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.
X-Dew
This app has made me appreciate the art of storytelling even more. ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. πΌ Elevating my work-from-home routine with this app's delightful audiobook selection! π»π
LuminaLore
I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature. The narrator was good but spoke a bit too slowly for my taste. I had to speed it up to 1.2x which then made some parts sound slightly unnatural.
Roller Turtle
ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features have become indispensable tools in my audiobook learning. The statistics tracking feature is a gem. I'm surprised by how much time I spend on audiobooks! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to bond over stories.
Slug-em-dog
ListenBook's customizable features, from playback speed to audio filters, cater to every audiobook lover's preferences. π©βπ³ Elevating culinary experiences with auditory tales β cooking has never been this entertaining and educational! π³π§
Pecan Oblivion
I can't get enough of the app's sleek interface and intuitive controls. It's a joy to use! With features like auto-rewind, I never lose my place when I pause listening. Looping playback helps me focus on challenging content and grasp complex concepts. A study must-have! I love the auto-rewind feature. Itβs great for when I zone out.
Star Sword
Looping playback is a fantastic study tool. It helps me focus and retain information effectively. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Swan Mustang
ListenBook has given me a renewed appreciation for audio content β it's my new favorite app. This app's seamless integration with my devices has made audiobook listening a hassle-free experience. This app is my secret weapon for learning while I'm on the move.
Hitch Frenzy
This app's customizable features, from playback speed to filters, are fantastic. Bookmarks have become my study companion. I can easily revisit important passages in my audiobooks. Tone adjustment is a brilliant addition that lets me personalize the narration to my liking. It adds an extra layer of connection to the audiobooks. The app is perfect for long commutes. It keeps me entertained for hours.
LoreLoomer
I'm amazed by ListenBook's smooth drag-and-drop downloads in my web browser β a time-saver! ππ Road trips have never been this entertaining β this app keeps me engaged on the highway! ππ
InsightfulInk
ListenBook's basic audio filters allow me to fine-tune the audio playback to suit my preferences. I love how ListenBook caters to various formats, making it versatile and accommodating for all my audiobooks. I love how this app allows me to enjoy books even when I'm on the move. π§ Making housework more enjoyable β audiobooks turn mundane chores into moments of discovery. π§Ήπ Organizing my audiobook library has never been easier. The app keeps everything tidy.
Atlantic Rim
I love how this app brings stories to life, even during my morning jogs. Finally, an app that understands the power of CUE playlists. Perfect for organizing. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is such a fun way to spread joy.
Bit Sentinel
I've never been so excited about my daily commute β thanks to this app. ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's thoughtful features, such as auto-rewind and chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our storytelling cravings. ππ
VisionVortex
Listening to audiobooks has made my daily commute more enjoyable and productive. π Adding excitement to each day β this app ensures that every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories. ππ Simplifying my reading routine β this app's ease of use is remarkable. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to connect with fellow book lovers.
Nacho
πββοΈπ Combining exercise and exploration β this app keeps me motivated on my daily jogs! πββοΈπ Audiobook immersion without fuss β this app's ease of use is commendable. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
AlertXis
The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files! The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Breadmaker
I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates with my daily routine. Noise reduction on ListenBook enhances the clarity of dictaphone recordings, allowing me to enjoy content even in noisy environments. π‘ Cleaning the house with an audiobook in the background β talk about productivity! π§Όπ Audiobook enthusiasts, gather around! This app's exceptional features, from audio filters to robust support, have transformed my daily routines into storytelling moments. ππ§ Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its functionality, from seamless downloads to binaural audio processing, has truly raised the bar. π±π
LuminaLore
The ability to download audio from network devices directly within ListenBook is incredibly convenient. ListenBook's versatile player features are like having a personal audio assistant β it's that good!
Arsenic Coo
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. π± Carrying stories in my pocket β this app's convenience is a game-changer! πποΈ ListenBook has become my workout companion of choice. It keeps me motivated and entertained during exercise.
Unleashed
I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to maintain audio quality even for formats like FLAC and AWB. I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience so effortless. From downloading to playback, it's a true companion for book lovers. ππ« The basic audio filters are a game-changer. Adjusting playback speed is a breeze. The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences.
DreamDasher
Hands down, the best audiobook collection I've ever come across. It has everything I want to listen to. The convenience of having a library at my fingertips is unparalleled. Iβve tried several audiobook players, but ListenBook stands out for its reliability and ease of use. The equalizer and voice boost features make every book sound amazing. Plus, the dark mode is perfect for nighttime 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