Best Dark Lord / Ultimate Evil Audiobooks

The highest-rated dark lord / ultimate evil audiobooks, ranked by listeners. Browse 50 titles with top narrators.

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The Dark Lord or Ultimate Evil represents everything the protagonist stands against—a villain so powerful, so utterly corrupt, that defeating them feels impossible. What makes this trope resonate is the clarity it brings: good and evil aren't ambiguous, and the struggle matters because the cost of failure is annihilation. You get dread, yes, but also purpose. Heroes rise because the darkness demands it.

You'll find these stories in epic fantasy, dark fantasy, and some paranormal fiction. The 210 books here range from the mythic (ancient evils awakening) to the deeply personal (a villain who consumed everything the hero loved). Expect world-ending stakes, allies forged in desperation, and climaxes that actually feel earned.

These are the highest-rated dark lord / ultimate evil audiobooks, ranked by listener ratings. A great narrator can elevate an already compelling trope — turning tension into an immersive experience.

  1. 1
    Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix cover

    Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

    Harry Potter • Book 5

    by J.K. Rowling, Mary GrandPré

    Narrated by Jim Dale

    5.00 ABR Score (3.9M ratings)
    ★ 4.5 Goodreads (3.8M) ★ 4.93 Audible (117.3K)
    More about this pick

    Jim Dale transforms this sprawling fifth book into something transcendent—his voice work captures Harry's adolescent rage with such raw precision that the anger becomes contagious and impossible to look away from.

  2. 2
    Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows cover

    Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

    Harry Potter • Book 7

    by J.K. Rowling

    Narrated by Jim Dale

    5.00 ABR Score (4.3M ratings)
    ★ 4.62 Goodreads (4.1M) ★ 4.96 Audible (150.8K)
    More about this pick

    Bill Nighy and Anna Maxwell Martin join the stellar returning cast for Rowling's epic finale, where every character gets their heroic moment.

  3. 3
    The Stand cover

    The Stand

    by Stephen King

    Narrated by Grover Gardner

    4.91 ABR Score (922.6K ratings)
    ★ 4.35 Goodreads (841.5K) ★ 4.69 Audible (81.1K)
    More about this pick

    After a plague wipes out most of humanity, survivors choose between Mother Abagail's godly Boulder and Randall Flagg's sinister Las Vegas. Grover Gardner's narration spans this epic battle between good and evil.

  4. 4
    Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince cover

    Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

    Harry Potter • Book 6

    by J.K. Rowling

    Narrated by Hugh Laurie, Ruth Wilson, Bill Nighy, Matthew Macfadyen, Riz Ahmed, Michelle Gomez, Cush Jumbo, Simon Pegg, Leo Woodall, Mark Addy, Daniel Mays, Gemma Whelan, Jaxon Knopf, Rhys Mulligan, Nina Barker-Francis

    4.87 ABR Score (3.7M ratings)
    ★ 4.58 Goodreads (3.7M)
    More about this pick

    Where the series turns genuinely dark, an all-star ensemble (Hugh Laurie, Bill Nighy, Riz Ahmed, and more) narrates with devastating emotional precision.

  5. 5
    The Two Towers cover

    The Two Towers

    Middle-earth • Book 3

    by J.R.R. Tolkien

    Narrated by Rob Inglis

    4.83 ABR Score (1.2M ratings)
    ★ 4.5 Goodreads (1.1M) ★ 4.88 Audible (50.1K)
    More about this pick

    Rob Inglis's complete performance captures every voice from Gollum's hissing to Treebeard's ancient wisdom across this 16-hour journey through Middle-earth's darkening war.

  6. 6
    Oathbringer cover

    Oathbringer

    The Stormlight Archive • Book 3

    by Brandon Sanderson

    Narrated by Kate Reading, Michael Kramer

    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.

  7. 7
    A Storm of Swords cover

    A Storm of Swords

    A Song of Ice and Fire • Book 3

    by George R.R. Martin

    Narrated by Roy Dotrice

    4.81 ABR Score (930.3K ratings)
    ★ 4.55 Goodreads (851.9K) ★ 4.82 Audible (78.4K)
    More about this pick

    The Red Wedding and other shocking betrayals hit harder when Roy Dotrice's veteran narration guides you through Martin's most brutal plot twists.

  8. 8
    The Fellowship of the Ring cover

    The Fellowship of the Ring

    The Lord of the Rings • Book 1

    by J. R. R. Tolkien

    Narrated by Rob Inglis

    4.79 ABR Score (3.2M ratings)
    ★ 4.41 Goodreads (3.2M) ★ 4.83 Audible (67.2K)
    More about this pick

    Rob Inglis transforms Tolkien's dense mythology into an immersive journey, handling everything from hobbit dialects to elvish songs. His decades of experience with this material shows in every character voice.

  9. 9
    The Final Empire cover

    The Final Empire

    The Mistborn Saga • Book 1

    by Brandon Sanderson

    Narrated by Michael Kramer

    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.

  10. 10
    The Gathering Storm cover

    The Gathering Storm

    The Wheel of Time • Book 12

    by Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson

    Narrated by Michael Kramer, Kate Reading

    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.

  11. 11
    Cold Days cover

    Cold Days

    The Dresden Files • Book 14

    by Jim Butcher

    Narrated by James Marsters

    4.73 ABR Score (135.9K ratings)
    ★ 4.47 Goodreads (107.2K) ★ 4.87 Audible (28.7K)
    More about this pick

    Back from the dead, Harry Dresden now serves as Winter Knight to Queen Mab, who immediately assigns him an impossible task: kill the immortal Maeve. James Marsters continues to inhabit Dresden perfectly, even in his changed circumstances.

  12. 12
    The Dark Tower I-III Boxed Set cover

    The Dark Tower I-III Boxed Set

    The Dark Tower #1-3 • Book 3

    by Stephen King

    Narrated by Frank Muller

    4.63 ABR Score (34.1K ratings)
    ★ 4.46 Goodreads (8.6K) ★ 4.84 Audible (25.5K)
    More about this pick

    Roland's relentless pursuit of the Man in Black across a dying world launches King's epic fantasy series. Frank Muller's iconic narration helped define these characters for an entire generation of listeners.

  13. 13
    The Broken Eye cover

    The Broken Eye

    Lightbringer • Book 3

    by Brent Weeks

    Narrated by Simon Vance

    4.61 ABR Score (81.0K ratings)
    ★ 4.44 Goodreads (69.5K) ★ 4.81 Audible (11.5K)
    More about this pick

    Gavin Guile's capture and enslavement drives this middle volume toward civil war, while Simon Vance handles the complex magic system and multiple perspectives brilliantly.

  14. 14
    The Great Hunt cover

    The Great Hunt

    The Wheel of Time • Book 2

    by Robert Jordan

    Narrated by Kate Reading, Michael Kramer

    4.61 ABR Score (406.9K ratings)
    ★ 4.27 Goodreads (358.9K) ★ 4.77 Audible (48.0K)
    More about this pick

    Jordan's second Wheel of Time novel follows Rand's desperate flight from destiny while ancient prophecies converge, with Reading and Kramer's dual narration handling the sprawling cast expertly.

  15. 15
    Wizard and Glass: Dark Tower IV cover

    Wizard and Glass: Dark Tower IV

    The Dark Tower • Book 4

    by King

    Narrated by Frank Muller

    4.61 ABR Score (245.9K ratings)
    ★ 4.27 Goodreads (222.4K) ★ 4.82 Audible (23.5K)
    More about this pick

    Roland's tragic first love story in Mejis unfolds through Frank Muller's definitive Dark Tower voice—the series' emotional centerpiece.

  16. 16
    Mark of the Fool 5 cover

    Mark of the Fool 5

    Mark of the Fool • Book 5

    by J.M. Clarke

    Narrated by Travis Baldree

    4.60 ABR Score (9.6K ratings)
    ★ 4.55 Goodreads (5.6K) ★ 4.89 Audible (4.0K)
    More about this pick

    Alex ventures into the ancient Crymlyn swamp seeking answers about his Ravener pursuers, accompanied by wizards and the Heroes in this progression fantasy. Baldree continues to excel with Alex's character development, especially during high-stakes magical encounters.

  17. 17
    The Blinding Knife cover

    The Blinding Knife

    Lightbringer • Book 2

    by Brent Weeks

    Narrated by Simon Vance

    4.58 ABR Score (105.9K ratings)
    ★ 4.41 Goodreads (94.1K) ★ 4.78 Audible (11.8K)
    More about this pick

    War erupts across the Seven Satrapies as Gavin's powers fail and old gods return, while his bastard son Kip trains at the magical Chromeria academy. Simon Vance handles Weeks' complex magic system and multiple viewpoints with impressive clarity.

  18. 18
    The Hunger of the Gods cover

    The Hunger of the Gods

    The Bloodsworn Saga • Book 2

    by John Gwynne

    Narrated by Colin Mace

    4.57 ABR Score (59.3K ratings)
    ★ 4.49 Goodreads (55.8K) ★ 4.81 Audible (3.5K)
    More about this pick

    Colin Mace commands this Norse-inspired epic where awakened gods reshape a Viking world, his voice capturing both intimate character moments and massive battle sequences.

  19. 19
    Shadows of Self cover

    Shadows of Self

    Mistborn, Era 2: Wax & Wayne • Book 2

    by Brandon Sanderson

    Narrated by Michael Kramer

    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.

  20. 20
    The Fires of Heaven cover

    The Fires of Heaven

    The Wheel of Time • Book 5

    by Robert Jordan

    Narrated by Kate Reading, Michael Kramer

    4.54 ABR Score (243.3K ratings)
    ★ 4.2 Goodreads (213.4K) ★ 4.76 Audible (29.9K)
    More about this pick

    Rand al'Thor embraces his destiny as the Dragon Reborn while four of the most powerful Forsaken unite against him. Kate Reading and Michael Kramer navigate Jordan's intricate plotting and vast cast as the Last Battle draws closer.

  21. 21
    Expanse cover

    Expanse

    Unbound • Book 6

    by Nicoli Gonnella

    Narrated by Travis Baldree

    4.53 ABR Score (5.5K ratings)
    ★ 4.63 Goodreads (3.6K) ★ 4.87 Audible (1.9K)
    More about this pick

    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.

  22. 22
    Children of Blood and Bone cover

    Children of Blood and Bone

    Legacy of Orïsha • Book 1

    by Tomi Adeyemi

    Narrated by Bahni Turpin

    4.53 ABR Score (269.9K ratings)
    ★ 4.11 Goodreads (252.8K) ★ 4.67 Audible (17.1K)
    More about this pick

    Bahni Turpin's performance transforms this West African-inspired fantasy into something visceral and unforgettable—her voice work across multiple characters makes the 18-hour listen feel essential rather than epic-length.

  23. 23
    The Blood Mirror cover

    The Blood Mirror

    Lightbringer • Book 4

    by Brent Weeks

    Narrated by Simon Vance

    4.52 ABR Score (66.9K ratings)
    ★ 4.32 Goodreads (53.2K) ★ 4.76 Audible (13.7K)
    More about this pick

    Gavin Guile has vanished as the White King's armies crush the Seven Satrapies, leaving Kip to master his abilities while the Lightbringer prophecy reaches its devastating conclusion.

  24. 24
    Eldest cover

    Eldest

    The Inheritance Cycle • Book 2

    by Christopher Paolini

    Narrated by Gerard Doyle

    4.52 ABR Score (526.4K ratings)
    ★ 4.05 Goodreads (495.5K) ★ 4.78 Audible (30.8K)
    More about this pick

    Eragon trains with elven masters while his cousin Roran leads their village against King Galbatorix's forces. Gerard Doyle's performance captures both the magical education and the brutal village warfare.

  25. 25
    Knife of Dreams cover

    Knife of Dreams

    The Wheel of Time • Book 11

    by Robert Jordan

    Narrated by Kate Reading, Michael Kramer

    4.51 ABR Score (172.5K ratings)
    ★ 4.2 Goodreads (149.6K) ★ 4.75 Audible (22.9K)
    More about this pick

    Jordan's penultimate Wheel of Time novel finally moves major plotlines forward as Tarmon Gai'don approaches and reality itself becomes unstable. Preparation for the Last Battle accelerates with long-awaited character development and plot resolution.

  26. 26
    Destroyer of Worlds cover

    Destroyer of Worlds

    Saga of the Forgotten Warrior • Book 3

    by Larry Correia

    Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds

    4.51 ABR Score (10.7K ratings)
    ★ 4.44 Goodreads (3.7K) ★ 4.81 Audible (7.0K)
    More about this pick

    Grand Inquisitor Omand Vokkan plots genocide against the untouchable caste while the Great Extermination begins. Tim Gerard Reynolds guides listeners through this massive military fantasy epic spanning over 16 hours.

  27. 27
    Defiance of the Fall 6 cover

    Defiance of the Fall 6

    Defiance of the Fall • Book 6

    by TheFirstDefier, J.F. Brink

    Narrated by Pavi Proczko

    4.49 ABR Score (15.8K ratings)
    ★ 4.37 Goodreads (8.3K) ★ 4.79 Audible (7.4K)
    More about this pick

    Earth survived the Lich King, but the Great Redeemer approaches with Void's Disciple guiding the assault. Pavi Proczko handles the epic scope and complex world-building across 23 hours of adventure.

  28. 28
    The Sandman: Act I cover

    The Sandman: Act I

    Sandman Audible Original • Book 1

    by Dirk Maggs, Neil Gaiman, Riz Ahmed, Kat Dennings, Taron Egerton, James McAvoy, Andy Serkis, Samantha Morton, Bebe Neuwirth, Michael Sheen, Arthur Darvill, Miriam Margolyes

    Narrated by Riz Ahmed, Kat Dennings, Taron Egerton, Neil Gaiman, James McAvoy, Samantha Morton, Bebe Neuwirth, Andy Serkis, Michael Sheen

    4.48 ABR Score (78.1K ratings)
    ★ 4.39 Goodreads (24.9K) ★ 4.63 Audible (53.1K)
    More about this pick

    Dream of the Endless escapes century-long captivity to reclaim his stolen tools and rebuild his shattered realm. The star-studded cast including James McAvoy creates a fully immersive audio experience of Gaiman's mythic world.

  29. 29
    Graveyard of Demons cover

    Graveyard of Demons

    Saga of the Forgotten Warrior • Book 5

    by Larry Correia

    Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds

    4.46 ABR Score (3.0K ratings)
    ★ 4.62 Goodreads (1.7K) ★ 4.88 Audible (1.4K)
    More about this pick

    Ashok Vadal's survival creates new hope for the Sons of the Black Sword against the corrupted Capitol's forces. Tim Gerard Reynolds returns with epic fantasy narration that matches Correia's mythic storytelling scope.

  30. 30
    Paths of Alir cover

    Paths of Alir

    A Pattern of Shadow & Light • Book 3

    by Melissa McPhail

    Narrated by Nick Podehl

    4.46 ABR Score (8.6K ratings)
    ★ 4.49 Goodreads (2.5K) ★ 4.76 Audible (6.1K)
    More about this pick

    The magical Adept race faces extinction as Malorin'athgul beings from Chaos disrupt Alorin's cosmic Balance. This massive fantasy epic spans 34+ hours where fate itself bends to chaotic will.

  31. 31
    Wind and Truth cover

    Wind and Truth

    The Stormlight Archive • Book 5

    by Brandon Sanderson

    Narrated by Kate Reading, Michael Kramer

    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.

  32. 32
    Bound in Blood cover

    Bound in Blood

    Broken Bloodlines • Book 3

    by Sadie Kincaid

    Narrated by Maxine Mitchell, June Deborahae, Sean Masters, JF Harding, Oscar Reyes, Joe Arden

    4.45 ABR Score (30.6K ratings)
    ★ 4.18 Goodreads (29.4K) ★ 4.79 Audible (1.2K)
    More about this pick

    Kincaid concludes her paranormal romance trilogy with ancient prophecies, three-headed dragons, and chosen ones. The full-cast narration with six performers creates an immersive experience for this urban fantasy finale.

  33. 33
    Retribution cover

    Retribution

    The Beginning after the End • Book 10

    by TurtleMe

    Narrated by Travis Baldree, Elizabeth Evans

    4.45 ABR Score (4.8K ratings)
    ★ 4.61 Goodreads (2.7K) ★ 4.78 Audible (2.1K)
    More about this pick

    Arthur Leywin returns to occupied Dicathen with unprecedented power, bringing hope to allies and terror to enemies who once worshiped the asuras as gods.

  34. 34
    House of Assassins cover

    House of Assassins

    Saga of the Forgotten Warrior • Book 2

    by Larry Correia

    Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds

    4.44 ABR Score (16.2K ratings)
    ★ 4.35 Goodreads (5.4K) ★ 4.73 Audible (10.8K)
    More about this pick

    Former law enforcer turned outlaw faces a caste system he once served. Tim Gerard Reynolds captures Ashok's internal conflict as he questions everything he believed about justice.

  35. 35
    Valley of Silence cover

    Valley of Silence

    Circle Trilogy • Book 3

    by Nora Roberts

    Narrated by Dick Hill

    4.43 ABR Score (35.2K ratings)
    ★ 4.26 Goodreads (32.2K) ★ 4.78 Audible (3.0K)
    More about this pick

    The circle of six prepares for final battle against vampire Lilith in the magical land of Geall, completing their time-spanning quest. Dick Hill's steady narration anchors this climactic fantasy romance conclusion.

  36. 36
    Fury cover

    Fury

    Unbound • Book 4

    by Nicoli Gonnella

    Narrated by Travis Baldree

    4.41 ABR Score (7.7K ratings)
    ★ 4.44 Goodreads (4.7K) ★ 4.74 Audible (2.9K)
    More about this pick

    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.

  37. 37
    Spinning Silver cover

    Spinning Silver

    The Mortal Instruments

    by Naomi Novik

    Narrated by Lisa Flanagan

    4.41 ABR Score (163.3K ratings)
    ★ 4.18 Goodreads (154.1K) ★ 4.68 Audible (9.2K)
    More about this pick

    Lisa Flanagan weaves together three women's voices in Novik's Rumpelstiltskin retelling where a moneylender's daughter can turn silver into gold.

  38. 38
    The Silmarillion cover

    The Silmarillion

    The Lord of the Rings

    by J. R. R. Tolkien

    Narrated by Martin Shaw

    4.41 ABR Score (354.4K ratings)
    ★ 4.04 Goodreads (339.2K) ★ 4.7 Audible (15.3K)
    More about this pick

    Middle-earth's origin story chronicles the Elder Days when Morgoth waged war against elves and the Valar themselves, enhanced by Martin Shaw's mythic delivery.

  39. 39
    Hammered cover

    Hammered

    The Iron Druid Chronicles • Book 3

    by Kevin Hearne

    Narrated by Luke Daniels

    4.40 ABR Score (76.2K ratings)
    ★ 4.21 Goodreads (56.5K) ★ 4.65 Audible (19.7K)
    More about this pick

    Ancient druid Atticus helps his vampire friend settle a millennia-old grudge against Thor himself. Daniels brings humor and humanity to this mythological showdown between old gods and older grievances.

  40. 40
    The Spear of Stars cover

    The Spear of Stars

    The Cycle of Galand • Book 5

    by Edward W. Robertson

    Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds

    4.40 ABR Score (8.0K ratings)
    ★ 4.4 Goodreads (1.5K) ★ 4.75 Audible (6.5K)
    More about this pick

    With the White Lich conquering Tanar Atain, Dante must forge an impossible alliance between three bitter enemy nations to prevent worldwide domination. Tim Gerard Reynolds guides listeners through this epic magical warfare.

  41. 41
    Preservation cover

    Preservation

    Battle Mage Farmer • Book 6

    by Seth Ring

    Narrated by Michael Kramer

    4.39 ABR Score (4.2K ratings)
    ★ 4.49 Goodreads (3.2K) ★ 4.82 Audible (1.0K)
    More about this pick

    Battle mage John just wants to get married and go on his honeymoon, but insane cults and reality-warping enemies keep interrupting his plans.

  42. 42
    Homeland cover

    Homeland

    Legend of Drizzt • Book 1

    by R. A. Salvatore

    Narrated by Victor Bevine

    4.39 ABR Score (117.1K ratings)
    ★ 4.26 Goodreads (99.7K) ★ 4.6 Audible (17.4K)
    More about this pick

    Bevine guides us through the dark elf city of Menzoberranzan as young Drizzt struggles against his people's evil nature.

  43. 43
    The City of Mirrors cover

    The City of Mirrors

    The Passage • Book 3

    by Justin Cronin

    Narrated by Scott Brick

    4.39 ABR Score (72.0K ratings)
    ★ 4.22 Goodreads (61.8K) ★ 4.61 Audible (10.2K)
    More about this pick

    In this epic trilogy conclusion, survivors rebuild civilization while Zero, the first viral, plots humanity's final destruction from a dead city.

  44. 44
    Erhaltung : Kampfmagischer Farmer 6 cover

    Erhaltung : Kampfmagischer Farmer 6

    Battle Mage Farmer • Book 6

    by Seth Ring

    Narrated by Michael Kramer

    4.39 ABR Score (3.9K ratings)
    ★ 4.49 Goodreads (3.2K) ★ 4.86 Audible (668)
    More about this pick

    John's sealed himself powerless but only cares about one thing—marrying Katrine after surviving the worst beast wave ever. Michael Kramer continues this German-language farming fantasy with warmth.

  45. 45
    Khaos cover

    Khaos

    Infinite • Book 12

    by Jeremy Robinson

    Narrated by R.C. Bray

    4.38 ABR Score (3.7K ratings)
    ★ 4.41 Goodreads (1.1K) ★ 4.82 Audible (2.6K)
    More about this pick

    Robinson pulls heroes from multiple standalone novels into a hellish underworld adventure that blends superhuman action with horror elements. R.C. Bray seamlessly transitions between different character voices while maintaining the story's breakneck pace.

  46. 46
    Maskerade cover

    Maskerade

    Discworld • Book 18

    by Terry Pratchett

    Narrated by Indira Varma, Peter Serafinowicz, Bill Nighy

    4.38 ABR Score (70.3K ratings)
    ★ 4.14 Goodreads (69.6K) ★ 4.88 Audible (699)
    More about this pick

    Phantom of the Opera meets Discworld in this operatic comedy, with Bill Nighy, Indira Varma, and Peter Serafinowicz forming a stellar ensemble cast.

  47. 47
    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.

  48. 48
    Chronicles of the Black Company: The Black Company - Shadows Linger - The White Rose by Cook, Glen cover

    Chronicles of the Black Company: The Black Company - Shadows Linger - The White Rose by Cook, Glen

    The Books of the North #1-3 • Book 3

    by Glen Cook

    Narrated by Marc Vietor

    4.35 ABR Score (29.9K ratings)
    ★ 4.24 Goodreads (27.1K) ★ 4.7 Audible (2.8K)
    More about this pick

    Mercenaries caught between ancient evil and prophesied good discover their employer might be worse than their enemies. Three novels chronicling moral ambiguity in fantasy's grittiest war.

  49. 49
    A Conjuring of Light cover

    A Conjuring of Light

    Shades of Magic • Book 3

    by V.E. Schwab, Victoria Schwab

    Narrated by Kate Reading, Michael Kramer

    4.34 ABR Score (202.0K ratings)
    ★ 4.29 Goodreads (196.6K) ★ 4.57 Audible (5.4K)
    More about this pick

    Magic drains from Red London while the balance between parallel worlds collapses, forcing heroes and villains into desperate alliances. Reading and Kramer handle Schwab's complex finale with clarity, maintaining distinct voices as beloved characters face their ultimate test.

  50. 50
    The Obelisk Gate cover

    The Obelisk Gate

    The Broken Earth • Book 2

    by N.K. Jemisin

    Narrated by Robin Miles

    4.34 ABR Score (200.0K ratings)
    ★ 4.28 Goodreads (199.4K) ★ 4.71 Audible (630)
    More about this pick

    As civilization crumbles during an endless seismic apocalypse, Essun searches for her kidnapped daughter while learning to control world-ending power. Miles captures both the intimate family tragedy and the epic scope of geological catastrophe.

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.

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