Book description
I found myself utterly captivated by Kim Harrison's latest offering, "American Demon" (The Hollows #14), and I simply had to share my experience with you. From the very first spoken word, the narration pulls you into Rachel Morgan's world-a realm that has never felt so alive, so perilously close to its own edges. As an audiobook, the performance is a masterclass in character differentiation, with each voice layered so precisely that the stakes feel tangible even over a digital speaker.
Rachel Morgan returns as the central figure, and the narrative immediately reminds us of the immense power she wields as a witch-born demon. Her reputation for saving the world is no longer a badge of honor; it has become a Pandora's box. The new powers forged in the aftermath of her previous triumphs have inadvertently released an ancient force bound by old magic. The tension is palpable as Rachel confronts a rash of zombies and a series of bizarre murders that threaten to unravel the fabric of her reality.
What I found particularly compelling is the way Harrison intertwines the personal and the cosmic. Rachel's journey is not only about confronting a new, inscrutable demon that has taken up residence in town; it is also a deeply intimate struggle. She must decide whether to sacrifice the one thing she holds most dear in order to save the world she has fought so hard to protect. This moral quandary lends the story an urgency that is rarely achieved in urban fantasy.
The pacing of the audio is flawless. The narrator's crisp articulation allows for a smooth transition between scenes of high tension and quieter, introspective moments. The soundscape, though subtle, adds an atmospheric layer that enhances the mood without overpowering the dialogue. This balance ensures that the listener is never lost, even as the plot twists in unexpected directions.
Another strength lies in the depth of the supporting characters. The familiar allies and adversaries of the Hollows series reappear with the same nuance, their voices carrying distinct histories that enrich the narrative tapestry. Their interactions with Rachel add layers of complexity that elevate the story beyond a simple hero-versus-villain formula.
The overarching theme of "American Demon"-the delicate equilibrium between power and responsibility-resonates throughout. Harrison reminds us that even the most formidable forces can be double-edged, and that true strength often comes from the willingness to endure personal loss for the greater good. The conclusion leaves you with a lingering sense of awe and a profound appreciation for the craft of storytelling.
In short, this audiobook is a triumph of narrative and performance. It offers a fresh, thrilling chapter in the Hollows saga, while exploring themes of sacrifice, destiny, and the unforeseen consequences of wielding power. I could not recommend it more highly to anyone who enjoys richly drawn characters, suspenseful pacing, and a world where the supernatural is seamlessly woven into the everyday.
Celtic Charger
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Pop Bee
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Scuffs
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Dancing Madman
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LifeRobber
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Instant Star
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Queen Bee
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Lime
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Metal Lady
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Mallow Man
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Pluto
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Star Scratch
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ByteBard
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InsightfulInk
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NightDream
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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