Book description
When Gabriel Smith's voice cracks through your headphones, you're already knee-deep in the mess. This isn't a gentle grief story-it's a brat's tantrum thrown against the walls of his dead father's house, and the audiobook makes every sardonic sigh, every choked laugh, feel like it's happening inside your own skull. You're not just reading about Gabriel's skin peeling in grotesque sheets; you hear the dry, papery shush in the quiet moments, the way his voice tightens when he admits he can't finish his book, can't even handle the smell of his parents' old coffee.
The house itself becomes a character in the audio, its creaks and groans layered beneath Gabriel's monologue. You lean in as he discovers his parents' mutating manuscripts-each time he picks them up, the words shift, and the narrator's voice subtly alters, like the text is breathing. It's unnerving, brilliant. And the home video? You hear the static crackle, the muffled voices of people who might not even be real, and suddenly you're not sure if you're hearing Gabriel's hallucinations or the house whispering back.
Smith's genius is in the voice. This isn't a polished, distant narrator. It's a Gen Z voice-dry, self-aware, laced with humor that cuts like a knife. When Gabriel calls himself "a brat" while literally shedding his skin, you hear the exhaustion beneath the sarcasm. The audiobook leans into that rawness: the pauses where he almost cries, the way his tone drops when he talks about his brother's disappointment, the sheer relief when he finally says, "I'm not a ghost."
You might expect gothic horror, but Smith delivers something sharper: grief as a physical thing, as something you can almost taste in the audio's silence. The prose is tight, lyrical, and utterly unpretentious. A line like "The house was breathing me out" lands harder in your ear than on the page. And the humor? It's the kind that makes you snort into your headphones while simultaneously feeling a lump in your throat.
This isn't just a debut-it's a signal. Smith writes like he's been listening to the internet's frantic heartbeat, turning its rhythm into something intimate, unsettling, and devastatingly funny. The audiobook version? It's the only way to hear Gabriel's voice really-the way he's both haunted and haunting, the way he refuses to be a saint or a victim. You'll find yourself hitting pause, just to remember how to breathe. By the end, you're not just hearing a story about loss. You're hearing your own. And it's not a ghost story at all. It's a lifeline.
Shady Lady
Integration with Apple CarPlay has made long road trips so much more enjoyable. I love how this app makes even the most mundane tasks exciting with audio stories. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening into a personalized experience.
The China Wall
I'm amazed at how immersive the experience is β it's like being inside the story. I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. ListenBook's versatile controls and playback options have made my study sessions more productive and enjoyable. Audiobook listening has never been this easy and convenient β it's like having a personal narrator. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and visually appealing.
Prof. Smirk
ListenBook's dedication to optimizing for iOS 16 ensures a seamless experience on the latest devices. The intuitive interface and efficient navigation make this app a pleasure to use every day.
WonderWords
This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape. Looping playback of a single track helps me master difficult concepts. So helpful!
Pocket Muzzie
Who needs traditional books when you have this app? It's a game-changer. This app has made my workouts and chores so much more enjoyable. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a breeze to use. It's an intuitive experience. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a game-changer.
The Belgian
I'm amazed at how this app has seamlessly integrated reading into my daily rhythm. Perfect for studying with its playback controls and audio filters. Excellent app! Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature! ListenBookβs design is sleek and modern. The app is a pleasure to use.
Alias Stick
I can't get enough of this app β it's like having a personal storyteller in my pocket. πββοΈπ I'm conquering literary marathons with ease, all thanks to this app's intuitive controls and smooth functionality. π±π Looping playback of a single track helps me focus and absorb complex content.
Osprey
With ListenBook, I can effortlessly manage and organize my audiobook library. Tone adjustment adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I'm hooked! A reasonable choice for casual listening. The audiobook was well-produced, but the pacing felt uneven in places. I didnβt dislike it, but I also didnβt feel strongly about it one way or another.
RoarSweetie
ListenBook's unlimited length of audiobooks with the Pro version is a fantastic value for avid listeners. Downloading audiobooks is a breeze, thanks to the variety of options available. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very pleased.
Manly Reno
I've become so much more productive while cleaning or exercising β thanks to this app! I've fallen in love with genres I never thought I'd explore, all thanks to this app. Streamlining my audiobook journey β this app's design is top-notch. ListenBook has made my daily commutes enjoyable. No more boredom! AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks with friends.
Switch
I'm amazed at how this app's narrators bring characters and stories to life. ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. ππ Turn traffic into a literary escape β this app's functionality keeps me engaged while I'm on the move. ππ§ ListenBook's support for looping and shuffling playback adds versatility to my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use.
Celtic Charger
π Making each day a new chapter β this app keeps me hooked from morning to night! ππ Automatic artwork and metadata retrieval is a time-saver. My library looks fantastic. The narration elevated an already good book to greatness! The performer's subtle vocal variations conveyed nuance I might have missed while reading. Their ability to maintain consistent character voices across many hours was impressive. Technical quality was flawless throughout.
Mule Skinner
The ListenBook app is a fantastic companion for my long walks, helping me learn and explore at the same time. This app's intuitive controls and user-friendly layout have made audiobook listening a true pleasure. This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature turns any environment into a cozy listening haven. Bookmarks are a fantastic tool for keeping track of important moments. They're a game-changer.
RedFisher
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. The narrator's voice was so pleasant and easy to listen to. They had perfect pacing and made even the slower parts engaging. I found myself looking forward to my commute just to listen more!
HedgeH0g2
The statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption β a fantastic way to measure my progress. With ListenBook, I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds convenience to my audiobook routine. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
MicroStar
I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver! Adjusting the tone of the voice is a novel feature that allows for a personalized listening experience. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively.
King Bass
ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a detail-oriented touch I truly appreciate. No more straining my eyes β this app lets me 'read' with my ears! πΆββοΈπ± I'm exploring new worlds while on the move, all thanks to this app's seamless functionality. ποΈπ Book groups are a thoughtful addition. It's like having virtual bookshelves! Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It enhances the audio quality and makes listening comfortable.
Pexxious
ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features add versatility to my audiobook listening experience. Looping playback is a brilliant study tool. Thanks to ListenBook, my learning has improved! The library organization feature is a blessing. My audiobooks are finally organized and easy to find.
Universe Bullet
The offline mode is a lifesaver on flights β I'm never without a good story. Audiobooks anytime, anywhere β this app's functionality is a reader's delight. ListenBook has become an integral part of my daily routine. Its compatibility with Apple Watch and CarPlay makes it the ultimate companion for various activities. No need for file conversion is a game-changer. Love using ListenBook on my iPhone. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy.
RZR
ListenBook's user-friendly design and compatibility with different formats have made it my go-to app. Listening to audiobooks has never been this convenient and enjoyable! Smooth playback and great sound quality. ListenBook is my new favorite 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