Book description
Hey, you have to hear about the second book in the Shades of Magic series. I just finished the audiobook and I'm still buzzing from the sheer energy of it. V.E. Schwab (you know, Victoria Schwab, the same mind behind The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and the Villains series) throws us into a world that feels like a living, breathing map, one that's begging to be explored.
The story opens four months after a mysterious obsidian stone lands in the hands of Kell. Those same four months carry a weight that lingers: he's moved on from smuggling, yet he can't shake the dreams that whisper about dark, magical calamities. And then there's Delilah Bard, the charismatic thief who crosses his path again, and Prince Rhy, wounded, whose fate threads into the larger tapestry. It's a web of characters that feel both familiar and fresh, each pulling the plot toward a crescendo.
What really grabs you is the setting of Red London, a place that's gearing up for the Element Games. These games are not just spectacles; they're a crucial diplomatic dance that keeps neighboring realms united. The energy of the Games-colorful, competitive, full of magic-stands in stark contrast to the underlying tension of a second London stirring from the shadows. Schwab masterfully layers the jubilant pageantry with a looming threat: "a shadow that was gone in the night will reappear in the morning." The stakes are clear-one city's triumph could mean another's downfall.
As an audiobook, the narration makes this all feel even more immersive. The voices capture the grit of Kell's past, the cunning of Delilah, and the regal poise of Prince Rhy. Each scene is delivered with a pace that keeps you turning the page (or in this case, the track) because you're eager to know what happens next. The soundscape-though subtle-adds to the sense of a bustling port and the eerie quiet of the rift.
What's impressive is how Schwab balances the personal with the political. Kell's internal struggle about whether he's ready for this new world of responsibilities is just as compelling as the geopolitical chess game of the Element Games. The writing keeps you on your toes, making you feel like you're right there in the crowd, feeling the thrill of the competitions and the chill of the looming war.
If you're a fan of fantasy that blends high stakes, rich world-building, and dynamic characters, this audiobook is a must-listen. It's a perfect blend of adventure and intrigue, wrapped in Schwab's signature storytelling style. Trust me, you'll want to keep listening until the very last line.
Suicide Jockey
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ThermalMode
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Lumberyard
This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any limitations. Adjusting playback speed has given me greater control over my audiobook experience. I can optimize my learning and enjoyment by customizing the pacing. ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Hairpin
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Noisy Girl
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Bad Bond
Download via WiFi, WebDAV, iTunes β options galore to suit everyone's preferences. 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.
Trash Pocky
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Mad Jack
Being able to download audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. Being able to customize the listening duration is perfect for quick breaks. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like having a personal reading guide. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Blizzard Vixen
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PepperBurst
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Roadspike
Unwinding with a good audiobook has become my favorite self-care ritual. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app!
Flash
ListenBook's audiobook player is a true workhorse β chapters, controls, and filters are all seamlessly integrated. 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.
ByteBard
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Ozzie Treat
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Broomspun
The ability to adjust the playback speed has made my commute even more efficient. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to spread the joy.
Pixy Mox
This app has helped me achieve my reading goals and explore new genres effortlessly. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into any moment. π± Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's ease of use is a booklover's dream come true! ππ₯ π₯ Adding a spark of excitement to my daily routine β this app is my secret weapon! β¨π ListenBook's audio filters have given me the power to tailor my listening experience to my preferences.
Senior Smurf
π₯ Streamlined functionality that's music to my ears β audiobook enjoyment has reached a new level of convenience. π΅π Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to inspire others to read. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a creative way to share the love of literature. Makes listening to audiobooks so easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
NecroBull
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EchoEnigma
This app's convenience has turned my exercise sessions into enlightening moments. Looping playback and shuffle features keep my audiobook sessions engaging and fresh. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. I can focus on challenging content. This audiobook was neither good nor bad - simply average. The narrator's delivery was professional but uninspired, and the recording quality was clean though not exceptional. It provided satisfactory entertainment without standing out from similar titles.
Sweet Manhattan
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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