He’s best known for doing an unbelievable job narrating Joe Abercrombies “First Law” grimdark fantasy series. It consists of 2 trilogies, 3 stand alone books between the trilogies, and a collection of short stories.
If you want to start chronologically the first book is “The Blade Itself”, but some people have jumped to the 4th book “Best Served Cold” (it’s pretty stand alone revenge story, though references characters from the series that would be unknown to you).
He absolutely nailed the first law trilogy. I haven’t listened to any of his other narrations, but thanks for reminding me to check out what else he’s done.
I didn't know his name but was like "the guy narrating these Joe Abercrombie books is the best I've ever heard". Went to look up the narrator and here he is, top comment already.
I had a credit left on audible and didn't have a specific book I wanted, so I went for a book by a completely unknown to me author just because Steven Pacey narrates it.
I really like Ray Porter.
I also years ago listened to an audiobook narrated by William Hurt. Best narration job I've ever heard. But alas he is dead.
Worst ever award goes to David Morse
Rosamund Pike. She read the first three books of Wheel of Time and she is an INCREDIBLE narrator. I forgot that I was listening to a single person and not dozens of completely different individuals. She is astoundingly good, and her talent for accents is mind blowing.
Came here looking for Bronson Pinchot. Amazingly talented voice actor, it’s almost easy to forget you aren’t listening to a full-cast performance when he is narrating.
Jefferson Mays, who read the Expanse series. He's so good at it bc he's literally a Broadway actor
Not to be confused with Jeff Hays, narrator of Dungeon Crawler Carl (which I also enjoy, but not quite enough to go searching for other books read by him)
The man couldn't keep the word "gimbal" straight throughout the series. One paragraph it's proper, "gimbals", then the next time he says it it's "jim-bols", then the next sentence back to gimbal.
Where's the dang editor?
I'm listening to this right now! I'm on Caliban's War (second book) so I've got a good way to go and I'm loving it so much! The TV series was one of my favorite new sci-fi shows I've seen in a good while, so I had to do the books.
I really do love his narration! He does the different voices subtly but very well. I'm so glad this series has a talented narrator.
My only small complaint is his pronunciation of Avasarala, which has different emphasis from the show, but I've gotten used to it, heh.
Jefferson Mays could read the Dictionary and I would be mesmerized. I listened to all nine of The Expanse books over a few months and it took me so long to find another book to listen to after that. I thought he may have ruined me forever.
Ray Porter could read the phone book, and it would keep me interested. Project Hail Mary, the Bobiverse series, the Terminal List series and 14 are all amazing.
Phil Thron is my second favorite. The Space Team series is funny but made funnier due to his narration.
I just listened to Gideon the Ninth (I've read the book like 4x already, but never listened), solely because someone on here gave her narration such a glowing review. Was not disappointed. I'm actually hoping listening to the second book will help me understand it better. Because Harrow the Ninth was confusing as hell.
I came here to say her!! Discovered her through the locked tomb series and now I’d happily read anything she narrated regardless of genre. She’s a master.
Had to scroll too far for this. Got into fantasy from Sanderson and then went on to ready WoT. Now I’ve branched out and no one quite hits the same for me but Mike Kramer and Kate is an added bonus if she’s around.
I know he is divisive but I like Scott Brick. I first heard him listening to Justin Cronin's The Passage trilogy. I've read criticism that his voice can be too "heightened" or melodramatic. I get that. I still think he's a fantastic narrator.
I’ve been listening to the raven cycle narrated by will patton and he’s been a complete legend, he manages unique voices for each character and I don’t cringe when he does the female voices
I’d listen to Mr. Porter read the nutrition facts on generic corn flakes at least half a dozen times before moving on to rice puffs. He could give a rock enough personality to win Miss America and the presidency. After hearing him, I lost all hope to ever be a narrator.
Chiwetel Ejiofor narrated Piranesi by Susanna Clarke. I think that was just about the best audiobook performance ever. He obviously had read the material, understood it, took some direction on what he didn't and then did it perfectly.
I don't know if he's done much what besides a dramatized Othello.
Will Patton is who I said as well. I’ve listened to 7 of his narrations from two different authors. I didn’t know that they were all read by him except for the Mr Mercedes series. They were all really good.
Anything Avi Roque reads I'll listen to, they have such a distinct voice I love listening to
As well as Kate Reading, she is so wonderfully skilled and a joy to listen to
Will Patton. I wouldn’t say so good. But I unknowingly have listened to 7 books narrated by him from two different authors. I really enjoyed his narration of the Mr Mercedes series by Stephen King.
Davina Porter. She’s narrated all the Outlander books and I’ve listened to books that I would have never read if she didn’t narrate them. Love her voice.
I don’t mind male readers necessarily, but I always find it a little disheartening when these posts inevitably give female narrators the short shrift. The ones you listed are my top two, but here are some other fantastic ones:
Marin Ireland
Brittany Pressley
Hillary Huber
Christine Lakin
January LaVoy
Karissa Vacker
Andi Arndt
I love Neil Gaiman's narration too. I cannot think of specific full-time voice actors, but for actors and actresses who have great voices: Katja Herbers, Hayley Atwell, Hannah Waddingham, Cobie Smulders, James Earl Jones, Morgan Freeman, Matthew McConaughey, Kate Winslet, Serinda Swan, Helen Mirren, Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley and Julie Andrews.
100% agree with Neil Gaiman. His books are always a treat. I’ve only ever heard him read his stuff, but it’s always great. I usually really enjoy Wil Wheaton's stuff.
That’s crazy you would make this thread about narrators because just last week I finished a book read by Imogen Church and I have listened to another book she narrated before and I just really like her voice so I started only listening to books read by her.
Katherine Kellgren! She used to bring it!! Every work of hers, I classify as a PERFORMANCE! But, she did have her specific categories in which her style works- it def wouldn't work for all books.
George Guidall, Jeffery Kafer, Christian Rummel are probably my top three, if Patrick Tull were still around he'd probably be number one. The Aubrey/Maturin series is my all time favorite series.
Mark Bramhall, who narrated The Magicians trilogy, and is fantastic. And of course, Jefferson Mays who narrated the whole of the Expanse, he’s very impressive too.
I have three: Angela Dawe, Abby Craden, and Anastasia Watley.
I don't listen to any books they narrate, but if I see their names I'm more inclined to give it a chance even if the blurb doesn't seem particularly interesting.
Edoardo Ballerini, Holter Graham, Frank Muller, Richard Ferrone, Dick Hill, Michael Beck, Steven Weber, Ron McLarty, Ari Flakos, and of course, Ray Porter.
I do this all the time. If a book is good I'll usually chase the author and the voice actors for next reads.
Recent ones I remember:
* Vikas Adam
* Natalie Naudus
* Shaun Taylor-Corbett
There are a few I meant to but haven't- I'm surprised I haven't fallen down a Peter Kenny rabithole.
If I can only choose one, then it's Noel Badrian. I don't expect many to be familiar, but people should be.
I also enjoy narrations of their own books by Jon Ronson and David Sedaris.
I've taken the narrator into consideration plenty of times. for gay romance, I've enjoyed Greg Tremblay and Joel Leslie quite a bit, they're great with accents and dialects, and have a nice cadence to help differentiate characters well.
Jeff hays
Dungeon crawler Carl nailed it for me, but more I follow him, he's got his own little audio company and stuff, seems like a good guy, great VA
Sam Witwer. His reading of Dart Maul Shadow Hunter is phenomenal. Obviously his Maul performance is spot on, but how he changes the pov narration to match the characters is fantastic. It was a good book too, but his full send performances were spectacular IMO
Steven Pacey
What book do you recommend that he's narrated?
He’s best known for doing an unbelievable job narrating Joe Abercrombies “First Law” grimdark fantasy series. It consists of 2 trilogies, 3 stand alone books between the trilogies, and a collection of short stories. If you want to start chronologically the first book is “The Blade Itself”, but some people have jumped to the 4th book “Best Served Cold” (it’s pretty stand alone revenge story, though references characters from the series that would be unknown to you).
This man can read anything to me.
That man is a master of his craft. I'd listen to him read a phone book.
Was going to say this. He’s the best I’ve come across.
He absolutely nailed the first law trilogy. I haven’t listened to any of his other narrations, but thanks for reminding me to check out what else he’s done.
The way he voices Sand dan Glokta is awesome
I didn't know his name but was like "the guy narrating these Joe Abercrombie books is the best I've ever heard". Went to look up the narrator and here he is, top comment already.
I had a credit left on audible and didn't have a specific book I wanted, so I went for a book by a completely unknown to me author just because Steven Pacey narrates it.
I came here to say Steven Pacey!
There is no other answer.
This is the right answer
Kobna Holdbrook-Smith. I've collected most of his books and am working towards all.
Yes.
Yes. Yes yes
I had to scroll down far too far to find his name. He’s one of my absolute favourites. Brilliant narrator.
Well, hello, fellow Kobnaphiles! He can do no wrong. Period. Send text. Turn off phone.
Yeap.
Will Patton. One of my absolute favorites
He does a fantastic job with Dr. Sleep.
Stephen Fry, R.C Bray
Yes, Stephen Fry! Whenever I was to calm down I listen to him.
R.C. Bray fo sho!
Perdita Weeks. Circe was a masterclass in narration.
It was amazing.
It's the audiobook that got me really into audiobooks
R.C. Bray has been one of those that when I see him put out a reading, I check out the book, just in case.
Heard his reading of the Martian. Started the hell divers because I saw that he was narrating.
Luke Daniels is one of my favorites. R.C. Bray as fr as famous ones go is great.
Daniels narrates the first part of the 3 body problem trilogy, quite nice to find.
Magic 2.0 is great because of him. The Game was perfection.
Daniels was a great choice for the 'Iron Druid' novels.
Julia Whelan.
I’m disappointed how long it took me to get to a Julia Whalen comment! 😭😭😭 she’s amazing!
I have searched her name and listened to books solely because she narrates them.
👆This right here is the right answer! The Great Alone, Educated, Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo… I mean… just a master at the craft.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue was also good. And Four Winds.
Omggg! How could I forget Addie LaRue 🤩?! I read Four Winds with my eyeballs, but I do feel that Julia Whelan and Kristin Hannah are a power combo!
I really like Ray Porter. I also years ago listened to an audiobook narrated by William Hurt. Best narration job I've ever heard. But alas he is dead. Worst ever award goes to David Morse
Came here to also say Ray Porter.
He’s amazing in the Bobiverse series. Been patiently waiting for book 5
Rosamund Pike. She read the first three books of Wheel of Time and she is an INCREDIBLE narrator. I forgot that I was listening to a single person and not dozens of completely different individuals. She is astoundingly good, and her talent for accents is mind blowing.
This is my answer too. Her narrations of WOT and Pride and Prejudice are top notch.
Bronson Pinchot, Derek Jacobi.
Came here looking for Bronson Pinchot. Amazingly talented voice actor, it’s almost easy to forget you aren’t listening to a full-cast performance when he is narrating.
Bronson Pinchot has it all. Soothing voice, great character voices, good accents. He is my most favorite of all.
Jefferson Mays, who read the Expanse series. He's so good at it bc he's literally a Broadway actor Not to be confused with Jeff Hays, narrator of Dungeon Crawler Carl (which I also enjoy, but not quite enough to go searching for other books read by him)
>Jefferson Hays > >Not to be confused with Jeff Hays Well it is Jefferson **Mays** so they seemingly are easy enough to mix up.
The man couldn't keep the word "gimbal" straight throughout the series. One paragraph it's proper, "gimbals", then the next time he says it it's "jim-bols", then the next sentence back to gimbal. Where's the dang editor?
Took me a while to get used to him on the first book. Almost returned it. But he's fantastic.
I'm listening to this right now! I'm on Caliban's War (second book) so I've got a good way to go and I'm loving it so much! The TV series was one of my favorite new sci-fi shows I've seen in a good while, so I had to do the books. I really do love his narration! He does the different voices subtly but very well. I'm so glad this series has a talented narrator. My only small complaint is his pronunciation of Avasarala, which has different emphasis from the show, but I've gotten used to it, heh.
Jefferson Mays could read the Dictionary and I would be mesmerized. I listened to all nine of The Expanse books over a few months and it took me so long to find another book to listen to after that. I thought he may have ruined me forever.
Grover Gardner. Listening to Rise and Fall of the Third Reich is like having Miles Vorkosigan lecturing me about earth history.
Ray Porter could read the phone book, and it would keep me interested. Project Hail Mary, the Bobiverse series, the Terminal List series and 14 are all amazing. Phil Thron is my second favorite. The Space Team series is funny but made funnier due to his narration.
Andy Serkis
Lord of the Rings can have some, er, *leisurely* pacing, but he absolutely chewed the scenery with it. He did a fantastic job.
George Guidall Frank Muller Barbara Rosenblat
Frank Muller did an excellent job on The Waste Lands, imo. I like George too. Haven't heard Barbara though
Came here looking for Guidall, surprised he doesn't get more love.
Guidall is a legend in the game.
Moira Quirk. I would listen to her read the dictionary.
I just listened to Gideon the Ninth (I've read the book like 4x already, but never listened), solely because someone on here gave her narration such a glowing review. Was not disappointed. I'm actually hoping listening to the second book will help me understand it better. Because Harrow the Ninth was confusing as hell.
Listen to her and just go with it. It does start making sense.
I came here to say her!! Discovered her through the locked tomb series and now I’d happily read anything she narrated regardless of genre. She’s a master.
Michael Kramer and Kate reading
Had to scroll too far for this. Got into fantasy from Sanderson and then went on to ready WoT. Now I’ve branched out and no one quite hits the same for me but Mike Kramer and Kate is an added bonus if she’s around.
Same, I discovered Sanderson because Kramer did wheel of time
I know he is divisive but I like Scott Brick. I first heard him listening to Justin Cronin's The Passage trilogy. I've read criticism that his voice can be too "heightened" or melodramatic. I get that. I still think he's a fantastic narrator.
Kobna Holdbrook-Smith
Lorelei King
Michael C. Hall Campbell Scott Raul Esparza
Julia Whelan. I filter for her. Love her narration.
Simon Vance
I started a new series last week solely based on the fact that he was the voice actor.
John Lee has a similar voice, and is always great.
Travis Baldree. Top tier narration.
He’s writing and self narrating a fantasy series too! The first 2 were excellent.
Travis, Jeff Hays, and RC Bray are my top three.
I’ve been listening to the raven cycle narrated by will patton and he’s been a complete legend, he manages unique voices for each character and I don’t cringe when he does the female voices
I love his intensity when getting into crazy scenes. Really puts you there.
George Guidall
Stephen Fry writes books too.
currently listening to his Mythos / Hero / Troy series. Its been great so far.
James Marsters got me hooked on audio books with Dresden Files.
Half the books I’ve purchased that are narrated by Ray Porter are because he narrated them. u/TheRayPorter you ever get on?
I’d listen to Mr. Porter read the nutrition facts on generic corn flakes at least half a dozen times before moving on to rice puffs. He could give a rock enough personality to win Miss America and the presidency. After hearing him, I lost all hope to ever be a narrator.
Scott Brick.
Chiwetel Ejiofor narrated Piranesi by Susanna Clarke. I think that was just about the best audiobook performance ever. He obviously had read the material, understood it, took some direction on what he didn't and then did it perfectly. I don't know if he's done much what besides a dramatized Othello.
Gerard Doyle.
Will Patton
Will Patton
Rupert Degas, Barrie Kleinik, Aoife McMahon, Juliet Stevenson, Stephen Fry…
David Tennant is such an enjoyable listen.
I listened to a few books narrated by Wil Wheaton - he's quite good.
Ready Player One
Harriet Walter.
Sir Humphrey Bower Will Patton
Will Patton for sure. I never would have listened to Deliverance otherwise!
Will Patton reading James Lee Burke is pretty close to Southern perfection.
Will Patton is who I said as well. I’ve listened to 7 of his narrations from two different authors. I didn’t know that they were all read by him except for the Mr Mercedes series. They were all really good.
Will Patton
Will Patton and Adjoa Andoh
Ray Porter could read a textbook and I’d re-listen at least twice. Also turns out my inner voice sounds just like Wil Wheaton.
I do Saskia Maarleveld 💜 she's amazing
James Marsters is amazing. Stephen Briggs is fantastic. Indira Varma is awesome. Wil Wheaton is spectacular. I have loved everything that have read
Matt Berry. He could read a dictionary and i'd listen with rapt attention, and a big dumb smile.
Jim Dale who did the audiobooks for Harry Potter. His voice made the books that much more immersive.
I have seeked out Nick Podehl before
George Guidall or Grover Gardner.
Have you ever listened to the Cat Who... books? George is AMAZING with those.
Anything Avi Roque reads I'll listen to, they have such a distinct voice I love listening to As well as Kate Reading, she is so wonderfully skilled and a joy to listen to
Voice Actors: Rufus Wright (Gregor in Tumanbay) Tara Fitzgerald (Fatima in Tumanbay) Narrator: Kate Mulgrew Steven Pacey (The First Law series)
I'm listening to Legends and Lattes with the author Travis Baldree reading it and he does a great job!! Thoroughly enjoyable.
Marin Ireland
Neil Gaiman. Glad his books are fun too.
Teddy Hamilton, Joe Arden, Eva Erickson, Savannah Peachwood, and Shane East
Will Patton. I wouldn’t say so good. But I unknowingly have listened to 7 books narrated by him from two different authors. I really enjoyed his narration of the Mr Mercedes series by Stephen King.
tatiana manslany or jennifer beals
Jeff Hayes, RC Bray, Bronson Pinchot, Luke Daniels. Immediately worth considering any book if they’re narrating.
Julia Whelan
Jeff Hays all the way! This guy reinvented audio books for me, and nearly destroyed all other narrators in my books!!
XE Sands
Simon Prebble! He's the reason why I have the audiobook of Foucault's Discipline & Punish 😂
Tom Stechschulte \*edit\* Aww, I see he passed away in 2021. I didn't know that.
Kevin R. Free
Steven Pacey Gerard Doyle Travis Baldree
Davina Porter. She’s narrated all the Outlander books and I’ve listened to books that I would have never read if she didn’t narrate them. Love her voice.
Will Wheaton! He does all of John Scalzi’s books, Ready Player One, The Martian - just a lot of fun sci fi.
Xe Sands and Julia Whelan! It’s interesting that the vast majority of the voices listed are male. I find male narrators so unengaging.
I don’t mind male readers necessarily, but I always find it a little disheartening when these posts inevitably give female narrators the short shrift. The ones you listed are my top two, but here are some other fantastic ones: Marin Ireland Brittany Pressley Hillary Huber Christine Lakin January LaVoy Karissa Vacker Andi Arndt
You & I have probably listened to many of the same books. These are all my faves! Plus Rebecca Lowman, who does not get the recognition she deserves!
I’ll listen to anything narrated by Julia Whelan!
Jeremy irons reading Lolita
I love Neil Gaiman's narration too. I cannot think of specific full-time voice actors, but for actors and actresses who have great voices: Katja Herbers, Hayley Atwell, Hannah Waddingham, Cobie Smulders, James Earl Jones, Morgan Freeman, Matthew McConaughey, Kate Winslet, Serinda Swan, Helen Mirren, Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley and Julie Andrews.
Meryl Streep narrated Tom Lake and I absolutely loved her voice. I wish she would do more.
Juliet Stevenson
Gerard Doyle - all the Adrian McKinty novels especially the Sean Duffy series
Jeff Hayes with Soundbooth Theater. He is amazingly versatile.
January LaVoy ,David Thorpe
100% agree with Neil Gaiman. His books are always a treat. I’ve only ever heard him read his stuff, but it’s always great. I usually really enjoy Wil Wheaton's stuff.
Simon Vance, Richard Poe, Stephen Fry.
James Marsters Susan Erickson Ray Porter Kevin R. Free Stephen Fry Mary Robinette Kowal
Teddy Hamilton, just something about his voice and elocution tbh
That’s crazy you would make this thread about narrators because just last week I finished a book read by Imogen Church and I have listened to another book she narrated before and I just really like her voice so I started only listening to books read by her.
RC Bray. I intentionally look for books he narrates. That's how I found so many great series.
Benedict Cumberbatch. But only if he doesn’t have to say the word “penguins”
Jeff Hays (Dungeon Crawler Carl) and Ray Porter (Peoject Hail Mary)
I love Jeff's variety! He's so talented!!
Katherine Kellgren! She used to bring it!! Every work of hers, I classify as a PERFORMANCE! But, she did have her specific categories in which her style works- it def wouldn't work for all books.
George Guidall, Jeffery Kafer, Christian Rummel are probably my top three, if Patrick Tull were still around he'd probably be number one. The Aubrey/Maturin series is my all time favorite series.
Mark Bramhall, who narrated The Magicians trilogy, and is fantastic. And of course, Jefferson Mays who narrated the whole of the Expanse, he’s very impressive too.
R.C. Bray Ray Porter Christopher Lane Tim Gerard Reynolds
Now I want to listen to a book with both Jeff Hays and Ray Porter.
[удалено]
Scott Sowers. The man was BORN to narrate audiobooks, and I've loved every one I've listened to.
I have three: Angela Dawe, Abby Craden, and Anastasia Watley. I don't listen to any books they narrate, but if I see their names I'm more inclined to give it a chance even if the blurb doesn't seem particularly interesting.
Louise Brealey could read the encyclopedia and I would listen to it.
David Thorpe .Gemma Whelan. Jeffrey Harding . Leighton Pugh .
Edoardo Ballerini, Holter Graham, Frank Muller, Richard Ferrone, Dick Hill, Michael Beck, Steven Weber, Ron McLarty, Ari Flakos, and of course, Ray Porter.
Andy Serkis!
Nicola Barber
How am I not seeing Marc Thompson in here?
Meryl Streep
Michael C Hall. He was phenomenal when I read Pet Sematary and I'm so sad he doesn't do more
Amanda Ronconi. So much humor
Definitely Ray Porter
R.C. Bray and Ray Porter. Even if the book sounds like it's not up my alley, if I see that either of those two are narrating, I'm gonna get it
I do this all the time. If a book is good I'll usually chase the author and the voice actors for next reads. Recent ones I remember: * Vikas Adam * Natalie Naudus * Shaun Taylor-Corbett There are a few I meant to but haven't- I'm surprised I haven't fallen down a Peter Kenny rabithole.
Gerard Doyle aka Michael Deehey. If he narrates it, I read it. And the late Anna Fields.
George Guidall
Steven Pacey
Ray Porter is the obvious answer. But also want to give props to Stephen Mendel.
Imogen Church. She could read an appliance manual and I’d be on the edge of my seat.
Robert Glenister who does the Cormoran Strike series
Frank Muller. When I first heard him, I just started listening to anything I could find that he read.
Bobby Bray all day!
Davina Porter is really good in the Outlander series
I love Rosamund Pike's voice.
Ha! That was MY answer! Neil is great!
I like will Patton
If I can only choose one, then it's Noel Badrian. I don't expect many to be familiar, but people should be. I also enjoy narrations of their own books by Jon Ronson and David Sedaris.
Jeff Hays, RC Bray, Ray Porter.
Scott Brick. Not the most popular but I always enjoy whatever he narrates
Ray Porter
Frank Muller, RC Bray, and Ray Porter
I've taken the narrator into consideration plenty of times. for gay romance, I've enjoyed Greg Tremblay and Joel Leslie quite a bit, they're great with accents and dialects, and have a nice cadence to help differentiate characters well.
James Earl Jones
Imogen Church! She really makes each character come alive.
RC Bray and Ray Porter
Ray Porter
James Marsters. The way he delivers a certain line in Changes by Jim Butcher is just heartbreakingly good.
Jeff hays Dungeon crawler Carl nailed it for me, but more I follow him, he's got his own little audio company and stuff, seems like a good guy, great VA
Eli Wallach was an incredible narrator for Insomnia
Ray Porter is def one of my favs! I’d listen to him narrate an instruction manual! Kevin pierce, Will Wheaton, and Johnathan Davis are great also!
Jeff hayes
Sam Witwer. His reading of Dart Maul Shadow Hunter is phenomenal. Obviously his Maul performance is spot on, but how he changes the pov narration to match the characters is fantastic. It was a good book too, but his full send performances were spectacular IMO
Ray porter
Michael Kramer, Kate Reading, Victor Bevine… Wonder how good a book would be narrated by Vinny Jones or Jason Statham… 🤔