Free Audio Book : A Court of Silver Flames (Dramatized Adaptation), by Sarah J. Maas
20 January 2025
Free Audiobook : The Midnight Library, by Matt Haig
23 January 2025The 2023 Audie Awards were a celebration of stories that did more than just speak—they sang, roared, whispered, and wrapped themselves around listeners like a cherished melody. This wasn't just another awards gala; it was a tribute to the power of words and voices coming together to forge something grander than the sum of its parts.
At the center of this celebration was Viola Davis, whose "Finding Me" took home Audiobook of the Year and Best Narration by the Author, proving once again that when she speaks, the world listens. Rosamund Pike brought Robert Jordan's "The Eye of the World" to life with a performance so vivid it earned her the Best Female Narrator award, while Seth Numrich's compelling narration of Stephen King's "Fairy Tale" clinched him the Best Male Narrator title.
The 2023 winners didn't just tell stories—they crafted experiences, drawing us into universes we were reluctant to leave. This year was a symphony of voices, each one a reminder of why audiobooks are more than just books read aloud—they are tales that linger with us.
The 2023 Winners
Audiobook of the Year & Best Narration by the Author : Finding me, by Viola Davis
Viola Davis delivers a powerful performance in her audiobook, sharing her journey from a childhood marked by poverty in a condemned home to her studies at Juilliard. She recounts finding her artistic identity during her travels in Africa, emphasizing her commitment to acting over celebrity. Davis illustrates how success in the arts often involves an element of luck. Her narration is a one-woman show, intimate and compelling, with a voice that conveys both vulnerability and strength, making for an electrifying listen.
Best Male Narrator : Seth Numrich for Fairy Tale, by Stephen King
Seth Numrich's performance in narrating the tale of 17-year-old Charlie Reade is both poignant and spine-chilling. Charlie forms an unexpected bond with Howard Bowditch, a solitary and grumpy old man, and his elderly dog, eventually inheriting both the house and the pet after Howard's passing. Howard leaves behind a cassette tape, narrated by Stephen King himself, which reveals a nested narrative involving a mysterious shed, a gateway to a fading realm, and Charlie’s role in a scheme for redemption. Numrich distinguishes each character with unique vocal traits, employing growls and snarls for antagonists and even making a simple hum sound menacing. His narration gives the audiobook an intimate feel, as if Charlie is recounting his own story directly to the listener.
Best Female Narrator : Rosamund Pike for The Eye of the World, by Robert Jordan
Rosamund Pike lends her voice to the initial volume of the cherished Wheel of Time saga, delivering a captivating performance over its 33-hour span. Her narration breathes new life into this epic tale set in an age of lore, magic, and mythical creatures. Pike's depiction of the diverse characters, from young Rand and his village companions to the formidable enchantress Moiraine and her loyal protector, is both enchanting and compelling. As the group embarks on a journey filled with dangers from mythical beasts of legend, Pike's narration elevates the experience, making the listeners' journey through this fantastical world both thrilling and immersive. Her storytelling prowess significantly enriches this landmark narrative.
Best Audio Drama : Pipeline, by Dominique Morisseau
Sophina Brown, known from her television roles, heads an exceptional, predominantly African-American cast in this narrative centered around Nya, an inner-city public school teacher. She transfers her son, Omari, to a suburban private school to shield him from their neighborhood's challenges. However, her protective measures seem to fail when Omari faces accusations of threatening a teacher, bringing Nya's worst fears to life. The cast skillfully conveys the palpable tension of the story, but it's X Mayo, as Omari's girlfriend, who emerges as a standout. Mayo delivers a performance filled with clarity, capturing the character's ambition, anxiety, and resilience as she navigates her dreams in jeopardy. This audio production mirrors the intensity and closeness of a live stage performance.
Best Autobiography/Memoir : Unprotected, by Billy Porter
The compelling audio memoir of Billy Porter, an acclaimed performer, is uniquely narrated by Porter himself, whose distinctive voice and vocal range are central to the storytelling. He chronicles his journey from childhood through his ascent in the entertainment world, highlighted by his roles in Broadway's KINKY BOOTS and the television series "Pose." His performance is both deeply personal and theatrically charged: he conveys the anguish of facing violence, sexual abuse, and the hurdles of being a Black, gay man in show business with raw emotion. However, his narrative also sparkles with humor, theatrical flair, and musical interludes. Porter describes his voice as both a shield and a sword, but through this audiobook, he demonstrates that it's also the perfect vehicle for conveying his life's story.
Best Business/Personal Development : Though, by Terry Crews
In this potent memoir, a former NFL player turned actor confronts his struggles with anger, misogyny, sexual shame, and deceit. He delves into the toxic masculinity instilled by his troubled family and the racism he faced, painting a stark but not sanctimonious picture. His narration is marked by humility and an almost childlike sense of discovery, making his voice resonate with the drama of his life in a way that feels gentle yet strong, never portraying himself as a victim. While his narrative is deeply rooted in his experiences as a Black man, the wisdom he imparts transcends racial boundaries. His profound self-awareness and incisive reflections make this audiobook a vital listen for any man seeking personal growth and integrity.
Best Fiction : Mad Honey, by Jodi Picoult
This audiobook, both raw and contemporary, demands your attention. Olivia McAfee has started anew in New Hampshire, tending to her family's bee farm and nurturing her teenage son, Asher. Asher becomes enamored with Lily Campanello, who, along with her mother, has sought refuge in the same town. Tragedy strikes when Lily is discovered deceased and Asher is implicated in her murder, leading to a thorough examination of their lives. Carrie Coon lends her voice to Olivia, capturing her resilience and fear, while Key Taw brings Lily to life, embodying her uncertainty and optimism. The narrative alternates between the two, with Olivia's chapters unfolding in sequence and Lily's jumping around in time, requiring listeners to stay alert to follow the plot's chronology.
Best Erotica : On the hustle, by Adriana Herrera
Best Humor : Happy-Go-Lucky, by David Sedaris
Best Young Adult : Demon in the wood, by Leigh Bardugo & Dani Pendergast
Best Thriller/Suspense : Greenwich Park, by Katherine Faulkner
Best Science-Fiction : Intergalatic Extermintors inc, by Ash Bishop
Best Romance : Delilah Green doesn't care, by Ashley Herring Blake
Best Multi-Voiced Performance : Sparring Partners, by John Grisham
Best Young Listeners : A door made for me, by Tyler Merritt
Best Faith-Based Fiction or Non-Fiction : Dark Angel, by Andrews & Wilson
Best Non-Fiction : The Ransomware hunting Team
Best Middle Grade : Stuntboy in the meantime, by Jason Reynolds
- Best Original Work : Mrs. Wickham, by Sarah Page
- Best Short Stories/Collections : Getaway Secrets Follow You Everywhere
- Best Mystery : The Heron, by Don Winslow
- Best Literary Fiction & Classics : War and Peace, by Leo Tolstoy
- Best Fantasy : The Monsters We Defy, by Leslye Penelope
- Best History/Biography : Summer of '85, by Chris Morrow
- Best Español - Spanish Language : ¡Primera caída! [First Fall!], by Diego Mejía Eguiluz
