When it gets cold outside, I love nothing more than grabbing my headphones, turning the lights down low, and relaxing with a cozy fantasy audiobook. If you’re looking for recommendations that will satisfy fantasy lovers of all kinds — from those who love high-stakes political intrigue to those who prefer their fantasy to be of the cozier variety — we’ve got you covered! Here are nine of my favorite recent middle grade and young adult audiobook releases every listener should check out.
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For Tweens:
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Impossible Creatures
From one of the freshest voices in fantasy comes Impossible Creatures! In this thrilling start to a magical new series, Christopher and Mal must embark on a journey across a mystical archipelago, crossing paths with krakens, sphinxes, and dragons to save the world’s last magical creatures. Hear for yourself why The Washington Post calls Rundell “her generation’s J.R.R. Tolkien.”
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The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents
Misfits, mischief, and magic? Yes, please! Nicki Pau Preto’s The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents is the magical school fantasy you’ve been waiting for. After being expelled from her last school, Lavinia “Vin” Lucas is determined to get through the year at the Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents without incident. Her new friends (and teachers), however, have other plans. When a former student attacks the school, it’s up to Vin and her misfit friends to use their budding magical powers to stop them before it’s too late.
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Sir Callie And The Witch’s War
Calling all fans of the Sir Callie series! In this third installment of the medieval fantasy series, nonbinary knight-in-training Callie and their friends — a prince, a witch, and a troubled boy — must do everything in their collective powers to save their kingdom from doom. Scattered to opposite ends of the map, all four must face their greatest fears if they are to vanquish the evil lurking beneath the surface of their land.
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Between Flowers and Bones
In a magical world where paintings become portals to grand adventures, twelve-year-old Georgia and her cousin Vincent join the family business — the Order of the Restorationists — to protect art and magic from insidious forces. However, when Vincent begins to outshine Georgia, the family bonds start to crack. Will the evil forces triumph? Or can Georgia save both her family and the world?
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The Chainbreakers
A disappearing dad, an underwater oasis, and a rescue like no other take center stage in this action-packed story perfect for fans of the Tristan Strong series! Thirteen-year-old Violet spends her days rescuing lost souls alongside her sea captain father. When the nefarious Children of the Shark capture him, Violet inherits the captain’s powers and his ship. She must rescue her father and stop the monsters before they destroy everything she cares about.
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For Young Adult Readers:
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A Cruel Thirst
This is a romantasy you can sink your teeth into! In Angela Montoya’s A Cruel Thirst, bloodthirsty vampiros are the bane of slayer Carolina Fuentes’ existence. To save the world from the monsters, she teams up with — and fake dates — a shockingly kind (and handsome) vampiro, Lalo Villalobos. Filled with action and romance, this is a YA fantasy you won’t want to miss!
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Brewed with Love
What better way to relax during the cold winter months than to cozy up with a fantasy audiobook? In Shelly Page’s sapphic romantasy, Brewed with Love, a budding witch must work alongside her ex-best friend and first crush to solve a mystery and save her family’s apothecary. With its mix of romance, magic, and mystery, you won’t want to press pause on this audiobook.
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This Fatal Kiss
Do you want to say you listened to the next #BookTok hit before it was cool? Then check out This Fatal Kiss! In this queer, polyamorous romantasy full of dark magic and witty banter, a spirit hunter and a water nymph compete over the heart of the same boy. Will love destroy or strengthen their budding relationship? Find out for yourself!
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Heir
Are you ready to return to the lands of the Martial Empire? Sabaa Tahir’s Heir brings listeners back to the beloved setting of the An Ember in the Ashes series. This time, listeners follow a Kegari orphan named Aiz, a criminal-turned-tracker named Sirsha, and the crown prince of the empire, Quil. When a new enemy threatens the empire, will Quil be able to defend his home? Deftly weaving together the lives of these young heroes, master storyteller Sabaa Tahir grapples with themes of treachery, love, and the power of greed.
