Book description
Emma Newman's "Before Mars" pulls you into a claustrophobic psychological thriller that unfolds against the stark Martian landscape. Anna Kubrin's journey from Earth to the red planet isn't just a physical transition-it's a descent into uncertainty that grips you from the first chapter.
What starts as isolation fatigue quickly morphs into something far more sinister. Anna's discovery of her own handwriting warning her not to trust the colony psychologist would be unsettling enough, if not for the replacement wedding ring and impossible footprints that suggest someone-or something-has been in places no human should have accessed.
Newman's background as an audiobook narrator serves her well here. The story unfolds with an intimate, confessional tone that makes Anna's growing paranoia feel viscerally real. You're not just reading about her psychological unraveling; you're experiencing it alongside her, second by second, as each impossible discovery chips away at what she believes to be true.
The corporate conspiracy angle provides satisfying external stakes, but it's Anna's internal battle that drives the narrative forward. Newman understands that the most terrifying conspiracies are the ones that make you question your own sanity. Is Anna uncovering a dangerous cover-up, or is the isolation finally breaking her mind?
The Martian setting becomes almost a character itself-beautiful yet hostile, vast yet suffocating. Anna's geological expertise grounds the story in scientific realism while her role as artist-in-residence adds layers of perception and interpretation that blur the line between reality and imagination.
"Before Mars" succeeds because it trusts its central mystery to unfold naturally, letting Anna's discoveries build upon each other like sedimentary layers until the truth emerges. The audiobook format amplifies every whispered doubt and mounting fear, making this a genuinely unsettling listening experience that will have you questioning what's real long after the final chapter.
Waylay Dave
I'm blown away by the range of non-fiction audiobooks available β so much to learn! This app's convenience has revolutionized the way I experience books. π Embracing reading in the digital age β this app makes accessing books a seamless and enjoyable experience. π±π Not bad, but not amazing either. The narratorβs voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldnβt necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre. My house has never been cleaner! I kept finding chores to do just to keep listening. The narrator's energy matched the tone of the book perfectly.
Gov Skull
The noise reduction feature on ListenBook Pro is a godsend for clear and comfortable listening. ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features have become indispensable tools in my audiobook learning. Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature! The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
360
I love that I can switch between fiction and non-fiction effortlessly. With this app, I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and real life.
Shivers
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling. I love the auto-rewind feature. Itβs great for when I zone out.
Marigold Loot
With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with maximum comfort and convenience. Playlists and bookmarks are super helpful. Love using ListenBook!
Beetle King
Finally, an app that turns my daily commute into an adventure through literature. πΆββοΈπ Strolling through stories on a lazy afternoon β this app is my relaxation buddy! ποΈπ§ I love the auto-bookmark feature. It saves my place automatically. Not the best audiobook I've heard but far from the worst. The production quality was good and there were no major issues with the narration.
Napoleonic Haze
Listening to audiobooks with my kids has become a cherished bonding activity. ListenBook has united my love for audiobooks with my passion for learning. What a brilliant app! ListenBook has made my daily commutes so much more enjoyable. I look forward to listening every day! Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively. ListenBook is a game-changer for audiobook lovers. 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!
Mauve Cactus
Audiobooks on this app have made my daily walks a time of reflection and inspiration. Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true standout. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become effortless, regardless of the source. I'm amazed by the app's compatibility with different audio formats. It's truly versatile.
QuestQuill
The family subscription option is a money-saver β everyone gets to enjoy their favorite books. Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is a winner. Effortlessly managing my audiobook library β this app's design is a triumph. The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together. Listening statistics motivate me to read more. Excellent feature!
Demand Chopper
It's like having a personal library that fits in my pocket β truly amazing! Accessing literary treasures has never been this straightforward β thank you, app! ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's an essential tool that enhances every listening session. The user-friendly interface and precise controls make listening to audiobooks an absolute delight. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction ensures that my listening experience remains clear and enjoyable.
Star Sword
The family subscription option is a money-saver β everyone gets to enjoy their favorite books. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Jetta Talent
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls β it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. π± Unlocking the world of literature with just a tap β this app is my digital library card! ππ±
Sweet Manhattan
ππ Transforming traffic jams into opportunities for literary exploration β this app keeps me engaged on the road! ππ§ User-friendly audiobook experience β this app's design is a standout.
Scuffs
The audio filters on ListenBook enhance the sound quality, making every listening session a treat for my ears. The compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch sets ListenBook apart from the rest. 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. This was my first audiobook in this genre and I'm hooked! The performance brought the story to life in a way reading never could. Already downloaded another by the same narrator.
Bombay Shivers
ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. 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!
Howitzer Rise
The voice actors are incredible β they make the characters come alive. The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate β it's like they know my taste perfectly! π Igniting my imagination while preparing dinner β this app adds flavor to every meal! π²π Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to inspire others to read.
Dr. Jam Man
π Say goodbye to boredom during long drives β this app makes road trips fly by! ππ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my immersion in every audiobook, regardless of surroundings. The app's performance is nothing short of impressive β smooth, responsive, and designed with audiobook lovers in mind.
Infinite Hole
ListenBook's customizable audio filters are a game-changer for tailoring my audiobook playback. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine.
Coma Stalk
ListenBook's library organization and Book Groups feature make it easy to keep my audiobooks organized and accessible. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration is a brilliant touch.
BearDrift
This app's seamless integration with CarPlay and other devices has revolutionized my audiobook experience. Audiobook excellence simplified β this app's functionality is a true delight. The app is perfect for people who love to read but donβt have the time.
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