Book description
The audiobook version of Neon Yang's Brighter than Scale, Swifter than Flame doesn't just tell a story-it seeps into your bones. From the first whisper of Yeva's armor, the narrative grips you with a tension that feels less like reading and more like listening to a secret being shared in a shadowed hall. You hear the metallic sigh of plate against skin, the weight of a life lived behind a mask, and the quiet dread of a dragon slayer who's never let the world see her face.
Quanbao, the nation where dragons are revered, not hunted, isn't just setting-it's a character. The audiobook's pacing lingers in the air between the queen's questions and Yeva's guarded replies, making every pause feel like a held breath. You don't just learn that Quanbao fears outsiders; you feel it in the way the narrator's voice drops, almost imperceptibly, when describing the court's wary silence. This isn't a tale of fire-and-brimstone battles, but of quiet power plays, where the real danger lies in what's left unsaid.
Yeva's armor is the story's heartbeat. The narrator never lets you forget it-how it scrapes as she moves, how it's become her second skin, how it's the only thing between her and the judgment she's spent her life avoiding. And Queen Sookhee? She's not a figurehead. You hear the exhaustion in her voice as she weighs Yeva's arrival against the safety of her people, the cost of trusting a weapon that was forged to destroy what her nation holds sacred. Their tension isn't shouted; it's woven into the rhythm of the audiobook, a slow burn that makes you lean closer, as if the next line might tip the balance.
What elevates this beyond a standard fantasy is the way the narration handles the queer, Asian-inspired core without ever making it feel like an afterthought. The intimacy of Yeva's hidden identity, the quiet politics of belonging-it all lands with the weight of lived truth. The audiobook's strength is in its restraint: no grand pronouncements, just the crackle of a fire, the rustle of silk, the unspoken history in every glance. You don't just hear the story; you feel the heat of the court, the chill of suspicion, the fragile hope that maybe, just maybe, a dragon slayer could learn to love a dragon.
This isn't a book you listen to-it's one that listens back. And in its quiet, relentless pulse, it asks the hardest question: Can you trust someone who's spent a lifetime wearing armor, even when they've taken it off for you? The answer, delivered with a narrator who makes every word feel like a secret, lingers long after the final whisper fades.
Dewdrop Doll
π Making each day a new chapter β this app keeps me hooked from morning to night! ππ Effortlessly managing my audiobook library β this app's design is a triumph. ListenBook has become my trusted companion for literary adventures. The app's features are exceptional. Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If youβre looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
Lady Fantastic
I love how this app brings stories to life, even during my morning jogs. Audiobooks on this app have turned my travels into explorations of new narratives. This app's sleek design and intuitive features make it my trusted partner in exploring new narratives. The app's compatibility with Apple Watch elevates my workouts, making them more engaging and productive.
Divine Quasar
The app's design is sleek and modern β it's a pleasure to navigate. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my downtime more enriching and meaningful. I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience exceptional. Its intuitive interface and diverse compatibility are a true game-changer. π±π§ The intuitive interface and efficient navigation make this app a pleasure to use every day. The app is perfect for long flights. It keeps me entertained the whole time.
Third Moon
The narrators on this app are truly talented β they bring characters to life. Kudos to the creators for crafting an app that understands audiobook lovers. With smooth playback and thoughtful design, it's a true companion for book enthusiasts. ππ ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace. An unobjectionable but unexceptional audiobook experience. The narrator's performance was serviceable and the audio quality was fine, but nothing about the production particularly stood out or elevated the material. It was decent background listening.
Pepper Legs
This app has made waiting in lines and queues an opportunity for exploration and enjoyment. This app has transformed my daily routine into moments of literary delight. The tone adjustment feature in ListenBook Pro is a novel addition that allows me to personalize my audiobook experience. ListenBook's audio filters allow me to customize the audio playback to suit my preferences perfectly. Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth.
Cross Thread
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my audio content much more enjoyable in noisy environments. Audiobooks on this app have turned my exercise sessions into moments of education. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
Versace-Cat
πΌ Workday blues? Not anymore β this app turns my office hours into reading time! π»π Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like the app knows what I need. Sharing audiobooks with friends is so easy with AirDrop. It's a great way to spread happiness. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and visually appealing. The app is so responsive. It never lags or freezes.
Dez North
The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. This app is my secret to staying ahead on my reading list, even during my busiest days. πΆπ The harmony between simplicity and functionality in this app is truly impressive. Audiobooks have never sounded this good! π΅π§ The download options are versatile, making it a breeze to get my favorite audiobooks on the go. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks. Great feature!
Fiend Oblivion
I'm able to catch up on my reading list even during the busiest days. With this app, I've found a way to turn every moment into an opportunity for learning and enrichment.
Doz
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver β no more losing my place in the story! Who knew that commuting could become such an enjoyable reading session? ποΈπ§ Soaking up the sun while indulging in beach reads β this app is my ultimate relaxation companion. ποΈπ
ForumFusion
ListenBook's basic audio filters allow me to fine-tune the audio playback to suit my preferences. I can't get enough of this app β it's like having a personal library with me. Iβd listen to this narrator read anything! Their voice was so expressive and fitting for the material. The story itself was great, but the narration took it to the next level. Definitely a 5-star experience.
Infinite Hole
I'm in awe of how this app has made reading a part of my busy life. User-friendly brilliance! This app's functionality enhances my audiobook experience. ListenBook has become my go-to app for all audiobooks. Full of useful features. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are fantastic features.
Zod
ListenBook's support for binaural audio processing is a thoughtful touch that reduces listening fatigue. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a fun and convenient way to share the magic of storytelling with friends and family, sparking meaningful discussions. ListenBook has rekindled my passion for learning. I'm exploring new topics every day.
Oblivion
ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. βοΈ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency β I'm savoring stories with ease, even on the busiest days. πΆπ Kudos to the creators for crafting an app that understands audiobook lovers. With smooth playback and thoughtful design, it's a true companion for book enthusiasts. ππ The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata keeps my audiobook library organized and visually appealing. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the clarity of recordings and makes my listening sessions more enjoyable.
Killah Goose
π Ironing has become a joy with audiobooks β wrinkles are no match for these captivating stories! ππ§ Great app for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful! ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use.
Pinup Diva
This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that I never miss out on a great audiobook. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is truly remarkable.
Kingfisher
ListenBook's commitment to a seamless user experience is evident in its sleek design and intuitive controls. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a joy to use. It's a seamless experience. Library organization and book groups make managing my audiobook collection a breeze. ListenBookβs support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go.
Fire Feline
I've started reading more books than ever before, all thanks to this app. This app has made 'reading' more versatile and enjoyable than ever. π§ββοΈβ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories β the ultimate way to unwind! π΅π πΆ Forget background music, I've got enchanting stories to accompany my chores! π΅π The app is perfect for multitaskers. I can listen while working out.
Toy Peep
I can't believe how easy it is to discover new titles and genres. Pure delight! I've found solace and relaxation in the pages of countless audiobooks. π± Carrying my favorite stories with me wherever I go β this app is like a portable library in my pocket. ππ π Elevating my reading routine β this app's functionality is the key to unlocking new worlds of storytelling. ππ Great app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook supports a wide range of formats.
Scuffs
I've rediscovered my love for reading, all thanks to this app's convenience. π Adding excitement to each day β this app ensures that every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories. ππ My study sessions are more efficient than ever, thanks to the looping playback and bookmark features. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for my study materials. I can easily revisit important sections.
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