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The surprisingly innovative ways audiobooks are made

From 3D sound to nature recordings, audiobooks is a form which is constantly pushing boundaries. Here are some of the best examples.

A flatlay of audiobook covers
Do you know how your favourite audiobook was made? Image: Ryan McEachern/Penguin

You might think audiobooks are a simple matters of an author or an actor reading the words on the page, but you'd be wrong.

Often, they are feats of innovation and creativity that rival film or TV, from newly composed music to special recordings of the natural world.

Here are some of the more surprising recordings from Penguin Random House for you to download and enjoy.

Incredible 3D sound

An improvised surprise

An immersive thriller – with behind-the-scenes detail

A historic conversation brought back to life

A musical audiobook debut

A fictional rock band brought to life

The sounds of nature

Recorded on location

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