Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is the first Full-Cast Audio Edition available on Audible.
As the nights grow longer and colder, many are swapping time outdoors for cosier activities like books and board games. For those who’d prefer to listen rather than read, audiobooks are the perfect way to settle in and get lost in a good story – and this winter, the magic of Harry Potter is returning like never before.
Audible has just launched the Harry Potter: Full-Cast Audio Editions, beginning with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. This reimagined version transforms J.K. Rowling’s beloved debut novel into an immersive experience led by an impressive cast of all-star actors.
Currently, subscribers to Amazon Music Unlimited can listen to the new Harry Potter audiobooks as part of their membership, with one free audiobook included each month. Otherwise, the audiobook can be purchased standalone for £17.99 from Audible.
New users can also enjoy a 30-day free trial of the service, which also includes streaming access to 100 million songs plus top podcasts ad-free, giving them the perfect excuse to rediscover the story that started it all.
Narrated by Cush Jumbo, each new Harry Potter audiobook will feature performances from the likes of Hugh Laurie as Dumbledore, Riz Ahmed as Snape, and Matthew Macfadyen as Voldemort. Presented in Dolby Atmos with a brand-new cinematic score, this production is sure to bring Hogwarts and the rest of the wizarding world vividly to life.
The Book One of Harry Potter audiobook is available from Amazon
£10.99
Free for 30 days
Amazon
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The new editions bring together hundreds of voices led by an all-star cast, including Hugh Laurie (Albus Dumbledore), Riz Ahmed (Professor Snape), Matthew Macfadyen (Lord Voldemort), Michelle Gomez (Professor McGonagall), Keira Knightley (Professor Umbridge), and Kit Harington (Professor Lockhart), with narration by Cush Jumbo.
Subsequent book instalments will launch monthly. The second, Chamber of Secrets, will see Kit Harington take on the role of the smarmy and conceited Gilderoy Lockhart, while Keira Knightley will portray the antagonistic Professor Dolores Umbridge introduced in the fifth book, Order of the Phoenix.
Although the new Harry Potter series is exclusive to Audible, other services are available for those wishing to explore the wider world of audiobooks. Spotify currently includes 15 hours of audiobook listening time with Premium, and its catalogue includes over 500,000 titles. Plans start at £12.99/month, with audiobook add-ons available for topping up listening credit.
Apple Books is another popular store for ebooks and audiobooks that’s compatible with iPhones, iPads, and other Apple devices. The app itself is free and there’s no subscription — instead, titles are priced individually, although there are also thousands available at no cost.
As for the new Harry Potter audiobook, listeners are loving it so far. It’s already rated 4.3/5 on the Audible website with over 500 reviews. As part of a glowing five-star review, one customer said: “I genuinely have nothing critical to say about this. I was a bit hesitant at first as I love the original stories so much, and had seen a couple of tepid reviews, but the care and effort that has gone into this has BLOWN my mind. It is exactly like what I wish the films were.”
A second added: “I did not want this book to end. It’s such an immersive experience, every footstep, every swish of a wand, it’s so real. The cast are fantastic and the music is beautiful. Can’t wait for the next one.” A third listener shared a small piece of advice in their review: “Loving everything about this audiobook, the voice actors, the music, the background noise. All fantastic. Use headphones for the best experience.”
For one customer, it wouldn’t beat the original audiobooks, but they left five stars nonetheless: “Whilst it’s no Stephen Fry narration, I believe it is a fresh perspective of one of the greatest stories! Hugh Laurie as Dumbledore is definitely a highlight!”
Another agreed: “If you want the books narrated as a story, nothing will ever beat Stephen Fry. But if you want a performance, as if you were watching a play or movie, then this is excellent. Casting is superb, narrator is great, and the background and added effects grow on you over time and really add a layer of depth which makes you feel like you are fully immersed.”
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Full-Cast Edition) can be received as part of Amazon Music Unlimited’s deal, with the subsequent books to be released monthly.
