We’ve all seen this fantasy film scene: the adventurers huddle together, preparing to plot their next quest. They unfurl an age-stained map that covers the surface of a worn, wooden table for the whole party to study. Then, a wise guide extends a finger to show where their destination lies, and there, emblazoned in blood red ink are three chilling words:
Here be dragons.
Dragons have been a key player in humanity’s folklore, mythology, and art for centuries—even before the word dragon existed! By the time medieval European scribes added their descriptions of this huge, terrible reptile to their Bestiary around the 13th century, ancient Egyptians, Mesopotamians, Persians, and others had revered them for thousands of years.
And yes, you read that right, revered not feared. Well, at least, not always.
Even though early European stories and modern pop culture (looking at you, Targaryens) depict dragons as fearsome adversaries, embodying chaos and danger, some other cultures see these scaly beasts in a different light. For example, East Asian cultures, particularly in China, have always viewed dragons as auspicious beings, representing strength, prosperity, and good fortune. However, whether you’re reading about the fire-breathing behemoths of European legends to the wise and benevolent dragons of Eastern traditions, these mythical creatures have always symbolized power, wisdom, and mystery in one way or another.
The enduring allure of dragons in storytelling has transcended ancient mythologies and found a prominent place in modern fantasy literature. Whether serving as majestic allies, fearsome foes, or enigmatic beings, dragons continue to inspire awe and imagination.
If you’re a fan of these legendary creatures, you’ll love our curated list of fantasy audiobooks featuring dragons. These tales will transport you to worlds where dragons soar the skies, help heroes on their quests, and even wage war in space!
YOUNG ADULT
Dragon Prince (The Last Free Dragon series)
Written by Jada Fisher, narrated by Dez Walker and Jordan Killam
In this first-in-series epic fantasy adventure featuring a cast of unforgettable characters, dragons disappeared from the world—and there might have been a good reason.
Kashir has lived his whole life in the shadow of his older brother, who is now the king. When the young prince saves a dragon in distress, it appears he has finally done something to help his brother and his kingdom. He soon learns that the power of a dragon is something not to be trifled with—or controlled. Will the dragon help Kashir become the prince he has always hoped to be, or will it destroy everything he sought to protect?
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea
Written by Axie Oh, narrated by Rosa Escoda
This enthralling feminist retelling of the classic Korean folktale “The Tale of Shim Cheong” is perfect for fans of Wintersong, Uprooted, and Miyazaki’s Spirited Away.
Deadly storms have ravaged Mina’s homeland for generations. Floods sweep away entire villages, while bloody wars are waged over the few remaining resources. Her people believe the Sea God, once their protector, now curses them with death and despair. In an attempt to appease him, each year a beautiful maiden is thrown into the sea to serve as the Sea God’s bride, in the hopes that one day the “true bride” will be chosen and end the suffering.
Many believe that Shim Cheong, the most beautiful girl in the village―and the beloved of Mina’s older brother Joon―may be the legendary true bride. But on the night Cheong is to be sacrificed, Joon follows Cheong out to sea, even knowing that to interfere is a death sentence.
To save her brother, Mina throws herself into the water in Cheong’s stead…
Hunter (The Dragonrider Heritage series)
Written by Nicole Conway, narrated by Josh Hurley
One boy must earn the trust of a blind dragon and hunt down an elusive sorceress before she can rekindle the war that nearly destroyed their world.
As the Kingdom of Maldobar emerges victorious from the brutal invasion of the Tibran Empire, much of the land is left in utter ruin. With his home destroyed and family gone, sixteen-year-old Thatcher Renley has no one left to turn to. And when he’s mistaken for a Tibran soldier and banished to a wartime prison camp, Thatcher knows his only hope for freedom lies in appealing to Queen Jenna directly.
But getting out of the prison camp might be the least of his worries—especially after he stumbles across a feral dragon locked in an iron cell.
The Dragon Librarian
Written by Marc Secchia, narrated by Erin Bennett
Abandoned at birth by her parents, Auli-Ambar is seen as a child blighted by a callous talon-stroke of fate. A worthless burden, she is blind, severely disfigured, and fit only for the most menial tasks. Then, a simple act of kindness changes her life.
Flown to the Halls of the Dragons, the painfully shy girl becomes a cleaner of Dragon roosts and a helpless wanderer of the Dragon Library.
Here, Auli is able to walk amidst the lore she is drawn to so profoundly. She can touch it and imagine worlds within scrolls. She thrills to the hallowed scents of knowledge but aches for what blindness has forever denied her. In the cruelest of ironies, Auli discovers she possesses magic that makes people and Dragons forget her very existence. With this disremembrance, the accursed power of loneliness, she can only despair.
Little does anyone suspect that the fate of all Dragonkind rests in her hands…
WarMage: Unexpected (The Never Ending War series)
Written by Martha Carr and Michael Anderle, narrated by Renee Dorian
Girl meets dragon. Girl works to befriend dragon. A large, red, dangerous dragon.
Raven Alby will have to train her new ride and save the dragon’s life or die trying.
Mix in starting at Fowler Academy as a first-year, becoming a stronger mage, and oh…people disappearing.
It’s all adding up to typical teenager stuff for a young mage.
The first lesson Raven will learn? Don’t ever let anything come between a girl and her dragon.
Imperial Marine (Star Dragon series)
Written by James David Victor, narrated by Trevor Wilson
The first book in the Star Dragon series, perfect for fans of space opera, military sci-fi, and action-packed adventures.
Keel Hennity was one of the greatest gladiators in the universe, the victor of countless glorious battles. He was assigned to guard the most dangerous creatures on his home planet. Then he died, and his life truly began.
When Keel’s consciousness was downloaded into the robotic body of an Imperial Marine, he was tasked with protecting the emperor and controlling the incredibly dangerous creature that ended his first life. Can Keel unlock the secrets of Star Dragons and protect the galaxy from a dragon-human war that could end life as we know it?
ADULT
Queen of the Underworld
Written by Marc Secchia, narrated by Erin Bennett
Centuries after siring a cub with the dragon-goddess Hel, Ares still can’t get her off his mind.
Every war has been fought in her honor; every enemy, slain in her name. When he’s invited to the secluded hills of northern California for prime hunting with his adult son, he’s surprised to find the dragoness who got away is already a guest. This time, she won’t escape him.
Hel doesn’t need anyone, least of all the fire dragon who fathered her only son. He’s brash, crude, and…. absolutely delightful in bed. Resisting him should be easy, but he’s the dragon-god of war, and there’s never been a battle he couldn’t win.
The Uncommon Rider (The Exceptional S. Beaufont series)
Written by Sarah Noffke and Michael Anderle, narrated by Dara Rosenberg
The first dragonrider in over a hundred years has been born…and it’s a girl. Never before has a female been chosen to ride a dragon.
The Elite, a guild comprised exclusively of dragonriders, is dead according to most. No one has seen a rider in decades. The problems they used to fight overwhelm the world. Dragons are thought to be near extinction.
However, the Elite aren’t dead…
It’s just that a bunch of crusty old men who do nothing that benefits the world at large are easy to mistake as useless corpses.
Sophia Beaufont is about to change all of that.
Looking for more sweeping fantasies?
Check out our list of High and Low Fantasies to Transport You This Summer!
