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Whats some good Audio Books in the Fantasy/Sword&Magic genre for inspiring RP story projects?
Lord of the Rings IP may be the most popular, But other than that and its Hobbit books.
What other audio books come to mind from other IPs?
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I haven't listened to the audio version, but the Conan books are pretty good. There are usually supernatural elements present in the stories but magic is a mostly dark and mysterious thing.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=node%3D2402172011&field-keywords=conan
I loved listening to Jordan's "Wheel of Time" audio books. Male and female voices were a nice touch.
Also, it let's me glaze over the 300+ words the man used to describe a tree.
I'm a MUDder. I play MUDs.
Current: Dragonrealms
I'm a MUDder. I play MUDs.
Current: Dragonrealms
Really can't do too bad with anything by Weis and Hickman. They pretty much are the reason I'm a total fantasy nerd.
I'm a MUDder. I play MUDs.
Current: Dragonrealms
Steven Erikson's Malazan books are amazing. Before the many novels, the actual world was created by a coupe of guys doing RPing in this world they invented. This comes through somewhat in the actual novels as some of the characters can be seen to fit fantasy archetypes or posses abilitiies one would attribute to a game character.
It's also probably the best written series of its size just in terms of pure writing quality.
The first book is Gardens of the Moon.
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Patrick Rothfuss' Kingkiller Chronicles series. Starting with "The Name of the Wind."
http://www.audible.com/pd/Sci-Fi-Fantasy/The-Name-of-the-Wind-Audiobook/B002UZMLXM/ref=a_search_c4_1_2_srTtl?qid=1393277078&sr=1-2
http://www.audiobooks.com/audiobook/name-of-the-wind/156633
Can't go wrong with the Dragonlance Chronicles by Weis and Hickman. The series was inspired by a D&D campaign they had played. Additionally, the Dragonlance War of Souls trilogy again by Weis and Hickman could make for an interesting setting as well.
The Chronicles is pretty much the reason why I am a huge fantasy nerd, and also started my love for reading as well. I can't imagine that you couldn't find these as audio books.
Forgotten Realms, The Avatar series did it for me, right around the same time. If there was Dragon;s Lance audio bools I'd certainly check them out. I always bought the books because the covers were so cool, but could never finish a book. It was the same way for me with the Greyhawk series
Fizban and Tass certainly sold me on fantasy when I was young.
"What's that spell called? OH, FIREBALL!"
I'm a MUDder. I play MUDs.
Current: Dragonrealms
As an avid listener of audiobooks I will give you what advice I can...
First, a good 'book' does not mean a good audiobook. Books like 'Eye of the World" are fantastic epic fantasy but too complex to work via audio (imho) the same could be said of the game of Thrones series- these make fantastic reads- But listening to them is usually a mess as the mind can wander too easily and miss crucial parts.
Second- FIRST PERSON is the way to go- Audiobooks that are done in 'first person' (i.e. journal format) are the best to listen to since its like someone 'talking' to you and there is far less complexity-
I have been listening to audiobooks for over a decade since my wife and I do not watch television and enjoy sharing the stories together. Its great to kick back, play some games and listen to a fantastic tale.
In the Fantasy genre I must say there isnt very much that works well in audio (for me-) again, the good fantasy stories are usually quite complex and unless you focus on the story only (lights out, laying back and concentrating) you will find your mind wandering and much will be lost- In Horror, I could give some great advice.
Just remember- A good book does not always translate to a good audiobook . A bad book does not always translate badly in audio format either- They are two distinct entities. The narrater can make aor break a tale as can too many characters or complex situations (if you wish to multi task while listening)
EDIT- Hmmm- I just thought of one for you- "I Strad memoirs of a vampire" was released on audio- Its a fantasy/horror hybrid from the Ravenloft setting (D&D 2nd edition) and concerns the uncovering of Stard Van Zarovick's (spelling) journal. Personally I loved the book itself and was underwhelmed by the audio version mainly because it was abridged and cut out much of the flavor- All in all its a good listen and unless you have actually read the book you will not know about the parts that are missing and thus will have a good experience.
I never could understand why the Ravenloft books were never done in audio (outside this one book)- They were fun books, quite simple and perfect for audio. The world was well fleshed out and it combined both fantasy and horror... Sadly , this was the only one of the series released in audio.
Not really fantasy (well, not medieval fantasy at least) but I really loved the Dresden Files audio books - James Marsters does an awesome job with the voice acting.
The Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind also seems like a good choice if you want a classic fantasy setting, I still haven't listened to them all - but it's been pretty good so far.
My SWTOR referral link for those wanting to give the game a try. (Newbies get a welcome package while returning players get a few account upgrades to help with their preferred status.)
https://www.ashesofcreation.com/ref/Callaron/
Marsters does Dresden Files?
My wallet, just take it.
I'm a MUDder. I play MUDs.
Current: Dragonrealms
Haha, he sure does - and he does it brilliantly!
My SWTOR referral link for those wanting to give the game a try. (Newbies get a welcome package while returning players get a few account upgrades to help with their preferred status.)
https://www.ashesofcreation.com/ref/Callaron/
From wizards and werewolves to weird happenings underground, I pulled together some of my favorite fantasy audiobooks.
Earthlings, by Sayaka Murata
Not one for the faint-hearted, this dark fantasy comedy from the author of Convenience Store Woman is tricky to pin down into any one category and the final pages will probably leave you gobsmacked. Natsuki and Yuu are cousins who have long prepared to be abducted back to their home planet. So far, so childhood but then they grow up and the plan persists. In the meantime they have to try to function in regular society, securing partners and jobs and not drawing attention to themselves. No taboo is left unturned with Earthlings encouraging minor acts of rebellion from what 'society' tells us we have to do.
Circe, by Madeline Miller
Circe, daughter of Titan sun god Helios, finds herself overshadowed in the halls of the gods until she discovers her own, different power: witchcraft. Banished to a deserted island for abusing her magic, and repeatedly let down by the men she puts her trust in, Circe must forge her own path: as a goddess, a witch, and a woman. Miller’s novel offers a new perspective on tales of Greek myth, with Circe’s centuries-long story seeing her appear at the birth of the Minotaur, face off with goddess of war Athena, and host hero Odysseus on his long return from Troy. An accessible read with larger-than-life characters and an adventurous plot, Circe is mythology as you’ve never known it before.
Source: https://10audioz.com/best-fantasy-audiobooks/