The best sci-fi audiobooks to listen to right now

Shoot into outer with Adrian Tchaikovsky's high-octane, far-future space opera series, narrated by actress and TV presenter, Sophie Aldred. Eighty years ago, Earth was destroyed by an alien enemy. So mankind created enhanced humans ­such as Idris – who could communicate mind-to-mind with our aggressors. Then these ‘Architects’ simply disappeared and Idris and his kind became obsolete. Now, Idris and his crew have something strange, abandoned in space. It’s clearly the work of the Architects – but are they really returning? Shards of Earth is the first epic story in the Final Architecture trilogy. 

In the final high-octane instalment of Adrian Tchaikovsky's Final Architecture space opera trilogy, Idris Telemmier has uncovered a secret that changes everything – the Architects’ greatest weakness. A shadowy Cartel scrambles to turn his discovery into a weapon against these alien destroyers of worlds. But between them and victory stands self-interest. For all fans of Adrian Tchaikovsky, this is a characteristically gripping, thought-provoking and energetic finale, narrated by Sophia Aldred. 

Salvation is the first book in The Salvation Sequence. Set in a future where advanced alien technology holds the key to our survival, the story follows multiple characters across different timelines and galaxies. Unravelling deep conspiracies, uncovering ancient secrets, and exploring the vast expanse of the universe, this captivating audiobook takes you on a mind-bending adventure filled with suspense, dazzling technology, and unforgettable characters. Prepare to be immersed in a masterfully crafted narrative that will leave you craving for more.

To Sleep in a Sea of Stars is the epic science fiction audiobook from New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author, Christopher Paolini. Listeners follow xenobiologist Kira Navárez as she discovers an alien relic that thrusts her into the wonders and nightmares of first contact. Epic space battles for the fate of humanity ensue, taking her to the farthest reaches of the galaxy and, in the process, transform not only her – but the entire course of history.

Arkady Martine's debut sci-fi novel is an immersive political space opera for fans of Ann Leckie and Iain M. Banks. A Memory Called Empire introduces the idea of a technology by which a select few can carry their predecessors in their minds and take advantage of their wisdom and memories - a fascinating theme for the reader to wrap their head around. Listeners can follow up A Memory Called Empire with the second book in the Texicalaan duology, A Desolation Called Peace. 

Set in the same universe as the Arthur C. Clarke award-winning Children of Time, Children of Ruin sees humanity return to the abandoned world called Nod, colonised by terraformers aeons ago. But the ancient terraformers awoke something that was better left undisturbed, and it’s been waiting for humans to return. Immerse yourself in the atmospheric audiobook read by actress and comedian, Mel Hudson.

For those who have already listened to Children of Ruin, join Mel Hudson again as she sends us back to outer space in Children of Memory. When Earth failed, it sent out arkships to establish new outposts. So the spaceship Enkidu and its captain, Heorest Holt, carried its precious human cargo to a potential new paradise. Generations later, this fragile colony has managed to survive on Imir, eking out a hardy existence. Transport yourself to another planet in the final leg of the trilogy, with Mel Hudson’s talented story-telling. 

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy has been a radio show, TV show, stage play, comic book and film. One Thursday lunchtime the Earth is unexpectedly demolished to make way for a new hyperspace bypass. It's the final straw for Arthur Dent, who has already had his house bulldozed that morning. But for Arthur, that is only the beginning. Douglas Adams’s sci-fi masterpiece is read by master of comedy and audiobook narrator aficionado, Stephen Fry.

Weaponized is a thrilling far-future adventure by acclaimed science fiction author Neal Asher. After living for more than twice the normal human lifespan, Ursula is struggling to find purpose. After being dismissed from the Polity's military, she heads for the stars to seek a simpler, more meaningful existence. And after founding a colony on the hostile planet of Threpsis, Ursula finally feels alive, until deadly raptors attack and the colonists are forced to adapt in unprecedented ways. With narration from award-winning Peter Noble, this is an unmissable sci-fi adventure. 

In this chillingly resonant dystopian adventure, two versions of America are locked in conflict. The New American Commonwealth is caught in a deadly arms race with the USA, its parallel-world rival. However, all factions soon confront a far greater danger. In their drive to explore other timelines, high-tech USA awakened an alien threat. This force destroyed humanity on one version of Earth. And if the two superpowers don’t take action, it will do the same to them. Invisible Sun follows Empire Games and Dark State. The series' imaginative world-building and humour is brought to life by the audiobook.