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.
Thumb Candy
Audiobooks made accessible and enjoyable – this app's design is a triumph. ListenBook has rekindled my love for audiobooks. The app's interface is beautiful and user-friendly. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to spread the joy of storytelling. A fun feature! The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Demo
ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats ensures that I can enjoy a wide range of content hassle-free. ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a detail-oriented touch I truly appreciate.
Voodoo Queen
I'm absolutely in love with this app! The interface is so intuitive and user-friendly. Being able to customize the listening duration is perfect for quick breaks. I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in books through this app. Looping playback has made memorization so much easier. I'm acing my exams!
King Panther
ListenBook's clean interface and organized layout make it a pleasure to browse through my audiobooks. With this app, audiobook listening has become a convenient and enjoyable part of my everyday life. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy audiobooks without worrying about file formats! Looping playback is my favorite study tool. It's a game-changer for mastering challenging content. ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Keystone
The ability to switch between devices seamlessly is a game-changer for busy readers. With this app, I can devour books like never before – it's incredibly efficient. ⭐️ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency – I'm savoring stories with ease, even on the busiest days. 🎶📖 With ListenBook, I can finally enjoy my audiobooks without worrying about format compatibility. It handles everything! The seamless integration with CarPlay adds convenience and entertainment during my daily commutes.
ZenaCake
ListenBook has redefined my audiobook journey, making it more enjoyable and convenient than ever before. Audiobook immersion without fuss – this app's ease of use is commendable. This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. 📖🔊 ListenBook has become my go-to workout companion. It keeps me motivated and entertained. The intuitive chapter navigation and quick access to controls make my audiobook experience seamless.
Aqua Diva
I've fallen in love with literature all over again, thanks to this incredible app. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a social audiophile's dream. I'm addicted to this app – it's a non-stop journey through captivating tales. The convenience of having a library at my fingertips is unparalleled. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Flyswat Briggs
My kids are hooked on the children's audiobook collection – it's a parenting win! This app has rekindled my love for literature, and I'm spreading the word to everyone I know. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and intuitive controls make it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. ListenBook is my daily companion, turning mundane tasks into exciting audio adventures. With this app, audiobook listening has become a seamless and enjoyable part of my everyday life.
Ice
The controls on ListenBook are intuitive and user-friendly, making it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have transformed my listening sessions into immersive journeys. I love how this app brings stories to life, even during my morning jogs. ListenBook has redefined the way I experience stories, turning every moment into an adventure. ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Elder Pogue
Bravo to the creators of this app – they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. 📚👏 CUE playlist support helps me organize my audiobooks efficiently. It's a great organizational tool.
EchoExplorer
This app has become my go-to for audiobooks, adding a layer of convenience and enjoyment to my days. The ability to adjust playback speed is a fantastic study aid. I'm absorbing information faster than ever. I'm blown away by the silky-smooth playback, even for high-quality formats like FLAC. Top-notch performance! ListenBook has transformed my daily routine into an opportunity to learn, relax, and enjoy.
Pigeon Woman
Bookmarking on ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off – no more searching for my spot! 💪 Achieving double wins – workouts become invigorating with stories to fuel my motivation! 💪🎧
Ba1t
Elevating my reading experience to a whole new level, this app's user-friendly interface and easy navigation have me hooked. Audiobooks have never been this enjoyable! 📱🔊 The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Biscuit Meg
This app has enriched my daily routine with the joy of stories and knowledge. ListenBook has revolutionized how I consume content. It's like having a personal library in my pocket. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
ThoughtTraveler
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a testament to its innovation. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my constant source of books. 🌟 Who needs a dull commute when you can embark on literary journeys with this app? 🚗📖 Kudos to ListenBook for the intuitive design and easy-to-use controls. It's evident that they've put a lot of thought into user experience.
Jetta Talent
I'm amazed at how this app's features cater to audiobook enthusiasts' every need. The range of audio formats supported is incredible. No need to worry about file conversion. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Tokyo Dream
ListenBook is my daily companion, turning mundane tasks into exciting audio adventures. Audiobooks have become a staple in my routine, all thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. It's a must-have for any book lover. 📖📱 Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like the app knows what I need. The app's compatibility with various sources for audio download is a true time-saver.
S’more Vixen
Audiobooks have transformed my daily walks into a time of inspiration and learning. Gone are the days of straining my eyes to read – this app lets me 'read' with my ears, anywhere, anytime. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options have made audiobook revisiting and studying a breeze. This audiobook was neither good nor bad - simply average. The narrator's delivery was professional but uninspired, and the recording quality was clean though not exceptional. It provided satisfactory entertainment without standing out from similar titles.
K-9
Thanks to this app, listening to audiobooks has become a delightful habit. Noise reduction and tone changing enhance the listening experience. Love it! The best app for audiobooks. Downloading and organizing files is super easy with ListenBook. I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version! The narrator added layers of meaning I might have missed reading silently. Their interpretation of the material felt thoughtful and authentic. The recording was technically perfect - no reverb, no peaking, just clean, pleasant audio.
RiddleRanger
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits – truly impressive. This app's sleek design and intuitive features make it my trusted partner in exploring new narratives.
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