Book description
City Under the Stars: A Journey Beyond the Wall
Gardner Dozois left us too soon, but not before completing this remarkable expansion of his earlier novella with Michael Swanwick. What began as "The City of God" twenty-five years ago has finally reached its full potential in "City Under the Stars."
The story follows Hanson, a man trapped in a post-utopian nightmare where gods dwell just fifteen miles away, separated by an iridescent wall. His daily existence consists of backbreaking labor, shoveling coal while staring at the barrier that divides humanity from divinity. When personal tragedy strikes, Hanson makes a desperate choice-he abandons his city and ventures into the unknown wilderness.
Dozois crafts Hanson's journey with the skill of a master storyteller who understands both the weight of despair and the pull of transcendence. The audiobook format brings particular power to this tale, as the listener experiences Hanson's isolation and wonder through carefully rendered pacing and atmospheric sound design.
What unfolds after Hanson crosses into the divine city defies expectations. The impossible becomes merely the beginning of something far more complex and morally ambiguous. Dozois doesn't offer easy answers about faith, divinity, or human nature. Instead, he presents a world where the line between paradise and prison blurs in fascinating ways.
The author's decades of experience as both writer and editor of science fiction shine throughout. His prose carries the reader forward with natural momentum, while his world-building feels both alien and disturbingly familiar. This is classic science fiction at its finest-using the fantastic to examine very human questions about belief, survival, and what we're willing to sacrifice for transcendence.
"City Under the Stars" stands as a fitting capstone to Dozois's remarkable career.
QuestQuill
I can't get enough of the celebrity narrators – they add a unique charm to each book. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a creative way to share the love of literature. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fine—good narration, decent story—but it didn’t leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking for something low-commitment, this works.
Fire Feline
This app has brought the magic of books back into my life. 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.
Eerie
I'm amazed at how this app's narrators bring characters and stories to life. ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook lovers. The auto-rewind feature ensures I never miss a word. The detailed listening stats are fantastic. Helps me keep track of my progress.
Toy Dogwatch
Integration with Apple CarPlay has made long road trips so much more enjoyable. I'm hooked on this app's intuitive features – from chapters to playback controls. This app's convenience has made reading a consistent part of my life.
Show Off
🧘♀️☕ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories – the ultimate way to unwind! 🍵📖 💪 Flexing my reading muscles with this app's easy-to-use controls – I'm devouring books while managing my busy schedule. 💼📚 Automated artwork and metadata extraction keeps my audiobook library visually appealing.
Spunky Sphinx
Listening to audiobooks has become my ultimate way to unwind after a long day. With this app, I've turned my daily commutes into exciting journeys through the world of literature.
Knuckles
This app has reignited my love for literature in the most delightful way. I've never experienced such silky-smooth playback even with high-quality FLAC files. ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is a game-changer! I love how easy it is to download audiobooks with ListenBook. The app is incredibly convenient.
Black Hole Necromancer
With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. The layout is not only beautiful but also intuitive. Controls are easy to access.
Kinged
The bookmarking feature ensures I never lose my place in a book – so convenient! ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. Absolutely in love with this audiobook app! The seamless functionality and easy navigation make my reading time pure bliss. 📚🎧 Supports artwork and metadata perfectly. My library looks great!
Risen
Thanks for making my daily commute to work enjoyable and engaging! I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. 🚗 Turning road trips into unforgettable adventures – audiobooks keep me entertained on the journey! 🚗📖 Bookmarks have become my study companion. I can easily revisit important passages in my audiobooks.
Spunky Comet
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy of audiobooks. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling.
Winded On Friday
This app has become my loyal companion during travels and relaxation times. 👀📚 Embarking on literary journeys even with my eyes closed – bedtime stories have taken a new form with this app! 😴🎧
Mr. Gadget
ListenBook's customizable audio filters allow me to personalize my listening experience – a fantastic feature. ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its impeccable audio quality and user-friendly features. ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. Unlimited audiobook length? Count me in! ListenBook has transformed the way I engage with literature. It's like having a virtual bookshelf in my pocket.
ShadowFax
As a language enthusiast, this app has been a fantastic tool for learning new languages. ListenBook has made audiobook listening more convenient and enjoyable than ever before. Looping playback is a brilliant study tool. Thanks to ListenBook, my learning has improved!
CommandX
🎙️ Grocery shopping has taken an exciting turn – I'm on a mission to explore new worlds through audiobooks! 🛒📚 I'm on a literary adventure wherever I go, all thanks to this app. Its extensive format support and effortless navigation make audiobook listening a breeze. 🌟📚 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality, providing a clear and immersive listening experience that enhances my enjoyment.
Unseen
The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. This app has made 'reading' more versatile and enjoyable than ever. Savoring audiobooks without complications – this app's design is commendable. The adjustable playback speed is a revelation. It's like having a personal audiobook narrator at my pace.
Spoiler Betty
This app is a book lover's dream come true – a vast library right at your fingertips. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration is a brilliant touch. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks, and this one stands out for its professional quality. The narrator struck the ideal balance between dramatic interpretation and letting the text speak for itself. The audio engineering was superb with consistent volume levels and crystal-clear recording.
High Beam
The 'Discover' section is a treasure trove for finding hidden literary gems. Audiobook joy made simple – this app's ease of use is commendable. ListenBook’s audio filters are great. The app provides a high-quality listening experience.
Sleek Zelda
Seamless audiobook integration – this app's design is a true delight. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a playful addition that lets me tweak the audiobook experience.
Abyss Tamer
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily activities more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. It transforms the way I enjoy my recordings. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a bonding experience made easy through AirDrop and sharing options. I love the car mode. It’s so convenient for listening while driving.
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