Where Did the Magic Go? A Quest to Find My Fantasy Audiobooks Again

My love affair with audiobooks started with a single genre: fantasy. It felt like the most natural fit. A full-cast narration could bring a sprawling, fantastical world to life. The narrator's voice became the storyteller, guiding me through epic quests, intricate magic systems, and the clang of swords against shields. Listening to a massive, 30-hour fantasy book felt less daunting and more like a journey I was embarking on. I could get lost in the world while doing the dishes, driving, or walking the dog.

For a long time, this was my primary way of reading. My Audible library filled up with the biggest names in the genre: Brandon Sanderson, Robert Jordan, Joe Abercrombie. Each credit was an investment in a new world to explore.

Then, slowly, I started to drift away.

I'm not sure exactly when it happened. Maybe it was the pull of more "practical" audiobooks—non-fiction titles about productivity or memoirs that felt more immediate. Or perhaps it was simply the siren song of a physical book on my shelf, a desire to hold a story in my hands. I started listening to thrillers and literary fiction, which were great, but they didn't have the same epic scope, the same sense of wonder.

I've been missing it. The feeling of being completely immersed in a world of high stakes and high magic. I've been craving a story that transports me far away from the mundane. I miss the moments of pure escapism that only a truly great fantasy audiobook can provide.

I've come to realize that I've been so focused on "reading" for efficiency that I've forgotten to read for pure, unadulterated joy. I've been listening to books that feel like they're helping me grow or learn, but I've neglected the ones that simply let me dream.

So, I'm making a conscious decision. I'm going back. My next Audible credit is going to be for a fantasy novel. I'm going to put my headphones on and step back into a world where anything is possible. I'm ready to find the magic again.

Have you ever lost your way with a favorite genre, only to find your way back to it later? Share your stories in the comments!