We hope you enjoy our audiobook narrators list !
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Audiobooks are becoming more and more popular, for good reason. As busy lives keep us constantly on the go, listening to stories is a convenient way to enjoy books without having to sit down and read. However, what many people may not fully appreciate is the secret ingredient that brings these stories to life – the audiobook narrator.
Narrators are the unsung heroes that breathe personality and energy into the written word. Their skilled voices help audiobooks truly come alive in listeners’ imaginations. Without a talented narrator, an audiobook is simply just someone reading words out loud. In the hands of a master storyteller, the narrator transports listeners directly to the setting and fully immerse them in the story being told as the narrator reads the book.
Just think for a moment – have you ever listened to an audiobook and felt like you were right there alongside the characters? That level of engrossment and enrichment is no coincidence – it is a testament to the narrator’s ability to bring unspoken emotion, tension and nuance to each word. Through subtle variations in pace, volume and tone, they are able to convey excitement, drama, humor and sorrow in a way that respects the author’s original vision.
Part actor, part performer – audiobook narration requires tremendous skill and finesse. Narrators craft life into a wide range of characters, switching seamlessly between different voices, accents and mannerisms. It’s no small task to remember how each character sounds while interpreting a free-flowing story. All the while, they have to maintain clarity and pacing to keep the listener immersed. Truly, it is an art form to be able to narrate with such fluidity, energy and presence.
Much like characters in a novel experience personal growth, narrators too develop their abilities over time with experience. Learning the techniques to modulate expression and flawlessly convey moods and subtle emotion is no easy task. But for those who have mastered the craft of storytelling through voice, what a tremendously rewarding experience it must be to transport listeners to magical new worlds through sound alone.
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Audiobook Narrators List
Our audiobook narrators list covers 121 well-known celebrities and professional narrators. Some have wide bodies of work, some have smaller. Some narrators were included simply because they tackled a huge project (we are looking at you Claire with The Odyssey). We primarily used Reddit and Wikipedia as sources.
We did not put the names in any order because everyone has a different idea of who should be where… Enjoy, like and share !
1. Morgan Freeman
One of the most recognizable voices in entertainment, along with our #2 James Earl Jones, Morgan Freeman primarily reads children’s stories and historical fiction.
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
2. James Earl Jones
James Earl Jones’ deep voice is iconic and recognizable anywhere !
Must Listen:
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3. Wil Wheaton
We all know Wil from the Star Wars franchise, and as Sheldon’s nemesis. Had to choose Red Shirts for obvious reasons !
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
4. Stephen King
He has been writing horror and scaring people for years. Fairy Tale scared the crap out of me !
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
5. Tom Hanks
We all know Tom from many great movies and TV shows. In this great piece, he reads 17 wonderful short stories he helped craft and narrate.
Must Listen:
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6. Alan Rickman
Alan Rickman always plays a great character with depth, and this must listen is a collection of BBC radio dramas that are completely enthralling.
Must Listen:
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7. Ray Porter
Ray Porter narrates primarily science fiction. This must listen was chosen because anything dealing with quantum physics, quantum mechanics or quantum anything scares and baffles me…
Must Listen:
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8. Benedict Cumberbatch
Is there any other choice but Benedict reading Sherlock Holmes ?
Must Listen:
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9. James Marsters
Primarily a sci-fi/paranormal narrator, James is great as the somewhat bumbling, always loyal Wizard Harry Dresden in the Dresden Files series.
Must Listen:
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10. Frank Muller
Frank Muller narrates a wide variety of genres, but the classic jazz and flapper era Gatsby is always a great choice.
Must Listen:
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11. Scott Brick
A thriller narrator, Scott Brick does a few different book series. My personal favorite (and I have read them all) is Clive Cussler.
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
12. Stephen Fry
He has a number of great audiobooks, including a collection of ghost stories perfect for Halloween, but my favorite is the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
13. Tom Hiddleston
Great actor (I will never forget Hulk beating Loki in Iron Man’s penthouse) who also does great narrations. Dracula is a great change of pace from his normal work.
Must Listen:
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14. Liam Owen
Primarily a science fiction and paranormal narrator, most of the books he reads are engrossing series.
Must Listen:
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15. Neil deGrasse Tyson
How often do you get a real astrophysicist actually read a book about astrophysics that he wrote? Can’t pass that up !
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
16. Theodore Bikel
History nerds will love the behind the scenes talks of Nixon and Brezhnev, as remembered and recounted by Nixon’s Secretary of State Kissinger.
Must Listen:
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17. Jim Frangione
Narrator of romance and paranormal romance, this is his highest rated narration.
Must Listen:
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18. Maya Angelou
National treasure and poet, this is her collection of stories and lessons she would pass on to her daughter (which she never had).
Must Listen:
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19. Hugh Fraser
Hugh Fraser voiced many of Agatha Christie’s novels, and the Mystery of the Blue Train is a great piece.
Must Listen:
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20. Steve Harvey
Great game show host and prolific writer, this is my favorite of his self-help, Law of Attraction/Law of Abundance books that he narrated himself.
Must Listen:
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21. Elizabeth McGovern
Classic actress reading a classic literature story. Perfect pairing !
Must Listen:
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22. Cathleen McCarron
Cathleen McCarron is a romance audiobook narrator and this is a great story set in old Scotland.
Must Listen:
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23. Cate Blanchett
Cate Blanchett has not done as many audiobooks as movies, but this story about a woman struggling with her identity is wonderful.
Must Listen:
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24. Marin Ireland
As a fiction narrator, Marin Ireland does a number of different genres, but this audiobook about a friendship with an octopus is definitely a great listen.
Must Listen:
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25. Viola Davis
I am always a sucker for someone telling their own story in their own voice. There are a few more on this list, too.
Must Listen:
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26. Morgan Sheppard
As a drama narrator, Morgan Sheppard does a great job with this play set in 1950’s London.
Must Listen:
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27. Justin B. Long
Not to be confused with the actor, this Justin wrote and narrated a very interesting series about his adventures as a veterinarian’s husband.
Must Listen:
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28. John Greenman
John narrates official speeches from past Presidents, and James Madison’s Farewell Address is an important piece of history.
Must Listen:
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29. Christopher Paul Curtis
He covers a very wide repertoire (from kid’s books to war thrillers), but this kid’s book about fake money is wonderful.
Must Listen:
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30. Stephen Lang
Primarily a science fiction and thriller narrator, this is a great sci fi listen.
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
31. Levar Burton
Levar Burton reading a story about Mr. Rogers ? Count me in !
Must Listen:
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32. Anna Fields
A thriller narrator, Anna Fields is great in this thriller about a serial killer who always takes two captives.
Must Listen:
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33. David Colacci
This thriller/military history narrator does a great job with Gen Eisenhower’s time during World War II.
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
34. Casey Affleck
We know Casey has an acting career, but he also narrates some pretty wild stories, this one included.
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
35. Mindy Kaling
Mindy Kaling is a wonderful comedienne and actor, and again, I always love someone’s story told in their own words.
Must Listen:
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36. Timothy Dalton
Not just 007, Timothy Dalton also narrates thrillers and mystery audiobooks.
Must Listen:
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37. Emilia Fox
Quintessential English actress and presenter, narrating the essential British period novel.
Must Listen:
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38. David Dukes
Not to be confused with David Duke, David Dukes narrated mystery and thriller novels.
Must Listen:
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39. Dick Hill
Mystery/thriller and military tech novels, his best work is as Jack Reacher.
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
40. Christopher Lane
Christopher Lane narrates mainly thriller novels. Him reading a Dean Koontz horror book will send chills down your spine !
Must Listen:
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41. Matt Haig
A humor/satire writer in the sco-fi and tech realm, he also narrated many of his own stories.
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
42. Mike Rowe
Narrating audiobooks has got to be cleaner then his popular show, this is a collection of his favorite stories from around the US and from his podcast.
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
43. Tina Fey
Great comedienne and actress, Tina tells great and funny stories that she narrates herself.
Must Listen:
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44. Lou Diamond Phillips
My favorite Lou Diamond Phillips role is in Longmire, but him narrating a Kellerman murder mystery novel is right up there, too !
Must Listen:
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45. Christina Moore
Primarily a children’s fiction story narrator, and an actress. Funny how many of them do both.
Must Listen:
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46. R.C. Bray
Bray narrates science fiction audiobook series, and the original Heinlein Starship Troopers is an absolute gem.
Must Listen:
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47. Simon Vance
Another actor and narrator, Simon Vance primarily narrates fiction and children’s fiction.
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
48. John Lane
Narrates primarily romance and comedy romance, the title of this one can’t be beat !
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
49. MacLeod Andrews
Andrews narrates science fiction and paranormal audiobooks that are a bit on the spicier side of things, you may say !
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
50. Michael C. Hall
Is anyone else seeing in their mind our favorite serial killer singing the great 90’s song by Deep Blue Something ?
Must Listen:
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51. Rosalyn Landor
Female English narrator and actress that mainly does romance and period English novels.
Must Listen:
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52. Joanna Lumley
Another British female actress and narrator, this is Joanna Lumley’s own written novel on the late Queen Elizabeth.
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
53. Michael Kramer
Professional narrator, with over 100 titles to his name, Michael Kramer is mainly a science fiction/fantasy narrator.
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
54. Matthew McConaughey
Need I really say more? I mean it is his story in his own words, and it is Matthew McConaughey. Alright, alright, sorry can’t do the last one…
Must Listen:
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55. Rachel McAdams
When she isn’t telling Gretchen fetch isn’t going to happen, she does a masterful job of narrating this classic literature novel.
Must Listen:
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56. Michael Cain
Michael Cain is a great actor, and in this must listen audiobook he narrates his story and inside views on the Hollywood film industry.
Must Listen:
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57. Laura Dern
While a great actress, this audiobook narration is a heartwarming story of her and her mother. Very good.
Must Listen:
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58. Rosamund Pike
This actress does a lot of differing genres, including fantasy, science fiction, thrillers and classical literature.
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
59. Will Patton
While he will always be Coach Yoast to me, he also narrates thrillers and horror audiobooks.
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
60. Davina Porter
An original narrator from the days of recording on tape, Davina Porter voiced the great Outlander historical fiction series.
Must Listen:
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61. Robertson Dean
Broadway actor that narrates primarily historical fiction.
Must Listen:
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62. Bernard Clark
Mainly a horror, thriller audiobook narrator.
Must Listen:
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63. Brad Pitt
No need to say anything, it’s Brad Pitt !
Must Listen:
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64. Kate Mulgrew
When she isn’t warping around space, she narrates her autobiography with a really great title !
Must Listen:
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65. Alan Cumming
Scottish actor and narrator, in this audiobook Alan tells his story of overcoming struggles to become an actor.
Must Listen:
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66. Robert Petkoff
Broadway stage actor and narrator, Robert Petkoff does political intrigue and thrillers. He does a wonderful job with some of the John Sandford’s novels.
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
67. Jesse Eisenberg
In an unusual departure from his acting roles, Jesse narrates family fiction audiobooks.
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
68. Judy Greer
Everyone’s favorite co-star (title of her autobiography), Judy Greer is the narrator for the 1970’s rock band hit Daisy Jones & The Six.
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
69. Richard Armitage
Another Brit that does a lot (must be the tea) ! Actor, author and narrator, Richard Armitage is usually in the thriller genre.
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
70. Claire Danes
Like I said at the top, some are on this list because they tackled huge projects. This is one of those ! This classic literature audiobook is over 13 hours long. I probably would have done better in school if I had been able to listen to The Odyssey instead of read it …
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
71. Lauren Saunders
Primarily in the romantic fiction genre, she also narrates really great kids and young adult stories.
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
72. David Ogden Stiers
A far cry from his days as MAJ Charles Winchester, the Third, David narrated historical fiction audiobooks, too.
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
73. David Tennant
Scottish actor David Tennant is well known for portraying Dr. Who, but he brings a great Scottish accent to science fiction and historical audiobooks.
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
74. Christopher Evan Welch
I DID NOT CRY LISTENING TO THIS DOG STORY !!! (not much anyway… no that’s a lie I used a whole box of Kleenex)
Must Listen:
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75. Julia Whelan
Very prolific narrator in the thriller and women’s fiction audiobook genres, and an accomplished author and actress.
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
76. Joe Arden
Primary work is in the romance genre.
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
77. Edoardo Ballerini
Edoardo does a little of everything. This post apocalypse science fiction audiobook is the first in a wonderful series.
Must Listen:
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78. Stina Nielsen
With over 250 audiobook narrations to her credit, Stina does a wonderful job in this Sarah J. Maas fantasy romance series.
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
79. Roy Dotrice
Have you seen how long George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones books are? British actor Roy Dotrice did a magical job bringing these large fantasy tomes to life.
Must Listen:
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80. Kelsey Grammer
I was always more of a Cheers fan of Kelsey Grammer’s, rather than Frasier, and you can’t go wrong with children’s classic Dr. Seuss.
Must Listen:
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81. Jane Collingwood
Primarily fantasy fiction.
Must Listen:
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82. David Cochran Heath
David has done a little of everything that requires a voice. Here he brings his voice to the Bible.
Must Listen:
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83. JD Jackson
From paranormal thriller to kid’s books… interesting !
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
84. Ann Marie Lee
Ann Marie Lee covers a wide range of audiobook genres.
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
85. Meryl Streep
It’s Meryl Streep for crying out loud, give it a listen – you know it will be awesome !
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
86. Rebecca Soler
Mythical and fantasy related audiobook genre.
Must Listen:
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87. Teddy Hamilton
Teddy Hamilton narrated romance audiobooks almost exclusively.
Must Listen:
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88. Kristin Atherton
British narrator and actress, primarily in the female thriller arena.
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
89. Ayesha Antoine
British narrator in the thriller genre.
Must Listen:
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90. Louise Brealey
Primarily thriller audiobook narrations.
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
91. Jennifer Ikeda
Jennifer does an amazing job bringing voices to fantasy historical audiobook genre.
Must Listen:
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92. Lila Winters
Romance series audiobook narrator.
Must Listen:
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93. Sebastian York
If there is a new romance audiobook, chances are Sebastian is one of the voices.
Must Listen:
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94. Lauryn Allman
Lauryn Allman narrates mysteries and psychological thrillers.
Must Listen:
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95. Vanessa Johansson
Suspense and romance audiobook narrator.
Must Listen:
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96. Amy Landon
Narrator of suspense and romantic thrillers.
Must Listen:
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97. Olivia Song
Olivia Song narrates primarily women’s thrillers and suspense.
Must Listen:
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98. Bahni Turpin
Bahni Turpin is a fiction audiobook narrator, focusing on African American historical works.
Must Listen:
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99. Nora Ephron
Everybody has seen or heard one of Nora’s comedies, right ?
Must Listen:
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100. January LaVoy
When January LaVoy is not on the screen, she can usually be found narrating Nora Roberts’ novels.
Must Listen:
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101. Kate Reading
“Voice of the Century” by AudioFile Magazine (they should know) Kate Reading narrates a wide variety of genres.
Must Listen:
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102. Lorelei King
With quite a few titles under her belt, Lorelei King has done a number of Janet Evanovich sleuth novels as well as other projects.
Must Listen:
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103. Luke Daniels
Primarily fantasy audiobook narrator.
Must Listen:
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104. Jim Dale
British narrator primarily fantasy genre, including many of the Harry Potter series.
Must Listen:
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105. Prentice Onayemi
A variety of audiobook genres, from science fiction to historical fiction.
Must Listen:
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106. David Sedaris
Comedian and writer, his audiobook narrations are usually of his humorous works.
Must Listen:
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107. Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman writes many of the audiobooks he narrates, and they are in the horror, fantasy genre.
Must Listen:
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108. Dion Graham
Actor and writer, Dion Graham narrates a variety of fiction ausiobooks.
Must Listen:
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109. George Guidall
A very prolific narrator, George Guidall’s best work is the Longmire series modern westerns by Craig Johnson.
Must Listen:
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110. Vikas Adam
Primarily, Vikas Adam is a science fiction/fantasy audiobook narrator.
Must Listen:
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111. Elizabeth Acevedo
She is a writer and poet, as well as narrator. She narrates her own stories about family and life in the Dominican Republic.
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
112. Cassandra Campbell
If you have over 900 audiobook narrations to your name, you have to be good !
Must Listen:
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113. Kate Winslet
The actress is quirky narrating children’s books. Maybe it is penance for pushing Leo off the plank in the ocean…
Must Listen:
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114. Tim Gerard Reynolds
Primarily a science fiction/fantasy audiobook narrator, he has won numerous awards for his work.
Must Listen:
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115. Emily Woo Zeller
She narrates science fiction and fantasy audiobooks. You may have heard her voice in some video games, too.
Must Listen:
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116. Andi Arndt
She is in the Audible Hall of Fame ! Mainly, her genre is romance audiobooks.
Must Listen:
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117. Jonathan Davis
Science fiction genre audiobook narrator.
Must Listen:
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118. Edward Hermann
As well as being a great actor, Edward Hermann also narrated quite a bit of historical non-fiction audiobooks about famous people.
Must Listen:
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119. Katherine Kellgren
Katherine Kellgren narrated a variety of fiction genres.
Must Listen:
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120. Barbara Rosenblat
British narrator that narrates fiction, and a number of children’s books.
Must Listen:
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121. Jake Gyllenhaal
He is an actor that does a variety of fiction audiobook narrations.
Must Listen:
Purchase audiobook here.
We hope you liked our audiobooks narrators list ! If you think we missed one of your favorites, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Affiliate Disclosure: We may be compensated for qualified purchases from links in this article, at no cost to you. Thank you ! You can read full disclosure, here.
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Viv Ramos del Castillo
My name is Viv, and storytelling comes naturally to me. Whether I'm writing about distant lands or everyday life, I love capturing moments that make the heart swell or the mind ponder. I've always had a vivid imagination, and as a child I'd make up stories to tell my cat while I sipped my afternoon earl grey tea. As I grew older my tales found their way onto the pages of journals and eventually, into the hands of readers. There are no rules when it comes to my writing. I simply follow my curiosities, writing about whatever catches my eye - be it a colorful leaf floating by or an interesting conversation overheard. My stories wander freely without concern for genre or trendiness.