storytelling. The audiobook experience deepens through dual narration with Kate Reading, creating richer dialogue and an even more compelling listening journey through interconnected worlds of magic and intrigue.
★ 4.77 ABR Score (224.4K ratings)★ 4.44 Goodreads (178.7K) ★ 4.9 Audible (45.7K)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.
- 8
Towers of Midnight
The Wheel of Time • Book 13
by Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson
Narrated by Kate Reading, Michael Kramer
Why this book?
Towers of Midnight delivers the same epic scope and intricate magic systems that define Sanderson's storytelling, with Michael Kramer's narration anchoring you through an expansive world of political intrigue and personal stakes. The extended runtime allows the layered character work and thematic depth to unfold at a more immersive pace than the tighter Shadows of Self.
★ 4.77 ABR Score (211.0K ratings)★ 4.48 Goodreads (176.1K) ★ 4.89 Audible (34.9K)More about this pick
Perrin leads the Whitecloak trials while Mat prepares for the Last Battle in this penultimate Wheel of Time volume. Kate Reading and Michael Kramer have become the definitive voices of Jordan's world, handling dozens of characters with seamless consistency.
- 9
The Lost Metal
The Mistborn Saga • Book 7
Narrated by Michael Kramer
Why this book?
The Lost Metal continues the same intricate world-building and morally complex characters that made Shadows of Self compelling, while Michael Kramer's narration maintains the atmospheric tension that defines the Waxverse series. The expanded runtime allows for deeper exploration of themes around power, identity, and consequence that resonate throughout Sanderson's work.
★ 4.70 ABR Score (136.9K ratings)★ 4.48 Goodreads (122.5K) ★ 4.86 Audible (14.4K)More about this pick
Wax faces his final confrontation with the Set as Scadrial hurtles toward an explosive conclusion to Sanderson's second Mistborn era. Michael Kramer has been the voice of this world for years, and his familiarity with every character pays off brilliantly here.
- 10
Yumi and the Nightmare Painter
Hoid's Travails • Book 2
by Brandon Sanderson, Aliya Chen
Narrated by Kate Reading, Michael Kramer
★ 4.57 ABR Score (121.8K ratings)★ 4.43 Goodreads (118.7K) ★ 4.82 Audible (3.1K)More about this pick
Two souls from opposite worlds—gardens versus nightmares, spirits versus technology—swap bodies and must save each other's realities. Reading and Kramer handle the dual perspectives with their trademark precision, switching seamlessly between meditative wonder and urban tension.
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How We Rank Audiobooks
Rankings are driven by listener ratings and review counts from Audible and Goodreads. Books with high ratings across a large number of listeners rank higher — a 4.5 with 50,000 ratings says more than a 4.8 with 200.
Unlike most book lists, we weight audiobook-specific factors: narrator performance, production quality, and how well a story translates to audio. A great book with a poor narration isn't a great audiobook.
We don't accept paid placements or prioritize new releases. These rankings reflect what listeners actually enjoy, not what's being promoted.
Rankings update periodically as new ratings come in and new titles are added to the collection.