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.
Lumberyard
I've become a more empathetic listener thanks to the emotional depth of audiobooks. ListenBook's versatile controls and playback options have made my study sessions more productive and enjoyable. Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features have set the bar high for audiobook enjoyment. π±π ListenBook's dedication to user convenience is evident in the drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers.
Gunhawk
The fact that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats without DRM protection is a huge win. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures I never miss out on any audio gem.
General Broomdog
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. 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!
Nessie Pork
ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is fascinating. I can alter the reader's voice to match my moodβwhat a creative addition! ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
DragonBlood
As a visually impaired person, this app has opened up a new world of stories for me. Thanks to ListenBook's extensive statistics, I can track my audiobook consumption and celebrate my progress. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personal touch to my experience.
Double Eerie
This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits β truly impressive. π Elevating everyday moments β this app adds an extra layer of magic to every aspect of my day. πβ¨ Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of storytelling with friends. Finally, an audiobook player that supports all formats! No more converting files. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Bootleg Taximan
I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates with my daily routine. Book groups help me keep series together and navigate my collection more efficiently. A great feature! The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
Black Walnut
ListenBook has brought a whole new level of convenience and enjoyment to my audiobook experience. Audiobooks on the go β this app's design prioritizes convenience.
Hen Skittle
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Boo
Tone adjustment is such a unique feature. It's like customizing the narrator's voice. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It eliminates distractions and enhances the clarity of recordings, resulting in a more immersive experience.
Gov Skull
This app has introduced me to authors I'd never heard of β now they're my favorites! I love that ListenBook Pro allows me to customize the tone of the sound β it adds a personal touch. Audiobooks have never been this immersive β this app transports me to different worlds. Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
CuriousCoder
The sheer variety of genres available ensures there's something for everyone. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Shadow Chaser
This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access.
LoreLoomer
ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a thoughtful touch I appreciate. Library organization and book groups make managing my audiobook collection a breeze.
Pinup Diva
I can now explore books beyond my preferred genre, broadening my reading horizons. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures I never miss out on any audio gem. Downloading books directly in the app is so easy. Highly recommend! Noise reduction and tone changing are awesome features.
Joker's Grin
πͺ Boosting my productivity with this app's efficient multitasking features β audiobook enjoyment while I conquer my to-do list! πΌπ§ I've never experienced such a smooth audiobook player. The playback is seamless.
Dark Matter
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Mud Finger
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Mrs. Voltage
The range of self-help and personal development audiobooks is truly enriching. The adjustable playback speed feature is a true innovation. It adds a personalized touch to my listening.
Bug Blitz
Audiobook multitasking made simple β this app's design is a game-changer. The app's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically is a huge time-saver.
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