18 of The Best Sci Fi Audiobooks of 2022 to Escape to New Worlds


October 10, 2022
Settle in and bask in the escape! Here are our picks for the best sci-fi audiobooks of 2022 that will transport you to new worlds.

There is nothing quite like escaping everyday life by grabbing some sci-fi books and losing yourself in the thrilling world of science fiction. We've curated a list of some of the best science fiction audiobooks of 2022, chosen not only for their brilliant execution of the genre but also for the mesmerizing and expert narration that can transform even the dullest commute into a dazzling adventure. Treat yourself to some escapism, settle in, press play, and watch reality fade away with the 18 best sci-fi audiobooks in our catalogue.
Product list
  • Ryan's Phantoms cover art

    • Ryan's Phantoms

    • The Timeless Void, Book 2
    • Written by: Craig Robertson
    • Narrated by: Scott Aiello
    • Series: The Timeless Void, Book 2
    • Length: 7 hrs and 55 mins
    • Release date: 2022-05-31
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 4 ratings
    • Ryan's Phantoms is the second installment in The Timeless Void series by writer Craig Robertson and a superb addition to the Ryanverse. Jon Ryan is on a mission to fix Earth's shattered timeline. After working tirelessly to save civilization as we know it from the grasp of the evil clan, Ryan has become obsessed with resurrecting his life's history as he lived it. With the help of his old accomplice Plesmus, he embarks on his wildest adventure yet aboard a less than reliable timeship. Ryan's Phantoms is an action-packed listen from beginning to end as Ryan bounces in and out of timelines and battles with mystifying and callous Void Phantoms to achieve his impossible goal. A quick but exciting listen, this Audible audiobook will leave you wanting more adventures with these memorable characters and plots—broken timelines, lost civilization, and a faulty timeship. Be ready to get hooked.
  • Apocalypse: Quest System cover art

    • Apocalypse: Quest System

    • The Stitched Worlds, Book 4
    • Written by: Macronomicon
    • Narrated by: Steve Campbell
    • Series: The Stitched Worlds, Book 4
    • Length: 11 hrs and 40 mins
    • Release date: 2022-06-07
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 37 ratings
    • In this genius mingling of post-apocalyptic fallout and the fantasy world of the Fae, writer Macronomicon takes listeners on a thrilling journey through the Fate Dimension. Jebediah Trapper finds himself with quite a situation on his hands. While simultaneously dodging the Queen of Fae and fielding an irresistible offer from a dark entity, Jeb is a ticking nuclear bomb. Literally. Faced with becoming a life-destroying atomic blast, Jeb is left to devise impressive solutions to his unique problems. Talented narrator Steve Campbell brings this clever and tongue-in-cheek hilarious story to life as listeners delve into the fourth installment of The Stitched Worlds series. Apocalypse: Quest System delivers just the right amount of heart, humour, and plot twists to keep sci-fi fans, old and new, wanting more. Lucky for listeners, this is just one installment of Macronomicon's sweeping series, and once you get started, you may not want to stop.
  • The Boys: Deeper and Deeper cover art

    • The Boys: Deeper and Deeper

    • Written by: Matt Berns
    • Narrated by: Chace Crawford, Leigh Bush, Katy Breier
    • Length: 1 hr and 10 mins
    • Release date: 2022-06-09
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 242 ratings
    • Kevin Moskowitz, better known as The Deep, is all too well acquainted with mortification and disappointment. After his epic fall from grace as an integral member of The Seven, Earth's most powerful superheroes, The Deep is on the road promoting his tell-all book, Deeper, with this revealing interview. From childhood traumas and escaping an insidious cult to his heartbreaking exile from The Seven, The Deep has his own story he would like to tell. A fresh take on a character arc deep dive, The Boys: Deeper and Deeper is a short, captivating companion to the hit Prime Video series, The Boys. Avid viewers of the show and other sci-fi sagas will wonder why this isn't done more often with their beloved characters. Whether already a fan of The Boys or just searching for a quick listen to add to your library, you will become engrossed and thoroughly entertained by this unique listen and left wanting more.
  • Chocky cover art

    • Chocky

    • Written by: John Wyndham
    • Narrated by: Damian Lynch
    • Length: 4 hrs and 51 mins
    • Release date: 2022-06-14
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 25 ratings
    • A sci-fi list wouldn't be complete without a selection from science fiction pioneer John Wyndham. Winner of the Retro Hugo Award, Wyndham was revered for his ability to craft thought-provoking logical fantasy science fiction novels. In the audiobook version of this title originally published in 1963, 11-year-old Matthew finds himself in a precarious situation. At first, his parents assume he is going through a phase of speaking to himself and wait for him to grow out of it. Yet, Matthew's solo conversations only grow more intense, and then he develops astounding skills. Finally, it is time to tell his parents about Chocky—the person living in his head. Fans of the 'first contact' trope will be fascinated with this take on ordinary human experiences as seen through the eyes of an alien presence. Chocky is a shining example of John Wyndham's immense talent and mastery of weaving everyday life and fantasy so seamlessly that it leaves you pondering what is real long after the last paragraph.
  • The School for Good Mothers cover art

    • The School for Good Mothers

    • A Novel
    • Written by: Jessamine Chan
    • Narrated by: Catherine Ho
    • Length: 11 hrs and 56 mins
    • Release date: 2022-01-06
    • Language: English
    • 4 out of 5 stars 70 ratings
    • This breakout debut novel by newcomer Jessamine Chan has quickly risen to the top of some of the most prestigious 'must read' lists in the publishing world. This dystopian fiction is infuriatingly timely as it echoes some of the most troubling aspects of womanhood today. Frida Liu is a mother desperate to attain the perfection expected of her as a first-generation Chinese American and an upper-middle-class parent. But she is struggling. Unfortunately, the state has just the thing for mothers like Frida—a Big Brother-like institution designed to measure the lengths mothers are willing to take to prove their devotion to their children. Faced with losing her beloved daughter, Frida must learn to play the game and redeem herself as a worthy mother, no matter the cost. This pause-resistant listen will leave you breathless at the relatability of its main character, as well as being dark, intense and sharply witty. This transgressive novel explores the perils and pressures of womanhood and its deep and abiding joy. Set to be a modern literary classic, The School for Good Mothers is a must-listen for any fan of the dystopian fiction genre and will likely remain relevant for future generations.
  • Sea of Tranquility cover art

    • Sea of Tranquility

    • A Novel
    • Written by: Emily St. John Mandel
    • Narrated by: John Lee, Dylan Moore, Arthur Morey, Kirsten Potter
    • Length: 5 hrs and 47 mins
    • Release date: 2022-04-05
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 293 ratings
    • A new sci-fi novel of dazzling imagination comes from Emily St. John Mandel, writer of the Scotiabank Giller Prize-shortlisted The Glass Hotel and the internationally best-selling Station Eleven. Sea of Tranquility is an enthralling story of time travel, fantasy, and examination of all the things that ultimately bind us together. A British exile taking refuge on the West Coast of Canada in the early 1900s; a best-selling author on a book tour across multiple galaxies; a resident of a moon colony 300 years in the future; and a friendless young woman—this group of fascinating characters wouldn't find each other under normal circumstances. But transcending space and time, a time traveller struggling to resist the temptation to change the course of history will ultimately be the link that brings them all together. This listen is a stunning example of master science fiction storytelling and human connection that will leave you spellbound.
  • How High We Go in the Dark cover art

    • How High We Go in the Dark

    • A Novel
    • Written by: Sequoia Nagamatsu
    • Narrated by: Julia Whelan, Brian Nishii, Keisuke Hoashi, MacLeod Andrews, Jeanne Sakata, Greg Watanabe, Kurt Kanazawa, Matthew Bridges, Kotaro Watanabe, Brianna Ishibashi, Joe Knezevich, Micky Shiloah, Stephanie Komure, Jason Culp
    • Length: 9 hrs and 20 mins
    • Release date: 2022-01-18
    • Language: English
    • 4 out of 5 stars 155 ratings
    • Marking the publishing debut of Sequoia Nagamatsu, How High We Go in the Dark is a wildly unique, utterly spellbinding, and expertly crafted piece of science fiction. After an ancient virus traverses the globe, life on Earth is immediately reshaped, and humanity is forever altered in hauntingly moving and tragic ways. Following a cast of intricately linked characters over hundreds of years, this daring and profoundly deep work of imagination reminds us all of the indelible resilience of the human spirit and the unbreakable strings that bind us together, regardless of the separation of time or space. Fans of sci-fi classic Cloud Atlas and Station Eleven will love this downright prophetic novel, which has left critics and listeners stunned by its beauty and, at times, unsettling relatability. The audiobook version is an essential addition to any listener’s library. How High We Go in the Dark is destined to become a speculative sci-fi classic.
  • The Kaiju Preservation Society cover art

    • The Kaiju Preservation Society

    • Written by: John Scalzi
    • Narrated by: Wil Wheaton
    • Length: 8 hrs and 2 mins
    • Release date: 2022-03-15
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 496 ratings
    • When the COVID-19 pandemic hit New York City, Jamie Gray found himself in a rut, working as a food delivery driver. Out of desperation and sheer boredom, he agrees to a last-minute job that takes him on an adventure out of this world. New York Times best-selling writer John Scalzi is no stranger to epic storytelling, and The Kaiju Preservation Society will not disappoint. In his first standalone adventure since the conclusion of the best-selling Interdependency trilogy, Scalzi introduces listeners to a mind-blowing alternate dimension where giant creatures roam a human-free world. This exciting story is one of escape and pure enjoyment. And with the expert performance of Wil Wheaton, who has narrated such titles as Ready Player One and The Martian, you will find yourself unable to push pause.
  • The Starless Crown cover art

    • The Starless Crown

    • Moon Fall, Book 1
    • Written by: James Rollins
    • Narrated by: James Rollins, Nicola Barber
    • Series: Moonfall, Book 1
    • Length: 22 hrs and 5 mins
    • Release date: 2022-01-04
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 32 ratings
    • This best sci-fi audiobook entry doubles as a top choice for thriller enthusiasts wanting to delve into the world of science fiction novels. Written by New York Times best-selling thriller master James Rollins, The Starless Crown is the first book in his new series, Moon Fall. After being sentenced to death for predicting the world's end, a gifted student sets out to save herself by plunging into the unknown world of ancient secrets and unlikely allies. Visionary and captivating, this epic science fiction adventure is full of apocalyptic doom, fantasy, magic and wild creatures that will take listeners to a different world. It’s also a powerful tale of good vs. evil, chock-full of fascinating and complicated characters. Through her use of varying British accents, Audie Award-winning narrator Nicola Barber transforms these characters into distinctive and believable people. The Starless Crown is an utterly absorbing listen—be prepared to be consumed by this new series.
  • Hunt the Stars cover art

    • Hunt the Stars

    • A Novel (Starlight’s Shadow, Book 1)
    • Written by: Jessie Mihalik
    • Narrated by: Frankie Corzo
    • Series: Starlight’s Shadow, Book 1, Hunt the Stars, Book 1
    • Length: 12 hrs and 2 mins
    • Release date: 2022-02-01
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 24 ratings
    • The critically acclaimed writer of Polaris Rising, Jessie Mihalik, takes listeners on a thrilling journey with the start of her brand-new series, Starlight's Shadow. This space opera is teeming with angst and adventure that will have listeners gripped from the very opening scenes. Octavia Zarola is a bounty hunter who would do anything to protect her close-knit hunting crew, even if it means having to team up with her sworn enemy, Torran Fletcher. When the plot begins to thicken, Tavi must decide which will win out—her anger or her desire. A brilliant melding of sci-fi adventure and human drama, this gripping story features a strong female lead who is only strengthened by the audiobook’s expert narration. Frankie Corzo, who has narrated such works as Mexican Gothic and The Unicorn Project, brings Tavi, Torran, and the entire crew of characters to life in an impressive way. Fans of science fiction books like the Firefly series and the Star Trek films will find a new favourite in Hunt the Stars.
  • The Memory Librarian cover art

    • The Memory Librarian

    • And Other Stories of Dirty Computer
    • Written by: Janelle Monáe
    • Narrated by: Janelle Monáe, Bahni Turpin
    • Length: 12 hrs and 11 mins
    • Release date: 2022-04-19
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 10 ratings
    • An exciting and eclectic fiction debut from talented singer, rapper, and actress Janelle Monáe, The Memory Librarian is a dazzling collection of short stories exploring identity, love, expression, and technology. Set in the same futuristic universe that backdrops Monáe’s best-selling album Dirty Computer, these tales are an amalgamation of human experiences and struggles with identity expression that transcends artificial intelligence and a totalitarian existence. The narration by Janelle Monáe and Audible Hall of Fame narrator Bahni Turpin elevates these stories to another level. Offering a profound look into the world of queer and black identities, The Memory Librarian is a compelling and consequential collection that best represents speculative science fiction. This listen is unlike anything you have heard before but in the best way possible.
  • The Impossible Us cover art

    • The Impossible Us

    • Written by: Sarah Lotz
    • Narrated by: Olivia Dowd, Clifford Samuel, Paul Tyreman
    • Length: 13 hrs and 1 min
    • Release date: 2022-03-22
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 4 ratings
    • Driven by two wonderful, flawed and fully realized characters, The Impossible Us is one of the rare books that will make you laugh out loud and cry. Writer Sarah Lotz delivers listeners a delightful romance sparked by a misdirected email and unexpectedly complicated by bewildering circumstances. Nick, a failed writer and divorcee, and Bee, a serial dater, are almost guaranteed a happily ever after. However, what transpires before their meeting is incredible and will test their electric connection beyond imagination. Best enjoyed with minimal spoilers and a deep appreciation for science fiction and fantasy, The Impossible Us is a gratifying listen that keeps you captivated and touches your heart.
  • Mickey7 cover art

    • Mickey7

    • A Novel
    • Written by: Edward Ashton
    • Narrated by: John Pirhalla, Katharine Chin
    • Series: Mickey7, Book 1
    • Length: 9 hrs and 16 mins
    • Release date: 2022-02-15
    • Language: English
    • 4 out of 5 stars 77 ratings
    • Mickey7 is an expendable on a human expedition sent to colonize the ice world of Niflheim and the first in line to take on dangerous and self-destructive missions. After one iteration of Mickey7 dies, a new body regenerates, and he is free to take on new hazardous assignments. That’s all part of the natural cycle of expendables—until one day, Mickey7 goes missing, and his replacement, Mickey8, is already in use by the time he makes it back to the colony base. In a world that loathes the concept of multiple expendables, Mickey7 embarks on a nerve-racking mission to stay alive for good. Highly conceptual and exhilarating, this sci-fi novel is a dizzying venture into the icy world of Niflheim and the perilous fight for survival. Expertly written by Edward Ashton, Mickey7 is soon to be adapted into a major motion picture by Oscar-winning film director, producer, and screenwriter Bong Joon-ho. The Martian meets Dark Matter in this sci-fi thriller that will leave you impatiently waiting for new installments with bated breath.
  • A Prayer for the Crown-Shy cover art

    • A Prayer for the Crown-Shy

    • A Monk and Robot Book, Book 2
    • Written by: Becky Chambers
    • Narrated by: Em Grosland
    • Series: Monk & Robot, Book 2
    • Length: 3 hrs and 53 mins
    • Release date: 2022-07-12
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 46 ratings
    • A Prayer for the Crown-Shy is the second installment in the series Monk & Robot written by Becky Chambers. This speculative fiction adventure follows Sibling Dex (a Tea Monk) and Mosscap (a robot) as they explore everyday life and the needs and wants of humanity on Panga, the little moon they call home. The beauty of this story is punctuated by the comforting and dazzling delivery of the soft-spoken but emotive Em Grosland. This profound meditation on belief and the randomness of life is a shining example of masterful storytelling and introspection. A Prayer for the Crown-Shy is a heartwarming listen perfect for curling up and escaping into a beautifully crafted fantasy world affirming the importance of human connection.
  • Walk the Vanished Earth cover art

    • Walk the Vanished Earth

    • Written by: Erin Swan
    • Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld, Keylor Leigh, Dylan Moore
    • Length: 12 hrs and 9 mins
    • Release date: 2022-05-31
    • Language: English
    • 4 out of 5 stars 2 ratings
    • Reminiscent of Station Eleven, Severance, and The Dog Stars, Walk the Vanished Earth is a hauntingly beautiful work of dystopian fiction. In this emotionally stirring and thought-provoking listen, writer Erin Swan has managed to encompass every aspect of what makes science fiction such a beloved genre. A sweeping family epic told over seven generations, Walk the Vanished Earth is a moving look at the intricacies and power of family connection. As America changes while the whole planet faces its imminent collapse, the shifting nuances of legacy, inherited traumas, motherhood, and ancestry are punctuated by one constant: hope. Listeners will be moved by the thoughtful and wildly imaginative world Swan brings to her story about the end of Earth as we know it and the everlasting human bonds that make up a family. The stunning narration by Saskia Maarleveld, Keylor Leigh, and Dylan Moore will truly transport you to another world, making this an immersive, pause-resistant listen sure to become a sci-fi classic.
  • Her Majesty's Royal Coven cover art

    • Her Majesty's Royal Coven

    • A Novel
    • Written by: Juno Dawson
    • Narrated by: Aoife McMahon
    • Series: The HMRC Trilogy, Book 1
    • Length: 13 hrs and 56 mins
    • Release date: 2022-05-31
    • Language: English
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars 20 ratings
    • Fans of A Discovery of Witches and The Craft, rejoice! Launching writer Juno Dawson’s new trilogy of the same name, Her Majesty’s Royal Coven is at once a charming story about a group of childhood friends who are also witches and a provocative probe into the intersection of feminism, transphobia, and loyalty. The novel focuses on four young girls, Helena, Leonie, Niamh, and Elle, by immersing listeners into an exquisitely crafted world of magic, friendship, and personal power. They all took the oath to join Her Majesty’s Royal Coven, established by Queen Elizabeth I. But with time, the witch community is left reeling from the fallout of a civil war. One of the girls is crowned the reigning High Priestess of the organization, and they each become a woman with her own plan and priorities. As the novel unfolds, the four friends’ loyalty to one another is tested, leaving them all grappling with choosing between preserving tradition or doing what is right. Juno Dawson has written a truly captivating listen that will have you pondering the corrosive nature of power, matriarchy and feminism. Prepare to be dazzled.
  • Clockwork Destiny cover art

    • Clockwork Destiny

    • Written by: Kevin J. Anderson, Neil Peart
    • Narrated by: Kevin J. Anderson
    • Series: Clockwork Angels, Book 3
    • Length: 9 hrs and 57 mins
    • Release date: 2022-06-14
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 6 ratings
    • Clockwork Destiny is the final installment of the award-winning New York Times best-selling trilogy, Clockwork Angels. Written by Kevin J. Anderson and fabled Rush drummer Neil Peart, this action-packed science fiction adventure is as epic as ever. Young hero Owen Hardy and reluctant explorer Marinda Peake are the protagonists in the saga’s vividly crafted world of airships, lost cities, alchemy, and dazzling carnivals, based on the story and lyrics from the last album of musical giants, Rush. Listeners will be left wanting more of this trilogy as the sweeping character arcs are just too good to stop. This final trilogy installment was mapped out in the last years of Peart's life. With the permission of the late drummer's wife, Anderson returned to the unfinished project bringing Owen and Marinda's stories to a satisfying and poignant end.
  • Nova Terra: Catalyst cover art

    • Nova Terra: Catalyst

    • The Titan Series, Book 9
    • Written by: Seth Ring
    • Narrated by: Eric Jason Martin
    • Series: Titan, Book 9
    • Length: 17 hrs and 12 mins
    • Release date: 2022-06-21
    • Language: English
    • 5 out of 5 stars 106 ratings
    • Nova Terra: Catalyst is the ninth book in the Titan series by Seth Ring. This epic adventure of science fiction and fantasy is full of gripping storylines and binge-worthy listening for science fiction fans looking for a new world in which to become lost. Thorn is firmly established as the Stone King and has even added the Throne of Rakkam, the Labyrinth City, to his growing list of holdings. Life looks excellent for Thorn until a new saga of decades-long unsolved murders, an army of Elemental Giants, witches, and baffling mysteries take him on a dizzying quest. Full of legendary exploits, Nova Terra: Catalyst is an expansive sci-fi listen that will leave you on the edge of your seat.