Book description
I find myself utterly captivated by Fran Wilde's Cloudbound, the second installment in her striking Bone Universe saga. From the very first moments, the narrator's voice carries the weight of the sky-bound city, breathing life into a world where the clouds are both sanctuary and menace. The story begins as a natural consequence of the events in Updraft: the city's foundations crumble, its governance dissolves, and the citizens are left exposed to the ever-present threat lurking above.
The central character, Kirit Densira, is portrayed with remarkable depth. As a young woman who abandoned her familial tower to pursue a daring ascent, Kirit's decision to challenge the status quo brings about a cascade of upheaval. The narrative meticulously documents how her rebellion at the Spire ripples through the towers, setting the stage for the chaos that follows. The voice-over narration captures the emotional turmoil she endures-the loss of beloved family, the shattering of her dreams, and the relentless fight for survival. It is an evocative portrayal that invites listeners to feel the weight of her choices.
I am also drawn to the journey of Kirit's wing-brother, Naton, whose quest for heroism amid the disorder is rendered with palpable sincerity. As the new Council member, Naton attempts to safeguard the Tower-born while traversing lower tiers to acquire vital resources. The narrator deftly balances the practical aspects of resource gathering with the internal conflict that defines Naton's character. When he encounters the secrets of the lower tiers, the narrative shifts seamlessly, revealing the complexities of trust and self-belief. His decision point-whether to trust himself and others or to cling to the old ways-underscores the story's core thematic tension.
Wilde's prose, translated into audio form, feels both expansive and intimate. The narrator's intonation mirrors the ebb and flow of the plot: moments of high tension during the clouds' wrath are punctuated by the quiet, contemplative introspection of Naton as he unravels the hidden lore. The soundscape subtly enhances the sense of vertigo that comes with living in a city that is literally made of bone, making the stakes feel tangible.
What I appreciate most about the audiobook experience is the seamless integration of world-building with character arcs. The story remains accessible to listeners who may not have read Updraft, yet it rewards those who are familiar with the earlier novel. Each chapter is carefully paced, ensuring that the dramatic climax-when a dangerous myth transforms into a realistic threat-does not feel rushed. The final resolution leaves listeners with a lingering sense of awe at the resilience required to survive beneath the clouds.
In sum, Cloudbound delivers a compelling blend of action, emotional depth, and speculative imagination. Fran Wilde's skillful narration keeps the audience engaged from the opening line to the closing echo of a city still breathing, yet forever altered. It is an audiobook that not only entertains but also invites reflection on the cost of ambition and the necessity of trust in the face of overwhelming odds.
Miss Twilight
The ability to adjust the playback speed has made my commute even more efficient. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personal touch to my experience.
Gold Dahlia
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Sugar Apple
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Disco Potato
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Icy Avenger
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Rusty Vortex
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Silver Cup
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Jack Cassidy
This app has made multitasking a breeze β I can listen while I work, cook, or exercise. π Bedtime stories for adults? Yes, please! This app is a dream come true. ππ The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook habits, helping me learn and grow. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful feature. Sharing is caring! ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks a breeze. The smooth playback and intuitive interface are unmatched.
Dr. Jam Man
The ability to download audio from network devices directly within ListenBook is incredibly convenient. With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light. Accessing literary treasures has never been this straightforward β thank you, app! is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable. Makes listening to audiobooks easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
Stealth
The convenience of having an entire library at my fingertips is a dream come true. The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. Looping playback of a single track helps me master difficult concepts. So helpful!
Thunder Nut
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Nice Gnome
The controls on ListenBook are intuitive and user-friendly, making it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. This app's library is a treasure trove β I'm always discovering new favorites. ππ Falling asleep to audiobooks has never been easier β this app's soothing voices π΄π§ π Transforming long drives into memorable journeys through the magic of audiobooks! ππ
High-Fructose
The narrator's voices are so soothing β a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. This app's compatibility with different devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. π‘ This app's convenience is a blessing β I can squeeze in reading time between managing household tasks! π±π©βπ³ The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Dr. Jam Man
I'm constantly amazed by the vast selection β there's always something new to discover. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personalized touch to my audiobook experience. This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey. 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«
Tweety
Thank you for making my reading goals more achievable and enjoyable. ListenBook's features make it the ultimate audio companion for any audiobook enthusiast. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. With ListenBook Pro, I can enjoy super long audiobooks. It's fantastic! Finally, an audiobook player that supports all formats! No more converting files.
Fresh Peper
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. The audio filters on ListenBook enhance the sound quality, making every listening session a treat for my ears. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy.
Venom Petunia
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy.
Emerald Vine
Thank you for making my reading goals more achievable and enjoyable. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading a seamless part of my life. With ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become hassle-free, thanks to the various download options. ListenBook has breathed new life into my audiobook collection. I can't imagine using anything else.
Mosquit-No
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LuminaLore
This app has turned even my mundane tasks into exciting learning opportunities. With this app, audiobook listening has become a seamless and enjoyable part of my everyday life. Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Excellent app! Perfect for repeat listening! The narrator's performance was so rich with detail that I'm sure I'll discover new layers on a second listen. Their interpretation felt authentic to the material while bringing fresh insights. The audio production was pristine from start to finish.
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