Book description
Freya Marske's Cinder House reimagines the Cinderella myth through a profoundly queer Gothic lens, delivering a debut novella of exceptional narrative precision. The audiobook format elevates this haunting tale, transforming Ella's spectral existence into an immersive auditory experience. As a ghost bound to her father's house following her murder at sixteen, Ella's voice-rendered with palpable frustration and yearning-masterfully conveys her isolation. She remains invisible to all but her stepfamily, trapped by a relentless midnight return to the staircase of her death, her only solace a precarious bargain: three nights of fleeting corporeal presence with a fairy charm-seller.
The narration's precise modulation of despair and hope constitutes a paramount asset. Listeners discern the subtle shift in Ella's voice when she finally dances, touches, and is seen-a sensory revelation amplified by the audiobook's intimate delivery. Marske's prose, already lauded as "the queen of romantic fantasy," achieves its greatest resonance here; the ghostly constraints feel rigorously defined, not merely poetic. The stepfamily's obliviousness, the charm-seller's wary pragmatism, and the chilling inevitability of midnight's return are rendered with clinical clarity through vocal performance.
Critically, Marske subverts expectations without sacrificing emotional truth. The "ball" is not the focal point; the true magic lies in Ella's negotiation of agency within her spectral prison. The audiobook's pacing ensures each of the three nights feels earned, each moment of connection charged with the weight of impermanence. Listeners will note how the narrator's measured cadence mirrors Ella's internal struggle-her fear of discovery, her hunger for connection, the quiet devastation of returning to invisibility.
This is not a mere retelling but a meticulously constructed Gothic romance where the supernatural serves character. The audiobook's strength resides in its ability to make the invisible palpable: the rustle of a ghost's presence, the echo of a touch that fades, the desperate hope in a whispered plea. For fans of Naomi Novik's intricate worlds or T. Kingfisher's atmospheric tension, Cinder House offers a debut of singular emotional precision. Its brilliance lies in rendering a ghost's longing as both universally resonant and utterly specific-a testament to Marske's command of voice, whether on the page or through the ear. The narrator's voice, a steady anchor in Ella's disorientation, ensures this novella's emotional core remains unshaken. It is, unequivocally, the most compelling reimagining of a classic fairy tale in recent memory.
Willow Dragon
My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thanks to automatic artwork and metadata. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique touch โ it's like having a personalized reading. The app's performance is remarkable โ it's fast, stable, and designed to cater to audiobook enthusiasts. It's a pleasure to use.
Darling Peacock
๐ผ Making every minute count โ this app's ease of use ensures I'm always making progress in my audiobook adventures. ๐ฑ๐ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction ensures that my listening experience remains clear and enjoyable.
Knight Light
This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. ๐๐ ListenBook's intuitive interface and quick controls make it a pleasure to navigate through audiobooks. No more fussing with synchronization โ this app just gets it done! I'm amazed by the extensive statistics tracking. It's fascinating to see my listening habits. Perfect narration for this genre! The voice actorโs tone matched the atmosphere of the book, enhancing the overall experience. No complaintsโjust a smooth, enjoyable listen from beginning to end.
Skirble
The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. I'm addicted to this app's seamless performance and impressive library. The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a joy to use. It's a seamless experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear and distraction-free listening.
Video Game Heroine
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to connect over shared interests. Looping playback of a single track helps me focus and absorb complex content. Iโve tried many audiobook players, and this one is by far the best. The app is perfect for bedtime listening. The sleep timer is a must-have. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Twinkle Cutlass
Audiobook multitasking simplified โ this app's ease of use is a true asset. With this app, every moment becomes an opportunity to indulge in fantastic stories. The controls, layout, and seamless playback are a reader's dream. ๐๐ง Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. ๐๐ง ListenBook has become my trusted companion for literary adventures. The app's features are exceptional. The sound quality is excellent. It feels like Iโm in the story.
Dora the Destroyer
Audiobooks have made my morning routine something to look forward to. This app is a gift for book lovers who struggle to find reading time. ๐ฑ Carrying my library in my pocket โ this app makes every moment a reading opportunity! ๐๐ Simplifying audiobook management โ this app's functionality is a true asset. ListenBook makes my commute enjoyable. The audio filters really enhance the listening experience.
Darling Peacock
ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. Now I can enjoy my favorite lectures and speeches with ease! I'm addicted to this app's ability to seamlessly blend books into my life. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Wiccan Trouble
ListenBook's support for various formats means I can explore a wide range of content without limitations. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate customized listening sessions, whether for study, relaxation, or entertainment.
Tabasco Dracula
ListenBook's clean interface and organized layout make it a pleasure to browse through my audiobooks. ๐ Embracing reading in the digital age โ this app makes accessing books a seamless and enjoyable experience. ๐ฑ๐
Sugar Apple
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has elevated my listening experience. ListenBook's audio filters have given me the power to tailor my listening experience to my preferences. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook library in my pocket. Organized and easily accessible. The listening stats feature is awesome. I can track my audiobook habits effortlessly. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Sky Trinity
Audiobooks have become my go-to entertainment, and this app is the reason. Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldnโt call it unforgettable.
Elder Pogue
Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app is your new best friend. With this app, I can devour books like never before โ it's incredibly efficient. Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I learn and enjoy audiobooks. I can adapt the pace to my needs, maximizing comprehension and retention. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Demo
Listening to audiobooks has become my ultimate way to unwind after a long day. I've found solace in listening to audiobooks before bed โ it's my form of meditation. The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds. The app's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a true companion for all occasions. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Toolmaker
ListenBook's intuitive controls and features have made it my preferred choice for audiobooks. With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of literature during my daily walks โ it's truly invigorating. ๐ฑ Audiobooks at my fingertips โ this app's ease of use is a booklover's dream come true! ๐๐ฅ Gone are the days of fumbling with different formats โ this app's comprehensive support ensures I can enjoy any audiobook without a hitch. ๐๐ Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access.
Mud Finger
ListenBook's absence of synchronization requirements adds to its convenience and flexibility. ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have! Downloading books directly in the app is so easy. Highly recommend!
DragonBlood
Audiobooks have turned road trips into unforgettable journeys of imagination. ListenBook has changed my audiobook game forever. No more format woes! My daily workouts are more enjoyable now, thanks to seamless integration with Apple Watch.
Trip
I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into any moment. Incredible character voices! Each person felt distinct without being over-the-top. The emotional scenes gave me chills with how well they were delivered.
InsightInkwell
ListenBook's support for various audio formats means I never have to worry about compatibility issues. ๐ง An audiobook treasure trove in the palm of my hand โ this app is pure convenience! ๐๐ ๐ Whether I'm cooking, commuting, or relaxing at home, this app's seamless functionality keeps me engaged in captivating narratives. ๐งโจ The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
The Howling Swede
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. Audiobooks on this app have transformed my daily routines into engaging experiences. ๐ Accessing my favorite authors and genres is a breeze with this app's user-friendly functionality. ๐ฑ๐ง The app is so intuitive. I didnโt even need to read the instructions.
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