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.
Subzero Taffy
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Junkyard Dog
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Backstreet
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Mr. Gadget
Audiobooks have never been this immersive β this app transports me to different worlds. Looping playback has revolutionized my study sessions. I'm learning faster than ever.
PixelPioneer
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K-9
ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. This audiobook was an absolute pleasure to listen to! The narrator's voice was rich and expressive, perfectly capturing the tone of the material. I found myself completely immersed in the story, often sitting in my car longer than necessary just to hear what happened next. The production quality was excellent with clear audio throughout.
Poptart AK47
π‘ This app's convenience is a blessing β I can squeeze in reading time between managing household tasks! π±π©βπ³ I can finally listen to all my audiobooks seamlessly with ListenBook. The customizable playback controls and chapter navigation make it a breeze.
Marine Dre
ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have taken my audiobook journey to new heights. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a testament to its innovation. Organizing my audiobook library has never been easier. The app keeps everything tidy. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a novel feature that allows for a personalized listening experience. ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Petite Beauty
I'm amazed by the variety of genres available β there's something for everyone. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, making even the busiest days enjoyable. Effortlessly switching between stories β this app's ease of use is impressive. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook library. Packed with useful features. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook app.
Tangerine
The app's performance is exceptional, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted audiobook experience. It's clear that it's designed with audiobook enthusiasts in mind. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Poppy Coffee
This app is a boon for book lovers who are always on the go. Looping playback is a study tool that I can't live without. It helps me master challenging content. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs.
Scratch Man
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Disco Thunder
Sharing audiobooks with friends is so easy with AirDrop. It's a great way to spread happiness. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
TulipCake
Gone are the days of waiting for the right time to read β this app is always ready. The narrator's voice was so pleasant and easy to listen to. They had perfect pacing and made even the slower parts engaging. I found myself looking forward to my commute just to listen more!
ByteBard
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually fulfilling. π Turning road trips into unforgettable adventures β audiobooks keep me entertained on the journey! ππ Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's elegant design and robust functionality make it a must-have for anyone who loves to listen on the go. π§π± Audiobook enthusiasts, gather round! This app's remarkable features, including audio filters and compatibility, have transformed my commutes into captivating journeys. ππ§ ListenBook's intuitive interface and quick controls make it a pleasure to navigate through audiobooks.
Flyswat Briggs
Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Boost
The family subscription option is a money-saver β everyone gets to enjoy their favorite books. From MP3 to FLAC, this app plays them all flawlessly. Say goodbye to compatibility issues! The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Cool Iris
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable. ListenBook's controls for looping and shuffling playback have made studying and revisiting content a breeze. Automated artwork and metadata extraction keeps my audiobook library visually appealing. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a blast. AirDrop makes it seamless.
Mr. Gadget
The ability to switch between different books effortlessly is a major plus. Listening to audiobooks on this app has become my favorite way to relax. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature.
Frenzy
I love how this app allows me to enjoy books even when I'm on the move. No need for file conversion is a game-changer. Love using ListenBook on my iPhone.
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