Audiofile Magazine highlights their favorite new sff audiobooks so far in 2025.

DEATH OF THE AUTHOR

• by Nnedi Okorafor | Read by Liz Femi, Anthony Oseyemi, Jason Culp, Chris Djuma
• AudioFile Earphones Award
• [Harper Audio | 16.25 hrs.]

REVIEW:

Liz Femi is the primary narrator of this meta-narrative about a paraplegic Nigerian American woman and her unexpected rise to fame. Suddenly unemployed, Zelu risks writing a novel unlike any she’s ever written before, a futuristic sci-fi epic about androids who exist after humanity becomes extinct. Femi’s distinct voices complement each character’s personality, thoroughly enriching this audiobook.

NORTH IS THE NIGHT: The Tuonela Duet, Book 1

• by Emily Rath | Read by Khaya Fraites, Emily Lawrence
• AudioFile Earphones Award
• [Recorded Books | 18 hrs.]

REVIEW:

Khaya Fraites and Emily Lawrence give spirited performances in this introduction to a rich duology based on Finnish fantasy. Aina and Siiri have been separated by the death gods as they work to survive a very harsh winter. Aina is sent to endure Tuonela, the underworld, and Siiri travels to save her. Action scenes are plentiful and strongly performed, creating anticipation for the next installment. 

THE GREAT WHEN: London Quintet, Book 1

• by Alan Moore | Read by Kobna Holdbrook-Smith
• AudioFile Earphones Award
• [Bloomsbury Publishing | 13.5 hrs.]

REVIEW:

Kobna Holdbrook-Smith narrates an immersive fantasy set in post-WWII London. When Dennis Knuckleyard suddenly and violently learns there is a second London alongside the one he knows, it causes his entire worldview to reshape itself. Holdbrook-Smith depicts Dennis as naïve and somewhat feckless, mostly harmless, and truly out of his depth. The vast scope of characters Dennis encounters is matched by Holdbrook-Smith’s incredible performance.

THE WOOD AT MIDWINTER

• by Susanna Clarke | Read by Susanna Clarke
• AudioFile Earphones Award
• [Bloomsbury Publishing | 34 mins.]

REVIEW:

Susanna Clarke’s spellbinding performance of this enhanced audiobook brings out the alluring beauty of this mystical tale. Nineteen-year-old Merowdis Scot is most at home when she’s walking in the woods with her dogs and Apple, her pig. Evocative sound effects and music add to Clarke’s haunting narration, highlighting Merowdis’s deep connection to nature. The theatrical sensory experience intensifies the mystery of Merowdis’s encounters with a blackbird, a fox, and a strange figure, all of whom foreshadow a life-transforming vision.

WIND AND TRUTH: Stormlight Archive, Book 5

• by Brandon Sanderson| Read by Kate Reading, Michael Kramer
• AudioFile Earphones Award
• [Macmillan Audio | 62.75 hrs.]

REVIEW:

The endearing husband-and-wife team of Kate Reading and Michael Kramer continue their stunning narration of the Stormlight Archive series. Reading and Kramer switch off narrating—with both bringing special touches to their performances. The story is nuanced with complicated characters, and Reading/Kramer imbue every one with intriguing nuance. This series offers thrilling action, sparring conversations, and a sense that the world is vibrant and evolving. The narration coupled with the fascinating fantasy epic is a must-listen for series fans.

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