The 13 Best Urban Fantasy Audiobooks To Lose Yourself In

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. 

What counts as Urban Fantasy?

Any  book, novel or movie with fantastical or supernatural elements set in an urban setting counts as an Urban Fantasy. Urban Fantasy is set in the real world but have fantasy elements and concepts

What are some examples of Urban Fantasy?

Popular examples of Urban Fantasy include American Gods, Dresden Files and City of Bones.

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 12 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 audiobooks recommendations with 24% of the vote. 

It follows Harry Dresden who is an openly practicing professional wizard. So when the Chicago P.D. has a case that transcends mortal creativity or capability, they come to him for answers. 

 For the "everyday" world is actually full of strange and magical things—and most don't play well with humans. That's where Harry comes in. Takes a wizard to catch a—well, whatever.

There's just one problem. Business, to put it mildly, stinks.

So when the police bring him in to consult on a grisly double murder committed with black magic, Harry's seeing 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. There are plenty  of books in the series you can read if you enjoy it.

If you're looking for more urban fantasy books for adults you're in luck. I have a ton of recommendations! You can check out my post on Urban Fantasy Books for Adults here.

2. Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch

Rivers of London is another series I see recommended a lot. So, I wasn't surprised when it was voted into  2nd place on my list of the best urban fantasy audiobooks. 

It follows Peter Grant. He's 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 writing and worldbuilding is fantastic. There is something so magical about the fantastical worldbuilding in London. And the dry, British humour makes this such an entertaining read. 

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. 

It follows Atticus O'Sullivan - 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.  And Atticus will need all his power to help him.

I am a huge fan of a sarcastic main character and Atticus is the perfect snarky  wise-ass.  It makes this really easy and engaging to read. 

There is also so much fantastical world-building in this book - vampires, Gods, goblins and werewolves. The way Celtic Mythology was woven into the plot is also really clever.  

4. Fated: Alex Verus, Book 1 by Benedict Jacka

The Alex Verus series is a great choice if you're a fan of the Dresden Files. A lot of people who enjoy the Dresden Files also love this series - 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. 

It follows 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. It's an Urban Fantasy set in London following a freelance exorcist. Think British Ghostbuster vibes. 

It follows 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. 

It follows 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.

This book is a great choice if you're looking for Urban Fantasy books with fae. If you're a fan of books with fae then I have a ton of recommendations. You can check out my blog post on books with fae here.

8. Magic Bites: Kate Daniels, Book 1 by Ilona Andrews

This series gets so much hype online!  While researching for this post, this series was recommended everywhere. 

Magic Bites is the first book in the Kate Daniels Series. It's 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.

You can't beat a fantasy book with a strong female lead! I have a ton of recommendations - you can check out my article on fantasy books with strong female leads here

9. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman writes Urban Fantasy books exceptionally well, so I'm not surprised to see another Neil Gaiman book on this list. Neverwhere is another fantasy book set in London (well specifically 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. I hadn't actually heard of the Incryptid series before writing this post but it 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

This is another series I wasn't familiar with but it was 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.

12. Skullduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy

I was quite pleasantly surprised to find Skulduggery Pleasant make this list with 4% of the votes. It's fairly well known but it's more Middle Grade/Young Adult and won't be for everyone. 

It follows Skulduggery Pleasant who is an Ace Detective, sorcerer and a Skelton. He teems with with Stephanie Edgley. Stephanie is a very unusual and darkly talented twelve-year-old. 

Skulduggery Pleasant becomes her ally and mentor. Together they must defeat an all-consuming ancient evil.

This series is really entertaining to read. It's more of a comedy fantasy that satirizes the fantasy genre.  The humour works really well and the protagonists' personalities complement each other perfectly!

Urban Fantasy Audiobooks comparison table

The table below gives a quick comparison of the top 12 Urban Fantasy audiobooks on this list. You can see the percent of votes and the Good Reads Rating. 

If you're looking for even more Urban Fantasy Audiobooks, then I've left some more recommendations below the table. You can jump to the Urban Fantasy Audiobook recommendations using this quick link.

Other Urban Fantasy Audiobooks

13. The Guild Hunter Series - Angel's Blood by Nalini Singh

 If you enjoyed Crescent City then you'll absolute love this urban fantasy book. I originally picked this up because Sarah J Maas listed Nalini Singh as an author she enjoys. And  I was not disappointed!  

It follows Elena. She's 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. 

There are so many similarities between Crescent City! It's a dark urban fantasy with angels and vampires. It features a romance between an angel and someone who is not quite human. It even references wings a lot! 

This is more romance heavy that other books on this list. But it still has enough of a plot. If you're looking for urban fantasy audiobooks you will absolutely 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..

If you're looking for books like Crescent City - you might want to read my article with recommendations if you're wondering what to read after Crescent City. You can check out the article on books like Crescent City here.

14. Crescent City by Sarah J Maas

 I had to include one of Sarah J Maas' books. If you haven't read Crescent City then this is probably one of my top Urban Fantasy books. 

Crescent city is an urban fantasy that features a range of mythological creatures such as mermaids, fae and werewolves.

  It follows Bryce who 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.

15. A Dark and Hollow Star by Ashley Shuttleworth

If you’re a looking for urban fantasy audiobooks with LGBTQ+ representation you should definitely check out A Dark and Hollow Star. It's an urban fantasy with fae, queer main characters and an enticing mystery. It also has a seriously adorable wlw romance.

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.

There are not one but two romances in this book. And the characters are what make them so perfect. Arlo and Nausicaä have such amazing chemistry. Nausicaä is a grumpy, chaotic and sarcastic lesbian. Arlo and Nausicaä have a perfect grumpy/sunshine slow-burn vibe.

I listened to the audiobook version which you can find on audible. It features a full cast of narrators which made it really engrossing.

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.

16. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Daughter of Smoke and Bone was a recent read for me. I picked this up second hand after hearing positive reviews online. And I think this is an excellent choice if you're looking for urban fantasy audiobooks.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone follows 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. 

If you're looking for books like Crescent City then this is a great choice. Particularly if you're looking for books with angels. This book features angels and an urban setting.  It also has slightly darker tone for a urban fantasy book