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.
Stick Shift
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I always have access to my favorite content. π Indulging in soothing bedtime stories β this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. ππ I love the bookmarking feature. ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off.
SunnySnap
With ListenBook, I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. Audiobooks have never been this engaging β this app takes them to the next level. ποΈ Elevating grocery shopping to a whole new level β audiobooks make it an adventure! ππ Adjustable playback speed is a brilliant feature. It adds a layer of customization to my audiobook enjoyment. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Father Abbot
I'm impressed by ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically. π‘ This app has made my daily schedule more interesting β 'reading' on the go! π±πΆββοΈ This audiobook was neither good nor bad - simply average. The narrator's delivery was professional but uninspired, and the recording quality was clean though not exceptional. It provided satisfactory entertainment without standing out from similar titles.
Fist Wizard
With this app, I've found a way to turn every moment into an opportunity for learning and enrichment. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Mum Mary
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a feature I can't live without. ListenBook Pro's sharing features allow me to spread the joy of audiobooks with my friends and family. π©βπ³ Cooking up a storm while enjoying thrilling stories β this app adds flavor to my meals! π³π§ This served its purpose as background listening while I worked. I probably missed some details but the narrator's voice was pleasant enough.
Beetle King
I can't imagine my daily activities without this app β it's the perfect way to stay engaged and informed. π± No more lugging around heavy books β this app brings the library to my phone! ππ± Download options are versatile, making it easy to get audiobooks from various sources.
Tweety
Every moment is a chance to explore new stories with this app. Its intuitive features and compatibility ensure my audiobook journey is seamless. ππ§ ListenBook has completely elevated my audiobook experience. It's an integral part of my daily routine.
Marine Dre
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures through stories. πͺ Flexing my reading muscles with this app's easy-to-use controls β I'm devouring books while managing my busy schedule. πΌπ ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true for those epic tales. It's like having a personal audiobook library in your pocket.
Rocky Highway
This app's features, from bookmarking to customizable playback speed, are fantastic. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Crazy Eights
Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my library look organized and visually appealing. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Atlantic Rim
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my content wherever I go. This app has transformed my daily routines into immersive storytelling experiences.
Darkside Isis
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver β no more losing my place in the story! I've recommended this app to all my fellow audiobook enthusiasts. It's a game-changer! I love the car mode. Itβs so convenient for listening while driving. Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If youβre looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
Pocket Mazda
ListenBook's dedication to delivering top-notch audio quality is evident in every detail. No more interruptions β the auto-rewind feature is a genius solution for seamless listening.
LifeRobber
I'm absolutely in love with this app! The interface is so intuitive and user-friendly. ListenBook has become my constant companion, filling my days with captivating narratives. With this app, reading has become an integral part of my daily routine. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback. ListenBook has united my love for audiobooks with my passion for learning. What a brilliant app!
Onion King
I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and broad compatibility ensure every story is a captivating ride. ππ§
Babe
Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is a true marvel. The app's compatibility with CarPlay enhances my driving experience. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an indispensable part of my routine. Automated artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook collection. The playback controls are so responsive. No lag at all.
Squatch
Listening to audiobooks has become my ultimate way to unwind after a long day. πΆπ Enriching my environment with the power of storytelling β audiobooks infuse my home with literary magic. π§π Audiobooks on demand β this app's functionality is a true technological gem. The ability to adjust playback speed and volume is a game-changer for me. ListenBook has changed the way I listen to audiobooks. The app is so easy to use.
Pinball Esq
ListenBook's configurable auto-rewind after interruptions is a smart addition that keeps me on track. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my daily dose of literary magic.
Vicious Street
I can now explore books beyond my preferred genre, broadening my reading horizons. πΆββοΈπ± I'm exploring new worlds while on the move, all thanks to this app's seamless functionality. ποΈπ This app is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. The ability to adjust skip intervals and playback speed is fantastic. I also love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Worth every penny!
Preach Man
I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in stories with this app. I never thought I'd find an app that supports such a wide range of audiobook formats. ListenBook is a true gem! I love the ability to change the font size. It makes reading the titles so easy. The narrator's voice was like butter - smooth, rich, and utterly pleasant to listen to for hours. They handled complex sentences with ease, making even dense material accessible. I never had to rewind because I missed something due to unclear delivery. Perfection!
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