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.
Mauve Cactus
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Berlin Kamikaze
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Liquid Death
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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