Book description
Hey, you won't believe what I just finished on my headphones-the new Age of Death audiobook from Michael J. Sullivan. It's the fifth book in The Legends of the First Empire, and it hits you right away with that cold, wintry mood that's been building since the first book. The narration is smooth, and the sound design really pulls you into the thick, snowy air of Elan, making every shiver and creak of the frozen river feel tangible.
What makes this one stand out is how it weaves the epic fight between humans and the once-worshiped Fhrey into a story about the dead. The western army is trapped by the tower of Avempartha, and their only hope is to cross the Nidwalden River before the Fhrey uncover the secret of dragons. Meanwhile, a rag-tag group of misfits, including the mystic Suri, must turn to the dead for answers. The idea of the living calling upon the dead is handled with a clever mix of tension and wonder, and the stakes feel higher than ever. The dialogue is snappy, and each character's voice comes through distinctly, so you can tell who's speaking even without seeing the page.
Sullivan's world-building shows up again in full force. The setting of Elan-three thousand years before the Riyria tales-feels both familiar and brand new. You'll notice the subtle references that fans of his other works will appreciate, but even newcomers will find the lore rich and accessible. The audiobook gives you a chance to hear the mythic references to the Aeneid, Dante, and Milton in a way that makes the story feel like a modern epic while staying grounded in its own history.
If you're a fan of epic fantasy that blends mythology with action, this one is a must-listen. It's the second-to-last chapter in the series, so you'll see the payoff of the long-term narrative threads. The pacing is spot on: moments of quiet reflection on the nature of gods and destiny are balanced by fast-paced battles and emotional turns. The narration's pacing keeps you on your toes, and the descriptive passages paint vivid pictures that stay with you long after you stop listening.
Overall, Age of Death delivers the kind of immersive, high-stakes storytelling that made The Legends of the First Empire such a hit. It's a thrilling listen that leaves you eager for the final chapters, and it's proof that Sullivan can keep a fantasy saga fresh and engaging even in its later stages. If you're ready for a deep, atmospheric ride through a world where the living and the dead collide, this audiobook is the perfect pick.
QuantumQuill
Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates with my daily routine. ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve 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! I’d listen to this narrator read anything! Their voice was so expressive and fitting for the material. The story itself was great, but the narration took it to the next level. Definitely a 5-star experience.
Twinkle
The sleep timer is a brilliant addition – I drift off to sleep with amazing stories. Language courses on audiobooks helped me pick up a new language effortlessly. This app's intuitive controls and user-friendly layout have made audiobook listening a true pleasure.
Friday Fox
ListenBook's intuitive design and thoughtful features have made my audiobook experience delightful. ListenBook is a must-have for any audiobook enthusiast. It's reliable, efficient, and a pleasure to use. ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. Unlimited audiobook length? Count me in!
Dr. Jam Man
ListenBook's interface is so intuitive. I was up and running in no time. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a dream for road trips. It keeps me entertained.
Snowflake Pixie
I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities. With ListenBook, I've rediscovered my love for audiobooks. The binaural audio processing is a game-changer for comfortable, fatigue-free listening. ListenBook has become my trusted companion for literary adventures. The app's features are exceptional. Listened to this on a road trip and it made the hours fly by. Even my passengers who weren't following along commented on how nice the narrator's voice was.
Sloth
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my content wherever I go. I can't imagine my life without this app – it has made audiobook enjoyment effortless and convenient. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content. Listening to audiobooks has never been this enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook! The app never crashes. It’s reliable and stable.
Alley Fiend
The audio filters on ListenBook enhance the sound quality, making every listening session a treat for my ears. The statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption – a fantastic way to measure my progress. 🧘♀️☕ Unwinding with a cup of tea and a captivating audiobook – relaxation meets intellectual stimulation. 🍵📖 ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds convenience to my audiobook routine. Auto-rewind feature is extremely helpful. Great functionality.
Moon Cricket
With this app, I've found a way to make my daily errands more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. I'm blown away by the powerful audio downloading options. So versatile! Apple Watch compatibility adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook enjoyment. It's seamless control at my wrist. The narration elevated an already good book to greatness! The performer's subtle vocal variations conveyed nuance I might have missed while reading. Their ability to maintain consistent character voices across many hours was impressive. Technical quality was flawless throughout.
Mad Rascal
I can't believe how much time I've gained by listening while cooking and doing chores. Kudos to the creators for crafting an app that understands audiobook lovers. With smooth playback and thoughtful design, it's a true companion for book enthusiasts. 📚👏
Winded On Friday
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the clarity of recordings and makes my listening sessions more enjoyable. ListenBook’s support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go. I've found my new favorite narrator! Their voice was perfectly suited to this material, with just the right blend of authority and approachability. The production quality was broadcast-level - no distracting breaths, clicks, or inconsistent volume. Already looking for more of their work.
Viceswerve
The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook library. This audiobook kept me company during a long road trip and made the miles disappear! The narrator's engaging performance and the crisp production quality made for an immersive experience. I appreciated how well they balanced drama with clarity - never sacrificing understanding for effect.
Mental Prophet
Audiobooks have made my long commutes enjoyable, and I'm always eager to see what's next. The audio filters on ListenBook enhance the sound quality, making every listening session a treat for my ears. This app's convenience has turned me into an avid audiobook listener.
Pockets
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. 🌟🎧 ListenBook has become my ultimate audiobook companion. It enhances every listening session. ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
California Goddess
I love that I can switch between fiction and non-fiction effortlessly. The selection of classics is a treasure trove for literature enthusiasts. The intuitive interface and seamless navigation make this app a joy to use.
Darkside Orbit
This app's sleek design and intuitive navigation have made audiobook listening a seamless experience. Looping playback is an invaluable study tool. It helps me absorb complex information effortlessly. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to spread the joy of storytelling. A fun feature! Love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Sidewalk Enforcer
Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy! The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Fire Feline
ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze. I've recommended ListenBook to all my fellow bookworms. It's a true companion for audiobook lovers.
Stud
🎧 My daily chores just got an upgrade! Thanks to this app, I can dive into captivating stories while cooking and cleaning. 📚🍳 AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks with friends. 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.
Noisy Girl
Unparalleled support for CarPlay and Apple Watch means I can take my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls – it's a joy to navigate. ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are excellent.
Bug Fire
This app has ignited my passion for reading once again – but in a modern, convenient way. The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly – this app's design is a true winner. I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience so effortless. From downloading to playback, it's a true companion for book lovers. 📚💫 As someone who struggles to focus on audiobooks, this kept my attention the whole way through. The narrator's clear diction and expressive delivery were perfect.
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