Book description
Okay, so I just finished Babel as an audiobook, and wow-this is the kind of story that sticks with you long after the last chapter. R.F. Kuang's masterpiece isn't just a book; it's a gut-punch wrapped in historical fantasy, and hearing it narrated? Pure magic. Seriously, the voice actor nails Robin Swift's quiet rage and the weight of his choices as a Chinese student in 1820s Britain. You can feel his internal conflict-this isn't just about learning languages, it's about betrayal, identity, and whether you can change a system from the inside when it's built on your own people's exploitation.
The premise? Brilliant. Babel-the Royal Institute of Translation-isn't just a school; it's the heart of the British Empire's power, using "silver-working" (magic made from translating language) to fuel colonization. Robin's journey from orphaned Canton kid to Oxford student feels so real, especially as he realizes his education is literally weaponizing his own heritage against China. Kuang drops that killer line early: Traduttore, traditore-translation is betrayal. And holy cow, does that ever haunt you. Every time Robin translates a text, you're left wondering: who's really being sold out?
The audiobook makes the tension visceral. You hear the tension in Robin's voice as he debates joining Babel or the Hermes Society (the secret group fighting imperialism). And the climax? When Britain declares war on China over opium and silver? I was literally sitting there, heart racing, thinking no, please don't make him choose this. Kuang doesn't give easy answers-just like real life. Can you reform an empire, or does it need to burn? You'll be debating this with your friends for weeks.
What blows me away is how Kuang ties language to power so seamlessly. It's not just a cool magic system-it's the core of the whole story. The narrator's pacing? Perfect. Slow enough to let the moral weight sink in, fast enough to keep you turning pages (or pressing play). I've never felt so emotionally wrecked by a book that's also this smart and addictive. If you love stories that challenge you while keeping you glued to your headphones? Babel is your next obsession. Press play. You won't regret it.
Bae
ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its user-friendly interface and smooth playback. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening into a personalized experience.
Wild Tesla
The app's features, like the sleep timer, make it clear that it's designed with readers in mind. The family subscription option is a money-saver β everyone gets to enjoy their favorite books. Unlocking a world of literary possibilities, this app's extensive compatibility and user-friendly controls have made audiobook enjoyment an everyday joy. π±π CUE playlist support is a rare gem. Perfect for organizing content efficiently. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy.
Reno Monarch
ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. Looping playback is a study aid sent from heaven. It's helping me ace my exams! 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.
BloodEater
I'm amazed at how this app has made reading such a natural part of my day. The interface is sleek and modern. It's a pleasure to navigate and use the app.
Sienna Princess
πΌ Workday blues? Not anymore β this app turns my office hours into reading time! π»π π‘ Embracing audiobooks while tidying up the house β it's like having a helper! π π Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is such a fun way to spread joy. The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences. 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.
Trouble Mittens
ListenBook has elevated my audiobook enjoyment to a whole new level β it's a must-have for any audio enthusiast. ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. The unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true.
Tomcat
π Ironing has become a joy with audiobooks β wrinkles are no match for these captivating stories! ππ§ ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Force
ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a testament to the app's commitment to audio quality. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve 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!
StarZen
As a language learner, this app has been invaluable in improving my listening skills. I love how this app brings stories to life, even during my morning jogs. 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.
Acid Gosling
π©βπ³ Cooking up a storm while enjoying thrilling stories β this app adds flavor to my meals! π³π§ ListenBook's intuitive layout and quick access to chapters make audiobook navigation a breeze. The basic audio filters are a game-changer. Adjusting playback speed is a breeze. I'm impressed with the wide range of supported formats. Finally, an app that plays all my audiobooks flawlessly. Kudos to the developers for optimizing this app for iOS 16. It runs like a dream on my device.
Highlander Monk
I'm able to enjoy books in a whole new way β while cooking, working out, or even gardening. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a versatile companion for my daily activities. This app is like a personal audiobook concierge! The ability to download and organize audio files effortlessly is a game-changer for my reading routine. π±π ListenBook has become my workout companion. It keeps me engaged and entertained during exercise. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Instant Star
Thanks to ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks without the need for constant synchronization. I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. πΆ Saying goodbye to tangled headphones and complex controls β this app's easy navigation has made audiobook listening a breeze. π΅π Finally, an app that handles all my audiobook formats effortlessly. ListenBook is a must-have!
Midnight Rider
The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing β it's my relaxation therapy. I'm blown away by how this app has made my commutes productive and my downtime entertaining. I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily activities.
Rusty Vortex
This app has turned my long walks into delightful literary adventures. Audiobooks on this app have turned my travels into explorations of new narratives. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Zesty Dragon
ListenBook has brought the joy of audiobooks back into my life in a whole new way. With this app, every moment becomes an opportunity to indulge in fantastic stories. The controls, layout, and seamless playback are a reader's dream. ππ§ The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Third Moon
This app has made multitasking a breeze β I can listen while I work, cook, or exercise. π‘ This app is a brilliant way to squeeze in reading time amidst my busy schedule! π±π©βπ³ ππ Embarking on literary journeys even with my eyes closed β bedtime stories have taken a new form with this app! π΄π§ CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate themed listening sessions, creating a dynamic and engaging audiobook experience.
Woodland Beauty
ππ This app has rekindled my love for books β I can't stop listening! ππ§ Audiobook enthusiasts, celebrate! This app's thoughtful features, like auto-rewind and easy chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our reading cravings. ππ The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook consumption habits.
QuestQuill
Listening to audiobooks has made my daily commute more enjoyable and productive. πΆββοΈπ Staying entertained during leisurely walks β audiobooks make outdoor time delightful! πΆββοΈπ§
Seal Snake
ListenBook's dedication to optimizing for iOS 16 ensures a seamless experience on the latest devices. ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library. This app has turned my gym sessions into immersive storytelling experiences β time flies by! No need to convert files anymore β ListenBook's seamless playback of various formats is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts like me! ListenBook's compatibility with a wide array of audio formats makes it my ultimate audiobook companion.
Dandelion
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick controls make it my preferred choice for audiobook enjoyment. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my listening experience on the go. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a creative way to share the love of literature.
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