Hyperenthusiastic reviewers pick the best sci-fi audiobooks

Now that everyone is spending their time at home enjoying every hobby they can think of, we thought it would be fairly appropriate to recommend a few books you can listen to (or download on Kindle, if that's more your style). As recommended by the most enthusiastic Amazon reviewers, we've rounded up the best science-fiction audiobooks. We have listed the prices below for the audiobook, but you can also subscribe to Audible for $15 a month and get the audiobook free, which, in our opinion, is a better deal, especially if you enjoy listening to audiobooks frequently.

‘The Martian,’ by Andy Weir

Even the most hard-core fans of the novel appreciate Wil Wheaton's performance as the narrator of this audiobook version of The Martian. Wheaton is perhaps best known for his work on Star Trek: The Next Generation. I read about 200 books a year, and this is my favorite book ever written. When listening instead of reading, listeners do complain that it can be difficult to take in all of the information contained in the plot about astronaut Mark Watney's journey as the first person to walk on Mars. In spite of this, "the narrator's voice is superb." Full of wit and sarcasm, this is not the dry read you might assume. You don't come across an irreverent astronaut very often, so it's a treat."

‘Ready Player One,’ by Ernest Cline

Over 300 five-star reviews agree that Wheaton is also the right narrator for Ready Player One. “I mean, what '80s baby wouldn't love an audiobook narrated by Wil Wheaton loaded with pop-culture references from the '80s?””” asks one. The book is filled with settings spanning time, space, games, movies, memories, and places. Another listener has commented on how well the large mix of material has been put together. When switching between the Kindle and Audible editions, I found myself reading the story in Wil's voice and enjoying it every moment." "His mannerisms and use of inflection helped build a compelling world that drew me in." There are also a few who mention that Wheaton "even gets to name-check himself throughout the book." However, even without the celebrity narration, this audiobook is well worth listening to based on the plot. I couldn't put it down, and I felt the stakes along with the characters.”

‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ by Margaret Atwood

More than 300 people listened to the audiobook after watching the TV show based on the novel. While many people picked up the original book because it has become so popular, over two dozen reviewers report that they found the story so "angry" that they found listening to it easier to digest. The listener feels as if they are listening to a confession that they wouldn't dare interrupt when listening to Danes, one listener writes. Danes, according to another reviewer, is what helped the reader get through the whole book. "She was perfectly cast and an excellent narrator," though the reviewer recommends only taking "small sips" to preserve their emotions.

‘1984’: New Classic Edition, by George Orwell

More than a dozen readers cite Simon Prebble's performance as a reason to pay attention to Orwell's dystopian classic. One observes, "I wouldn't change a thing in the narration.". Reviewers agree that Prebble's reading is excellent, and one listener listened to all 11.5 hours in one weekend despite expecting to listen to one hour each day. The only one who believes it can be listened to in a single sitting is him. According to one reviewer, he bought it for a long car trip, but called it "so long a book" that breaking it up would make it easier to digest.

‘Ender’s Game,’ by Orson Scott Card

According to one reviewer who read Ender's Game and listened to the audiobook version, the book holds your attention from the moment you pick it up to the moment you put it down. While some reviewers who read the book before listening disliked the choice of voice actors, he says that his deep voice distracted him from the story at times. The majority of listeners did not mind the voices because they wanted another way of experiencing the story. The story is read by several actors, according to one reviewer who has listened to dozens of audiobooks before. The different voices help shape the characters in the listener's mind and add to the overall story."

‘Fahrenheit 451,’ by Ray Bradbury

Despite its iconic status in high schools (especially in English classes), Tim Robbins' narration is said to make Bradbury's classic a more engaging experience. "Tim Robbins used Ray Bradbury's powerful writing style in certain parts of the book, and I felt as if I was running with Guy Montag and experiencing his fear." Robbins's narration is so compelling that even teens become engrossed in it. "I've used other audios with my students, but nothing has engaged them like this version," explains one teacher. The voices and emphasis make you feel as though the characters are performing for you." Another reviewer calls this reading "one of the smoothest I've ever heard," because the narration is so easy to follow. As soon as you put it down, you want to shake someone's hand and tell them, 'You have to read this'. You have to understand it."

‘Station Eleven,’ by Emily St. John Mandel

Emily St. John Mandel's Station Eleven is a post-apocalyptic novel following three narrators across time after a devastating flu pandemic, but several reviewers say the audiobook is actually very easy to follow. Numerous readers (or listeners) have said it is the best novel they have ever read. One listener describes the time jumps as scenes from a TV show or movie. "I think it would have driven me crazy, because of the timeline jumps and the present-tense portions," writes another. One reviewer says the audiobook was “excellent,” but it has been two years since she listened to Emily St. John Mandel’s masterpiece on her audio reader, and since I still talk about it so often, that tells you how much I love it."

‘Red Rising,’ by Pierce Brown

Red Rising is the first in a series of three books - the other two can also be heard on audio - and many listeners have said that if you enjoyed Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, or The Hunger Games, you'll likely enjoy this series as well. "We've laughed, we've cried, and we want to know what happens next. One reviewer writes that this book was "necessary", thanks to Pierce Brown's "serious writing skills" and Tim Gerard Reynolds's narration. “Tim is a master at accents,” says another listener. He has read the book four times, but the audiobook makes it come alive. “"Get lost in a world not so different from our own." Another reviewer found Gerard's range of accents jarring at first, since the narrator is Irish, but after listening to the recording, it became one of his favorite facets of the audiobook.: "From the actual narrative, it sounded natural and organic, as though the Reds of Mars were Irish.

‘The Stand,’ by Stephen King

The Stand was first published in 1978 but reprinted in its full form in 1990, and this audiobook is the uncut version, which many reviewers appreciate, especially those who have only read the original. Another longtime fan was initially hesitant to listen to the audiobook out of fear it would ruin the book, but changed his mind after hearing Grover Gardner's narration. "No one does narration like Gardner Gardner." A reviewer states Gardner made the whole 48 hours enjoyable. He acknowledges that narrating this book was a "huge undertaking," and that makes him admire it even more." Each character was unique, which is impressive for a book with over 20 characters..”

‘World War Z,’ by Max Brooks

A sci-fi novel turned into a film starring Brad Pitt is The Martian. One reviewer claimed that World War Z would have been a great audiobook if it had been performed by a cast of actors. In this oral history, whether it is Martin Scorsese or F. There is something instantly familiar about the voices in this oral history, and some are immediately recognizable, like Carl Reiner and Alan Alda.” Another says he would have bought this for Alan Alda alone, but having Mark Hamill read was what sealed the deal for him. During a flight, I was surprised to hear all of these people speak. "It made the time fly by," he says.

In addition, this version is the full version, not the abridged one that disappointed some reviewers. “I listened to the abridged version a while back, and it was just a little disappointing since so many stories were left out. According to one reviewer, the reissue has added more stories and has less of a truncated feel. Because it's essentially a collection of short stories, you can listen at your own pace.

‘Dune,’ by Frank Herbert

Despite Dune being an early classic of the science-fiction genre, many reviewers say it is difficult to explain its plot and characters - you really just have to read it. However, one reviewer says "the hype is justified." It is somewhat complicated at the beginning, but "everything falls into place quickly enough," especially with the audiobook. Thanks to narrator Simon Vance, who has narrated over 200 audiobooks, one reviewer actually thinks "the audiobook is easier to keep up with than the book". She's listened to about a dozen of Vance's books, and he's "one of [her] favorite readers." "His performance with Dune is extraordinary" with impressive dramatization. But Vance isn't the only actor you'll hear: "Many scenes are actually performed by several actors in a seamless transition.” This book is unabridged and about 18 hours long, so if you're going on a long car ride or have a weekend to fill, this audiobook is likely a more efficient way to get through the book than reading it.

‘Brave New World,’ by Aldous Huxley

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley is an audiobook version of a book many of us read in high school. One reviewer enjoyed the audiobook more than the hard copy, largely because the narrator was Michael York, an English actor who has appeared in over 70 films. A reviewer says it was easier to follow the play because York "used different voices and intonations for each character." Another explains there are difficult transitions between characters and conversations, but because the actor "used different voices and intonations for each character," it was easier to follow the story. People have already planned to read it again due to its popularity and prescient themes. I could say so many things about what I felt, how the story affected me, and how I will remember it for years to come."

‘Leviathan Wakes,’ by James S.A. Corey

Corey's Expanse series, which was adapted into the Syfy series The Expanse, begins with Leviathan Wakes, a novel about a humanity that colonized other planets throughout our solar system. Jefferson Mays' performance as the narrator is so clear that you can follow along as if you were watching different actors on TV: "Mays changes his voice just enough so that you can identify the character he is portraying without sounding forced or strange. His acting is excellent; he captures the mood and emotions of the characters perfectly.” While some reviewers were concerned they may have ruined the books by watching the TV show first, others claim the two are different enough to allow everyone to enjoy the audiobook: “The show is amazing, and the book is great too.” After you finish the first book, all the rest are on Audible.

‘The Three-Body Problem,’ by Cixin Liu

The audiobook is the first time readers can listen to this award-winning novel in English, although some reviewers weren't convinced by the plot, even calling it "cliche." However, after listening to the audiobook, they admit they were wrong. A reviewer calls The Three-Body Problem "the best sci-fi audiobook I've heard in a while" because "the concepts are amazing and underlying the book are multidimensional Eastern philosophies and Chinese cultural references." The narrator, Luke Daniels, understood the physics and technical jargon in the text. Some reviewers who read the book in its original Chinese before picking up this audiobook appreciate that the English version allows them to experience it in a completely new way, like one who says, "The plot really captivates you as it unfolds." Liu did a great job with the physics in the story and setting hooks with imagination." He read the other books in this series in Chinese, but due to how well this book translated to English over audiobook, he intends to listen to the other two.

‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,’ by Douglas Adams

Even though almost 200 reviewers watched either the 1981 TV show or the 2005 movie adaptation with Martin Freeman and Zooey Deschanel, they say listening to the book is better than either. I find it "hilarious and so much fun.". Better than the TV series. The book's short chapters make it easier to read for Douglas Adams fans, one reviewer says. Many reviewers have mentioned how enjoyable it is to read the book. There were nearly three dozen reviewers who praised the narrator Stephen Fry who narrated the 2005 film. "To have the wonderful Stephen Fry presenting it brought it from fabulous to ultramegafabulous." Super-enjoyable!Super-enjoyable!Super-enjoyable! Another says the audiobook is "pure pleasure" and Fry's performance is "classic British humor." One mom said he was so good that he inspired her kids, who aren't big readers, to pick up the actual books. "As soon as we got home, they grabbed my entire collection. In addition to adding a wonderful amount of character to the characters, Fry really brings them to life," she continues. Once you're done listening to the first book, you can listen to the second.

‘Watchers,’ by Dean Koontz

Audie Award nominee Edoardo Ballerini, the narrator of Watchers, has been nominated by the Audio Publishers Association for his performance in the audiobook, which was praised by reviewers. There is nothing better than a great story that is well read. One reviewer writes, "The narrator of this audio novel was the perfect fit for one of Koontz's best tales." And one listener thinks that even those who don't usually listen to audiobooks will enjoy Ballerini's performance.” For him, Ballerini’s performance is “the best I’ve ever heard” because “his vocal inflections and dynamics get you hooked right away” on this story about a man on a journey to find happiness with a deeply intelligent golden retriever. A third reviewer picked up this audiobook to impress a girl he liked, but ended up falling in love with the story and actually relistened to it on his own. He says the story overall was good, but “the pacing was perfect,” which made it easier to comprehend without having to rewind. "If I don't get to kiss her, at least I've found an author I'll read for a long time."

‘Jurassic Park,’ by Michael Crichton

In my opinion, this is THE technothriller, THE dinosaur novel, and THE best work by Michael Crichton. "I first saw the movie and though it's still fantastic, I think the book is far superior," writes one reviewer who eventually admits he wishes he had listened to the book before watching the movie. While most parents say their children typically prefer movies, over a dozen said they loved this audiobook, one of whom says it's all due to Scott Brick's incredible narration. During a road trip, he listened to it and wrote, "My children (who normally fall asleep five minutes into any trip) were alert and shouting. The audiobook is relatively long, so one mom says it got her whole family through a "20-hour-long driving trip," which she thought would be tedious but says, "We enjoyed it, and not only did it make the time go by faster but it was enjoyable as well." Narrator was amazing.”

‘The Fifth Season: The Broken Earth, Book 1,’ by N.K. Jemisin

It was well-written fantasy with a distinctive magic system and mythos coupled with a satisfying personal story about loss, revenge, and being an 'other' in a stratified, xenophobic society that came alive with the narration that Robin Miles provided. One reviewer praises Miles’ ability to “capture the voice and accent of each character,” and because “the production quality was good as well,” she recommends it to anyone who loves fantasy novels.” Miles has taken on dozens of accents throughout the novel, from African to Gaelic to Slavic, without sounding fake, which "really brings the characters to life in a nice way," writes another reader.

‘Skyward,’ by Brandon Sanderson

Several reviewers have criticized young-adult sci-fi books for being cheesy or dull. In spite of being technically a "young adult" book, 50 reviewers think it's worth reading. According to one listener, this is an "extremely well-written and conceived young-adult science-fiction novel," making it hard to put down or stop listening. She also appreciates the fact that this book actually has a female lead, unlike most sci-fi novels.can't get enough of Spin, a young girl on the verge of womanhood.” Many say the plot reminds them of Ender's Game because Spin attends an intensive flight school. If you prefer something a little less intense, this is a good alternative. Reviewers were also impressed by the narrator, Suzy Jackson. “Suzy Jackson did a great job narrating the audiobook! "Congratulations to whoever got her for this project," says one reviewer. One of the characters said she made each character distinct enough so you could always tell who was talking. One said it felt like it didn't drag on for thousands of pages because it was so "captivating." "I laughed out loud at times," she added.

‘Parable of the Sower,’ by Octavia E. Butler

Octavia E. Butler's award-winning novels combine fantasy and commentary on social conflict, and reviewers agree that Parable of the Sower is no different. As humanity is overrun with drug-obsessed pyromaniacs and violent neighborhoods, 18-year-old Lauren documents the downfall of humanity in her diary. To save civilization, she spreads the positive Earthseed movement and implements divine change. According to one reviewer, "Forget 1984; Butler's 'Earthseed' series are the books you need to read to understand our world today." Interestingly, only one reviewer mentions the narrator directly - though she says she liked Lynne Thigpen's narration - but that's because many believe the story stands on its own without an actor, no matter how good. A few reviewers complained that Thigpen's exaggerated voice was "sometimes jarring." But overall, she recommends the book and even thinks the sequel, Parable of the Talents, is worth listening to.

Bobby Adair's 'The Last Survivors' Box Set, Volumes 1-6: The Complete Post-Apocalyptic Series

If you download this set, you get all six audiobooks in one recording, unlike the other audiobooks mentioned, which only offer one novel at a time, even if they are part of a series. As the title suggests, this audiobook shows what it might be like to live in a completely destroyed civilization after the end of humanity. If you like "twists and turns" in your books, you'll love this one, according to over 10 percent of reviewers. But not everyone was hooked immediately. The writer of one review said "it started off slow and confusing," and he almost lost interest, but he persevered. "It became more and more interesting," he says. "It's not an apocalyptic book in the traditional sense," he says, because the characters are more nuanced than expected and there is more gore than expected. One person says it was so good that he wasn't on Facebook for a day. Another says it gets easier the further into the series you get. As he does no-brainer data entry on the job, he appreciates that it's easy to grasp so he can stay entertained.