Book description
City of Ashes - an Audiobook Review
Cassandra Clare's City of Ashes is a spell-binding continuation of the Mortal Instruments saga, and the audio version takes that magic to new heights. Narrated by Michael P. Collins, whose voice perfectly captures both the grit and the glamour of New York's shadowy underworld, the audiobook feels like a late-night walk through the city's hidden alleys-each turn echoing with whispers from vampires, werewolves, and faeries.
From the very first word, you're drawn into Clary Fray's desperate longing for normalcy. The sound of her internal monologue is rendered with such nuance that listeners can almost feel her heart racing as she balances love, loyalty, and a world where betrayal can mean death. Collins' delivery keeps pace with Clare's intricate plot: the hunt for Valentine, the theft of the Soul-Sword, and the looming threat of an Inquisitor all unfold with tension that never lets up.
What makes this audiobook stand out is how the narrator handles the ensemble cast. Jace's brooding charisma comes alive through a deep, resonant tone, while Simon's playful banter offers a brief, bright respite amid the darkness. The voice work for the Downworlders-particularly the snarls of werewolves and the eerie hiss of vampires-is both vivid and respectful to the lore, ensuring that each creature feels distinct yet part of a larger tapestry.
The pacing is impeccable; Clare's rapid plot twists are matched by Collins' steady narration, preventing any sense of overwhelm. The inclusion of the new foreword and bonus content in this edition adds layers for fans who crave deeper insight into the world-building, and it's seamlessly woven into the listening experience.
If you're a long-time reader or a newcomer to the series, City of Ashes on audio delivers every promise of suspense, romance, and supernatural intrigue. The soundscape is immersive enough that you'll feel as though you're standing in the shadows of Manhattan, hearing the distant clatter of angelic blades and the soft susurrus of magic. In short, this audiobook is a must-listen for anyone who loves a story where love is never safe but always worth fighting for.
Lady Pomegranate
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to play diverse formats flawlessly – it's a game-changer. This app has transformed my daily walks into insightful journeys of knowledge – talk about efficiency! The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds.
FrankenGrin
The offline mode is a lifesaver on flights – I'm never without a good story. I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily activities. Discovering new literary worlds has never been this easy. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audiobook library is at my fingertips. 📚🔊
Trash Sling
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Digital Goddess
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Troublemasher
CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate customized listening sessions, whether for study, relaxation, or entertainment. Downloading books directly in the app is so easy. Highly recommend! A masterclass in audiobook narration! The performer maintained perfect consistency in character voices throughout while keeping the main narration clear and engaging. The production was flawless - no weird edits or background noise. I'll be seeking out more works by this narrator. As someone who struggles to focus on audiobooks, this kept my attention the whole way through. The narrator's clear diction and expressive delivery were perfect.
Abyss Tamer
I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in books through this app. Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Wrangler Jim
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best. ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. With this app, audiobook listening has become a convenient and enjoyable part of my everyday life. With this app, I'm rediscovering the joy of reading in the most convenient way. Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it!
Demo
This app has brought stories to life in a way that traditional reading never could. I'm amazed by ListenBook's versatility in handling different formats – it truly supports all my audio needs. Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration. Sharing audiobooks with friends is so easy with AirDrop. It's a great way to spread happiness.
Breadmaker
Background play feature lets me multitask while enjoying a book – brilliant! This app has made audiobook listening an integral part of my daily routine – it's a habit I cherish. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to inspire others to read. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app. Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
Apple Nola
ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and visually appealing.
Mr. Peppermint
This app's seamless integration with my devices has made audiobook listening a hassle-free experience. I'm addicted to this app – it's like having a library in my pocket. ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have! Automatic metadata retrieval is a neat touch. My library is well-organized.
Roma Kabuki
I've found hidden gems in genres I never thought I'd be interested in. Audiobook pleasure at its finest! This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and delightful. 📚👌 I'm blown away by the attention to detail in every aspect of this app. Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Gas Man
The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze. Good for background listening. I didn’t get fully immersed, but it was pleasant enough to have on while doing chores. The narrator’s voice was easy to listen to, even if the delivery lacked some energy.
Killer Curio
The app's versatility in downloading audio is impressive. It streamlines the process and saves time. I love how I can create playlists. It’s perfect for organizing my books.
Achilles Mountain
I'm addicted to the personalized recommendations – it's like the app knows me! ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like my personal audiobook oasis. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a game-changer. Controlling my audiobooks from my wrist is genius. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of reading.
Feral Cookie
ListenBook's versatile player features are like having a personal audio assistant – it's that good! Downloading audiobooks is a breeze, thanks to the variety of options available. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Treasure Devil
This app is my travel companion – making long journeys enjoyable and insightful. I'm amazed at how this app has made my workouts more motivating and my audiobooks more accessible. As a busy individual, I appreciate ListenBook's versatility in downloading audio files from various sources. It's a time-saver for sure!
Sexy
This app has transformed my daily walks into exciting literary adventures. I'm grateful for ListenBook's seamless compatibility with a variety of formats – it's a true lifesaver. This app is a lifesaver! I can now enjoy my favorite books on the go. CUE playlist support is a fantastic addition. It helps me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. Smooth playback and great sound quality. ListenBook is my new favorite app!
ManManMan
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing. I'm hooked on this app – it's my escape to different worlds and adventures. I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine – thank you! I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Mammoth 2
ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments. ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration.
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