Discover Top 100 Audiobooks in Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic New Releases

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Title: Mistress of Dragons

Subtitle: The First Book of the Dragonvarld Trilogy

Author: Margaret Weis

Narrator: Gigi Marceau-Clarke

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 8 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-27-03

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 570 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

The power to hold the chaos at bay, the terrible secret that maintains the balance, rests in the hands of a new and inexperienced Mistress of Dragons.

Critic Reviews:

"A classic tale...touched with originality." (Publishers Weekly)

"A rich and vibrant fantasy world populated with various races and complex, believable characters." (Library Journal)

"Weis has brilliantly conceived a world viable for both dragons and humans." (Booklist)

Members Reviews:

What a great story!

My husband and I just finished this audio book and we anxiously await the next installment of this imaginative and unpredicable story. The characters are richly drawn and the story constantly kept us amazed and guessing. Ms. Weis is not afraid of getting out on a limb and that is one thing that makes this story so fascinating and unique. The narrator is well-choosen. The book is told in a well-paced voice with good character differenciations. I loved being carried away to the land of dragons and the unpredictible human pawns during our long commutes to work.

Melodramatic, tedious, one-dimensional

After reading the "Void" series co-authored by Weis and Hickman, I was excited to start another series by Weis. Sadly, I was extremely disappointed.

The narration was annoyingly over-acted ... the combination of repetitive word choice and peculiar pronunciations became almost unbearably irritating. Imagine the words "body" or "bodies" repeated every minute or two, but rhymed with "toadie."

The characters (yes, lesbian, I know for god's sake!) related in stilted, cliched ways. "I know I deserve to die." "No, I will love you forever." Please.

I can't recommend this book to anyone who wants more than a Harlequin-Romance-Novel-style cheese-fest. Listen to Phillip Pullman's trilogy "His Dark Materials" instead -- you'll be glad you avoided this dud.

Not the worst,but not the best either.

Overall, I thought the story was very weak and the characters very cardboard. If I had heard the lesbian relationship between Melisand and Belona referred to one more time, I would have screamed. There was way too much reference to it that had nothing to do with the story. The reader does not have to be reminded in every sentence. The action was quite boring. There were several times in which actions were dragged out ad nauseum. I was not impressed.

Perhaps it's just me...

... but I did not find this book to be at all what I expected from reading the other reviews. Part of it was the narrator, whose reading style seemed vaguely overdone. I attempted to look past that to the tale itself, as a fan of fantasy fiction in general. While I found the plot concepts interesting, I noted that the universe of the story did not always seem to abide by it's own rules, and to my ear, the writing was somewhat heavy handed and the rapid shifting of 'point of view' was frequently disconcerting. Perhaps my recent exposure to George R. R. Martin's Song of Ice & Fire series (absolutely engrossing) has spoiled me a little, but I couldn't really recommend this book as a 'top choice'. Others certainly seem to enjoy it though, so maybe it's just me! :)

Fantastic

I couldn't put this book down.

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Title: The Fifth Sorceress

Author: Robert Newcomb

Narrator: Simon Jones

Format: Abridged

Length: 5 hrs and 44 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-09-02

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 55 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

Prince Tristan is a reluctant monarch-to-be. Though destined by tradition to succeed his father as ruler, he is a rebel soul. And when he discovers the ancient, hidden caves where strange red waters flow it only makes him yearn all the more to escape his future duty...and succumb to the stirrings of enchantment within him.

But more than tradition compels Tristan to ascend the throne. The very existence of Eutracia depends upon it. For after these long centuries of peace, the old evil has returned, and Tristan's role in an ages-old prophecy must be fulfilled - or the cost of his kingdom and his people will be beyond imagination.

It will be a battle like none ever known, against an enemy whose thirst for blood and domination is endless and unyielding. And for Tristan, it will be the ultimate challenge: facing an adversary whose greatest weapon is the person he loves most - transformed into the instrument of his annihilation...and the catalyst that will doom Eutracia forever to darkness.

Critic Reviews:

"Newcomb may be a newcomer to fantasy writing, but it doesn't show in this surprisingly original doorstopper...it leaves you wanting more." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

All women are bad, in this trite fantasy

This book was miserable, standard fantasy fare, poorly written with the usual character archetypes -- such as the, like, totally awesome main character who is ignorant of his destiny to save the world despite everyone else knowing. The only real twist is the bizarre underlying sexism that doesn't really relate to the plot, but simply seems to be the voice of the author. In this book, all the women are basically evil (and dress in leather) or simply really weak. Some of this might be forgivable if it was well written. It isn't. Stay away.

I would certainly recommend this title, but...

What did you love best about The Fifth Sorceress?

I enjoyed everything about the book; however, I do wish that this would have been an unabridged version rather than abridged.

What did you like best about this story?

The fresh take in this book and the unique storyline definitely makes this book worth the time invested in listening.

Any additional comments?

Some key points were missed in this book due to the fact that it is abridged. Listeners should be offered the opportunity to purchase an unabridged version of this title.

Tolerable

This book was barely tolerable. It was not very well written in my opinion. The story line was trite and jumped around with some very fantastical and unlikely sections. I'd not recommend this book too highly.

I don't understand the controversy

Many have accused the author of being a misogynist and the book a projection of the viewpoint. I don't see it. It's simply the sorcerers against a coven of sorceress'. Any way, this book is about a young hero that doesn't want to be one and his fate requiring him to be one due to circumstances.I thought the book was pretty good, though due to it being abridged it was pretty clunky. The narration was above average. I enjoyed the book enough to buy the second in the series and listening to it right away. Buy the book on sale because it is abridged.

The Fifth Sorceress

This is a story which is both well written and well read. I enjoyed it thoroughly and look forward to the next book by this author.

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Title: Red Prophet

Subtitle: Tales of Alvin Maker, Book 2

Author: Orson Scott Card

Narrator: Nana Visitor

Format: Abridged

Length: 6 hrs and 11 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-16-99

Publisher: Phoenix Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 76 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

Seventh Son, the first tale of Alvin Maker, introduces us to a pioneer America where magic works, and special talents are utilized in marvelous ways. In Red Prophet, the second installment in the Tales of Alvin Maker, we learn more about those talents, both the minor gifts of white people (starting fires, finding water) or the much grander gifts of the Indians, whose lives are filled with a beautiful green music. Young Alvin Maker, the seventh son of a seventh son, is a Maker. Lolla-Wossiky, an Indian whose fate is closely linked with Alvin's, has heard black noise in his head since he watched white men murder his father. Unable to hear the green music he needs to live well, Lolla-Wossiky lives only for the alcohol that stills the black noise - until he meets Alvin.

Critic Reviews:

"[S]uperbly demonstrates Card's...mastery of the art of storytelling." (Booklist)

Members Reviews:

Don't buy this version!

Recording is poor. There is a better recording available. Chose this version B000P12J6W instead. Good luck!

DONT BUY THIS VERSION

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

The audio sounds like someone took a microphone to a cassette deck and recorded it in their basement.

Has Red Prophet turned you off from other books in this genre?

Yes

What didnt you like about Nana Visitors performance?

She has a nice voice - just the recording was AWFUL

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Red Prophet?

Nothing

Any additional comments?

DONT BUY THIS. Get the more modern version.

Terrible Audio

What disappointed you about Red Prophet?

Normally love Orson Scott Card, but I can't get through the story because the audio is muddy. It's difficult to understand. . . I can't tell if it's the recording or the narrator.

You didnt love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

I've read the first book in the series and loved it. I was expecting to enjoy this one, but really am having a difficult time getting through the bad recording/narrating.

Not

OK here's the problem. The sound quality for this book is so bad that I had to strain my ears to understand it. And I still couldn't always understand it. Also, it's abridge. Never buy any Orson Scott Card book that is abridged because they don't abridge well (my mistake, I didn't notice it was abridged before I bought it). The sound quality is 8kbps, lol. That is dreadful. 128kbps is a standard music file. The sad thing is, that's not even the lowest they offer. 4kbps is the lowest. It goes like this:

Level 4 download: 32kbps (that's fine, but only for audio books)

Level 3 download: 16kbps (ok, already they're pushing it)

Level 2 download: 8kbps (this shouldn't even be legal)

Level 1 download: 4kbps (I hope you like white noise)

Now, I think Audible is a great website and I like their good deals, and also love Orson Scott Card's work. But it looks like they're advertising the level 4 download as "CD quality" when it's more like radio quality.

I would have only given it one star, but I gave it 2 since it is an Orson Scott Card book.

luv the author

the story is intresting you just want to finish so you can find out what happens in the end

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Title: Alvin Journeyman

Subtitle: The Tales of Alvin Maker, Book 4

Author: Orson Scott Card

Narrator: Nana Visitor

Format: Abridged

Length: 5 hrs and 54 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-16-99

Publisher: Phoenix Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 66 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

In an alternate frontier America ruled by folk magic and mysterious charms, hexes, and potions, a man like Alvin Miller is a very special person. The seventh son of a seventh son, Miller is a "Maker," with the power to create a new future for America. But first he must defeat his ancient enemy, the "Unmaker," who threatens to destroy not just Alvin's work, but his life as well, and will stop at nothing until he achieves his dark goal.

Alvin Journeyman is book 4 of The Tales of Alvin Maker

Critic Reviews:

"The best fantasy series now in progress." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Unfortunately

I will not be reading any more Orson Scott Card books. I?ve really enjoyed him in the past, but his making a mockery of a rape charge is more than I can take. His lead female roles have always been either as a mother (caretaker), breeder, or failure. It didn?t bother me before, because I love my role as a caretaker and wife in my own life. That doesn?t mean I think it?s the only valuable role a woman can choose, and shouldn?t be represented as such in respectful popular literature. I?ve stopped this book now and won?t buy any more (not that there are many more left that I haven?t read). It?s sad though, that someone who writes so well, has such a limited view of half of our species.

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Title: The Orb of Xoriat

Subtitle: Eberron: War-Torn, Book 2

Author: Edward Bolme

Narrator: Fleet Cooper

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 33 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-29-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 8 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

The second book in a trilogy set in the exciting new world of Eberron!

The Orb of Xoriat continues the story line in the Eberron series that focuses on war-torn souls who have known nothing but a world in chaos. This is the second book in the War-Torn series, following The Crimson Talisman. In the aftermath of the Last War, Teron, a monk trained for war, is the last of his Order. Now he is on a quest to find a powerful weapon that might set the world at war again.

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Title: SideQuest Adventures

Subtitle: The Foreworld Saga

Author: Mark Teppo, Angus Trim, Michael "Tinker" Pearce, Linda Pearce

Narrator: Luke Daniels, Mary Robinette Kowal

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 40 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-23-13

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

For the first time, these three stand-alone SideQuest adventures, set in the alternate history world of the popular Foreworld Saga, are collected in a single volume!

"The Beast of Calatrava", by Mark Teppo, is an intriguing alternate history tale in which both a battle-scarred former knight with a blood-soaked history and a monk with a mysterious past face the encroaching Templar crusade and the war coming to Iberia.

In "The Shield-Maiden", by Michael "Tinker" Pearce and Linda Pearce, a headstrong and skilled young Viking woman struggles through the stigmas of her time to claim her spot among the fiercest of fighters.

"The Lion in Chains", by Angus Trim and Mark Teppo, is a visionary adventure in which the legendary Robin Hood joins forces with a clandestine order of warrior monks to rescue the kidnapped King Richard the Lionheart.

Members Reviews:

A view into the Backstory of some Characters and Traditions

While reading this again very well written anthology we gain insight into one of the definig moments of Feronantus, which shed new light on the decisions and Actions he takes in the Mongoliad. We also learn some History about the Shielmaidens and the traditions of their part of the Order of the Shieldbretheren. In the third Story we learn about the relation between the Christian Knightly Orders and the Moors in Spain.

As all the books in the series i have read so far superbly written and researched. Well done!

Supplemental stories for Real Fans.

For those of us who follow the adventure of the virtuous knights, this is an interesting series of stories that could be called "back story". They could probably stand on their own, but make much more sense in the context of the entire fantasy series. Fast read--enjoy!

New to the Foerworld series

I am new to Foreworld series. I noticed that these were stand alone stories and took a chance. Well done, I'm hooked. I will buy and read more. If you like historical fiction/ fantasy. You'll like this.

Love these stories

Another welcome addition to the Foreworld saga, action with a touch of history that leaves a sense of reality that is the stories feel that they might have been what actually happened or what should have happened

A quick satisfying read

I thoroughly enjoyed the Mongolia saga, but I was happy to enjoy these three stories without the big time commitment. The tales tie together in a satisfying way also.

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Title: Linus at Large

Subtitle: An Undraland Blood Novel

Author: Mary E. Twomey

Narrator: Carrie Goodwiler

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 22 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-11-16

Publisher: Mary E. Twomey

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 8 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

With Linus by her side, what could go wrong? Struggling to keep up with the Merry Band of Thieves is hard enough without factoring in all the different ways things could go wrong when Lucy attempts to unearth her long-lost brother.

Lucy Kincaid is about to find out how low Undraland can drag her down as she tries to break the laplanding bond with Jamie. Through the Darklands and back into Fossegrim, Lucy stands with her husband as she risks it all to break Foss and his people free of the Depravity of Man curse. She knows in the end, she'll have to choose between what could be and what should be, but if she's not careful, fate will choose for her.

Members Reviews:

Satisfying ending

This was a good wrap up of the series with all the relationship drama, crazy Undraland happenings, and action I enjoyed throughout the series. Some things were left a bit messy, others neatly tied, which worked well for the overall story. I've read other series by Twomey and this one, like the others, did not disappoint!

This entire series..

The entire series brings you on an emotional roller coaster, keeping you captivated from the first page of the first book, to the last page of the 9th. You watch Lucy, the main character, grow into a strong, independent woman who can hold her own in any situation and cheer her on through all of her struggles and victories. Just a disclaimer: all of the books have audible narration EXCEPT book 8, so if you're someone like me that listens to the book all day while you work, just know you're going to have to battle through the words of book 8. Even with that, I'll probably be reading this series again and again and again. Definitely, 100% recommended buy.

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Title: Six Heirs

Subtitle: The Secret of Ji, Book 1

Author: Pierre Grimbert

Narrator: Michael Page

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 58 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-19-13

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 48 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

The Known World is a sprawling realm ruled by mortals, protected by gods, and plied by magicians and warriors, merchants and beggars, royals and scoundrels. In Kaul, the Council of Mothers upholds the great Ancestress; Odrel, the god of Sadness, unites the suffering of the Upper Kingdoms; and everywhere the lethal minions of Zuïa, the cold-blooded judiciary goddess, do her fearsome bidding. But for all the Known Worlds wonders and terrors, what has endured most powerfully is the legacy of Ji. Emissaries from every nation - the grand Goranese Empire; desolate, frozen Arkary; cosmopolitan Lorelia; and beyond - followed an enigmatic summons. Some never returned; others were never the same. Blessed and burdened with a staggering secret, the survivors passed their newfound knowledge down through the generations. But now the last of their heirs - and the surpassing wisdom they possess - face a deadly threat. The time has come to fight for ultimate enlightenmentor fall to infinite darkness.

Members Reviews:

six heirs

captivating, i really enjoyed the story. going to read the next one now. im so eager to see where this leads

Great narration and fun story

Love the narration!! Will definitely be getting the next books. The characters are somewhat stereotypically written and feels like they are the perfect compliments to each other in the manner of which they act.

Interesting Premise and Engaging Characters

If you could sum up Six Heirs in three words, what would they be?

Fun, Unusual, too-short

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed learning about the different characters, watching them interact with one another, and seeing some of them grow.

What does Michael Page bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

Michael Page does an excellent job with different voices and accents. I can tell which character is speaking by his portrayal alone and without any other clues from the text.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It is highly engrossing.

Any additional comments?

More than a century before the story begins, several emessaries were given a secret. Now, assassins are killing the decendants. The remaining heirs must survive and work together long enough to discover why they are being targeted.

This book is too short. It isn't the whole story by far. Not all of the characters are as developed as others. I suspect this will occur later on in the series; this first book focused on two of the several main characters. The characters are different ages, have different and sometimes clashing personalities, and come from varied backgrounds. Grimbert's world is extensively developed and well-described. I can't wait to read the next installment of this adventure.

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Title: Paradise Damned: An Urban Fantasy Novel

Subtitle: The Descent Series

Author: S. M. Reine

Narrator: Kate Udall

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-05-14

Publisher: Red Iris Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 29 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

Elise Kavanagh is being held captive without weapons or allies. The only way out of the garden is to kill God Himself.

James Faulkner's son has been taken by Metaraon, but James is caught in Limbo and helpless to save him.

An army of half-angel, half-demon hybrids is converging on the gates of Heaven, where the Union prepares for a final battle.

The end has arrived.

Members Reviews:

BEYOND PHENOMENAL!

I don't even know what to say, I devoured the series but this book is a masterpiece. I am a huge world mythology student & I have to say that the ingenious blend of multi cultural myth is to make this amazing creation story a magnificent ingenious twist on the Christian blew my mind. I wish all the ascension novels are available for audio I'm starting now. HUGE REINE FAN!

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Title: Orcs: Army of Shadows

Author: Stan Nicholls

Narrator: John Lee

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-10-11

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 24 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

A sojourn in their idyllic homeworld has left Stryke and the Wolverines lacking purpose. So when an opportunity for bloodletting appears, Stryke seizes it. Utilizing mysterious artifacts, the Wolverines are transported to Acurial, a world where the indigenous Orc population is cruelly subjugated by human invaders.

Upon their arrival, Stryke's band joins with Acurial's emerging resistance movement. As the revolution gathers pace, the Wolverines are forced to embark on a quest that will see Stryke and his comrades pursued by both their most ruthless enemy and a mysterious troop hell-bent on their destruction.

Members Reviews:

Very different read

The biggest point of contention is the constant changing of setting in the story. I like the fact that monsters are the main characters.

Orcs

If you have read Orcs, which I am guessing you have if you are interested in this book (the third in the series), and enjoyed any part of that I recommend you purchase this book. This book is the best of the series. The plot is not as predictable, and the author lets his creativity flow.

Sensitve orcs??who knew??

Orcs series is thought provocative, token fans forgive me but these stories make you wonder why he gave them such a bad rap?

Four Stars

loved

Three Stars

Fun summer read.