Last Updated on by Nishil Prasad
Known for her performances across a wide array of genres in audiobooks, Kate Reading has recorded a vast number of titles over the years as an audiobook narrator. Her storytelling capabilities make her narration fascinating to Listen to, and her choice of books is always remarkable.
In this article, we’re going to explore some of her best works over the years. From fantastical tales to stories with rich character development, we’ve covered it all here. Regardless of whether you’ve heard her before or are coming across her for the first time, I’m sure you’ll discover something new to listen to.
10 Best Kate Reading Audiobooks
1. The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
The novel opens with Szeth, a mysterious assassin bound by a deadly power. As he unleashes his skills, you are thrust into a world of action and suspense. In a parallel storyline, Kaladin, a former soldier reduced to slavery, struggles to overcome his shattered dreams and protect those under his care. Kaladin’s journey from despair to resilience is a compelling tale of hope and inspiration.
Meanwhile, Dalinar Kholin, a highprince plagued by cryptic visions and a sense of duty, faces the daunting task of upholding honor and unity among squabbling factions. The audiobook, like many other titles in our compilation today, and outside of it, has been narrated by the husband-wife duo of Kate Reading and Michael Kramer, whose performances keep you at the edge of your seats till the very end. And if you can’t get enough of Sanderson, we have compiled the best fantasy audiobooks for you here.
2. A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas
Set against the backdrop of Victorian London, the story introduces you to Charlotte Holmes, gorgeously brought to life by Kate Reading, a tenacious woman determined to forge her own path, unshackled by the societal constraints imposed upon her gender. After escaping an arranged marriage, Charlotte adopts the persona of Sherlock Holmes, complete with sharp deductive skills and a penchant for unraveling mysteries.
When a murder rocks high society, Charlotte becomes embroiled in the investigation, using her intellect to solve the case and clear her dear friend Lord Ingram’s name. In parallel, we follow the story of Inspector Treadles, a man struggling to reconcile his growing admiration for the enigmatic Sherlock Holmes with his duty as a detective. Thomas melds the elements of a Holmesian mystery with a feminist perspective, penning a story celebrating the resilience of women in a world that often stifles their potential.
3. The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
The Eye of the World, the first installment of Robert Jordan’s magnum opus, The Wheel of Time series, is a mash of fantasy and adventure. Set in a world where the forces of Light and Shadow clash in a perpetual struggle, the audiobook centers around five young villagers from Emond’s Field: Rand al’Thor, Matrim Cauthon, Perrin Aybara, Egwene al’Vere, and Nynaeve al’Meara. Love listening to stories of imaginary worlds and complex plotting? This list of the best fantasy audiobooks has some gems you don’t want to miss out on!
These unsuspecting youths find themselves swept into a whirlwind of events when they are forced to flee their village after an attack by sinister creatures of the Dark. As they journey through vast landscapes, they soon realize they are at the heart of ancient prophecies and a destined battle against the Dark One. The entirety of the series has been brilliantly narrated by the duo of Kate Reading and Michael Kramer, creating a compelling listening experience for you.
4. The Witching Hour by Anne Rice
The audiobook revolves around the Mayfair family, a lineage of powerful witches with a legacy stretching back centuries. At the heart of the tale is Rowan Mayfair, a neurosurgeon unaware of her magical heritage, until she is drawn back to the ancestral home in New Orleans by a mysterious force.
A Talamasca scholar, Aaron Lightner, delves into the Mayfair family’s past, uncovering hidden secrets and tragic events that have shaped their destiny. As the narrative alternates between the present and the past, the layers of the Mayfair witches’ history are gradually unveiled. Reading’s voice captures the atmospheric essence of Rice’s writing, whisking you away to the world of the Mayfair witches.
5. The Great Hunt by Robert Jordan
The novel picks up where its predecessor left off, with Rand and his friends seeking refuge in the city of Fal Dara after narrowly escaping the clutches of the Dark One’s minions. A new perilous quest unfolds: the hunt for the Horn of Valere, a legendary artifact that can summon the greatest heroes of the past to aid in battle. We know the comfort and thrill you can derive from reading a long series, lost in a story that’s as rich as it’s intriguing, which is why this selection of the best audiobook series is unmissable!
In their pursuit of the Horn, Rand, Perrin, and Mat find themselves embroiled in The Wheel of Time, burdened with prophecies and destined to play roles in the battle against the Dark One. The Great Hunt is a relentless page-turner, further enriched by the dual performances of Kate Reading and Michael Kramer, as the characters face insurmountable odds.
6. Furies of Calderon by Jim Butcher
The novel takes you to the realm of Alera where individuals bond with elemental spirits known as furies to wield extraordinary powers. We follow Tavi, a young boy without the ability to command furies, known as a “furyless.” Despite his lack of magical gifts, Tavi’s resourcefulness sets him apart.
When a powerful enemy threatens the stability of Alera, Tavi finds himself at the center of a sweeping adventure, battling against forces beyond his imagination. Kate Reading’s transitions between different character perspectives ensure you’re fully engrossed in this multifaceted story.
7. The Host by Stephenie Meyer
This is a story about a post-apocalyptic world, where Earth has been invaded by beings known as “Souls.” These extraterrestrial parasites invade human bodies, erasing their original consciousness and taking control. Our story follows Melanie Stryder, a young resistance fighter who’s one of the few remaining humans resisting the Souls’ dominance.
However, when Melanie is captured and infused with a Soul named Wanderer, an internal struggle ensues. Melanie’s will to survive and her love for her younger brother, Jamie, overpower Wanderer’s consciousness. As Wanderer begins to empathize with the human experience, she finds herself torn between loyalty to her own kind and the newfound emotions awakened within her. Fan of post-apocalyptic stories? This compilation of the best post-apocalyptic audiobooks would give you lots to choose from!
8. A Gathering of Shadows by V. E. Schwab
The narrative picks up four months after the events of the first book, with Kell and Lila charting their separate paths. Kell grapples with the weight of responsibility and the consequences of his past actions and haunted by his choices, he must navigate political tensions and hidden threats that lurk within Red London.
Lila, on the other hand, embraces her newfound magical abilities and her thirst for adventure. Disguised as a male, she joins a daring pirate crew. As they sail the seas, engaging in a high-stakes magical competition known as the Element Games, Lila finds herself entangled in a maze. Reading and Kramer’s narration yet again keeps you spellbound, awaiting every secret and twist that lies ahead.
9. Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection by Brandon Sanderson
Spanning multiple planets and realms within the vast Cosmere, the collection provides insight into various magic systems, cultures, and histories, each crafted by Sanderson’s genius imagination. Tales include The Hope of Elantris, an epilogue to Sanderson’s novel Elantris, a glimpse into the aftermath of the events in the city of Elantris, and Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell, a story set in the dark world of Threnody, where silence is a matter of survival.
The exploration of magic systems, the relationship between the realms, and the consequences of actions are recurring themes that weave through the diverse stories. Another production with Kramer and Reading, their collaborative effort creates a riveting listening experience, making this an unforgettable journey into the multifaceted worlds of the Cosmere.
10. The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter by Theodora Goss
The story centers around Mary Jekyll, the daughter of the infamous Dr. Jekyll, who embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her father’s mysterious past and the secret society he was associated with. As Mary delves into her father’s hidden history, she encounters an eccentric group of women, each with a connection to famous literary figures.
Together, these “monstrous” daughters of famous literary villains and mad scientists form the Athena Club, a group united in their search for justice and answers. Goss’s storytelling, combined with Reading’s narration, makes for an enchanting listening experience. Want to read the adventures of the literary figures mentioned in this story? Try this selection of the best classic audiobooks where you’ll find many more adventures to dive into.
