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.
Delicious Cupid
The ability to switch between different books effortlessly is a major plus. With this app, I can switch seamlessly between my iPhone and iPad, making my reading experience continuous. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
DARK HQ
ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. Looping playback has made memorization so much easier. I'm acing my exams!
RealmRanger
This app has rekindled my passion for storytelling in the most convenient way. Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
Classy Dancer
This app has become my go-to companion, making my daily routine more exciting and insightful. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a major convenience during road trips. Adjustable playback speed is a brilliant feature. It adds a layer of customization to my audiobook enjoyment.
Blink
With ListenBook, I can effortlessly manage and organize my audiobook library. I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life.
Mr. Thanksgiving
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature elevates my listening experience, allowing me to focus on the content. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the joy of storytelling. 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!
Honey
The app's compatibility with Apple Watch elevates my workouts, making them more engaging and productive. Automatic metadata retrieval adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection. Iβm so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
VisionVoyager
I've been able to explore different cultures and perspectives through a diverse range of books. The playback speed adjustment is a game-changer for busy individuals. Time saver! ListenBook has become my go-to audiobook app. It's dependable, user-friendly, and enhances every listening session.
Jelly Momentum
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§ Looping playback of a single track helps me master difficult concepts. So helpful! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to inspire others to read.
Red Heroine
This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of intellectual discovery β a win-win! With this app, reading is as simple as pressing play β it's genius! The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together. Navigating chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and seamless experience. My study sessions are more efficient than ever, thanks to the looping playback and bookmark features.
Sand Whiskers
Audiobooks have transformed my daily walks into a time of inspiration and learning. ListenBook's innovation, seamless playback, and versatile features make it a standout app. π Long road trips? No problem β this app keeps me entertained mile after mile! ππ πΌ Making every minute count β this app's ease of use ensures I'm always making progress in my audiobook adventures. π±π
MindfulMingle
Thank you for making my reading goals more achievable and enjoyable. A wonderful performance! The narrator captured the mood of the book perfectly, making it easy to visualize each scene. The audio quality was crisp, and the pacing kept me hooked from start to finish.
RDTN
No more limits on the genres I can explore! This app's versatility in downloading and organizing audiobooks ensures I always have a captivating tale at my fingertips. ππ± The app's versatility in downloading audio is impressive. It streamlines the process and saves time. From MP3 to FLAC, this app plays them all flawlessly. Say goodbye to compatibility issues! Easy sharing with friends via AirDrop. Very convenient.
Dakota Bliss
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and powerful features have rekindled my love for audiobooks. The audio filters and precise controls are fantastic! Perfect for studying with its playback controls and audio filters. Excellent app! Auto-rewind feature is a lifesaver. I never lose my place!
New York Winder
This app has transformed my long flights into productive and enjoyable experiences. ListenBook's seamless audio player has turned my listening sessions into moments of pure delight. ListenBook's support for various formats ensures that no audiobook is out of reach. Audiobooks made easy β this app's functionality is truly a gift.
Red Delicious
This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it the perfect companion for any audiobook lover. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a bonding experience made easy through AirDrop and sharing options.
Most Wanted
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a portable audiobook library that I can carry everywhere. The vast selection of titles on this app is a book lover's dream come true. Great for fans of this genre! The pacing, narration, and production quality were all excellent. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. Iβll be checking out more from this narrator for sure.
Babe
ποΈπ§ Soaking up the sun while indulging in beach reads β this app is my ultimate relaxation companion. ποΈπ The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that makes a big difference. It enhances my listening experience.
Washer
ListenBook's unlimited length of audiobooks with the Pro version is a fantastic value for avid listeners. ListenBook has turned my daily routines into audiobook-driven journeys of imagination. Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features have set the bar high for audiobook enjoyment. π±π This audiobook was an absolute pleasure to listen to! The narrator's voice was rich and expressive, perfectly capturing the tone of the material. I found myself completely immersed in the story, often sitting in my car longer than necessary just to hear what happened next. The production quality was excellent with clear audio throughout.
Barbera Shift
This app has turned my cooking sessions into culinary adventures with a side of stories. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
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