Book description
Burned - The Seventh Beat of Alex Verus in Audio
The moment the narrator hits "Play," you know you're about to dive into a high-stakes race against time.
The audio version of Burned doesn't just tell a story-it drags you along with the breathless pacing and the urgency that's become a hallmark of Benedict Jacka's urban-fantasy world.
---
### The Urgency Is Real
From the first line, you feel the pressure:
> "...time is running out..."
Alex Verus is no stranger to danger, but this time the stakes go beyond his own life. The Council of Mages has turned its grim reaper on him, and the kill order extends to Luna, Anne, and Vari. That personal threat turns Alex's fight into a mission to protect the people he loves. The audio narration captures that tension with a steady, urgent tone-every pause feels like a countdown.
---
### A Familiar Hero in New Danger
- Old enemies re-emerge: Alex's previous clashes with the Council have landed him a full-blown death list.
- New allies must be found: He must pull allies from the very council that now threatens him, a twist that keeps listeners on edge.
- Confronting the past: The former master and the Dark Mages loom in the shadows, forcing Alex into direct opposition.
The narration paints Alex as the "diviner" we've followed for six books, but also shows him adapting-he's learning to disassociate from friends, to strategize, and to keep his head (and soul) intact.
---
### Voice and Pace
The audiobook's narrator (a seasoned voice actor) brings the magic of Alex's world alive:
- Clear diction: Complex spells and council jargon are delivered with precision.
- Dynamic character voices: Each mage and minion has a distinct timbre-no two are the same, keeping the story vivid.
- Emotional peaks: The narrator raises the voice during Alex's moments of desperation and brings it down for reflective scenes, mirroring the book's emotional arc.
---
### Why You'll Love It
- Fast-moving plot: You're in for a rollercoaster of betrayals, alliances, and magic.
- Deep character work: Alex's struggle to keep his friends safe while fighting his own fate feels real and relatable.
- Rich world-building: The urban fantasy setting is lush-every spell, every council decree feels grounded in a believable system.
If you've followed Alex from the beginning, this audiobook feels like a new chapter that respects the past while pushing the story forward. Even if you're new to the series, the narration's clarity and the story's immediacy make Burned a perfect entry point.
---
### Takeaway
Listen to Burned and feel the thrill of a hero racing against a council that will stop at nothing. The voice, the pace, and the stakes combine to create an immersive experience that turns an ordinary listening session into an adrenaline-filled adventure. If you're craving a high-energy fantasy with a touch of moral complexity, this audiobook delivers.
FearLeSS
The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate β it's like they know my taste perfectly! Audiobook excellence β this app's design enhances my reading experience. ListenBook has breathed new life into my audiobook collection. I can't imagine using anything else.
Raid Bucker
π Adding excitement to each day β this app ensures that every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories. ππ Audiobook pleasure without the fuss β this app's functionality is top-notch. The app's support for multiple formats is flawless. Very satisfied. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature. 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.
Handsome
ListenBook has united my love for audiobooks with my passion for learning. What a brilliant app! ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration. I've found my new favorite narrator! Their voice was perfectly suited to this material, with just the right blend of authority and approachability. The production quality was broadcast-level - no distracting breaths, clicks, or inconsistent volume. Already looking for more of their work.
Loot
ListenBook's drag and drop downloads from web browsers are a time-saving feature I can't live without. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become effortless, regardless of the source.
AlertXis
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences β a thoughtful feature. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook is a fantastic way to spread the joy of listening. I've never experienced such silky-smooth playback even with high-quality FLAC files. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's an essential tool that enhances every listening session. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
New York Sixlet
ListenBook's unlimited length of audiobooks with the Pro version is a fantastic value for avid listeners. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun way to customize my listening experience. I'm so grateful for this app β it's like having a personal storyteller wherever I go. ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. Flawless support for various audio formats. Highly satisfied.
StormCake
The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time. This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
Shadow Gal
Listening stats feature keeps me motivated to read more. Love it! The interface is sleek and modern. Itβs a joy to use.
Betty Cricket
I love how ListenBook extracts artwork and metadata from audio files, adding a visual touch to my listening experience. π§ββοΈβ Unwinding with a cup of tea and a captivating audiobook β relaxation meets intellectual stimulation. π΅π Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature. 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.
Wiccan Trouble
I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in books through this app. ListenBook is packed with useful features. Itβs the best audiobook app Iβve used.
ThermalMode
π± My secret to staying well-read β this app ensures that I'm never without a book, no matter where I am! ππ± Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is a game-changer. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks from various sources has become effortless. Iβm so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
QuestQuill
ListenBook's extensive library and user-friendly interface have made it my go-to app. Savoring stories has never been this smooth β this app's functionality is genius. ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats is impressive. From MP3 to FLAC, it handles them all flawlessly. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. I can focus on challenging content. The app is so intuitive. I didnβt even need to read the instructions.
Armed Hawk
ListenBook's innovation, seamless playback, and versatile features make it a standout app. ππ Falling asleep to audiobooks has never been easier β this app's soothing voices π΄π§ Savoring stories has never been this smooth β this app's functionality is genius. Organization made easy! This app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures I'm always engrossed in a captivating tale. ππ± ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to spread the joy of captivating stories with friends.
Dove Dolce
This app has completely transformed my commute β I look forward to it now! ListenBook's configurable auto-rewind after interruptions is a smart addition that keeps me on track. πΆββοΈπ Walking my way through exciting narratives β this app makes exercise more fun! ποΈπ§ ListenBookβs support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
Baked ZD
ListenBook's auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that ensures I never miss a single word. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy audiobooks without worrying about file formats!
1st Degree
The sleep timer is a brilliant addition β I drift off to sleep with amazing stories. ListenBook's user-friendly audio filters and controls have made my audiobook sessions more interactive and engaging. Unlocking a world of literary possibilities, this app's extensive compatibility and user-friendly controls have made audiobook enjoyment an everyday joy. π±π
Kabuki
The sleek design and easy navigation are visually pleasing and user-friendly. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Twinkle
I'm blown away by the range of non-fiction audiobooks available β so much to learn! Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true triumph. Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is a winner. ListenBook's attention to detail in design and functionality sets it apart from other audiobook apps. ListenBook's commitment to a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls is evident in every aspect of the app.
Casanova
ListenBook's multiple ways to download audio, including from the internet, are a game-changer. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend! 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!
Frosty Snazz
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. This app is a gift for book lovers who struggle to find reading time. πΆββοΈπ Strolling through stories on a lazy afternoon β this app is my relaxation buddy! ποΈπ§
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