Book description
A Spindle Splintered Review: Because Apparently "Sleeping Beauty Grows Up and Gets Snarky" Wasn't a Thing Yet
Look, we've all wondered what would happen if Sleeping Beauty actually survived past her magical coma and had to deal with the administrative nightmare of living in a fairy tale world. Alix E. Harrow wondered too, and thank goodness she wrote it down because apparently someone needed to explain to fairy tale princesses that "true love's kiss" is not a viable healthcare plan.
This audiobook is like if your favorite sarcastic friend got dropped into a Disney movie and immediately started unionizing the woodland creatures. Zinnia Gray is basically what happens when you give Sleeping Beauty a personality transplant and a healthy dose of millennial cynicism. Her twenty-first birthday - which, spoiler alert, is also her last birthday thanks to a mysterious industrial accident - becomes less of a celebration and more of a cosmic joke that she's determined to heckle until it laughs back.
The narration (which I'm told is absolutely delightful, though I may have dozed off during that part - sorry, couldn't resist) carries you through Zinnia's journey as she literally falls through fairy tale dimensions. Because apparently the universe thought, "You know what Sleeping Beauty needs? A portal gun and a severe attitude problem."
Harrow's writing has that particular magic where she takes stories you thought you knew and gives them a gentle shake until all the interesting bits fall out. It's "Fractured Fables" for people who grew up questioning why anyone thought spinning wheels were acceptable workplace equipment. The humor is sharp enough to cut through royal nonsense but warm enough to make you actually care about these characters beyond their storybook functions.
This is the kind of audiobook that makes you grateful for fairy tales while simultaneously questioning every life choice made by their protagonists. Perfect for anyone who's ever wondered if maybe the dragon had a point, or if the princess maybe should have read the fine print on that whole "cursed to sleep forever" contract.
Recommended for fans of retold fairy tales, snarky heroines, and people who think "happily ever after" sounds like a pretty boring retirement plan.
Venious
Thanks to ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks without the need for constant synchronization. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app! 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.
Pecan Oblivion
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and precise controls make it a joy to use every day. Audiobooks have never been this accessible β this app is a true innovation. ListenBook is my daily companion, turning mundane tasks into exciting audio adventures. With ListenBook, I can enjoy my own audio content with unparalleled ease and comfort. π§ Finally, an app that understands my need for convenience and ease of use! Audiobooks have never been this accessible. ππ±
RedFeet
Audiobook listening has never been this easy and convenient β it's like having a personal narrator. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury β it's an essential part of my day. πββοΈπ Experiencing stories while staying active β this app's functionality enhances my walks and runs like never before. π§ποΈ ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use.
Jersey
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures through stories. Elegant design and easy-to-use interface. Very happy with ListenBook. The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. The narrator was good but spoke a bit too slowly for my taste. I had to speed it up to 1.2x which then made some parts sound slightly unnatural.
Video Game Heroine
The 'Continue Listening' feature ensures I never lose my place, no matter where I am. I've found hidden gems in genres I never thought I'd be interested in. The statistics tracking is a nice touch. ListenBook helps me keep track of my audiobook habits. 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.
Raid Bucker
Audiobooks have become my preferred way to unwind β and this app is my partner in crime. ListenBook has transformed my daily commute. I look forward to my journeys with this app by my side. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively. I was thoroughly impressed by this audiobook. The combination of engaging content and skilled narration made my daily commute something to look forward to. The narrator's timing and intonation were spot-on, enhancing rather than distracting from the material. Definitely worth a credit!
Murder Cherry
ListenBook's dedication to optimizing for iOS 16 ensures a seamless experience on the latest devices. ListenBook has revolutionized my audio experience, making it both personalized and engaging. I'm hooked on this app's effortless downloading process β I can have my favorite audiobooks in seconds. π Simplifying my reading routine β this app's user-friendly design ensures I'm always in sync with my favorite stories. πβ¨ Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze.
Vicious Street
Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and broad compatibility ensure every story is a captivating ride. ππ§ The download options are versatile, making it a breeze to get my favorite audiobooks on the go.
Keystone
Audiobooks have become my travel companions, and this app is my guide. This app's ease of use has made my downtime more enriching and enjoyable. βοΈ A round of applause for an app that prioritizes functionality β I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and other tasks. ππ§ ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine, becoming an indispensable companion for various activities. Its user-friendly interface, features, and performance make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts.
Tangerine
Kudos for the thoughtfully curated collections β I'm discovering hidden gems! I'm impressed by how much more I'm learning through audiobooks compared to traditional reading. π§ My daily chores just got an upgrade! Thanks to this app, I can dive into captivating stories while cooking and cleaning. ππ³ πͺ Flexing my reading muscles with this app's easy-to-use controls β I'm devouring books while managing my busy schedule. πΌπ
Hen Skittle
ListenBook has turned my downtime into an opportunity for exploration and growth. Looping playback is a study tool that I can't live without. It helps me master challenging content.
Doughboy, Esq
I'm impressed by ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my downtime more enriching and meaningful. π± It's like having a personal audiobook library at my fingertips! This app's functionality is a dream come true for book lovers. ππ₯ I've never experienced such a smooth audiobook player. The playback is seamless. The app's compatibility with CarPlay has made my road trips so much more enjoyable.
Spunky Chick
ListenBook is my daily companion, turning mundane tasks into exciting audio adventures. πΌ Merging work and pleasure β audiobooks keep me company during house admin tasks! π»π§ Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys β this app's ease of use is a delight. I love the variety of themes available. It makes the app feel personalized. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
Chameleon
The selection of classics is a treasure trove for literature enthusiasts. With this app, reading has become an integral part of my daily routine.
Trash Master
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features make it easy to keep my content at my fingertips. ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs. Adjustable playback speed is a fantastic feature. It allows me to customize my listening experience. With its powerful audio downloading features, I can have my favorite audiobooks ready to go, anytime and anywhere.
Cougar Fuzz
As a visually impaired person, this app has opened up a new world of stories for me. Listening to audiobooks while cooking has made meal prep much more enjoyable. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my immersion in every audiobook, regardless of surroundings. Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration. Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments.
Midnight Rambler
With ListenBook, I've found a versatile and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. The app's compatibility with CarPlay has made my road trips so much more enjoyable. The import process is seamless. I had no trouble adding my audiobooks.
McDreamy
I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. The seamless integration with CarPlay adds convenience and entertainment during my daily commutes.
Dorothy Solitaire
I've been able to tackle my reading list like never before, thanks to this app. π Turning road trips into unforgettable adventures β audiobooks keep me entertained on the journey! ππ Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around. This is exactly what I look for in an audiobook! The narrator's pleasant voice and excellent diction made even complex passages easy to follow. I appreciated the subtle but effective use of pauses and emphasis that added depth to the listening experience. Finished it in record time because I couldn't stop listening.
Predator
I'm constantly amazed by the vast selection β there's always something new to discover. ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. 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!
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