Historical Audiobooks | Science Fiction & Fantasy

"A Wild Chase Through Elizabethan England Thomas the Rhymer, immortal, shape-changing foe of the diabolical Elf Queen and her merciless Yvag knights, continues his one-man war into the reign of England's 'Faerie Queen'—Elizabeth I. When he learns of an assassination plot against Elizabeth, the Rhymer intervenes, only to find himself the object of the special attention of the Queen's spymaster, Francis Walsingham. Walsingham blackmails the Rhymer into joining his intelligence network. Allied with Walsingham's minions and a mysterious shape-changing stage actress, Thomas finds he must deal with Mary, Queen of Scots, scheming Jesuits, and Italian bankers, as well as further Yvag attempts against Elizabeth. He moves in the circles of William Shakespeare, John Dee, Giordano Bruno, and Christopher Marlowe, desperately defeating one conspiracy after another in defense of the throne, leading him to an inevitable final confrontation with the Elf Queen, in which to survive he must destroy the source of her power . . . and to do that, he must enter the mouth of Hel itself. After all the sacrifice, will the Rhymer find peace? And, perhaps, even love?"

Gregory Frost (Author), Alex Wyndham (Narrator)

Audiobook

Red Tempest Brother

"In the wake of the events of Black Tide Son, Hart flees into pirate-infested waters to shelter on the island where former rogue James Demery and the Fleetbreaker, Anne Firth, now rule. Reeling from their discoveries about the truths of the Mereish-Aeadine war, Mary and Samuel hover on the precipice of a terrible, world-altering choice—they can stay silent and maintain their good names, or they can speak out and risk igniting total war across the Winter Sea. Meanwhile, Benedict captains The Red Tempest, a lawless ship of deserters and corrupted mages in search of an Usti spy with incendiary stolen documents. Benedict is determined to make the truth known, consequences be damned. As rumours spread of a new Ghistwold sprouting in the Mereish South Isles, Mary and Samuel sail once more into intrigue, espionage and an ocean on the brink of exploding into conflict. They must chart a course toward lasting, final peace, at the heart of the age-old battle for power upon the Winter Sea."

H.M. Long (Author), Moira Quirk, Samuel Roukin (Narrator)

Audiobook

Blood Slaves

"For readers of Victor LaValle, Tananarive Due, Stephen Graham Jones, and Colson Whitehead’s The Underground Railroad, this ingenious reimagining of the vampire origin story set during the early days of American slavery blends alternate history with supernatural horror, as the last surviving member of an ancient African vampire tribe meets a slave desperate for freedom, and together, they lead an army of enslaved people in a cinematically blood-soaked battle for freedom and revenge. What if nobody ever freed the slaves … because they freed themselves—150 years before the Civil War? In the Province of Carolina, 1710, freedom seems unattainable for Willie, for his beloved Gertie, and for their unborn child. They live, suffer, and toil under their brutal master, James “Big Jim” Barrow, whose grand plantation was built by the blood, sweat, and tears of the enslaved. To flee this hell on earth is be hunted and killed. Until one strange night Willie is offered a dark hope by Rafazi, an enigmatic slave with an irresistible and blood-chilling path to liberation. Hailing from the Kingdom of Ghana, Rafazi is the lone survivor of the Ramanga, an African vampire tribe rendered nearly extinct by plague. Rafazi has roamed the world for centuries with an undying desire to replenish the power that once defined his heritage. In Willie, Rafazi has found his first biddable subject to be turned and to help in a hungry revolt. And Willie desires nothing more than to free his people from malicious bondage. Whatever it takes. One by one, as an army of blood slaves thirsting for revenge is gathered, the headstrong Gertie fears that no good can come from the vampiric legacy that courses through Rafazi’s veins. Willie knows that only evil can fight evil. And when the woman he loves stands between the reemergence of the Ramanga and the justified slaughter of the oppressors, Willie must make an irreversible decision. Only one thing is certain: on the Barrow plantation, and beyond, blood will spill. Part historical drama, part supernatural horror, and part alternate history, Blood Slaves is an ingenuous and defiant new creation myth of the vampire, one rooted in both justice and the sometimes-violent means necessary to achieve it."

Markus Redmond (Author), Akin Omotoso (Narrator)

Audiobook

Salvation of Exile

"Orphan Jace Kasia might have found a home in the green hills and golden valleys of the Insubri. But several things prevented him from relishing his new life. He didn't know his name, he couldn't recollect his training, and he lived like a dog on a farm outside a border town. Although the Carthaginian General had departed for Africa, the defensive profile of the Legions needed to contain Hannibal continued to linger like a bad odor. Like other nations forced into agreements, the tribes sought to break treaties and unharness from the tack and yoke of Rome. And while hot-blooded young warriors agreed with the old men, the adults of the tribe stopped any aggressive actions. Little did they realize, chaos was coming to the land of the Insubri. Yet, arising from an unlikely place, a war leader with the knowledge to defeat the Legions would emerge. However, before he could assume the role of a War Chief, the Latian Dog had to get out of the freezing cold storage shed. Then all Archer Jace Kasia needed to do to claim his new home, and the Salvation of Exile, was to shake off the confusion in his mind and remember. Welcome to 200 B.C."

J. Clifton Slater (Author), Derek Shoales (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Nanny's Handbook to Magic and Managing Difficult Dukes

"Mary Poppins meets Bridgerton in a blend of cosy fantasy, historical romance and humour, as a recently graduated nanny finds her supernatural abilities are little help when it comes to falling for the shy, mysterious inventor who happens to be her employer. For readers of Heather Fawcett, India Holton and Freya Marske. London, 1851: Emmeline Chase, twenty-five-year-old widow and recent graduate of the Parasol Academy for Exceptional Nannies and Governesses, is more high-spirited than her peers would like. Few graduates, however, could turn a mismanaged teleportation onto a duke's rooftop into an offer of employment. Emmeline will need every trick in her nanny's handbook to manage eccentric horologist Xavier Mason, Duke of St Lawrence, and his three rambunctious wards. Xavier's charges have already sent two nannies packing thanks to frogs, firecrackers and general mayhem. And the duke has his own fair share of quirks, requiring absolute peace and quiet to work on his design for a clock to grace London's Westminster Palace. Emmeline is determined to restore order to the duke's household, but someone seems intent on sabotaging his plans. As she and Xavier work to identify the saboteur, Emmeline finds herself drawn to him, even though her nanny's handbook forbids fraternising with employers. But she's fairly sure the duke is falling under her spell, too…"

Amy Rose Bennett (Author), Chloe Campbell (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Lady, the Tiger and the Girl Who Loved Death

"A young woman is seduced by the glamour of the circus and drawn into a dangerous world of violence, cruelty and revenge. For readers of Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus and Helen Oyeyemi's Mr Fox. Sara Sidorova lies dying. As she hovers between life and death, she receives a visitation from Amba, the tiger god who will devour creation if he is released from the chains that bind him. Amba gives Sara Sidorova an extraordinary gift: a glimpse into the future. Years later, her granddaughter Irenda will grow up in a wartorn country where survival means obedience. When a devastating attack robs her of her mother, she travels to Hrana City. There, her grandmother agrees to teach her the ultimate secret: how to tame death. But it won't be easy… In the circus that offers her first taste of power, Irenda will have to tame another tiger if she is to survive. Amongst the magicians, the strongmen and the contortionists, she will start down a dangerous road, to carry out a revenge decades in the making... and bring justice into the world for herself and for her family. Rich with glamour and strangeness, brutality and deceit and the dark magic of the circus, this haunting fable will chill your bones and make your heart ache. ‘Intelligent, dark, wildly inventive.’ PAUL TREMBLAY"

Helen Marshall (Author), Jessica Preddy, Joan Walker, Victoria Fox (Narrator)

Audiobook

[German] - Waldfeenprinz

"In sich abgeschlossenes Romantasy-Märchen. Alea liebt es, Feenwesen aus sicherer Entfernung zu beobachten. Besonders beim Anblick eines bestimmten Feenmannes kann sie den Hass, der ihr in ihrem Dorf entgegenschlägt, für einen Moment vergessen. All ihrer Vorsicht zum Trotz, bloß nicht in einen Feenpakt getrickst zu werden, landet sie durch unerwartete Umstände im Feenreich. Schnell findet sie sich in einem Machtkampf zwischen zwei verfeindeten Feenkönigen wieder. Dabei ist ihr Feenmann an ihrer Seite. Wobei … ist er an ihrer Seite oder ist er viel eher für die Schwierigkeiten verantwortlich, die auf sie einprasseln? Alea gerät in einen Strudel aus Liebe, Gefahr und den verschiedenen Zaubern im Feenreich. Da sind Schattenweber, Blattwichte und Seegeister ihr geringstes Problem."

Lara Kessing (Author), Belle Fiona (Narrator)

Audiobook

[French] - Dragons et sentiments

"C'est une vérité presque incontestable que la vie sociale d'une jeune femme sans dragon est condamnée à l'échec. En arrivant à Hathergill Hall, Elinor Tregarth avait la ferme intention de se conduire comme une parente pauvre irréprochable. Elle n'avait en aucun cas prévu d'enlever le dragon de compagnie de son horrible cousine Pénélope. Ni de tomber amoureuse de l'impudent mais étonnamment charmant chasseur de dot venu courtiser Pénélope. Et jamais, au grand jamais, elle n'aurait rêvé devoir se prêter à une ridicule mascarade magique pour sauver l'avenir de ses soeurs. Mais même les plus brillants esprits de l'Angleterre de 1817 ne sont encore parvenus à dévoiler tous les secrets des dragons récemment redécouverts... et même les héroïnes les plus raisonnables peuvent émettre quelques souhaits irréfléchis lorsque les circonstances les y poussent. Après avoir abandonné tout bon sens, Elinor va devoir mettre son impétuosité et sa débrouillardise à rude épreuve. Et peut-être se montrera-t-elle suffisamment téméraire pour séduire l'amour de sa vie et s'assurer un bonheur éternel... avec l'aide aussi imprévisible que dangereuse de la créature magique qui l'a adoptée. Une comédie romantique Régence regorgeant de dragons domestiques et de mésaventures magiques. « Débordant de dragons adorables et de péripéties austeniennes. » Olivia Atwater, autrice d'Âmes miroirs « Une savoureuse Fantasy Régence pleine de romance, d'intrigue et d'un dragon tout à fait unique ! » Zen Cho « Le Château ambulant rencontre Mansfield Park dans cette comédie romantique Régence merveilleusement drôle. » Tansy Roberts « Ce livre a absolument tout : dragons, robes, bals, secrets, confusions d'identités, scandales, rebondissements et surprises. A la fois drôle et émouvant. » Llinos Cathryn Thomas « Une idée unique et inspirée, qui s'empare de tous les codes de Jane Austen et de la Régence, pour y infuser de la Fantasy et des dragons. » Blogging with dragons « Une délicieuse douceur à lire d'une traite. » A.J. Lancaster « Une charmante aventure Régence avec des dragons de compagnie, des identités secrètes, des chasseurs de fortune et une romance parfaite, tout à tour hilarante et tendre. Si vous aimez votre thé avec un dragon sur l'épaule, ce roman est pour vous ! » Intisar Khanani"

Stephanie Burgis (Author), Myriam Ajar (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Custom of the Country

"'The Custom of the Country, a novel by Edith Wharton, was first published in 1913. This work delves into the complexities of social climbing, ambition, and relationships in early 20th-century New York City. Here are the key details about this captivating novel: Setting: The story unfolds in New York City during the Gilded Age. The glittering world of high society serves as the backdrop for the characters' ambitions and desires. Plot Summary: The novel follows the journey of Undine Spragg, a beautiful and ambitious Midwestern girl. Undine arrives in New York City with her family, seeking advantageous marriages and social ascension. Her beauty attracts attention, but breaking into the circles of old-money elites proves challenging. Undine's relationships with several men offer glimpses into their worlds, including Ralph Marvell, who comes from an old-money family. Despite financial constraints, Ralph is drawn to Undine and marries her. Their honeymoon in Europe reveals cracks in their relationship, exacerbated by Undine's extravagance and Ralph's limited funds. As their marriage deteriorates, Undine's pursuit of social status continues, leading to further complications. The novel explores themes of love, ambition, and the clash between old and new money. Legacy and Themes: The Custom of the Country remains relevant today, as it dissects the human desire for upward mobility and the sacrifices made for social acceptance. Edith Wharton's keen observations and sharp critique of society resonate with readers across generations. Whether you're drawn to tales of ambition, love, or the intricacies of social dynamics, The Custom of the Country offers a compelling exploration of human nature and the pursuit of happiness.' Support us at https://manifoldmedia.net/donate"

Edith Wharton (Author), Avery Robinson, Miles Turner (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Warden's Oath: Safanarion Order

"When Braden sets off to help free his friends who are being held prisoner by the Elitesmen, he ends up fighting for all their lives. To face an Elitesman in combat is to invite death, and now he must sneak into the Order's stronghold. His companions are a district captain and an old Elitesman, who himself has been on the run from the Order longer than Braden has been alive. What started out as a daring rescue quickly turns into a life-and-death struggle. Deep in the bowels of the Citadel lies a relic of Shandara that holds the key to returning the Wardens of the De'anjard, the sworn enemies of the Elite, to their rightful place. The Warden's Oath is a short story set in the same realm as the Safanarion Order series, adding to this thrilling action-adventure fantasy."

Ken Lozito (Author), Vikas Adam (Narrator)

Audiobook

[German] - Wahre Geschichten von Lukian von Samosata: erste bekannte Science-Fiction aus dem Altertu

"Wahre Geschichten von Lukian von Samosata eine moderne KI-Interpretation Die 'Wahren Geschichten' des antiken Autors Lukian gelten als erstes Werk der Science-Fiction-Literatur – voller Fantasie, Ironie und absurder Abenteuer. Dieses Hörbuch enthält das Buch 1 und 2 der 'wahren Geschichten'. Bei der Überarbeitung wurde darauf geachtet, den Sinn des Originaltexts zu bewahren, ihn aber sprachlich so anzupassen, dass er für heutige Hörer*innen besser verständlich und flüssig hörbar ist. Auch die Erzählstimme ist KI-generiert – professionell, angenehm und gleichmäßig, ideal für moderne Hörbuchformate. Ein literarisch-experimentelles Werk für Hörer*innen, die Fantasie, Sprachkunst und digitale Innovation schätzen. Reiseverlauf von Buch I & II – Stationen in Stichpunkten Buch I: Von der Abreise bis zur Insel der Seligen Aufbruch ins Unbekannte – das Abenteuer beginnt mit einer Lüge Schiffbruch und Aufstieg zum Mond – Teilnahme an einem Krieg zwischen Sonnen- und Mondbewohnern Besuch bei den Vogelmenschen und Einblick in außerirdische Gesellschaften Gefangennahme und Flucht durch einen Luftwirbel zurück zur Erde Verschlungen von einem riesigen Walfisch – Überleben im Bauch mit anderen Schiffbrüchigen Kampf gegen riesige Meerwesen im Innern des Fisches Landung auf einer Insel aus Käse, durch ein Milchmeer schwimmend Begegnung mit lebendigen Glaswesen auf der transparenten Insel 'Klaropolis' Besuch einer Unterweltkolonie, wo alte Philosophen und Helden leben Ankunft auf der Insel der Seligen – ewiges Bankett mit Homer, Sokrates und anderen Buch II: Neue Irrfahrten bis zum unbekannten Festland Flucht aus dem Paradies durch einen Wirbelsturm – erneuter Schiffbruch Reise über ein gefrorenes Meer mit eisigen Kreaturen Begegnung mit den Korkfüßlern – einem Volk, das auf dem Wasser tanzt Besuch bei den Kürbisköpfen und Kampf gegen Kürbispiraten Tränenreiche Insel mit Zwiebelmenschen Fahrt über ein süßes Meer mit Besuch bei zuckrigen Wesen Fund eines geheimen Briefs von Odysseus an Kalypso Verführung durch die Eselsfüßlerinnen – Flucht vor Verwandlung Aufenthalt bei den Rabengesichtern, die nur in Schwarz und Weiß denken Kommunikation durch Tanz: Besuch bei einem Volk, das nur mit Gesten spricht Rückwärtszeit: Insel, wo die Menschen vom Greis zum Säugling leben Gerüchteinsel: Begegnung mit körperlosen Wesen, die nur durch Worte existieren Schiffbruch im Sturm – Trennung der Gefährten Ankunft am unbekannten Festland – der Ausgangspunkt für ein mögliches drittes Buch"

Andreas Möller (Author), Andreas Möller (Narrator)

Audiobook

[German] - The Bright Sword - Ein Artus-Roman (Ungekürzte Lesung)

"Große, epische Fantasy und eine meisterhafte Neuinterpretation der Artus-Mythologie von Bestseller-Autor Lev Grossman. Als der junge Ritter Collum in Camelot eintrifft, um seinen Platz an der Tafelrunde einzunehmen, muss er feststellen, dass er zu spät kommt. Der König ist tot und hinterließ keinen Erben. Nur eine Handvoll Ritter hat die Schlacht von Camlann überlebt, doch es sind nicht die Helden der Legende, wie Lancelot oder Gawain. Es sind die Sonderlinge der Tafelrunde wie Sir Palomides, der sarazenische Ritter, und Sir Dagonet, Artus' Narr, der zum Scherz zum Ritter geschlagen wurde. Zu ihnen gesellt sich Nimue, die Merlins Lehrling war, bis sie sich gegen ihn gewendet hat. Gemeinsam macht sich diese zusammengewürfelte Gemeinschaft auf den Weg, um Camelot in einer zerstörten Welt wieder aufzubauen. Für Hörer:innen von Robert Jordan, Bernard Cornwell und Andrzej Sapkowski"

Lev Grossman (Author), Tim Gössler (Narrator)

Audiobook

Historical Audiobooks in Science Fiction & Fantasy