Book description
Hey there, fellow book-lover! Buckle up, because I'm about to drop a sonic boom of adventure straight into your ears with Chains of the Heretic, the third rung on Jeff Salyards's "Bloodsounder's Arc" ladder. Picture this: an audiobook that's less "serene meditation" and more "thick-honed, pulse-squaring, dragon-breathing" sound-track for your daily commute. I'm talking a narrator who doesn't just read the lines, he shouts them, breathes them, almost lets them spill over the edges of your head like a dragon's tail.
The story kicks off in the thick-fogged corridors of the Syldoonian Empire, where Emperor Cynead has hijacked the Memoridons-those memory-witches who control history itself-and turned them into his personal spell-guards. He's the kind of ruler who'd rather have you remember his face than your own. But then-enter Captain Braylar Killcoin, a man with a cursed flail called Bloodsounder that literally cuts through the veil of reality. He's on a mad dash with his Jackal company to reach the deposed emperor Thumaar and help him reclaim the throne. Think less "Bourbon Street" and more "Bourbon-Betrayal" with a side of cosmic-gate-hopping.
Now, don't let the title fool you into thinking we're just about political intrigue. There's a supernatural splash too: the Godveil, a wall so dense that it separates the human past from a future where the Deserters-those rebels who abandoned humanity a thousand years ago-live in ruinous ruins that are apparently still alive. Are they gods? Demons? Maybe just very, very good at hiding from the government. Either way, Braylar's crew are pulled into this labyrinth of ancient secrets and a veil that's as thick as a bad joke.
And the characters? Oh, they're like the kind of quirky sitcom cast you forget you're listening to until they're standing on the front page of your ear. Soffjian, Braylar's sister, jumps back into the mix after a near-death-by-fate and convinces her commander Darzaak to release her-because what's a villain without a little loyalty debt? Then there's Arki, a translator who can read the ancient language of the Godveil in a way that makes you think the book itself is an interpretive dance. And the Jackals-imagine a band of misfit soldiers, each one more eccentric than the last, all fighting in a world that feels like a mash-up of Tolkien, Mad Max, and a sci-fi sitcom set on a desert.
The climax is a masterstroke. Braylar uses Bloodsounder to split the Godveil, and the Jackals slip into a land that's as gorgeous as it is terrifying. The narrative twists and turns faster than a cat on a laser pointer, and the audio narration-oh, the audio narration!-keeps you on your toes. Every line of Salyards's sharp dialogue is punctuated by a pause that lets you gasp, laugh, or roll your eyes, depending on where you're at in the plot. And when the Deserters make their grand entrance, the voice shifts to a tone that feels like a whispered warning from the cosmos-like the universe itself is holding its breath.
What I love most about this audiobook is how it turns hard-boiled fantasy into an experience that feels as fresh as a brand-new meme. It's like a rollercoaster that keeps you on the edge of your seat, yet it also has those slow-motion moments where you get to savor the worldbuilding. The pacing-never too slow, never too rushed-keeps the story moving forward like a freight train on a clear track.
If you're looking for a listening adventure that blends political drama, supernatural stakes, and a cast of characters that could only exist in a writer's fever dream, Chains of the Heretic is the audio trip you didn't know you needed. Jeff Salyards has delivered a hard-boiled fantasy that doesn't just get into your head; it takes a front-row seat in your skull, shouting, "We're still here, baby." Grab your headphones, press play, and let the Bloodsounder blaze your ears into a new horizon.
Mr. Spy
I've fallen in love with literature all over again, thanks to this incredible app. The range of self-help and personal development audiobooks is truly enriching. The adjustable playback speed feature is a true innovation. It adds a personalized touch to my listening.
Little General
Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive offerings, from statistics tracking to immersive audio processing, have breathed new life into my reading. πβ¨ ListenBook Pro is totally worth it. Unlimited audiobook length β I'm in! ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use. The app is so responsive. It never lags or freezes.
ByteBard
ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. ListenBook has become my go-to workout companion. It keeps me motivated and entertained.
Pitfall Whiskers
Audiobook immersion simplified β this app's ease of use is a true asset. The import process is seamless. I had no trouble adding my audiobooks. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy.
Esquire
I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to play diverse formats flawlessly β it's a game-changer. Audiobook enthusiasts, gather around! This app's exceptional features, from audio filters to robust support, have transformed my daily routines into storytelling moments. ππ§ Automatic artwork and metadata extraction keep my audiobook library organized and visually appealing.
Old Felix
ListenBook has redefined the way I experience stories, turning every moment into an adventure. π§ Fueling my audiobook addiction with this fantastic app β pure listening pleasure! ππ₯ The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that makes a big difference. It enhances my listening experience.
Pinball Wizard
Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. I'm grateful for this app's ability to fit seamlessly into my lifestyle, making learning a part of my day. πͺ Doubling the impact of my workouts β exercising and exploring stories, all thanks to this app! πͺπ§ Looping playback helps me focus on challenging content and grasp complex concepts. A study must-have! The app is constantly updated with new features. The developers really care.
Dahlia
This app's ease of use has made reading a seamless part of my daily routine. βοΈ Loving the fact that I can learn and listen at the same time β multitasking made easy! π§ π§ πββοΈπ Running with purpose β audiobooks keep my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals. πββοΈπ§ Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to connect over shared interests.
Black Fantastic
I'm absolutely in love with this app! It's like a library of stories in my pocket. Listening to audiobooks on this app has become my favorite way to relax. Audiobooks have become my companions during daily chores, making them enjoyable. π‘ Making house chores more enjoyable β audiobooks help me stay engaged while tidying up the living space. π π Savoring audiobooks without fuss β this app's design is impressive.
Green Scavenger
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. The range of self-help and personal development audiobooks is truly enriching. The fact that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats without DRM protection is a huge win. ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. I've recommended this app to all my fellow audiobook enthusiasts. It's a game-changer!
Killer Merlot
This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. I'm impressed by the app's performance β it's stable, fast, and tailored for audiobook enthusiasts.
QuantumQuipper
The sleep timer is a brilliant addition β I drift off to sleep with amazing stories. Integration with Apple CarPlay has made long road trips so much more enjoyable. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy of audiobooks.
Centurion Sherman
The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. The app's compatibility with various sources for audio download is a true time-saver. The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Maple Destroyer
I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. ListenBook's versatile features have made my audiobook experience more enjoyable than ever. The audio quality is excellent, and the interface is intuitive. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fineβgood narration, decent storyβbut it didnβt leave a lasting impression. If youβre looking for something low-commitment, this works. The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
Leaf Assassin
ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth. 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§
Grinch Cheese
I've never been so excited about my daily commute β thanks to this app. The app's interface is sleek and modern, making it a joy to use. With its powerful audio downloading features, I can have my favorite audiobooks ready to go, anytime and anywhere.
Orange Teflon
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. Unlocking a world of literary wonders β this app's extensive format support and user-centric approach have rekindled my love for books. π±π ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments.
Voluntary
Thanks to this app, listening to audiobooks has become a delightful habit. I can finally tackle my reading list while stuck in traffic β what a win! With ListenBook, I've found a versatile and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. πͺ Boosting my productivity with this app's efficient multitasking features β audiobook enjoyment while I conquer my to-do list! πΌπ§
GiddeeUP
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! π This app has turned my errands into exciting quests β I can conquer the grocery store while enjoying a book! ππ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction ensures that my listening experience remains clear and enjoyable.
CuriousCrafter
Audiobooks have made my long drives enjoyable, and this app is my co-pilot. I'm grateful for ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats, making it a one-stop solution for audio content. Audiobook enthusiasts, celebrate! This app's thoughtful features, like auto-rewind and easy chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our reading cravings. ππ Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a breeze to use. It's an intuitive experience. It was fine. The narrator did an adequate job but nothing about the performance particularly stood out to me. Got me through my commute though.
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