Book description
You know that feeling when you find a character who feels like your best, slightly chaotic friend? That's Murderbot. And in Artificial Condition, the second book in Martha Wells's brilliant Murderbot Diaries series (and a Hugo/Nebula Award winner!), you get to dive deeper into its hilarious, self-loathing, utterly relatable soul. This isn't just a sci-fi thriller-it's a masterclass in voice, perfectly realized as an audiobook.
Imagine the most sarcastic, pop-culture-obsessed, deeply anxious security unit you've ever met, narrating its own existential crisis. Murderbot's internal monologue-full of "I just want to watch my shows" and "Why are humans so weird?"-is pure gold, and the audiobook narrator nails every twitch of its digital personality. You'll find yourself laughing out loud at its deadpan rants about corporate drones or its panic over needing to "interact" with humans, all while it's desperately trying to uncover the truth about its violent past. That past-where it accidentally killed people, leading to its self-christened "Murderbot" moniker-isn't just backstory; it's the driving force of this audiobook, and the tension is palpable.
The audiobook shines when Murderbot teams up with ART, the hilariously named Research Transport vessel (you definitely don't want to know what the "A" stands for). Their dynamic-equal parts reluctant partnership and dry, witty banter-is a joy to listen to, making the tense mining facility mission feel both urgent and deeply human (or, well, bot-like). The pacing is perfect: quick enough to keep you hooked, with enough quiet moments for Murderbot to reflect on its identity. You'll lean into your couch, forgetting the world as Murderbot grapples with questions like, "Am I a monster? Or just a very confused security bot?"
Wells has crafted something extraordinary here: a story about finding your place in the world, wrapped in a cozy, funny, and surprisingly tender package. The audiobook format makes it even more immersive-you can hear Murderbot's anxiety, its reluctant softening, its quiet victories. It's no wonder Ann Leckie (the incredible author of Ancillary Justice) says, "I love Murderbot!"-and now, you will too. Artificial Condition isn't just a great book; it's the perfect companion for a quiet evening, a perfect blend of heart, humor, and a security bot who just wants to be left alone to watch Sovereign while saving the galaxy. Trust me: once you start, you won't want to stop.
Ship Whip
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Universe Bullet
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Fennel Dove
Chapters, configurable auto-rewind, and bookmarks on ListenBook keep me in control of my content. ListenBook has completely elevated my audiobook experience. It's an integral part of my daily routine. Solid performance overall though some character voices sounded too similar. I occasionally got confused about who was speaking in dialogue-heavy scenes.
Beetle King
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Paris Boost
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Mr. Thanksgiving
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CommandX
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Snake Eyes
ListenBook's multiple ways to download audio, including from the internet, are a game-changer. ListenBook's commitment to a seamless user experience is evident in its sleek design and intuitive controls. I love the ability to change the font size. It makes reading the titles so easy.
Proper
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MysticMingle
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3D Waffle
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Midnight Rider
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Canary Apple Red
I've fallen in love with genres I never thought I'd explore, all thanks to this app. ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best. I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch.
Trixie
Listening to audiobooks has never been this convenient and enjoyable! The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile. 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.
Rando Tank
Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique feature that adds a personalized touch to the listening experience. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling.
Fadey
ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. Now I can enjoy my favorite lectures and speeches with ease! I can't imagine a day without this app β it has made my audiobook journey seamless and fulfilling. ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling. The adjustable playback speed is a secret weapon for getting through educational content faster. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my audiobook library look neat and professional.
Coffee
This app has turned even my mundane tasks into exciting learning opportunities. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures I never miss out on any audio gem. ListenBook's detailed statistics feature helps me keep track of my listening habits. It's amazing to see how much I've learned from all those audiobooks! ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a boon for those who enjoy deep dives into lengthy narratives. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Day Hawk
I can't get enough of this app's versatile features β from playback speed to bookmarking, it's all there. π Farewell, boredom during ironing sessions β audiobooks make it a breeze! ππ§ Simplifying my reading routine β this app's ease of use is remarkable. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a major convenience during road trips. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content.
Delicious Wing
I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. An unobjectionable but unexceptional audiobook experience. The narrator's performance was serviceable and the audio quality was fine, but nothing about the production particularly stood out or elevated the material. It was decent background listening.
Switch
Simplifying my audiobook experience β this app's design is remarkable. The app's compatibility with Apple Watch elevates my workouts, making them more engaging and productive.
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