Fantasy Audiobooks Like The Stormlight Archive Top Epic Series to Listen To
Fantasy audiobooks let us experience epic worlds, magic, and adventures through sound. They’re great for anyone who loves stories but doesn’t always have time to sit down and read. Listening can make long commutes, chores, and workouts more interesting, and talented narrators help bring characters and battles to life.
The Stormlight Archive is one of the most popular fantasy series available as audiobooks. Many fans like it for its deep world-building, interesting magic, and large cast. Books like these often run long, so it’s important to find versions with strong narration quality and good pacing.
When choosing fantasy audiobooks, it’s critical to pay attention to the narrator’s style, audio clarity, and whether the book is unabridged. Some audiobooks include sound effects or music, while others focus only on the reading. Length and file size can also be important if you listen on mobile devices. Making the right choice can improve your listening experience and help you enjoy your journey into fantasy worlds.
We listened to many fantasy audiobooks and researched the most popular series like The Stormlight Archive to help find the ones worth your time.
Best Fantasy Audiobooks Like The Stormlight Archive
We know that finding a great fantasy audiobook can transform the way we experience stories. Our list features top picks that capture epic worlds, strong characters, and gripping adventures similar to The Stormlight Archive. Let’s explore the best options for your next listen.
Way of Kings Audiobook
Anyone looking for an epic fantasy audiobook like The Stormlight Archive should definitely consider this title for its rich world and top-tier narration.
Pros
- Complex characters that grow throughout the story
- Impressive world-building with detailed settings
- Narrators bring the characters and action to life
Cons
- Very long runtime can be overwhelming
- Multiple storylines might confuse some listeners
- Slow pacing at the start
We found “Way of Kings” a captivating listen from beginning to end, with a story that unfolds across a beautifully detailed world. The two narrators, Kate Reading and Michael Kramer, do a great job making each character distinct, and their voices help us keep track of who is speaking. This is especially useful in such a big and complex book.
There is a huge cast, and sometimes the story jumps between them. We had to pay extra attention in the first few hours to keep everything straight. The pacing starts out slow but builds up as the plot moves forward, rewarding us for sticking with it.
We think this audiobook is best for listeners who enjoy deep and immersive fantasy. If you want a long journey with lots of details and strong narration, this one meets those needs. For those looking for something shorter or more straightforward, it could feel like a commitment, but fans of epic adventures will find it well worth their time.
Oathbringer
Fans of deep, detailed fantasy looking for an immersive audiobook like The Stormlight Archive should consider Oathbringer for its complex story and long listening time.
Pros
- The narration by Kate Reading and Michael Kramer adds a lot of personality to the characters.
- The book delivers well-developed main and side characters with plenty of intrigue.
- There’s a huge world to explore, with layers that make each chapter feel meaningful.
Cons
- With over 55 hours of listening, it takes a lot of time to finish.
- Some chapters can feel slow or overly detailed if we aren’t already invested in the world.
- As a third book, it requires knowledge of the first and second books for the story to make sense.
This audiobook pulls us deep into Sanderson’s universe. We notice right away how the narrators bring out each character’s unique traits, making it easy to keep track of the voices. Oathbringer isn’t just for those new to fantasy; it’s especially rewarding for anyone who’s joined the series from the start.
We found ourselves drawn into the story’s strategic battles and personal struggles. The worldbuilding stands out, offering a backdrop that feels both epic and real. As we listened, the plot unfolded with revelations that made every hour worthwhile.
It’s important to start with the earlier books before diving into Oathbringer, since it continues storylines with a lot of context. Still, for those willing to invest their time, this audiobook gives us an in-depth fantasy adventure with memorable characters and a story that doesn’t rush to the finish line.
Words of Radiance
Anyone looking for an epic and immersive fantasy audiobook similar to The Stormlight Archive will find Words of Radiance a rewarding choice for its deep story and worldbuilding.
Pros
- Rich and detailed worldbuilding holds our attention throughout
- Strong character growth makes us care about every storyline
- Narrators bring emotion and depth to every scene
Cons
- Very long listening time can feel overwhelming
- Lots of characters and subplots may be confusing at times
- Some slower sections might lose our focus
This audiobook impressed us with its huge, exciting world and well-written characters. Each chapter added new layers to the story, making us want to keep listening. The performances by Michael Kramer and Kate Reading are easy to follow and match the tone of the book well.
We noticed the story is long, which means it takes real commitment. Sometimes the many plotlines felt almost too complex, but they also let us get to know different parts of the world. There are moments when the pace slows down, but the payoffs in the action scenes make it worth it.
If we want to get lost in a fantasy world for hours, Words of Radiance is one of the best choices out there. The mix of drama, action, and personal struggles keeps us invested right until the end.
Edgedancer: Stormlight Archive
This is a good listen for fans looking to spend more time in the Stormlight world, especially if we want a deeper look at Lift’s journey.
Pros
- The story gives us more background on Lift, a unique character from the main series
- The audiobook doesn’t jump around; it stays focused on one storyline
- Kate Reading’s narration is clear and easy to follow
Cons
- Some of the sections repeat content found in Words of Radiance
- Lift’s sense of humor and style may not work for everyone
- The book’s shorter length might leave us wanting more
We found Edgedancer to be a solid addition for anyone interested in seeing more of Roshar outside the main saga. The novella format is refreshing, offering a quick dive into the life of Lift without needing to commit to a massive listen. For us, the tighter focus on one character provided a nice change of pace from the sprawling stories in the larger novels.
We liked how straightforward and easy it was to follow; the worldbuilding felt familiar, but the new challenges and humor kept things from feeling repetitive. Kate Reading does an excellent job with the narration, bringing Lift’s playful personality to life.
On the downside, some scenes felt like repeats from the main series, so we recommend this mostly to those who want more detail or context between book 2 and book 3. The story is short, so if we’re looking for a deep, epic experience, we might be left wanting more. Still, for a quick return to Sanderson’s world, Edgedancer: Stormlight Archive is a strong pick.
Buying Guide
When looking for fantasy audiobooks like The Stormlight Archive, we need to check a few key features. Making sure an audiobook matches our preferences can make the listening experience much better.
Narration Quality
The narrator is very important. We should listen to a sample before buying. A good narrator brings characters and scenes to life. If the narration is flat or hard to understand, it might not be enjoyable.
Length
Fantasy audiobooks are often long. We should check the total hours before buying. Some of us enjoy long stories, while others may want shorter options.
Availability and Cost
Some audiobooks are easy to find, while others may only be on certain platforms. We should compare prices and see if they are available on subscription services.
Format and Devices
It helps to know if our devices support the audiobook format. Some audiobooks are only for certain apps or players.
Extra Features
Some audiobooks have extras like interviews, maps, or sound effects. These bonus features can make the story feel more engaging.
Checklist for Choosing an Audiobook
| Feature | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| Narration | Clear and expressive reading |
| Length | Story length in hours |
| Availability | Where we can buy or stream |
| Price | One-time purchase or subscription |
| Compatibility | Works on our chosen device |
| Bonus Features | Extras like maps or interviews |
