Ladies who kick ass in audibook form?
September 28, 2011 9:44 PM Subscribe
Please recommend some fiction audiobooks, not too in-depth, about women kicking ass.
This and have been really helpful Ask questions, and perhaps I'm overlooking some. But I just finished listening to the Hunger Games trilogy and have listened to all the Sookie Stackhouse books. Having been raised on Buffy, I resonate a lot with ass-kicking heroes of the witty female variety or the Hunger Games intense variety, but I can't really listen to anything that considers itself serious literature. (I do, however, have a deep internal need for some inspirational fighting/leadership/collective action undercurrents to my trashy reads.)
These books are for my walking commute to work. So far, I've tried and abandoned a "Ladies' #1 Detective Agency" book (too much prosaic description?) and "American Gods" (Gaiman's thematic repetition really grated in audio in a way it didn't in text, and I don't know why). I downloaded "The Hunger Games" on a whim and got way too into them, and something perhaps less "everyone is doomed forever" would be welcome.
This and have been really helpful Ask questions, and perhaps I'm overlooking some. But I just finished listening to the Hunger Games trilogy and have listened to all the Sookie Stackhouse books. Having been raised on Buffy, I resonate a lot with ass-kicking heroes of the witty female variety or the Hunger Games intense variety, but I can't really listen to anything that considers itself serious literature. (I do, however, have a deep internal need for some inspirational fighting/leadership/collective action undercurrents to my trashy reads.)
These books are for my walking commute to work. So far, I've tried and abandoned a "Ladies' #1 Detective Agency" book (too much prosaic description?) and "American Gods" (Gaiman's thematic repetition really grated in audio in a way it didn't in text, and I don't know why). I downloaded "The Hunger Games" on a whim and got way too into them, and something perhaps less "everyone is doomed forever" would be welcome.
May be a bit too youth oriented for you, but Tamora Pierce writes about kickass heroines kicking ass.
posted by jsturgill at 9:57 PM on September 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by jsturgill at 9:57 PM on September 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
You might be into the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews if you liked Sookie. Urban fantasy, some romance, interesting world, interesting characters, books get better as you go on. Kate is the most badass heroine I've read about in a long time -- she kicks ass left and right, she's witty, and she's likable, a trait that seems to be lacking in UF protagonists.
posted by jingle at 10:14 PM on September 28, 2011
posted by jingle at 10:14 PM on September 28, 2011
Santa Olivia by Jacqueline Carey
posted by exceptinsects at 10:16 PM on September 28, 2011
posted by exceptinsects at 10:16 PM on September 28, 2011
I wasn't overly crazy about the reader for the audiobook version of the Uglies trilogy by Scott Westerfeld, but it works listening to it (I actually had to go buy the books because it was taking too long to listen to them and I needed to know what happened!).
The heroines are very capable and smart and I really loved the entire trilogy. It's a bit lighter and more fun but still a similar feel to The Hunger Games (it's still YA) so some of the same issues of growing up.
posted by darksong at 10:19 PM on September 28, 2011
The heroines are very capable and smart and I really loved the entire trilogy. It's a bit lighter and more fun but still a similar feel to The Hunger Games (it's still YA) so some of the same issues of growing up.
posted by darksong at 10:19 PM on September 28, 2011
Charlaine Harris' Lily Bard series are great to read and available in audio format, although I have no idea how they're read. The heroine has massive sexual abuse history, and has moved on to a small town where she rebuilds her life through independence and martial arts. I personally found the way Lily handles her past and current pain realistic for a rape survivor, and emotionally satisfying. They are much better than her more famous Sookie Stackhouse series.
posted by viggorlijah at 10:38 PM on September 28, 2011
posted by viggorlijah at 10:38 PM on September 28, 2011
I just finished the Millenium trilogy (Stieg Larsson) in audiobook format and they held up well (and you learn how to say all the Swedish stuff correctly). It's not all women kicking ass, but the girl of the titles is very kick-ass, all the other female characters are pretty strong, and the gist of the series is fighting back against a system that oppresses women.
posted by kyla at 10:39 PM on September 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by kyla at 10:39 PM on September 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
Try out Terry Pratchett! A bit of silly irreverence, a lot of giggles. You can start at the beginning and work your way through, or pick your own pairings.
I'm most fond of the ones about Death (in one novel, he takes a vacation. hijinx ensue), the ex who introduced me to Discworld favors the ones about Granny Weatherwax and her sister witches which might fall closer to the strong female character category. No one stronger than Granny *grins*
If you're a fan of Neil Gaiman, see if Good Omens (written collaboratively with Pratchett) is on audio. A demon named Crowley, and a bookworm Angel named Aziraphale are quite fond of earth and want to prevent the coming apocalypse but someone has misplaced the antichrist! There's a rather entertaining female witch who falls in love with a witch hunter, but if you're specifically looking for stories about strong females she's just a side plot. If you want something that might make you giggle your way to work, chances are high this will do the trick.
posted by myShanon at 11:19 PM on September 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
I'm most fond of the ones about Death (in one novel, he takes a vacation. hijinx ensue), the ex who introduced me to Discworld favors the ones about Granny Weatherwax and her sister witches which might fall closer to the strong female character category. No one stronger than Granny *grins*
If you're a fan of Neil Gaiman, see if Good Omens (written collaboratively with Pratchett) is on audio. A demon named Crowley, and a bookworm Angel named Aziraphale are quite fond of earth and want to prevent the coming apocalypse but someone has misplaced the antichrist! There's a rather entertaining female witch who falls in love with a witch hunter, but if you're specifically looking for stories about strong females she's just a side plot. If you want something that might make you giggle your way to work, chances are high this will do the trick.
posted by myShanon at 11:19 PM on September 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
the audiobook for 'carrie' is pretty awesome...of course, she gets HER ass kicked quite a bit before it's payback time...
posted by sexyrobot at 11:40 PM on September 28, 2011
posted by sexyrobot at 11:40 PM on September 28, 2011
Seconding the Uglies books, which are very Hunger Games-y, and Tamora Pierce, if you don't mind YA stuff.
If you like Sookie Stackhouse, I'm going to just admit to my particular dirty little secret here: I love these addictive vampire books, which have a very strong female heroine and lots of good supporting characters as well despite their totally embarrassing covers and titles. I have not listened to them on audiobook, but they are very engaging in actual paper form.
posted by charmedimsure at 11:41 PM on September 28, 2011
If you like Sookie Stackhouse, I'm going to just admit to my particular dirty little secret here: I love these addictive vampire books, which have a very strong female heroine and lots of good supporting characters as well despite their totally embarrassing covers and titles. I have not listened to them on audiobook, but they are very engaging in actual paper form.
posted by charmedimsure at 11:41 PM on September 28, 2011
on embarrassing non-preview, yeah, what pyro979 said
posted by charmedimsure at 11:43 PM on September 28, 2011
posted by charmedimsure at 11:43 PM on September 28, 2011
Since you like kick-ass women, you might enjoy Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. I avoided it for the longest time because of the hype but picked it up at the library for a solo road trip. I listen to a lot of audio books and that was by far one of my favorites. It will work better if you're already familiar with the original story.
Like you I can't listen to anything that takes itself to seriously. Someone above suggested The Hollows series by Kim Harrison, and while I loved reading the first installments of the series, I cannot recommend trying to listen to them. Something about her writing just does work in that format.
I prefer to listen to trashy books. In that vein, I've enjoyed listening to the Undead series by MaryJanice Davidson, and any of Nora Roberts' supernatural trilogies. Both are authors I can't bring myself to actually read but listen to like candy when I'm on the road.
I'll come back if I think of any others.
posted by dchrssyr at 12:01 AM on September 29, 2011
Like you I can't listen to anything that takes itself to seriously. Someone above suggested The Hollows series by Kim Harrison, and while I loved reading the first installments of the series, I cannot recommend trying to listen to them. Something about her writing just does work in that format.
I prefer to listen to trashy books. In that vein, I've enjoyed listening to the Undead series by MaryJanice Davidson, and any of Nora Roberts' supernatural trilogies. Both are authors I can't bring myself to actually read but listen to like candy when I'm on the road.
I'll come back if I think of any others.
posted by dchrssyr at 12:01 AM on September 29, 2011
I've recommended this audiobook before, and do so again: You need Terry Pratchett's "The Wee Free Men," as read by Stephen Briggs.
Nine-year-old Tiffany Aching doesn't know that she's a witch. But when her little brother is stolen by a creature from another world, she begins to discover her talents, and gains the loyalty of a fierce tribe of little blue men who like nothing better than swearing, drinking, fighting and stealing. Even without the wee free men (or, the Nac Mac Feegle, aka person or persons unknown), she's a level-headed, can-do girl who'll fight the forces of enchantment armed with nothing more than a frying pan and the conviction that since she's the person on the spot, it's up to her to deal with things. Even ravenous, evil things.
It's technically YA, but is a well-written, wonderful, funny, reflective read, and certainly meets your criteria for witty, inspirational leadership by a girl.
posted by MonkeyToes at 4:27 AM on September 29, 2011
Nine-year-old Tiffany Aching doesn't know that she's a witch. But when her little brother is stolen by a creature from another world, she begins to discover her talents, and gains the loyalty of a fierce tribe of little blue men who like nothing better than swearing, drinking, fighting and stealing. Even without the wee free men (or, the Nac Mac Feegle, aka person or persons unknown), she's a level-headed, can-do girl who'll fight the forces of enchantment armed with nothing more than a frying pan and the conviction that since she's the person on the spot, it's up to her to deal with things. Even ravenous, evil things.
It's technically YA, but is a well-written, wonderful, funny, reflective read, and certainly meets your criteria for witty, inspirational leadership by a girl.
posted by MonkeyToes at 4:27 AM on September 29, 2011
I came in to vote for Neal Stephenson, but I was going for The Diamond Age. Both books have multiple threads but there's some serious ladies in both. I'm a little more than halfway through ReamDe, his newest. So far I have a pretty good feeling about our main female lead, but there's a way to go...
posted by pupdog at 6:08 AM on September 29, 2011
posted by pupdog at 6:08 AM on September 29, 2011
Lots of suggestions - all listened to, enjoyed and highly recommended. Lots of strong, female leads in scifi/fanasy/mystery settings.
nthing Westerfeld's Uglies/Pretties/Specials/Extras books. 4 short books that combine into a good 40 hr whole. A very interesting take on where our looks/fame obsessed society could take us. You have to suspend a little bit of disbelief about the actual underpinnings of Westerfeld's world-building but the thought provoking end result is worth it.
Bloodsucking Fiends - Christopher Moore - Monty Python or Hitchiker's Guide crossed with any number of vampire series. Laugh out loud, snort your beer out your nose funny at times - what happens when the gift of super strength/immortality/lots of money are gifted to those that really shouldn't have them. Followed by You Suck and Bite Me to complete the story arc. Listening to the 2nd and 3rd books is worth it just to hear the character of Aby Normal.
Stephanie Plum - Janet Evanovich - another quick listen mystery series now into #16+. One For the Money (#1) is where to start. Funny, lightweight, a good time. C.J. Critt is the narrator to look for - perfect for the part of the wisecracking klutzy ex lingerie sales rep bounty hunter from New Jersey.
In Death series - J.D. Robb - Eve Dallas, slightly scifi detective series. Naked in Death (#1) is a good start - there are 20+ more if you like the story and characters. Susan Ericksen is a perfect voice for this series (at least in the first 4 books that I listened to).
Honor Harrington - David Weber - an awesome, extended space opera series (+200 hrs and still rising), Horatio Hornblower with lasers and FTL spaceflight. Lots of listenable techno jargon, heroic battles - well worth the effort if you like this kind of stuff. On Basilisk Station (#1) is arguably the best and really the only place to start. Allyson Johnson is the most readily available narrator and seems OK from a quick sampling but look for Madeliene Bussard's versions (from the NLS library) - her voice characterizations seem just perfect. Unfortunately HH11 - At All Costs seems to have used the worst possible narrator - monotone voice, minimal characterization but by the time you get there you pretty well have to listen to maintain the story.
Mira Grant - Feed - very strong female lead - very current, new media blogging combined with zombies. Interesting and fun, a good listen.
Terry Pratchett's Wintersmith for more Tiffany Aching goodness.
Garth Nix's Abhorsen trilogy starting with Sabriel is quirky but a good listen.
and for something totally unexpected Christa Faust - Money Shot - worth the listen
posted by gsquared at 6:50 AM on September 29, 2011
nthing Westerfeld's Uglies/Pretties/Specials/Extras books. 4 short books that combine into a good 40 hr whole. A very interesting take on where our looks/fame obsessed society could take us. You have to suspend a little bit of disbelief about the actual underpinnings of Westerfeld's world-building but the thought provoking end result is worth it.
Bloodsucking Fiends - Christopher Moore - Monty Python or Hitchiker's Guide crossed with any number of vampire series. Laugh out loud, snort your beer out your nose funny at times - what happens when the gift of super strength/immortality/lots of money are gifted to those that really shouldn't have them. Followed by You Suck and Bite Me to complete the story arc. Listening to the 2nd and 3rd books is worth it just to hear the character of Aby Normal.
Stephanie Plum - Janet Evanovich - another quick listen mystery series now into #16+. One For the Money (#1) is where to start. Funny, lightweight, a good time. C.J. Critt is the narrator to look for - perfect for the part of the wisecracking klutzy ex lingerie sales rep bounty hunter from New Jersey.
In Death series - J.D. Robb - Eve Dallas, slightly scifi detective series. Naked in Death (#1) is a good start - there are 20+ more if you like the story and characters. Susan Ericksen is a perfect voice for this series (at least in the first 4 books that I listened to).
Honor Harrington - David Weber - an awesome, extended space opera series (+200 hrs and still rising), Horatio Hornblower with lasers and FTL spaceflight. Lots of listenable techno jargon, heroic battles - well worth the effort if you like this kind of stuff. On Basilisk Station (#1) is arguably the best and really the only place to start. Allyson Johnson is the most readily available narrator and seems OK from a quick sampling but look for Madeliene Bussard's versions (from the NLS library) - her voice characterizations seem just perfect. Unfortunately HH11 - At All Costs seems to have used the worst possible narrator - monotone voice, minimal characterization but by the time you get there you pretty well have to listen to maintain the story.
Mira Grant - Feed - very strong female lead - very current, new media blogging combined with zombies. Interesting and fun, a good listen.
Terry Pratchett's Wintersmith for more Tiffany Aching goodness.
Garth Nix's Abhorsen trilogy starting with Sabriel is quirky but a good listen.
and for something totally unexpected Christa Faust - Money Shot - worth the listen
posted by gsquared at 6:50 AM on September 29, 2011
Jasper Fforde's Thursday Next series is fun, and light, and Thursday is pretty bad-ass. The setting is super-literary, but the writing is not at all serious.
posted by jacquilynne at 7:27 AM on September 29, 2011
posted by jacquilynne at 7:27 AM on September 29, 2011
S.M. Stirling's Emberverse series is full of ultimate female warriors.
posted by dpcoffin at 11:03 AM on September 29, 2011
posted by dpcoffin at 11:03 AM on September 29, 2011
Seconding the Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde.
I also couldn't finish the Ladies' #1 Detective Agency or American Gods in audiobook format. I do recommend other audiobooks by Gaiman (Neverwhere and Coraline were great).
posted by bCat at 12:11 PM on September 29, 2011 [1 favorite]
I also couldn't finish the Ladies' #1 Detective Agency or American Gods in audiobook format. I do recommend other audiobooks by Gaiman (Neverwhere and Coraline were great).
posted by bCat at 12:11 PM on September 29, 2011 [1 favorite]
bCat, I'm so glad I wasn't the only one to turn off the audio "Ladies' #1."
posted by MonkeyToes at 1:22 PM on September 29, 2011
posted by MonkeyToes at 1:22 PM on September 29, 2011
Laurie R. King's Mary Russell novels are fun and Russell is a pretty kick-ass character. (Note, Sherlock Holmes purists should stay far, far away.)
The audiobooks are pretty good, although I have quibbles with the reader at times. (I wish she had a more extensive and skillful set of accents in her vocal toolbox — so far "character with Indian accent" has sounded like "character with Arab accent" has sounded like "character with Hebrew accent" has sounded vaguely like "character with Russian accent"; "character with American accent" has been tolerable although a little hard on the terminal Rs. And in the one I'm listening to now, Locked Rooms, apparently nobody told her that Dashiell Hammett's name should be pronounced da-SHEEL, not DASH-el. Harrumph.)
posted by Lexica at 2:19 PM on September 29, 2011
The audiobooks are pretty good, although I have quibbles with the reader at times. (I wish she had a more extensive and skillful set of accents in her vocal toolbox — so far "character with Indian accent" has sounded like "character with Arab accent" has sounded like "character with Hebrew accent" has sounded vaguely like "character with Russian accent"; "character with American accent" has been tolerable although a little hard on the terminal Rs. And in the one I'm listening to now, Locked Rooms, apparently nobody told her that Dashiell Hammett's name should be pronounced da-SHEEL, not DASH-el. Harrumph.)
posted by Lexica at 2:19 PM on September 29, 2011
Thomas perry's Jane Whitefield series is well-written and she kicks better ass than anyone else :). Not YA, not as light as Evanovich, but super good, and available on audiobook.
posted by purenitrous at 8:43 PM on September 29, 2011
posted by purenitrous at 8:43 PM on September 29, 2011
bCat YES! Definitely Neverwhere. <3 <3 <3 Door!
Now I need to find it on audio myself...
posted by myShanon at 2:55 AM on September 30, 2011
Now I need to find it on audio myself...
posted by myShanon at 2:55 AM on September 30, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by meta87 at 9:52 PM on September 28, 2011