Book description
# A Realm Undone: Fantasy That Hits Different
The audiobook experience that kept me up way past my bedtime
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Let me be upfront: I've been burned by fantasy audiobooks before. Too often, they're either painfully slow or so rushed you miss crucial world-building details. A Realm Undone? This one grabbed me from the opening lines and didn't let go.
## What Makes This One Special
First-time author J.L. Lienhardt doesn't just throw magic and monsters at you. There's real weight to the conflict here:
Alia's complicated relationship with her homeland feels authentic, not manufactured for drama
The magical politics actually make sense (a rarity in fantasy)
Lena's illness adds genuine stakes that aren't just "save the world" generic
## The Narration Game
I listened to the audiobook version, and wow. The narrator captures Alia's weariness perfectly - you feel every year of exile and every sleepless night worrying about her daughter. When the action hits, it's crisp and clear. No muddy dialogue or confusing character voices here.
## The Mother-Daughter Dynamic
This is where A Realm Undone really shines. Alia isn't your typical chosen one. She's a mother first, magical badass second. Her decisions make sense because they're rooted in protecting her kid, not some prophecy nobody asked for.
The tension between her personal vendetta against Mandal and Lena's medical needs creates this delicious moral complexity that most fantasy skips entirely.
## Real Talk: The Magic System
Here's what I appreciated - the magic isn't just "she's powerful, trust me." You understand the cost of Alia's abilities, both politically and personally. The author does the work so you don't have to guess.
## Bottom Line
If you're tired of fantasy that feels like it's checking boxes, A Realm Undone offers something genuinely fresh. It's got the epic scope you want with the emotional depth you need.
Perfect for listeners who want their fantasy served with real stakes and zero plot armor.
Coming 2026 from Rising Action Publishing - mark your calendars.
Hemlock
🌌 Elevating my reading routine – this app's functionality is the key to unlocking new worlds of storytelling. 📚🔑 Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's ease of use is a true asset. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Bridge Whip
ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its powerful features and seamless performance. No more converting files – this app effortlessly handles various formats, saving me time and effort. Automatic metadata retrieval adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
ZenaCake
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook is a fun feature that adds a unique touch to my audiobook experience. This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true delight. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
Apex
I'm in awe of how this app has made reading seamlessly fit into my lifestyle. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fun way to experiment with the audiobook experience. The quick access to chapters and controls makes the app a joy to use. I'm always in control. I love how customizable the playback speed is. It makes listening so much more enjoyable. I love the auto-rewind feature. It’s great for when I zone out.
Coffee
The sleek design and easy navigation are visually pleasing and user-friendly. I love how this app makes even the most mundane tasks exciting with audio stories. 🧘♀️☕ Unwinding with a cup of tea and a captivating audiobook – relaxation meets intellectual stimulation. 🍵📖 With ListenBook Pro, long audiobooks are no problem. I love it! I appreciate the dark mode option. It’s easy on the eyes during nighttime listening.
InsightfulInk
ListenBook's support for various audio formats means I never have to worry about compatibility issues. With this app, I'm discovering the joy of reading during my commutes. ⭐️ Who knew cleaning could be this exciting? This app turns chores into adventures! 🧹🏰 CarPlay compatibility is a fantastic addition. It enhances my driving experience with seamless audiobook integration. Binaural audio processing reduces fatigue during long listening sessions. A fantastic feature!
Forger
The versatility of this app is mind-boggling. It's like a one-stop solution for audiobooks. ListenBook’s interface is beautiful and functional. It’s my favorite app for audiobooks. An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
Airport Hobo
ListenBook's commitment to delivering an exceptional audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. ListenBook Pro offers amazing value with unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction features. I can't get enough of this app – it's a true game-changer for book lovers. The variety of supported formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from different sources hassle-free. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Spunky Chick
The 'Discover' section is a treasure trove for finding hidden literary gems. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my content wherever I go. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made a significant difference in the clarity of recordings.
PixelPioneer
Unwinding with a good audiobook has become my favorite self-care ritual. 🎶📚 Replacing tunes with stories – my house is alive with the sound of narration! 🎧🏠 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings. Packed with useful features. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook app.
Miss Fix It
This app has turned my long walks into delightful literary adventures. ListenBook's support for looping and shuffling playback adds versatility to my audiobook enjoyment.
Stickers
I've fallen in love with genres I never thought I'd explore, all thanks to this app. ListenBook's intuitive controls and beautiful layout make my audiobook experience a delightful one. Effortlessly managing my audiobook library – this app's design is a triumph. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch.
Miss Rum Punch
This app is a time-saver – I can 'read' even when I'm on the move. 🎉 Rekindling my literary flame – this app has brought back the joy of reading in a whole new format. 📖🚀 Say goodbye to monotony – this app's diverse format support and intuitive controls have turned my daily activities into thrilling audiobook adventures. 📱🔊
Blister
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! Every moment is a chance to dive into a new adventure with this app. Its smart controls and comprehensive format support ensure that my audiobook journey is a seamless one. 🌌🎧 ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a joy to use. It's a seamless experience. Noise reduction and voice tone changing are brilliant features.
Beetle King
ListenBook has become an essential part of my day, enhancing my commute and allowing me to enjoy audiobooks like never before. ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience. The app is perfect for people who love to read but don’t have the time.
Gamer Bean
Being able to customize the listening duration is perfect for quick breaks. Audiobooks have become my travel companions, and this app is my guide. 🎉 Adding a touch of magic to mundane tasks – this app turns errands into epic quests! 🛒📖 An absolutely stellar production from start to finish! The narrator's command of pacing and tone was masterful, knowing exactly when to speed up for excitement or slow down for dramatic effect. The audio quality was pristine with no distracting mouth sounds or uneven volume.
Moon Cricket
Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is truly remarkable. Say goodbye to cumbersome interfaces – this app's intuitive controls and user-friendly design have elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. 📱🔊
Greek Rifle
Managing my audiobook collection is a pleasure thanks to this app's usability. Audiobook enjoyment has never been this convenient. This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and enjoyable. 📚👌 I'm impressed with the wide range of supported formats. Finally, an app that plays all my audiobooks flawlessly.
21st Street
ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasn’t blown away. The narrator’s performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat.
Sneaky Lady
Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. ListenBook's dedication to optimizing for iOS 16 ensures a seamless experience on the latest devices. ListenBook's attention to detail is commendable. Every aspect of the app is well-crafted.
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