Best Michael J. Sullivan Audiobooks

The best Michael J. Sullivan audiobooks — 22 titles ranked by listening experience across Fantasy, averaging 4.26 ABR stars.

Read more

Michael J. Sullivan built his fantasy career the old-fashioned way — writing the entire Riyria Revelations series before publishing a single book, which shows in how tightly plotted and satisfying the whole arc feels. Theft of Swords introduces Royce and Hadrian, a thief-and-swords partnership so well-drawn that their banter carries the books as much as the intrigue does. Sullivan's prose is clean and propulsive, favoring momentum over ornamentation, with mysteries and political conspiracies that unfold with genuine elegance. The Legends of the First Empire prequel series, beginning with Age of Myth, adds mythic scope and richer worldbuilding to the same world. Readers who've grown tired of grimdark excess and want heroic fantasy with actual heart — plus plotting that doesn't cheat them — will find Sullivan one of the most reliably satisfying writers in the genre.

Michael J. Sullivan's highest-rated audiobook in our collection is Heir of Novron, narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds (4.69 ABR stars). Performed by narrators including Tim Gerard Reynolds, Bradley Foster Smith, Chris Genebach, Danny Gavigan, Nora Achrati, Peter Holdway, Shanta Parasuraman, Terence Aselford, John Kielty, Kay Eluvian, Brandon Burton, Stewart Crank, Sarah Coomes, Michael Kramer, Emily Woo Zeller, Nick Podehl, Erin Mallon, Tim Gerard Reynolds, and more. Rankings here weight the listening experience — narrator performance and Audible ratings factor alongside reader scores.

Where to Start with Michael J. Sullivan

  1. 1
    Heir of Novron cover

    Heir of Novron

    The Riyria Revelations #5-6 • Book 3

    by Michael J. Sullivan

    Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds

    4.69 ABR Score (83.6K ratings)
    ★ 4.51 Goodreads (55.5K) ★ 4.83 Audible (28.1K)
    More about this pick

    Reynolds concludes the Riyria saga with characteristic warmth, guiding Royce and Hadrian through their final heist as empires clash and ancient prophecies demand fulfillment.

  2. 2
    Theft of Swords cover

    Theft of Swords

    Riyria Revelations • Book 1

    by Michael J. Sullivan

    Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds

    4.44 ABR Score (110.0K ratings)
    ★ 4.23 Goodreads (77.8K) ★ 4.65 Audible (32.2K)
    More about this pick

    A simple sword heist frames thief Royce and mercenary Hadrian for regicide, launching them into a conspiracy that spans kingdoms.

  3. 3
    Rise of Empire cover

    Rise of Empire

    The Riyria Revelations #3-4 • Book 2

    by Michael J. Sullivan

    Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds

    4.55 ABR Score (82.5K ratings)
    ★ 4.36 Goodreads (57.6K) ★ 4.74 Audible (24.9K)
    More about this pick

    Royce and Hadrian navigate political conspiracy while an empire expands around them in this fantasy epic. Reynolds gives each character memorable voices as kingdoms clash and secrets unravel.

  4. 4
    The Crown Tower cover

    The Crown Tower

    The Riyria Chronicles • Book 1

    by Michael J. Sullivan

    Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds

    4.53 ABR Score (61.9K ratings)
    ★ 4.33 Goodreads (43.5K) ★ 4.75 Audible (18.4K)
    More about this pick

    Before Royce and Hadrian became the legendary Riyria, they were enemies forced to work together on an impossible heist targeting the realm's most secure vault.

  5. 5
    The Rose and the Thorn cover

    The Rose and the Thorn

    The Riyria Chronicles • Book 2

    by Michael J. Sullivan

    Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds

    4.57 ABR Score (46.7K ratings)
    ★ 4.4 Goodreads (31.0K) ★ 4.79 Audible (15.8K)
    More about this pick

    Tim Gerard Reynolds returns to voice Royce and Hadrian's darkest adventure as they confront abuse, corruption, and the birth of their legendary partnership. Reynolds captures each character's distinct voice perfectly.

  6. 6
    Age of Swords cover

    Age of Swords

    The Legends of the First Empire • Book 2

    by Michael J. Sullivan, Marc Simonetti

    Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds

    4.47 ABR Score (42.5K ratings)
    ★ 4.29 Goodreads (26.6K) ★ 4.72 Audible (15.9K)
    More about this pick

    Gods proved mortal in the first book, now humans and Fhrey prepare for all-out war while seeking legendary weapons. Reynolds captures both intimate character moments and sweeping battle sequences.

  7. 7
    Age of War cover

    Age of War

    The Legends of the First Empire • Book 3

    by Michael J. Sullivan

    Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds

    4.54 ABR Score (34.1K ratings)
    ★ 4.43 Goodreads (21.3K) ★ 4.76 Audible (12.8K)
    More about this pick

    The fragile alliance between humans and renegade Fhrey faces its ultimate test as godlike beings return to reclaim their dominion. Tim Gerard Reynolds has become the definitive voice of Sullivan's world, guiding listeners through this epic clash of magic and determination.

  8. 8
    Age of Myth cover

    Age of Myth

    The Legends of the First Empire • Book 1

    by Michael J. Sullivan

    Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds

    4.36 ABR Score (57.9K ratings)
    ★ 4.22 Goodreads (41.5K) ★ 4.61 Audible (16.4K)
    More about this pick

    Humans discover their gods can bleed when Raithe kills a Fhrey warrior, shattering millennia of religious belief. Tim Gerard Reynolds brings his signature energy to Sullivan's fresh take on fantasy mythology.

  9. 9
    The Death of Dulgath cover

    The Death of Dulgath

    The Riyria Chronicles • Book 3

    by Michael J. Sullivan

    Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds

    4.48 ABR Score (30.3K ratings)
    ★ 4.37 Goodreads (21.3K) ★ 4.73 Audible (9.0K)
    More about this pick

    Hired to prevent an assassination, Royce and Hadrian discover that saving the last of an ancient noble line means navigating political schemes and magical threats. Tim Gerard Reynolds captures both the witty banter and underlying darkness of their partnership.

  10. 10
    Professional Integrity cover

    Professional Integrity

    The Riyria Chronicles #2.6

    by Michael J. Sullivan

    Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds

    4.20 ABR Score (18.3K ratings)
    ★ 4.19 Goodreads (4.3K) ★ 4.51 Audible (14.0K)
    More about this pick

    Hadrian and Royce's thieves-for-hire partnership faces a test of professional ethics in this classic fantasy short set years after their mercenary beginnings.

  11. 11
    Age of Empyre cover

    Age of Empyre

    The Legends of the First Empire • Book 6

    by Michael J. Sullivan

    Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds

    4.48 ABR Score (19.5K ratings)
    ★ 4.39 Goodreads (12.8K) ★ 4.76 Audible (6.7K)
    More about this pick

    Sullivan's epic fantasy conclusion pits dragons against the living while the dead hold the key to survival, and Tim Gerard Reynolds delivers every emotional beat perfectly.

  12. 12
    The Jester cover

    The Jester

    The Riyria Chronicles #2.5

    by Michael J. Sullivan

    Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds

    3.89 ABR Score (21.9K ratings)
    ★ 3.94 Goodreads (6.7K) ★ 4.24 Audible (15.2K)
    More about this pick

    Riyria's hired to steal a jester's treasure, but their target proves far more cunning than expected. Tim Gerard Reynolds returns to voice another clever adventure in Sullivan's beloved fantasy world.

  13. 13
    Drumindor cover

    Drumindor

    The Riyria Chronicles • Book 5

    by Michael J. Sullivan

    Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds

    4.36 ABR Score (5.6K ratings)
    ★ 4.37 Goodreads (4.0K) ★ 4.77 Audible (1.6K)
    More about this pick

    Riyria's easy job stopping a vengeful dwarf craftsman at a paradise resort turns into a city-threatening nightmare. Tim Gerard Reynolds brings Sullivan's signature character chemistry to this fantasy heist adventure.

  14. 14
    The Crown Tower : The Riyria Chronicles 1 (Riyria Chronicles) cover

    The Crown Tower : The Riyria Chronicles 1 (Riyria Chronicles)

    The Riyria Chronicles • Book 1

    by Michael J. Sullivan

    Narrated by Bradley Foster Smith, Chris Genebach, Danny Gavigan, Nora Achrati, Peter Holdway, Shanta Parasuraman, Terence Aselford, John Kielty, Kay Eluvian, Brandon Burton, Stewart Crank

    4.28 ABR Score (43.7K ratings)
    ★ 4.33 Goodreads (43.5K) ★ 4.76 Audible (223)
    More about this pick

    A warrior and thief who hate each other must steal from an impregnable tower in this origin story, performed by a full cast that handles the fantasy world-building beautifully.

  15. 15
    Unfettered II: New Tales cover

    Unfettered II: New Tales

    Gunnie Rose #0.0 - The Gunnie

    by Shawn Speakman, Naomi Novik, Brandon Sanderson, Jim Butcher, Charlaine Harris, Michael J. Sullivan, Janny Wurts, Bradley P. Beaulieu, Mark Lawrence, Seanan McGuire, Peter Orullian, Aidan Moher, Erin Lindsey, John A. Pitts, Anthony Ryan, Scott Sigler, Django Wexler, Rachel Caine, Sarah Beth Durst, David Farland, Terry Brooks

    Narrated by Sarah Coomes, Michael Kramer, Emily Woo Zeller, Nick Podehl, Erin Mallon, Tim Gerard Reynolds

    3.78 ABR Score (1.5K ratings)
    ★ 3.92 Goodreads (1.1K) ★ 4.25 Audible (340)
    More about this pick

    Twenty-one fantasy heavyweights contribute original stories to this charity anthology, creating a sampler that showcases the genre's current masters across multiple narrative styles.

  16. 16
    The Rose and the Thorn : The Riyria Chronicles 2 (Riyria Chronicles) cover

    The Rose and the Thorn : The Riyria Chronicles 2 (Riyria Chronicles)

    The Riyria Chronicles • Book 2

    by Michael J. Sullivan

    Narrated by Bradley Foster Smith, Chris Genebach, Danny Gavigan, Jeff Allin, Nora Achrati, Shanta Parasuraman, Terence Aselford, Kay Eluvian, Earl Fisher, Andrew James Spooner, David M. Jourdan

    4.27 ABR Score (31.2K ratings)
    ★ 4.4 Goodreads (31.0K) ★ 4.77 Audible (143)
    More about this pick

    Thieves Royce and Hadrian return to confront the woman who saved their lives, only to find her trapped by a powerful noble's abuse. This full-cast production brings Sullivan's ensemble to vibrant life.

  17. 17
    Age of Legend (2 of 2) cover

    Age of Legend (2 of 2)

    The Legends of the First Empire • Book 4

    by Michael J. Sullivan

    Narrated by Amanda Forstrom, Bradley Smith, Chris Stinson, Colleen Delany, Jacob Yeh, Joe Mallon, Nora Achrati, Terence Aselford, Todd Scofield, Tracy Olivera

    4.20 ABR Score (16.0K ratings)
    ★ 4.35 Goodreads (15.9K) ★ 4.66 Audible (153)
    More about this pick

    The ensemble cast handles Sullivan's climactic battle between humans and Fhrey with emotional weight, as unlikely heroes face their final test against immortal enemies.

  18. 18
    Age of Empyre (Dramatized Adaptation) cover

    Age of Empyre (Dramatized Adaptation)

    Legends of the First Empire • Book 6

    by Michael J. Sullivan

    Narrated by Amanda Forstrom, Bradley Smith, Chris Stinson, Christopher Walker, Colleen Delany, Kimberly Gilbert, Lise Bruneau, Nora Achrati, Terence Aselford, Tia Shearer, Todd Scofield

    4.07 ABR Score (139 ratings)
    ★ 4.75 Audible (139)
  19. 19
    Unbound cover

    Unbound

    Annwn Cycle #The Dead's Revenant • Book 1

    by Shawn Speakman, Terry Brooks, Seanan McGuire, Mark Lawrence, Anthony Ryan, Tim Marquitz, Brian Staveley, Michael J. Sullivan, John Marco, Peter Orullian, Kat Richardson, Sam Sykes, Kristen Britain, Mazarkis Williams, Jim Butcher, Rachel Caine, Harry Connolly, Delilah S. Dawson, David Anthony Durham, Jason M. Hough, Mary Robinette Kowal, Joe Abercrombie

    Narrated by Dick Hill, Tim Gerard Reynolds, Nick Podehl, Allyson Johnson, Christian Rodska, Emily Bauer

    3.74 ABR Score (1.3K ratings)
    ★ 3.96 Goodreads (1.0K) ★ 4.13 Audible (246)
    More about this pick

    Twenty-three fantasy authors contribute unrestrained tales without thematic constraints in this genre celebration. The six-narrator ensemble including Tim Gerard Reynolds and Nick Podehl brings remarkable variety to each story.

  20. 20
    Age of Death (1 of 2) cover

    Age of Death (1 of 2)

    The Legends of the First Empire • Book 5

    by Michael J. Sullivan, Amanda Forstrom, Terence Aselford, Todd Scofield, Nora Achrati, Bradley Smith, Nanette Savard, Yasmin Tuazon, Kimberly Gilbert, Colleen Delany, Tracy Olivera, Tia Shearer

    Narrated by Amanda Forstrom, Bradley Smith, Colleen Delany, Kimberly Gilbert, Nanette Savard, Nora Achrati, Terence Aselford, Tia Shearer, Todd Scofield, Tracy Olivera, Yasmin Tuazon

    4.13 ABR Score (13.5K ratings)
    ★ 4.28 Goodreads (13.3K) ★ 4.59 Audible (130)
    More about this pick

    Humanity seeks a way across the Nidwalden River while time runs out for the mystic Suri in Sullivan's penultimate epic. The full cast handles the massive ensemble with distinct character voices.

  21. 21
    When Swords Fall Silent: An Assassination Anthology cover

    When Swords Fall Silent: An Assassination Anthology

    by Bryce O'Connor, Michael J. Sullivan, Jonathan French, M.L. Wang, Peter A. Flannery, Luke Chmilenko, R.J. Barker, Marie Brennan, Andrew Rowe, Philip C. Quaintrell, Jay Boyce, David Dalglish, J.A. Andrews, Terry Mancour

    Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds, Travis Baldree, John Lee, Kate Reading, Steven Brand, Emily Lawrence, Mikael Naramore, Nikki Massoud, full cast

    3.68 ABR Score (347 ratings)
    ★ 3.73 Goodreads (218) ★ 4 Audible (129)
    More about this pick

    Fourteen fantasy authors tackle the assassin's trade from every angle imaginable. With heavy-hitters like Tim Gerard Reynolds and Travis Baldree leading a stellar cast, each story gets the vocal treatment it deserves.

  22. 22
    Drumindor (Dramatized Adaptation): The Riyria Chronicles cover

    Drumindor (Dramatized Adaptation): The Riyria Chronicles

    The Riyria Chronicles • Book 5

    by Michael J. Sullivan, Full Cast

    Narrated by full cast, Bradley Foster Smith, Danny Gavigan, Terence Aselford, Nora Achrati, Andrew James Spooner, Jenna Sharpe, Zura Johnson, Peter Holdway, Emlyn McFarland, Stewart Crank, Chris Davenport

    4.04 ABR Score (4.1K ratings)
    ★ 4.37 Goodreads (4.1K) ★ 4.76 Audible (17)
    More about this pick

    A fired master craftsman dwarf threatens to obliterate a city, so Riyria gets hired to stop him. The full cast production brings Sullivan's fantasy heist to cinematic life.

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.

Read our full ranking methodology →