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.
Crash Test
ListenBook's drag and drop downloads from web browsers are a time-saving feature I can't live without. Audiobooks on this app have made studying and learning a more enjoyable process. This app is a time-saver β I can 'read' even when I'm on the move. ποΈ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! πΆββοΈπ Accessing literary treasures has never been this straightforward β thank you, app!
Dr. WMD
This app is a true gift for book lovers β it's like having a personal library wherever I go. With this app, I've discovered the joy of learning while I'm on the move β it's like having a tutor by my side. π Unveiling the joy of reading once again β this app is my gateway to literary wonders! ππ Simplifying audiobook management β this app's functionality is a true asset. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats. It's a dream come true for audiophiles like me.
DuckDuck
This app has made waiting in lines and queues an opportunity for exploration and enjoyment. I can't get enough of this app β it's like having a personal storyteller in my pocket. π Embracing reading in the busiest of times β this app is my everyday escape! ππββοΈ Bookmarks are a fantastic organizational tool. They help me keep track of important moments in my audiobooks. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. My audio quality has improved dramatically.
SubWoof330
ListenBook's multiple ways to download audio, including from the internet, are a game-changer. The statistics feature is a fantastic addition β knowing how much time I spend on audiobooks is eye-opening, and ListenBook makes tracking it a breeze. Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and broad compatibility ensure every story is a captivating ride. ππ§ I can't get over how smooth the playback is. Even high-quality files play flawlessly.
Poppy Coffee
ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its powerful features and seamless performance. The ListenBook app has become an indispensable part of my daily routine, helping me learn and relax simultaneously. No more straining my eyes β this app lets me 'read' with my ears! The layout is not only beautiful but also intuitive. Controls are easy to access.
Metal Star
This app's user-friendly interface has made reading on-the-go a breeze. The narrator was good but spoke a bit too slowly for my taste. I had to speed it up to 1.2x which then made some parts sound slightly unnatural.
RiddleRanger
This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes. I'm blown away by how this app has made my commutes productive and my downtime entertaining. With this app, my daily commute has transformed into an engaging journey through captivating stories. Elevating my reading experience to a whole new level, this app's user-friendly interface and easy navigation have me hooked. Audiobooks have never been this enjoyable! π±π The app is so versatile. It works with all my audiobook formats.
Dangle
No more fighting over the radio during family trips β we're all hooked on audiobooks now. Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true standout. Accessing my favorite audiobooks has never been easier β this app's user-centric design and comprehensive features make it an absolute gem. π±π§
Sky Herald
Organization made easy! This app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures I'm always engrossed in a captivating tale. ππ± ListenBook Pro has taken my audiobook experience to the next level. No regrets! is a breeze. It's incredibly convenient for building my collection. ListenBookβs design is sleek and modern. The app is a pleasure to use. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fineβgood narration, decent storyβbut it didnβt leave a lasting impression. If youβre looking for something low-commitment, this works.
McDreamy
I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. I'm impressed by how this app seamlessly syncs across my devices. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that makes a big difference. It enhances my listening experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. My audio quality has improved dramatically. Downloading over WiFi is quick and efficient. Saves a lot of time.
Pecan Oblivion
Streamlining audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is truly impressive. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to a whole new level.
Hang 11
Audiobooks have brought a new level of enjoyment to my daily workout routine. πΆββοΈπ Walking my way through exciting narratives β this app makes exercise more fun! ποΈπ§ π§ This app is my saving grace! Now I can enjoy my beloved books while cooking up a storm! ππ³ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature turns any environment into a cozy listening haven. ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. The unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true.
HolyCombo
With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's ease of use is a true asset. 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 ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app. The app is perfect for multitasking. I can listen while doing other things.
Doz
CUE playlist support is a fantastic addition. It helps me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature! 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!
Black Firefly
ListenBook's support for various formats means I can explore a wide range of content without limitations. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. It's like getting a clear, immersive listening experience.
Apex
The convenience of having an entire library at my fingertips is a dream come true. ListenBook's commitment to enhancing the audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys β this app's ease of use is a delight. Iβve been using ListenBook for months, and itβs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnβt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Gbbledgoodk
Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's thoughtful features, such as statistics tracking and audio filters, have added a new layer of excitement to my reading journey. πβ¨ With ListenBook, I can finally enjoy my audiobooks without worrying about format compatibility. It handles everything! The interface is sleek and modern. Itβs a joy to use. I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch. The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
M8deUp
This app is my travel companion β making long journeys enjoyable and insightful. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and intuitive controls make it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. Audiobook excellence β this app's design enhances my reading experience. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that makes a big difference. It enhances my listening experience. ListenBook has become my ultimate audiobook companion. It enhances every listening session.
True Sweetness
Audiobooks have become my favorite workout companions, making exercise a breeze. ListenBook has given me the gift of time β turning daily tasks into moments of inspiration. This app's convenience has revolutionized the way I experience books. Audiobooks have become a staple in my routine, all thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. It's a must-have for any book lover. ππ± The app's versatility in audio downloading is unmatched. It's a comprehensive solution for my audiobook needs.
Guillotine Trigger
The fact that ListenBook doesn't just play, but enhances audio quality, is truly remarkable. I'm addicted to this app β it's like having a library in my pocket. ππ Reigniting my passion for books β this app is my newfound reading obsession! π₯π§ ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it an essential companion for my daily commutes and workouts. It's convenience at its finest! Library organization has never been this easy. My audiobook collection is finally tidy.
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