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.
Rope
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! ποΈπ§ Soaking up the sun while indulging in beach reads β this app is my ultimate relaxation companion. ποΈπ The app's performance is beyond impressive. It's like it's tailor-made for my device. Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library. The app is so intuitive. I didnβt even need to read the instructions.
Steel Cut Toe
With this app, I've turned mundane chores into exciting opportunities for intellectual growth. With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature that adds a personal touch.
Jade Fox
Frequent updates ensure there's always something new and exciting to listen to. The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. Audiobooks on this app have transformed my daily routines into engaging experiences. This app's intuitive controls and user-friendly layout have made audiobook listening a true pleasure.
Jungle King
Effortlessly managing my audiobook library β this app's design is commendable. Effortlessly managing my audiobook library β this app's design is a triumph. Looping playback has revolutionized my study sessions. I'm learning faster than ever. Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are excellent.
Whipsaw
With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics. ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs.
Vermilion
This app has broadened my literary horizons, introducing me to new authors. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of intellectual discovery β a win-win! I can't get over how smooth the playback is. Even high-quality files play flawlessly. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy.
Tweety
With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a playful addition that lets me tweak the audiobook experience.
Eerie
Audiobook excellence simplified β this app's functionality is a true delight. The app's compatibility with CarPlay has made my road trips so much more enjoyable.
Predator
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures I never miss out on any audio gem. π‘ Nurturing my curiosity with audiobooks β this app adds a touch of wonder to my daily routines. π±π Audiobooks made delightful β this app's usability is a breath of fresh air. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for improving audio quality and clarity.
Morbid Sugar
ποΈπ§ Packing for vacation just got better β this app is my getaway entertainment! π΄π Savoring audiobooks without complications β this app's design is top-notch.
Runway Darling
The range of self-help and personal development audiobooks is truly enriching. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for improving audio quality and clarity.
RZR
The app's compatibility with various devices ensures I never miss a moment of my book. With this app, I've found a way to make long flights and road trips more enjoyable and enlightening. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Cooger
The intuitive chapter navigation and quick access to controls make my audiobook experience seamless. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that sets this app apart. The app is perfect for multitasking. I can listen while doing other things. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narratorβs voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldnβt necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
Hog Butcher
I'm addicted to this app's curated playlists and recommendations β they're spot on. The app is perfect for people who love to read but donβt have the time.
Midnight Rider
This app has ignited my passion for reading once again β but in a modern, convenient way. ListenBook's user-friendly audio filters and controls have made my audiobook sessions more interactive and engaging. πΌ Merging work and pleasure β audiobooks keep me company during house admin tasks! π»π§ Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fun way to personalize the listening experience. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Mother Night
This app has helped me achieve my reading goals and explore new genres effortlessly. ππ Turn traffic into a literary escape β this app's functionality keeps me engaged while I'm on the move. ππ§ 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« Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive offerings, from statistics tracking to immersive audio processing, have breathed new life into my reading. πβ¨
Swedish Twizz
Listening to audiobooks has become my daily ritual for relaxation and escape. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and intuitive controls make it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth. π‘ This app has made my daily schedule more interesting β 'reading' on the go! π±πΆββοΈ Audiobook immersion without complications β this app's ease of use is commendable.
Diamond Gamer
The app's stability and reliability make it my go-to choice for audiobooks. I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to play diverse formats flawlessly β it's a game-changer. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience. Not the best audiobook I've heard but far from the worst. The production quality was good and there were no major issues with the narration.
Fire Fish
Listening to audiobooks while cooking has made meal prep much more enjoyable. ListenBook Pro takes my experience to the next level. Unlimited audiobook length, noise reduction, and voice tone adjustment? Count me in! ListenBook has redefined my workout routine. The controls are so user-friendly. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique and fun feature. I can customize the narration to my liking. The import process is seamless. I had no trouble adding my audiobooks.
Chlorine
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences. ListenBook has made managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Library organization is top-notch. ListenBook has become an integral part of my daily routine. Its compatibility with Apple Watch and CarPlay makes it the ultimate companion for various activities.
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