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.
Kimono Goddess
π‘ This app truly understands the needs of audiobook enthusiasts β it delivers an effortless and enjoyable listening experience. ππ§ 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§
Onion King
With this app, my audiobook library is organized and accessible, making my reading journey effortless. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. πΌ Making work hours fly by with captivating stories β a true work-life balance! π»π I'm impressed by the extensive statistics feature, allowing me to track my audiobook consumption over time. Listening statistics are a great motivator. Love this feature!
Uncle Buddy
With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one app. 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!
Lord Pistachio
Finally, an app that turns my daily commute into an adventure through literature. Love how I can adjust playback speed and audio volume. ListenBook caters to all my needs.
RiddleRover
Thank you for making my reading goals more achievable and enjoyable. Thanks to ListenBook, I've rediscovered the joy of exploring my favorite content on multiple devices. The app's compatibility with various sources for audio download is a true time-saver. The ability to organize my library is a huge plus. Everything is so neat and tidy.
Atomic Blastoid
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for immersive listening in any environment. Looping playback helps me focus on challenging content and grasp complex concepts. A study must-have! ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Hog Butcher
Unparalleled support for CarPlay and Apple Watch means I can take my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. The noise reduction feature on ListenBook Pro is a godsend for clear and comfortable listening. Audiobooks made convenient β this app's functionality is impressive. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment enhance the listening experience significantly.
Miss Murder
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to spread the joy. ListenBook has enriched my life with a world of captivating stories and knowledge. It's not just an app; it's a portal to endless possibilities.
MicroStar
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my dictaphone recordings much more comfortable to listen to. πββοΈπ Running with purpose β audiobooks keep my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals. πββοΈπ§ ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent audiobook experience is evident in its smooth and silky playback.
Metal Star
User-friendly brilliance! This app's functionality enhances my audiobook experience. Audiobooks made accessible and enjoyable β this app's design is a triumph. Tone adjustment is an innovative touch that adds a personal connection to the audiobook narration. It's like having a custom reading experience.
Blinker
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make every listening session a pleasure. With ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become hassle-free, thanks to the various download options. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and polished.
Sand Whiskers
Binaural audio reduces listening fatigue. Such a great feature! ListenBook has completely transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The chapter navigation is seamless, and the statistics feature is a fun way to track my listening progress. The app is stable, fast, and incredibly user-friendly. Five stars!
Overrun
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. I'm amazed by ListenBook's smooth drag-and-drop downloads in my web browser β a time-saver! Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend.
Demo Zero
CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature for those who enjoy organized and structured listening. AirDrop sharing is a very convenient feature. Thanks, ListenBook!
Stud Buster
With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. π Indulging in soothing bedtime stories β this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. ππ User-friendly audiobook experience β this app's design is a standout. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's design is a true delight.
Feral Mayhem
Listening to audiobooks has become a ritual, thanks to this incredible app. I'm in awe of how this app has made reading seamlessly fit into my lifestyle. I'm impressed with the wide range of supported formats. Finally, an app that plays all my audiobooks flawlessly. Adjusting playback speed has transformed the way I consume audiobooks. I can tailor the pacing to match my learning style and preferences. Auto-rewind feature is extremely helpful. Great functionality.
Midnight Rider
ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its impeccable audio quality and user-friendly features. ListenBook's support for various formats ensures that no audiobook is out of reach. With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light. This audiobook spoiled me for others! The narrator's professional delivery set a high bar - perfect diction, ideal pacing, and emotional authenticity. The recording quality was equally impressive with no distracting artifacts. I finished it far too quickly because I couldn't stop listening.
King Bass
ListenBook's customizable features, from playback speed to audio filters, cater to every audiobook lover's preferences. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have revolutionized the way I enjoy my audio content. This app has brought storytelling into every corner of my life β it's incredible. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very user-friendly. 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.
Trash Sling
This app is my secret weapon for making the most of my free time. Audiobooks have become a source of inspiration and motivation, thanks to this app. This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true delight. This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am. π©βπ³ Elevating culinary experiences with auditory tales β cooking has never been this entertaining and educational! π³π§
Bat Magenta
The 'Explore' feature has introduced me to authors I might never have discovered otherwise. This app has transformed my screen time into valuable learning and entertainment. With this app, I've unlocked the secret to reading even on the busiest days. Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys β this app's ease of use is a winner. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature is a time-saving convenience that I greatly appreciate.
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