Book description
Audiobook Review: A Coming of Age by Timothy Zahn
Timothy Zahn's "A Coming of Age" presents a compelling dystopian narrative that explores the consequences of extraordinary power in the wrong hands. Set on the colonized planet Tigris, this audiobook delivers a thought-provoking examination of societal control and the dangerous potential of unchecked authority.
The story takes place two centuries after the Lost Generation crisis, when children's telekinetic abilities caused widespread chaos before mysteriously disappearing at puberty. Zahn crafts a world where this traumatic history has led to rigid social controls over adolescent populations, creating an atmosphere of tension that permeates the entire narrative.
The audiobook's strength lies in its multi-layered plot structure, following three distinct yet interconnected storylines. Matthew Jarvis, a medical researcher conducting secret experiments, represents the scientific community's temptation to push ethical boundaries. His work on extending telekinetic abilities beyond puberty serves as a catalyst for the central conflict. Meanwhile, the Prophet Omega operates as a criminal figure exploiting children for personal gain, highlighting the darker aspects of human nature. Perhaps most intriguing is Lisa Duncan, whose simple act of learning to read becomes a subversive challenge to authoritarian control.
Zahn's background in physics brings a methodical approach to world-building, making the telekinetic elements feel grounded rather than fantastical. The author skillfully weaves together these separate threads, building toward a climax where Detective Stanford Tirrell and his partner Tonio must prevent societal collapse.
The audiobook format serves this complex narrative well, allowing listeners to absorb the intricate political dynamics and character motivations through skilled vocal performance. Zahn's prose translates effectively to audio, maintaining clarity while preserving the tension inherent in the story's moral ambiguities.
This work stands as an engaging exploration of power, control, and the cyclical nature of history, making it particularly relevant for listeners interested in thoughtful science fiction that prioritizes social commentary alongside its speculative elements.
Ozzie Treat
ListenBook's audio filters are a fantastic addition, enhancing the sound quality of my audio files. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Princess Dove
Now I can enjoy my favorite books anytime, even during workouts. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. Adjustable playback speed is a fantastic feature. It allows me to customize my listening experience. The app is perfect for long walks. It keeps me company the whole time. This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
Fuzzy Claws
πΆββοΈπ§ Enjoying the great outdoors while immersing myself in fantastic tales β walking never felt this magical! ποΈπ Adjustable playback speed and volume control are top-notch.
Dorothy Solitaire
The seamless integration with my car's audio system is a road trip dream. ποΈ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! πΆββοΈπ The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
MindfulMingle
This app's convenience has revolutionized the way I experience books. I'm addicted to this app's ability to seamlessly blend books into my life. π‘ This app truly understands the needs of audiobook enthusiasts β it delivers an effortless and enjoyable listening experience. ππ§ ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like having a library on my phone!
Gothic Gucci
Audiobooks have made my commutes so much more enjoyable, and I'm always excited to listen. ListenBook's audio filters have transformed the way I experience audio content β it's a real game-changer. π± An app that respects my time and delivers on functionality β audiobook listening has never been this effortless. ππ Chapters make navigation a breeze. I can easily pick up where I left off.
Domino
The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. Flawless support for various audio formats. Very happy with it.
Super Flick
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. With this app, my daily commute has transformed into an engaging journey through captivating stories. π‘ This app has made my daily schedule more interesting β 'reading' on the go! π±πΆββοΈ π Reading has never been this easy β this app fits right into my fast-paced lifestyle. ππ« Looping playback is a valuable study tool. It helps me grasp complex content and retain information.
Minty Devil
I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. πΌ Boosting productivity at work with an audiobook in the background β love it! π»π§ The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it. I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch.
Kawaii Red
πββοΈπ Running with purpose β this app keeps my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals! πββοΈπ Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to spread the joy. The statistics tracking is a nice touch. ListenBook helps me keep track of my audiobook habits.
Queen Ginger
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and seamless playback have made it my go-to app. π± Carrying stories wherever I go β this app's convenience allows me to indulge my love for reading on the move. πποΈ ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to share the joy of captivating stories with friends and family. The playback controls are so responsive. No lag at all.
Emerald Goddess
The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks. With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. As an audiobook enthusiast, this app is a dream come true. Its compatibility with various formats and easy navigation make it my ultimate reading companion. ππ§ Playlists and bookmarks are super helpful. Love using ListenBook! Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature!
Bleachers
With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. ListenBook's versatile features have made my audiobook experience more enjoyable than ever. I can't get enough of this app's versatile features β from playback speed to bookmarking, it's all there. ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver!
West Warrior
Audiobook multitasking made easy β this app's functionality is top-notch. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is seamless. I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks during commutes and workouts. ListenBook's auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that ensures I never miss a single word. Tone adjustment is a thoughtful addition that adds a personal touch to the audiobook narration. It's like having a narrator tailor their voice to my preferences.
Apple Nola
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it an essential companion for my daily commutes and workouts. It's convenience at its finest! The app's performance is exceptional, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted audiobook experience. It's clear that it's designed with audiobook enthusiasts in mind.
Day Hawk
I'm amazed at how this app has expanded my reading horizons. This app's versatility and convenience have transformed my screen time into a productive reading journey. Download options are plenty β I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free. The app's compatibility with CarPlay enhances my driving experience. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Star Killer
I can't believe how easy it is to discover new titles and genres. Pure delight! A serviceable audiobook that met basic expectations. The narration was clear if somewhat unremarkable, and the production quality was standard without any noticeable technical issues. It kept me moderately engaged during workouts but didn't leave a lasting impression.
Scratch
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a testament to its innovation. The sleek and user-friendly interface makes navigating the app a breeze. It's a pleasure to use. I appreciate the dark mode option. Itβs easy on the eyes during nighttime listening.
Darkside Orbit
ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. Audiobooks made accessible β this app's ease of use is a true blessing. Streamlined audiobook integration β this app's usability is impressive. I can't get enough of the binaural audio processing. It's like a breath of fresh air for my ears. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Star Killer
ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a seamless addition to my daily routine. Drag and drop downloads are so convenient. No more messing around with complicated steps.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience