Audiobooks for teens
There’s more to audiobooks than just hitting play – they open up a whole world for teenagers. Whether it’s boosting confidence with tricky words, making the journey to school less tedious, or even helping to chill out with no screen time before bed, audiobooks do the lot. They’re a lifesaver for reluctant readers and make even the densest novels feel more approachable. And, teens can explore genres they might never have picked up in print – all while getting the washing up done. We’ve selected 20+ audiobooks with particularly good narration to get teens hooked. This list features books by Sarah J. Maas, Holly Black, Cassandra Clare, Jenny Han, Veronica Roth, Stephenie Meyer, Rainbow Rowell, Suzanne Collins, Derek Landy, and Leigh Bardugo.
Audiobooks for teens – our recommendations
A Peculiar Peril by Jeff VanderMeer
Jonathan Lambshead and his two friends are whisked into the strangest adventure after they begin cataloguing his late grandfather’s rambling old mansion. Before long, they stumble upon a link to Aurora, a parallel world with Aleister Crowley stirring up trouble. Throw in a secret society, plenty of strange characters, and some wild twists, and you’ve got a tale that blurs the line between reality and the bizarre. Narrated by Raphael Corkhill.
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
The Cruel Prince drops Jude, a mortal girl, straight into the treacherous world of Faerie after her parents are killed. Living among faeries with her sisters, Jude faces constant danger and scorn from the royal court. As she’s drawn into the realm’s tangled politics, the story dives into rivalry, survival, and the search for belonging. This is the first book in a gripping fantasy series, and Caitlin Kelly narrates the audiobook.
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
Tessa Gray leaves New York for Victorian London, stepping straight into the hidden world of Shadowhunters. Seeking safety from supernatural threats, she joins a group dedicated to battling demons. The story introduces both new and familiar faces from Cassandra Clare’s universe, exploring questions of identity and belonging. Jennifer Ehle narrates the audiobook edition.
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
Every summer, Belly returns to the beach house with family friends, sharing long, sun-soaked days with brothers Jeremiah and Conrad. The story traces how those summers, and her connection with the boys, shape her as she grows up, capturing shifts in friendship, first love, and the bittersweet changes that come with time. This is the first book in the spellbinding series, with Lola Tung narrating the audiobook.
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Tris is sixteen and lives in a society split into factions. When she’s forced to choose where she truly belongs, she leaves her family behind and faces tough new challenges that put loyalty and trust to the test. The story digs into identity, community, and tough choices. This is the first book in a bestselling series, and Emma Galvin narrates the compelling audiobook.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
After Feyre kills a wolf, she’s taken to a magical realm as punishment and finds herself living on Tamlin’s estate. As she learns about the world of the Fae, Feyre must adapt quickly, facing new dangers and a growing threat that hangs over the land. The gripping story follows her struggles and growth in this unfamiliar world. The audiobook is narrated by Jennifer Ikeda.
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Seventeen-year-old Bella Swan moves to Forks, Washington, and quickly becomes interested in the mysterious Cullen family. After Edward Cullen saves her life, Bella learns that his family are vampires. The blockbuster story follows Bella as she adjusts to her new home and grows closer to Edward. The audiobook is narrated by Ilyana Kadushin.
Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
Simon Snow just wants to survive his last year at Watford School of Magicks, but between magical threats and complicated friendships, nothing is ever simple. With clever twists and heartfelt moments, this story blends adventure and self-discovery. Euan Morton’s lively narration helps to bring out the sharp humour and warmth of the characters.
Powerless by Lauren Roberts
In a divided world where magic is a privilege, Paedyn has to keep her true identity hidden to survive. When she’s forced into the deadly Purging Trials, secrets, danger, and romance come together in a high-stakes adventure. The audiobook, performed by Cecily Bednar Schmidt and Chase Brown, captures the tension and drama well.
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
Go back to Panem’s dark past with the story of Haymitch Abernathy, the clever tribute who became a legend in the 50th Hunger Games. Collins packs the prequel with clever twists and moral choices, making it impossible to pause. Jefferson White’s narration brings every tense moment to life.
Rival Darling by Alexandra Moody
When the campus hockey star and her biggest rival are thrown together for a make-or-break deal, the sparks are instant. Rival Darling delivers sports drama, banter, and slow-burn romance, all with a healthy dose of laugh-out-loud moments. Narrators Cecily Bednar Schmidt and Dallis Seeker help to keep the story quick and engaging from start to finish.
Skulduggery Pleasant: Books 1 – 3: The Faceless Ones Trilogy by Derek Landy
Follow the wisecracking skeleton detective and his bold partner, Valkyrie Cain, as they take on magical mayhem and sinister villains. Full of rapid-fire dialogue, inventive twists, and laugh-out-loud moments, these books are as much fun to listen to as they are to read. Narrator Rupert Degas’s energetic performance is a highlight.
Ginger Kid by Steve Hofstetter
Comedian Steve Hofstetter shares his most memorable moments from growing up, tackling bullies and awkwardness with sharp humour and honesty. This audiobook feels like listening to your funniest friend tell stories you can’t help but laugh along with. Narrated by the author.
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
Ethan just wants to escape his small Southern town, but meeting Lena changes everything. Secrets, family curses, and powerful magic set the scene for a story full of twists and dark discoveries. Kevin T. Collins’s narration makes the gothic fantasy world of Gatlin even more immersive.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
Pip is determined to solve a murder in her hometown, but nothing is as simple as it seems. Clues, twists, and secrets keep listeners hooked all the way to the end. The audiobook features a full cast led by Bailey Carr, giving the story a gripping documentary feel.
The Recruit (Cherub 1) by Robert Muchamore
James is recruited to join a secret group of young agents and thrown into a world of high-stakes missions and training. With fast-paced action, memorable characters, and a dose of teen realism, this audiobook is ideal for anyone who loves spy stories. Narrator Simon Scardifield helps bring the adventure to life.
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Thomas wakes up in the Glade, surrounded by towering walls and no memory of his past. As he and the other boys try to escape the ever-changing maze, the tension and mystery never let up. Mark Deakins’s narration keeps the pace intense.
The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud
Nathaniel is an apprentice magician in London who summons the wisecracking djinni Bartimaeus. Their partnership is full of banter, daring escapes, and magical mayhem. Simon Jones’s narration makes this fantasy adventure a standout listen.
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Kaz Brekker leads a crew of outcasts on a seemingly impossible heist through the heart of a ruthless city. Twists, double-crosses, and quick-fire dialogue make every chapter compelling. The full cast narration, including Jay Snyder and Brandon Rubin, creates a rich audiobook experience.
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Celaena Sardothien, a skilled assassin, is given a shot at freedom if she can win a brutal contest held in the king’s castle. As her rivals start turning up dead, Celaena has to figure out what’s behind the killings while fighting to stay alive herself. This is the first book in the bestselling fantasy series, and Elizabeth Evans narrates the audiobook.
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