Audiobooks open up a world of convenience, offering a hands-free and immersive storytelling experience. But what if you’re looking to dive into all the best books without breaking the bank?
Look no further—we’ve compiled a list of all the best offerings for free science fiction and fantasy audiobooks in May 2020.
RELATED: 16 of the Best Audiobooks for Sci-Fi and Fantasy Fans
Arthur C. Clarke shorts on SerialBox.com
If you're a science fiction fan, then you won't want to miss out on this collection of legendary author Arthur C. Clarke's free SerialBox audioshorts collection.
Ranging from a 10-minute listen to a 47-minute tale, you even have the opportunity to read along with the narration.
From the chilling tale of "The Parasite," where a man battles a futuristic entity that has taken root inside his head, to "The Nine Billion Names of God," which fuses technology and religion into a rumination on the end of the world, this compendium will scratch an itch for every kind of sci-fi fan.
Have Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone read to you by Harry himself
As a way to keep spirits up during the stay-at-home orders, the official Harry Potter fansite Wizarding World is offering a series of virtual incentives.
Recently, the site announced that week by week they will be uploading all 17 chapters of the first book in the iconic children's fantasy series—read by a celebrity.
The first chapter is read by Daniel Radcliffe, the beloved actor who brought Harry's character to life on screen. While the precise line-up hasn't been revealed, listeners can expect chapters by other members of the wizarding franchise, as well as confirmed appearances by Stephen Fry, David Beckham, and Dakota Fanning.
RELATED: Harry Potter Audiobooks That Will Transport You to Hogwarts
Browse for H.G. Wells Among Spotify's Audiobook Playlists
Whether you're already paying for Spotify Premium or you don't mind some commercials between chapters, don't miss out on the incredible science fiction offerings on this music streaming service.
One of the highlights on the app is the collection of H.G. Wells novels. From a dramatic reading of The War of the Worlds, to the titillating narration of The Time Machine and even the haunting classic The Invisible Man, Spotify truly includes the best of the best of a science fiction icon.
Of course, there are other wonderful options outside of Wells' catalogue, such as 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and The Picture of Dorian Gray.
RELATED: Who is H.G. Wells? Exploring the Sci-Fi Legacy of The Time Machine Author
Search through the offerings on Greatest Audiobook's Youtube channel
For all of your science fiction and fantasy needs, Greatest Audiobook's Youtube page has a playlist dedicated to the combined genres.
To get your fill of fantasy, find the full 2-hour 47-minute readings of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland or famous English literature like Beowulf. For science fiction fanatics, the channel offers great selections like Mary Shelley's Frankenstein or A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs.
RELATED: 9 Imaginative Fairy Tale Retellings
Don't forget about your local public library!
It's the digital age! Many libraries days don't even require you to leave the house to enjoy their incredible benefits.
Log on to their website and make sure you have a library card, then take a stroll through their particular audiobook collection. Libraries are utilizing an array of apps these days, from OverDrive to YourCloudLibrary, so be prepared to do a little extra downloading to your device if you plan to take advantage of the catalogue.
RELATED: 5 Free Books to Read in May 2020
Featured photo: BBC Creative/ Unsplash