10 audiobooks for fans of The Final Empire
- 1
Words of Radiance
The Stormlight Archive • Book 2
Narrated by Michael Kramer, Kate Reading
Why this book?
Words of Radiance deepens the epic scope and intricate magic systems that make Sanderson's work compelling, with Michael Kramer's narration anchoring the same immersive listening experience while Kate Reading brings additional characters to vivid life. The expanded runtime allows for the character development and thematic complexity that Sanderson fans crave, exploring honor, growth, and redemption across a richer, more layered narrative.
★ 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.
- 2
The Way of Kings
The Cosmere • Book 1
Narrated by Kate Reading, Michael Kramer
Why this book?
The Way of Kings delivers the same intricate magic systems and character-driven storytelling that define The Final Empire, while Michael Kramer's narration carries you through an even more expansive world with similarly epic scope and emotional depth. The extended runtime rewards patient listeners with richer worldbuilding and multiple interweaving perspectives that deepen the immersive experience.
★ 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.
- 3
Oathbringer
The Stormlight Archive • Book 3
Narrated by Kate Reading, Michael Kramer
Why this book?
Oathbringer deepens the intricate magic systems and themes of personal redemption that made The Final Empire compelling, while Michael Kramer's narration grows even more immersive across the epic 55-hour runtime, allowing you to fully inhabit the rich world Sanderson has constructed.
★ 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.
- 4
The Gathering Storm
The Wheel of Time • Book 12
by Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson
Narrated by Michael Kramer, Kate Reading
Why this book?
The Gathering Storm delivers the same epic, magic-system-driven storytelling that makes The Final Empire compelling, with Sanderson's distinctive narrative voice enhanced by the dual narration of Kramer and Reading across its expansive runtime. Both audiobooks offer immersive world-building with high-stakes character arcs, though The Gathering Storm's longer length allows for even more intricate plotting and emotional depth.
★ 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.
- 5
Towers of Midnight
The Wheel of Time • Book 13
by Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson
Narrated by Kate Reading, Michael Kramer
Why this book?
The epic scope and intricate magic systems that define Sanderson's work shine through in this Wheel of Time installment, where his co-narration with Kate Reading creates the same immersive listening experience across a sprawling fantasy world. Listeners drawn to The Final Empire's blend of dark themes, complex character arcs, and meticulous worldbuilding will find those same strengths magnified across Towers of Midnight's extended runtime.
★ 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.
- 6
The Bands of Mourning
Mistborn, Era 2: Wax & Wayne • Book 3
Narrated by Michael Kramer
Why this book?
The Bands of Mourning continues Sanderson's richly layered world-building with the same masterful magic systems and high-stakes storytelling, while Michael Kramer's narration maintains the immersive vocal consistency that made The Final Empire so compelling. The audiobook delivers the same blend of intricate plotting and character depth in a tighter, more fast-paced narrative that deepens the themes of power and redemption established in the first book.
★ 4.66 ABR Score (220.8K ratings)★ 4.4 Goodreads (193.3K) ★ 4.81 Audible (27.4K)More about this pick
Wax and his crew pursue the Lord Ruler's legendary metalminds in a steampunk world where magic meets technology. Kramer's consistent narration grounds readers as Sanderson introduces new magic systems and expands his world's mythology beyond Scadrial's borders.
- 7
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 dynamic narration captures Sanderson's signature magic systems and intricate worldbuilding in both epics, while Tress of the Emerald Sea offers a more intimate, character-driven adventure that maintains the wonder and emotional depth of The Final Empire in a more compact form. The standalone nature provides the same satisfying narrative arc without the sprawling commitment, perfect for listeners who loved Sanderson's storytelling but want a quicker journey.
★ 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.
- 8
Wind and Truth
The Stormlight Archive • Book 5
Narrated by Kate Reading, Michael Kramer
Why this book?
Brandon Sanderson's intricate worldbuilding and themes of rebellion against oppressive systems continue to evolve across his Cosmere universe, while Kate Reading and Michael Kramer's dual narration brings new depth and intimacy to the expanded cast of characters you'll encounter in this epic continuation.
★ 4.45 ABR Score (160.9K ratings)★ 4.37 Goodreads (139.0K) ★ 4.6 Audible (21.9K)More about this pick
Sanderson concludes the first Stormlight arc with Dalinar's contest against a god while Roshar faces annihilation. Reading and Kramer handle the massive cast with their usual expertise across 60+ hours of epic fantasy.
- 9
Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection
The Cosmere
Narrated by Michael Kramer, Kate Reading
★ 4.64 ABR Score (85.4K ratings)★ 4.43 Goodreads (66.7K) ★ 4.82 Audible (18.7K)More about this pick
This collection spans Sanderson's interconnected universe, featuring stories from each Cosmere world with their distinct magic systems.
- 10
Shadows of Self
Mistborn, Era 2: Wax & Wayne • Book 2
Narrated by Michael Kramer
Why this book?
Shadows of Self maintains the intricate magic system and morally complex characters that define Sanderson's world-building, while Michael Kramer's narration preserves the same immersive listening experience across a more compact narrative. The sequel deepens the philosophical themes of power and identity established in The Final Empire, offering a faster-paced story that rewards listeners already invested in this universe.
★ 4.56 ABR Score (243.6K ratings)★ 4.26 Goodreads (211.7K) ★ 4.75 Audible (31.9K)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.
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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.