I love a good spreadsheet, so I made a quick pros/cons list when I was deciding. Cost: Library apps win. Instant Access: Audible/Apple/Google win. Sound Quality: Usually tied among major sellers. Long-term Access: Purchase wins over subscription/loan. Supporting Creators: Purchase or library (libraries pay for licenses). I weighted ‘Instant Access’ and ‘Long-term Access’ highest because I re-listen to favorites. That led me to purchase on Audible. Your weighting might be different. Maybe ‘Cost’ is your top factor. Break it down for yourself. It helps cut through the noise of having too many good choices.
Remember when you could sometimes get free audiobook codes from authors or publishers? That still happens on sites like StoryOrigin or Booksprout, but usually for newer or indie titles. For a big series like 'The Land of Stories' from a major publisher, that's unlikely. The free trial or library borrow are your main avenues. It's a bummer, because I'd love to support the author directly while still getting a freebie, but that's not how the big publishing machine works. Your 'free trial' is effectively a marketing cost absorbed by Audible or Spotify to get you into their subscription funnel. Understanding that helps navigate the options.
I feel like the audiobook medium is perfect for this series. It feels like being read a bedtime story. The library question is tough because it's so regional. A quick Google search for '[Your County] Library OverDrive' should get you to the right portal to search directly.
Sometimes smaller libraries belong to a bigger network. For example, my tiny town library gives me access to the whole county's digital catalog, which is massive. So even if your local branch is small, the digital network behind it might be robust.
Huh, I actually never got around to listening to the audiobook. I read the physical books years ago. Is the audio version worth it for someone who already knows the story? I'm curious if Colfer adds any little asides or if it's a straight read. Might check it out if the library has it.