Book description
Forget the usual brooding knights and damsel-in-distress nonsense-T. Kingfisher's Clockwork Boys throws you headfirst into a group of people so dysfunctional, they'd be kicked out of a support group before the first meeting. Picture it: a guilt-ridden paladin (who definitely needs a better therapist), a perpetually bored assassin who'd rather be napping than saving the world, a forger who can't even forge a decent cup of tea without burning it, and a scholar who explains the plot while tripping over his own feet. They're not a team. They're a liability, a walking, talking disaster waiting to happen. And honestly? It's glorious.
Kingfisher doesn't just give us a heist story; she gives us a dysfunctional family reunion where the family members are actively trying to kill each other. The premise? Stop a neighboring kingdom's mechanical army (the "Clockwork Boys") from destroying their city, all while the group spends more time arguing over who gets the last biscuit than strategizing. The stakes? High. The group cohesion? Nonexistent. It's like if your coworkers had to pull off a bank heist while simultaneously trying to figure out whose turn it is to clean the break room. Darkly comic? Absolutely. Touching? Surprisingly, yes-because even the worst of us have moments where we just want to be seen, not just used.
And the audiobook? Chef's kiss. The narrator doesn't just read the words-they live them. You can hear the paladin's sigh of exasperation when the forger accidentally sets a map on fire. You can practically taste the scholar's nervous rambling as he tries to explain clockwork mechanics to a man who just wants to go home. The assassin's deadpan lines land like perfectly timed punchlines, making you laugh even as you're dreading the next time they're forced to work together. It's like having a group of your most chaotic friends narrate your worst day-impossible not to be drawn in, even as you roll your eyes at their choices.
Kingfisher's genius here isn't just in the plot twists (though there are plenty of those), but in how she weaponizes the group's flaws. The paladin's rigid morality? It's the only thing keeping them from going full chaos. The assassin's apathy? It's the only thing keeping them from getting killed by themselves. The scholar's over-explaining? It's the only thing keeping you from falling asleep during the slow parts. And the forger? Well, they're the heart of the whole thing-because they're the only one who truly sees everyone else, flaws and all.
This isn't just a story about saving the day; it's a story about people who've already given up on being heroes, trying to figure out why they're even bothering. It's funny because it's painfully true-sometimes the most heroic thing you can do is keep showing up, even when you hate everyone else in the room. And the audiobook makes it feel like you're right there, cringing, laughing, and maybe even cheering them on. So grab the audiobook, take a deep breath, and get ready for the most chaotic, heartfelt, and utterly ridiculous mission you'll ever hear. Just don't ask the forger to make you coffee. You'll regret it.
Marbles
This app's ease of use has made my downtime more enriching and enjoyable. The app's performance is unparalleled. It's like it's tailor-made for my device.
Tse Tse Guy
Audiobooks have transformed my daily walks into a time of inspiration and learning. Simplifying my reading routine β this app's ease of use is remarkable. Navigating through my audiobook library is a joy with this app's intuitive interface and easy controls. It's like having a personal reading companion at my side. π±π This app is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. The ability to adjust skip intervals and playback speed is fantastic. I also love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Worth every penny!
Solo Kill
ListenBook's sleek interface and precise controls make it a joy to use during my daily listening sessions. This app has brought the magic of books back into my life. Audiobooks on demand β this app's functionality is a true technological gem.
Commando
ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing β it's my relaxation therapy. πββοΈπ Combining fitness and fiction β this app keeps me motivated during workouts with its engaging stories! πββοΈπ CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate customized listening sessions, whether for study, relaxation, or entertainment. Downloading over WiFi is super efficient. Saves a lot of time.
Miss Murder
As an audiobook aficionado, this app is a dream come true. Its support for various formats and effortless navigation make it my perfect reading companion. ππ§ The app's compatibility with Apple Watch elevates my workouts, making them more engaging and productive. ListenBook has become my trusted companion for literary adventures. The app's features are exceptional. This is exactly what I look for in an audiobook! The narrator's pleasant voice and excellent diction made even complex passages easy to follow. I appreciated the subtle but effective use of pauses and emphasis that added depth to the listening experience. Finished it in record time because I couldn't stop listening.
Palomino
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my audio content much more enjoyable in noisy environments. πΌ Enhancing work-from-home productivity β audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. π»π πΆββοΈπ This app's functionality makes every walk an adventure β I'm immersed in stories as I explore the world around me. ποΈπ
MuseMaster
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. πΌ Making every minute count β this app's ease of use ensures I'm always making progress in my audiobook adventures. π±π Looping playback has taken my language learning to new heights. Highly recommended!
Divine Bramble
ListenBook's configurable auto-rewind after interruptions is a smart addition that keeps me on track. Download options are plenty β I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Scare Stone
Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is truly impressive. I love the auto-rewind feature. Itβs great for when I zone out. I love the auto-bookmark feature. It saves my place automatically. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Slug-em-dog
Adjusting the tone of the voice is a game-changer. It's like customizing my listening experience. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
VisionVortex
With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one convenient app. The intuitive interface and seamless navigation make this app a joy to use. π The simplicity and functionality of this app are top-notch. I can start a book with just a tap and immerse myself in the story instantly. π±π
ZenZone
CUE playlist support is a fantastic organizational feature. It keeps my audiobooks neatly arranged. ListenBook has all the features I need. My go-to audiobook app!
Orange Teflon
The bookmarking feature ensures I never lose my place in a book β so convenient! Noise reduction on ListenBook enhances the clarity of dictaphone recordings, allowing me to enjoy content even in noisy environments. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my library look organized and visually appealing.
Coma Stalk
This app has brought back the joy of reading, no matter how busy I am. ListenBook's compatibility with a wide range of audio formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits. CarPlay compatibility takes my driving experience to a whole new level. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. The app's versatility in audio downloading is impressive. It's a one-stop solution for all my content. The app is perfect for multitaskers. I can listen while working out.
Gold Dahlia
I've never been so excited about my daily commute β thanks to this app. If you love stories but have a busy schedule, this app is your solution! The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
Elder Pogue
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I always have access to my favorite content. ListenBook Pro offers amazing value with unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction features. ππ This app has rekindled my love for books β I can't stop listening! ππ§ ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features have become indispensable tools in my audiobook learning.
Santa's Little Helper
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook is a fun feature that adds a unique touch to my audiobook experience. This app's convenience has revolutionized the way I experience books.
Acid Gosling
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make navigation effortless. ListenBook's compatibility with different formats ensures I never have to worry about file conversions. Finally, an app that values usability β navigating and listening is a breeze! I canβt believe how easy it is to manage my audiobook library with ListenBook. Highly recommended! The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
RealmRanger
ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have! Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice adds a layer of personalization that I never knew I needed. This app is a game-changer for audiobook lovers! The interface is clean and easy to use.
Sw33per
Audiobooks on this app have made my daily walks a time of reflection and inspiration. ListenBook's compatibility with a wide range of audio formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve 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!
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