James Patterson audio excerpt with MrBeast

People published an exclusive audio excerpt on Aug. 5 from “The Most Dangerous Games,” a forthcoming thriller by James Patterson and Jimmy Donaldson, the YouTuber known as MrBeast. The excerpt was tied to the book’s promotional rollout ahead of its Sept. 1 release, according to HarperCollins and Audible listings. Nolan North narrates the audiobook version, and publisher materials describe the project as a high-stakes survival story built around a mass competition. (msn.com) (audible.com) ### What exactly did People publish on Aug. 5? People said its Aug. 5 feature included an exclusive audio excerpt from “The Most Dangerous Games,” a collaboration between Patterson and MrBeast. (harpercollins.com) The outlet described the book as an “unputdownable survival thriller” and identified North as the audiobook narrator. HarperCollins’ book page separately confirms the title, the co-authors and the Sept. 1 global on-sale date. The publisher also lists audio editions on Audible and Spotify and says North narrates the audiobook. ### What is “The Most Dangerous Games” about? (msn.com) HarperCollins says the novel begins with an invitation sent to 1,000 strangers, with 100 making the cut for a competition. Publisher copy says the contestants face a world “on the brink of collapse” and compete for a chance to save humanity and win $1 billion. Audible’s listing gives the same basic setup and identifies the audio edition as unabridged. The listing says the audiobook runs 10 hours and 14 minutes and is scheduled for release on Sept. 1, 2026. (msn.com) ### Where does Nolan North fit into the project? Audible lists Nolan North as the narrator of “The Most Dangerous Games,” and HarperCollins’ U.K. page says the audiobook includes a special guest appearance from MrBeast. (harpercollins.com) People’s feature also centered on North’s narration in the excerpt it published. People reported that North said performing Patterson’s work was an honor. The outlet framed that remark as part of the exclusive excerpt package published Aug. 5. (harpercollins.com) ### How are Patterson and MrBeast being presented in the rollout? HarperCollins describes the book as a collaboration between “the world’s #1 creator” and “the world’s #1 bestselling author.” Amazon’s print listing identifies Donaldson by his MrBeast name and describes him as the creator behind the most subscribed YouTube channel in the world and founder of Beast Industries. (audible.com) MrBeast’s store is already selling the book, while HarperCollins has posted retailer links for the United States and other markets. (audible.com) The publisher also says a Target edition will carry exclusive packaging and bonus material on the first printing. ### When does the book come out, and in what formats? (msn.com) HarperCollins says “The Most Dangerous Games” goes on sale globally on Sept. 1. The publisher page lists print and audiobook retail options, and Audible’s preorder page shows the same Sept. 1, 2026 release date for the audio edition. Amazon also lists a standard print edition, and HarperCollins’ U.K. page says the audiobook will be available with North narrating. Those listings indicate the current excerpt is part of a broader, multi-format launch already underway. (harpercollins.com) ### What comes next in the release schedule? Sept. 1 is the next concrete date in the rollout. HarperCollins says the book will be on sale globally that day, and Audible lists the North-narrated audiobook for the same date. (harpercollins.com) (audible.com) (amazon.com)