Book description
March 15th
Dear Diary,
Just finished listening to Tim Pratt's "Briarpatch" and I'm still reeling. What a ride this audiobook took me on.
Our narrator Darrin starts off as your typical broken man - girlfriend gone, job gone, life falling apart. But then Pratt throws us a curveball that would break anyone: seeing your ex leap to her death? That's the kind of opening that grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go.
What struck me most was how the audiobook format really amplifies the emotional weight. You're stuck in Darrin's headspace for the entire journey, hearing his thoughts, his doubts, his desperate need to understand why Bridget left him this way. The voice actor (I should really remember to check who that was) captures that particular brand of grief and confusion perfectly.
The world-building here is deliciously weird. A car that drives between worlds? Check. A possibly immortal cult leader who's more depressed than menacing? Absolutely. And that bridge - oh, that bridge - that might just lead to heaven or somewhere else entirely. Pratt doesn't hold back on the strange, and thank goodness for that.
But here's what really got to me: beneath all the supernatural madness, this is fundamentally about loss and the lengths we go to make sense of it. Darrin's quest to find Bridget again, or at least find meaning without her, feels achingly real even when he's navigating what might be the universe's crawlspace or abandoned divine construction projects.
The supporting characters are wonderfully bizarre - especially that chrome shotgun-wielding woman who I'm still not sure was friend or foe. Each one feels like they stepped out of their own strange story and into Darrin's increasingly chaotic world.
This isn't just a story about grief, though. It's about rediscovering purpose when everything you thought you knew crumbles. The audiobook format makes that journey feel so intimate, like you're sitting in the passenger seat of Darrin's increasingly surreal adventure.
Highly recommend for anyone who likes their urban fantasy with a side of existential crisis.
Yours in literary recommendation,
A Satisfied Listener
Fire Fish
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Grinch Cheese
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Sly Bible
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my life so much easier. This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. πββοΈπ Running through chapters, literally! This app keeps me motivated on the track. πββοΈπ As an audiobook enthusiast, I'm in awe of ListenBook's advanced features. The ability to adjust the reader's voice tone is a unique and fun addition.
Pigeon Woman
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Ella of Light
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily activities more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling.
Riff Raff
Love how I can adjust playback speed and audio volume. ListenBook caters to all my needs. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
NightWonka
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NoiseCake
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Flame OUT
ListenBook's absence of synchronization requirements adds to its convenience and flexibility. The app's performance is beyond impressive. It's like it's tailor-made for my device.
Neophyte Believer
ListenBook's configurable auto-rewind after interruptions is a smart addition that keeps me on track. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a huge plus.
Low Voltage
Seamless integration with all my devices and flawless synchronization β top-notch. ListenBook's library organization and Book Groups feature make it easy to keep my audiobooks organized and accessible. I can't believe how much I've 'read' since I started using this app. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasnβt blown away. The narratorβs performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat.
ThreadTraveler
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Yellow Menace
Looping playback has transformed my study sessions. It's an invaluable tool for retaining information. What a delightful listening experience! The narrator's timing was impeccable, knowing exactly when to pause for effect or let the words flow. Their character voices were distinct yet natural - no over-the-top accents or distracting vocal tics. The audio quality was consistently excellent.
Duchess
I can't get enough of this app's easy navigation and quick access to chapters and playback controls. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a huge plus during long drives.
Unseen
I'm amazed at how this app has seamlessly integrated reading into my daily rhythm. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a testament to the app's commitment to audio quality. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience. Downloading over WiFi saves so much time. Very efficient. Great for multitasking! I listened while cooking, driving, and even working out, and it kept me entertained the whole time. The narratorβs voice was pleasant, and the story flowed smoothly. Very enjoyable!
Flame OUT
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. The convenience of having an entire library at my fingertips is a dream come true. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls β it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. πΌ Making work hours fly by with captivating stories β a true work-life balance! π»π
Gullyway
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Killer Merlot
I'm able to catch up on my reading list even during the busiest days. The basic audio filters are a game-changer. Adjusting playback speed is a breeze. ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. It's reliable, versatile, and a pleasure to use. Apple Watch compatibility adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook enjoyment. It's seamless control at my wrist. This audiobook kept me company during a long road trip and made the miles disappear! The narrator's engaging performance and the crisp production quality made for an immersive experience. I appreciated how well they balanced drama with clarity - never sacrificing understanding for effect.
Z-Boy
Bookmarks are a fantastic organizational tool. They help me keep track of important moments in my audiobooks. This audiobook made my workouts fly by! The engaging narration kept me motivated to keep listening, which meant longer gym sessions. The narrator's energy matched the material perfectly - upbeat when needed, somber when appropriate. A great example of how narration can enhance text.
Wonder Lady
I'm hooked on this app β it's my escape to different worlds and adventures. ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have taken my audiobook journey to new heights. π§ββοΈβ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories β the ultimate way to unwind! π΅π π§ Finally, an app that understands my need for convenience and ease of use! Audiobooks have never been this accessible. ππ±
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