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Recently updated on August 7th, 2024 at 03:55 pm
I am a HUGE audiobook fan. Let’s get real, when you work a full-time job sometimes it’s difficult to find the time to physically pick up a book. But audiobooks are super convenient. That’s why, I’ve decided to round up the Best Urban Fantasy audiobooks.
In the name of full transparency, please note that this post contains affiliate links and any purchase made through such links will award me a small commission at no extra cost to you
Whether it’s on an outdoor walk or a dreary commute to work, I love sticking an audiobook on. And I feel SO much better afterwards.
Now, audiobooks have sound effects, a full cast of narrators and even music. It’s like a movie in your ears. I polled book lovers online to find out the absolute best urban fantasy audiobooks. I’ve compiled the results along with some of my personal recommendations.
From mythology in urban settings to modern magic, let’s find out the top urban fantasy audiobooks.
If you’re looking for Fantasy audiobooks then I have a blog post full of recommendations – not just Urban Fantasy audiobooks. You can check out my article on fantasy audiobooks here.
- The Best Urban Fantasy Audiobooks
- 1. The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher
- 2. Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch
- 3. The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne
- 4. Fated: Alex Verus, Book 1 by Benedict Jacka
- 5. American Gods by Neil Gaiman
- 6. The Devil You May Know: Felix Castor, Book 1 by Mike Carey
- 7. Rosemary and Rue: An October Daye Novel by Seanan McGuire
- 8. Magic Bites: Kate Daniels, Book 1 by Ilona Andrews
- 9. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
- Other Urban Fantasy Audiobooks
- Other posts you might like
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The Best Urban Fantasy Audiobooks
I asked book lovers on social media to share their favourite Urban Fantasy Audiobooks. And they did NOT disappoint with their responses!
I’ve compiled their responses to create the top 11 Urban Fantasy audiobooks. So here are the best urban Fantasy audiobooks in order of popularity:
1. The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher
The Dresden Files is a hugely popular Urban Fantasy series. So, I wasn’t at all surprised when it came out on top of the urban fantasy audiobook recommendations with 24% of the vote.
Harry Dresden is an openly practising professional wizard. When the Chicago P.D. has a case transcending mortal capability, they come to him for answers.
The “everyday” world is full of strange and magical things—and most don’t play well with humans. That’s where Harry comes in. It takes a wizard to catch a—well, whatever.
The problem is business stinks. So when the police bring him in to consult on a grisly double murder committed with black magic, Harry sees dollar signs. But where there’s black magic, there’s a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry’s name. And that’s when things start to get interesting.
If you haven’t read this series then this is a great choice if you’re looking for urban fantasy audiobooks. Plus there are plenty of books in the series if you enjoy it.
2. Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch
Rivers of London is another series I see recommended a lot. I wasn’t surprised when it was voted into 2nd place on my list of the best urban fantasy audiobooks.
We follow Peter Grant, a constable in the Metropolitan Police Service. One night while pursuing a murder inquiry, he tries to take a witness statement from someone who is dead.
And it brings him to the attention of Inspector Nightingale – the last wizard in England.
He is plunged into a world of vampires, warring gods and vengeful spirits. It falls to Peter to bring order out of chaos. Or die trying.
Rivers of London is an excellent Urban Fantasy. The fantastical worldbuilding paired with the dry, British humour makes this an entertaining audiobook. Highly recommend.
3. The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne
Before researching this post, I wasn’t actually familiar with The Iron Druid Chronicles. So, I was quite surprised to see this Urban fantasy series constantly recommended.
Atticus O’Sullivan is the last of the Druids. He lives a peaceful life running an occult bookshop and shape-shifting in his spare time to hunt with his Irish Wolfhound.
Attitcus also wields a magical sword known as Fragarach, the Answerer. But unfortunately a Celtic God wants the sword.
This book features an incredible, snarky main character. And it makes this an engaging read.
Plus, the fantastical world-building is incredible – vampires, Gods, goblins and werewolves. And the way clever way Celtic Mythology is woven into the plot makes this a magical listen.
4. Fated: Alex Verus, Book 1 by Benedict Jacka
Fan of the Dresden Files? The Alex Verus series is a great choice. It features Urban worldbuilding, a crime to investigate and a snarky main character.
In Fated we meet Alex Verus. He runs Arcana Emporium in the heart of Camden. He won’t sell you a wand or mix you a potion, but if you know what you’re looking for, he might just be able to help.
That’s if he’s not too busy avoiding his would-be apprentice, foiling the Dark, outwitting the Light, and investigating a mysterious relic that has just turned up at the British Museum.
5. American Gods by Neil Gaiman
I must say, I was quite surprised that American Gods wasn’t higher on this list. While Neil Gaiman was frequently recommended American Gods only received 10% of the votes. For me, American Gods is one of the all time best Urban Fantasy audiobooks.
We follow Shadow. Days before his release, his wife dies in a mysterious car crash. He is released early and makes his way back home.
On the plane he encounters the strange yet enigmatic Mr Wednesday. A man who seems to know more about Shadow’s life than Shadow does. Together they embark on a profoundly strange journey across the heart of the USA, whilst all around them a storm of preternatural and epic proportions threatens to break.
This audiobook is a full cast production with a different voice actor for each main character. It makes the audiobook such an immersive experience. I’d highly recommend the audiobook over the physical book.
6. The Devil You May Know: Felix Castor, Book 1 by Mike Carey
Felix Castor is another book I would recommend for fans of The Dresden Files or Rivers of London. This Urban Fantasy is set in London following a freelance exorcist. Think British Ghostbuster vibes.
We follow Felix Castor. He is in demand as a freelance exorcist at a time when the supernatural world is in upheaval. Consequently, Felix can charge any amount he wishes and enjoy an incredible lifestyle.
But there is a risk: sooner or later he’s going to take on a spirit that’s too strong for him.
After a year spent in ‘retirement’, Castor is reluctantly drawn back to the life he rejected and accepts a seemingly simple exorcism case. But the more he discovers about the ghost, the more things don’t add up.
7. Rosemary and Rue: An October Daye Novel by Seanan McGuire
Seanan Mcguire is one of those fantasy authors who can do no wrong. This Urban Fantasy series features many tropes that will make it popular with many readers – a mystery, a strong heroine and faerie folk.
We follow October ‘Toby’ Daye. October is half human and half fae. And she has been an outsider from birth. Toby has denied the Faerie world and lives a “normal” life.
But the Faerie world has other ideas.
The murder of Countess Evening Winterrose pulls Toby back into the Fae world. Toby must resume her former position as knight errant and investigate. But more than her own life will be forfeited if she fails.
8. Magic Bites: Kate Daniels, Book 1 by Ilona Andrews
Magic Bites is the first book in the Kate Daniels Series. An Urban Fantasy where rogue mages cast spells and leave all kinds of paranormal problems in their wake.
Kate Daniels is a down on her luck mercenary who makes a living cleaning up magical problems. But when her guardian is murdered, she embarks on a quest of justice. And it draws her into a power struggle between two factions in Atlanta’s magic circles.
Kate Daniels is a really likeable heroine and a great example of a strong female lead. She doesn’t take any crap from anyone and has an excellent sarcastic sense of humour.
9. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman writes Urban Fantasy books exceptionally well. And the audiobook versions are perfect for magical escapism. Neverwhere is a fantasy book set in London under the streets of London.
Under the Streets of London there is a city full of monsters, saints, murders, angels and knights. “Neverwhere” is the London of the people who have fallen between the cracks.
Neverwhere is a world that seems eerily familiar but is utterly bizarre. We follow Richard Mayhew.An act of kindness catapults him into the Neverwhere. AndRichard is about to find out more than he ever wanted to know about this other London.
But all Richard wants is to go home.
Neil Gaiman has an ability to create the most magical concepts for books. Every time I read a summary or the first few pages of his books I’m instantly hooked. And this is no exception. I’ve linked the audiobook that Neil Gaiman narrates.
However, if you enjoy a full cast audiobook then there is also a full cast production from BBC Radio. It includes Christopher Lee and is much shorter at just over 3 hours. You can listen to it on Audible – check it out here.
10. Discount Armageddon: An Incryptid Novel by Seanan McGuire
Another Author making multiple appearances on this list is Seanan McGuire. I’m not surprised to see another of McGuire’s books on this list because she writes excellent fantasy books. The Incryptid series got 6% of the votes.
Discount Armageddon is the first book in the Incryptid Series. It Verity Price. Her family has spent generations studying the monsters of the world and protecting them from humanity.
But Verity Price is not interested in a career as a cryptozoologist. She’d rather pursue a career in ballroom dance. Sounds simple right?
It would be, if it weren’t for the talking mice, the telepathic mathematicians, the asbestos supermodels, and the trained monster-hunter sent by the Price family’s old enemies, the Covenant of St. George.
When a Price girl meets a Covenant boy, high stakes, high heels, and a lot of collateral damage are almost guaranteed.
11. Dead Witch Walking (The Hollows #1) by Kim Harrison
A popular choice among fantasy lovers. The series equalled Discount Armageddon with 6% of the votes.
It’s set in Cincinnatti, in a world where a virus has wiped out a great deal of the population. And it’s exposed the existance of the supernatural who had lived alongside humanity.
All the creatures of the night gather in “The Hollows” to hide, party and feed. Vampires rule the darkness in a world rife with danger. We follow Rachel Morgan a bounty hunter and a white witch who has to keep this world civilised.
For the last five years Rachel has been tracking down law-breaking Inderlanders in modern-day Cincinnati, but now she wants to leave and start her own agency. Her only problem is that no one quits the I.S.
Other Urban Fantasy Audiobooks
12. The Guild Hunter Series – Angel’s Blood by Nalini Singh
Are you a Crescent City or Fourth Wing fan? The Guild Hunter series is perfect for fans of fantasy romance.
We follow Elena. A vampire hunter and she knows she’s the best. But the Archangel Raphael hires her for a job. And it’s clear failure is not an option – even if the task is impossible.
This is more romance heavy but it still has enough of a plot. If you’re looking for urban fantasy audiobooks you will love this book. It has a great romance but there is still a mystery and strong plot. The heroine is also a strong female main character reminiscent of the heroines..
13. Crescent City by Sarah J Maas
I had to include one of Sarah J Maas’ books. Crescent City is a popular urban fantasy series. And the audiobook is excellent.
Crescent city is an urban fantasy that features a range of mythological creatures such as mermaids, fae and werewolves.
Bryce is half-fae, half-human. And she is tasked with investigating a series of crimes with Hunt Athalar – a fallen angel. But they discover some dark powers at work.
Let me tell you – I was on the edge of my chair reading this. Sarah J Maas poses a number of mysteries at the start. And this hooked me in. The book was also full of unexpected plot twists.
There is some info-dumping at the start. But the world-building is exquisite and the urban fantasy setting is developed very well. Sarah J Maas writes strong sassy female leads very well. And Bryce is an incredible main character. But all the side characters were very well developed.
14. A Dark and Hollow Star by Ashley Shuttleworth
Searching for urban fantasy audiobooks with LGBTQ+ representation? You should definitely check out A Dark and Hollow Star.
A series of gruesome murders threatens to expose the faerie world to humans. Four queer teens – Nausicaä, Arlo, Vehan, and Aurelian – each hold a piece of the truth. And they must track down the mysterious killer.
The audiobook features a full cast of narrators , making it engrossing. And an addictive listen.
The voices of Vehan and Nausicaä are so spot on! And you can listen to it on Audible with a free trial. It’s a great audiobook to put on if you’re looking for some escapism while you’re cleaning or relaxing before bedtime.
15. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
Daughter of Smoke and Bone is an excellent choice if you’re looking for urban fantasy audiobooks.
We follow Karou. She has 2 lives which she has always managed to keep balanced. On one hand, she’s a seventeen year old art student living in Prague. On the other hand, she runs errands for a monster.
But then black hand prints start appearing on doorways. Scorched there by winged creatures. And Karou must choose between the safety of her human life or war.
Searching for urban fantasy audiobooks? This is perfect. This gripping romance features angels and an urban setting. It also has slightly darker tone for a urban fantasy book
This post was all about urban fantasy audiobooks
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