Book description
H.G. Parry's A Far Better Thing reimagines literary history with devastating precision, weaving a standalone portal fantasy where the ghosts of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell and A Tale of Two Cities collide amidst the French Revolution's chaos. Parry masterfully reframes Sydney Carton not as a sacrificial hero but as a stolen changeling, a mortal servant of the Faerie Realm whose childhood abduction fuels a meticulously plotted revenge against both the fae and Charles Darnay, the human child left in his place. The narrative's brilliance lies in its dual tension: Carton must navigate the Reign of Terror's escalating violence while concealing his true identity and intentions from humans and fae alike, using cold iron and Realm silver as both weapons and masks. Narration carries the weight of this fragile deception, rendering the historical backdrop not merely setting but a character in its own right-the guillotine's shadow looming as Carton confronts a choice that transcends personal vengeance, demanding a sacrifice that redefines mercy itself. Parry avoids melodrama by grounding the fantastical in visceral detail: the scent of Parisian streets during the Terror, the chilling precision of faerie magic, the quiet desperation of a man who has never known freedom. The prose, structured with legalistic clarity, dissects Carton's moral calculus without simplification, forcing readers to sit with the unbearable truth that the "best of times" he feared may be the only way to end the cycle of violence begetting violence. This is not merely a reimagining of Dickens; it is a profound meditation on what redemption costs when history itself is a weapon. The audiobook's pacing mirrors Carton's own careful maneuvers, each chapter a deliberate step toward an ending that resonates with the quiet, devastating weight of true consequence.
Alley Frog
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is fantastic. ListenBook has enriched my life with a diverse range of content, all at my fingertips. This app's sleek design and intuitive features make it my trusted partner in exploring new narratives. 🎉 The ease and functionality of this app make it my go-to choice for immersive audiobook experiences. 📱🎧 Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature!
Coldy
I can't believe how much I've 'read' since I started using this app. This app has transformed my daily routine into moments of literary delight. ListenBook's Pro version is worth every penny. The noise reduction feature makes even noisy environments an ideal place for immersive listening. CarPlay compatibility takes my driving experience to a whole new level. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldn’t call it unforgettable.
Boost
Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the joy of storytelling. The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
Jelly Momentum
It's like having a personal library that fits in my pocket – truly amazing! I love that I can download content directly from the internet within the ListenBook app – so handy! This app has revolutionized my daily routine – I can't imagine life without it.
ForumFusion
ListenBook's audio filters have transformed the way I experience audio content – it's a real game-changer. This was my first audiobook in this genre and I'm hooked! The performance brought the story to life in a way reading never could. Already downloaded another by the same narrator.
FireBerry
ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent user experience sets a new standard in audiobook apps. ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks, lectures, and speeches an absolute pleasure. Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. Accessing literary treasures has never been this straightforward – thank you, app! The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds.
Titanium Ladybug
The app's compatibility with various devices ensures I never miss a moment of my book. With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. Audiobooks made simple – this app's functionality is a breath of fresh air. Audiobook pleasure simplified – this app's design is a standout. This was my first audiobook in this genre and I'm hooked! The performance brought the story to life in a way reading never could. Already downloaded another by the same narrator.
Plenty Orange
The app's interface is sleek and modern, making it a joy to use. Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable.
Freeway
With ListenBook, I've found a reliable and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. ListenBook's library organization and book groups help me keep my content neatly sorted.
Sugar Apple
I've started reading more books than ever before, all thanks to this app. The layout of ListenBook is so beautiful and user-friendly, making it a pleasure to use. I'm on a literary adventure wherever I go, all thanks to this app. Its extensive format support and effortless navigation make audiobook listening a breeze. 🌟📚 Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is such a fun way to spread joy.
Toxic-oxide
I've become a more empathetic listener and reader, thanks to the power of audiobooks. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my content wherever I go. I can't get enough of this app's convenience – it has transformed my audiobook journey into a joyous experience. 💼 Making work hours fly by with captivating stories – a true work-life balance! 💻📖 The audio filters to adjust playback speed and volume are a fantastic addition for customizing my experience.
WordWanderer
ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a testament to the app's commitment to audio quality. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. The app's versatility in audio downloading is impressive. It's a one-stop solution for all my content. Tone adjustment is a brilliant addition that lets me personalize the narration to my liking. It adds an extra layer of connection to the audiobooks. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
StorySculptor
I've started a book club with my friends, and this app has been our go-to source for titles. With ListenBook, I've unlocked a world of educational and entertaining content right at my fingertips. I can't get enough of this app's convenience and the endless possibilities it offers. ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
Lady Killer
Audiobooks have transformed my daily walks into a time of inspiration and learning. The intuitive interface and seamless navigation make this app a joy to use.
Killer Grenade
I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. The ability to adjust playback speed is a fantastic study aid. I'm absorbing information faster than ever. The noise reduction feature in ListenBook Pro is a game-changer for enjoying clear recordings. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Cupid Dust
I'm amazed at how this app's features cater to audiobook enthusiasts' every need. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features have become indispensable tools in my audiobook learning. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
Granola Dove
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. ListenBook's multiple ways to download audio, including from the internet, are a game-changer.
Trash Master
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear listening in noisy environments. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my audiobook experience, ensuring I catch every detail.
Bad Beret
The audio filters to adjust playback speed and volume are a fantastic addition for customizing my experience. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a thoughtful gesture that ListenBook makes seamless. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very pleased. A decent listen overall. The narration was clear, though some character voices sounded similar. The story was interesting but had moments where it dragged slightly. Still, it was a good way to pass the time.
Miss Rum Punch
ListenBook has brought a whole new level of convenience and enjoyment to my audiobook experience. I love how this app seamlessly integrates into my busy schedule, making multitasking a breeze. Automated artwork and metadata extraction keeps my audiobook library visually appealing. With features like auto-rewind, I never lose my place when I pause listening.
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