You’ll know it when you hear it. A good narrator can take a book from good to can’t stop listening until the final sentence has been uttered. These distinct voices, whether silky smooth or multi-faceted morphing into a full cast of characters, makes the story come to life through your headphones. It’s great to be read to, isn’t it?
The first time a narrator ever caught my ear was Jim Dale who lent his voice to all seven books in the Harry Potter series (shout out to Stephen Fry who narrated the UK versions — I won’t debate; they’re both terrific). Did you know there are over 100 characters in those books with distinct, sometimes non-human, voices? The act of remembering how to recreate those voices, and then actually pulling them off with emotion and expression, still boggles my muggle mind.
The following six voice actors bring an audible energy to the books they read, so much so that many have acquired a devoted following that anxiously anticipates their next narration, even if it’s a genre the fans don’t traditionally read. So with June as Audiobook Month, take a moment to appreciate the complex art of a good narration and listen to these well-known pipes behind your favorite books.
This acclaimed British narrator and actor is well known for his versatile and engaging vocal performances, drawing listeners into the story. He’s earned numerous awards including 16 Audie Awards and 75 AudioFile Earphone Awards. He’s been nominated for more Audie Awards for single-voiced titles than any other male narrator.
Fire & Blood by George R. R. Martin
Murder Your Employer by Rupert Holmes
The Girl in the Eagle’s Talons by Karin Smirnoff
The Burning White by Brent Weeks
This novelist, screenwriter, actor, and award-winning audiobook narrator has been praised for her emotional authenticity and ability to connect listeners to the author’s story. She won the prestigious Best Female Narrator Award in 2019 for her narration of Educated by Tara Westover, an unforgettable story enhanced by her performance.
The Women by Kristin Hannah
Funny Story by Emily Henry
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab
Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle
Actress and narrator Bahni Turpin is best known for her emotional depth and character differentiation, earning her an Audie Award in 2018 for her powerful narration of The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. As one of the top narrators in the industry, Turpin’s ability to convincingly portray characters of different ages and backgrounds is unmatched.
The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Black Candle Women by Diane Marie Brown
With the ability to adapt her voice to suit different storylines, this narrator, actress, and voice-over artist was named a Golden Voice by AudioFile Magazine in 2020. She’s narrated across many genres including science fiction, fantasy, young adult, and nonfiction.
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
The Bride Test by Helen Hoang
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
Foul Lady Fortune by Chloe Gong
This rich, versatile voice has narrated over 900 audiobooks — from fast-paced thrillers to historical reads — and won a hefty amount of awards from his work, too. He’s earned over 60 Earphones Awards, 5 Audie Awards, a Grammy nomination, and more for his dynamic delivery.
The Secret by Lee Child
This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger
The Firm by John Grisham
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
RELATED READ: The legendary voice of audiobook narrator Scott Brick
Best known as the voice of villainous Prince Hans in Disney’s Frozen, Santino Fontana is also a Tony Award winner and highly accomplished actor. His award-winning performances are memorable, if not chilling — particularly the obsessive and charming anti-hero, Joe Goldberg, in You by Caroline Kepnes.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
The Institute by Stephen King
Middle of the Night by Riley Sager
You by Caroline Kepnes
RELATED READ: Interview with actor, performer & narrator of the "You" series, Santino Fontana
Who could you listen to all day? Tell us your favorites on Instagram @Libby.App!
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Published Jun 03, 2024