Nicoli Gonnella has carved out a devoted following in progression fantasy with the Unbound series — a dark, grinding story about an outcast in a world that runs on magic he can't touch. What makes the series work is Gonnella's slow-burn intensity: the prose is lean and propulsive, the tension coils across books like Dissonance and Hunger before releasing in moments of brutal payoff. There's no hand-holding here — the world's rules emerge through immersion, and the protagonist's outsider status gives every advancement genuine weight. Gonnella writes power fantasy with teeth, resisting the genre's tendency toward easy wins. Travis Baldree's narration amplifies the tone perfectly, giving the audiobooks a grim momentum that's hard to put down. Readers who love progression fantasy but want something with emotional stakes and earned victories will find Gonnella's work difficult to walk away from.
Unbound • Book 9
Narrated by Travis Baldree
Travis Baldree navigates Felix's desperate flight from dwarven pursuit while carrying stolen power and the devastating truth about his sister's dark transformation.
Unbound • Book 5
Narrated by Travis Baldree
Felix has saved Haarwatch but now faces a Territory-wide threat as ancient seals break on the Archon's prison. Travis Baldree guides listeners through this epic fantasy's massive scope with characteristic warmth.
Unbound • Book 8
Narrated by Travis Baldree
Felix stands on the brink of Master Tier ascension while his Stronghold grows into a thriving commercial city echoing with newfound prosperity. Travis Baldree's narration captures both the personal progression and the larger political implications of Felix's rising influence.
Unbound • Book 7
Narrated by Travis Baldree
Felix wields unwanted political power while ancient terrors surface in the reborn desert-turned-ocean. Travis Baldree's massive 28-hour performance navigates political intrigue and primordial threats.
Unbound • Book 6
Narrated by Travis Baldree
Felix establishes his Stronghold in the Foglands and claims the title of Autarch in this massive fantasy epic. Baldree's epic 30-hour performance captures both intimate character moments and sweeping magical battles.
Unbound • Book 10
Narrated by Travis Baldree
One god defeated, an entire pantheon remaining—Felix and his Unbound allies discover that victory only escalated the divine conflict to cosmic proportions.
Unbound • Book 3
Narrated by Travis Baldree
Felix returns from the Void to find civilization plagued by Inquisitors hunting sorcerers—problematic since he harbors the Primordial Maw in his soul. Baldree excels at Felix's internal monologue, balancing humor with the genuine terror of discovery.
Unbound • Book 4
Narrated by Travis Baldree
Travis Baldree's dynamic performance captures Felix's rage and power as the former Ravager King slayer fights through a war-torn Haarwatch with his enhanced magical abilities.
Unbound • Book 11
Narrated by Travis Baldree
The Hierophant has seized four Unbound and the Chthonic Star, positioning himself to free imprisoned gods while Felix prepares for their final confrontation. Travis Baldree captures the apocalyptic intensity.
Unbound • Book 1
Narrated by Travis Baldree
Felix abandons his dead-end Earth life for a dangerous new world called The Continent, where cowardice becomes courage through necessity. Travis Baldree's narration captures Felix's transformation from cubicle drone to reluctant hero with just the right mix of vulnerability and determination.
Unbound • Book 2
Narrated by Travis Baldree
Felix and Pit survive their sacrifice only to find themselves trapped in the deadly Void with their enemy. Travis Baldree navigates this darker sequel's psychological complexity and interdimensional horror.