Book description
Hey, so I just finished the audiobook version of Company Town by Madeline Ashby and I have to tell you-I'm still buzzing. The story starts with Hwa, the last totally organic person on a massive offshore rig. The whole crew's been upgraded with bio-engineered tech, so Hwa's the oddball who chose to stay natural. She's a badass self-defence pro, and the Family-some kind of elite group on the rig-has handed her the job of training the youngest member. And get this: that kid's getting death threats that look like they're coming from another timeline. Like, seriously, what does that even mean?
Right off the bat, Ashby throws you into this tangled web of timelines, security protocols, and a city that's on the brink of chaos. The way she builds that tension is brilliant-she layers mystery and world-building so that you're never sure if it's a serial killer or something far stranger. I love how the audiobook narrator really captures the urgency of those threats, making each chapter feel like a ticking clock.
What makes this audiobook extra special is how Ashby balances action with the more human moments. Hwa's training sessions aren't just flashy fight scenes; they reveal her deeper worries about being the last organic person and the weight of protecting someone who might not survive the rig's dangerous politics. The narration gives that nuance a real feel-you can almost hear the grit in Hwa's voice.
And the setting-this rig turned mini-city-feels claustrophobic yet vast. The rig's own bio-engineered systems, the Family's secret agenda, and the looming murders all create a sense that every corner could hide a new twist. Ashby's world-building is spot-on; she doesn't just describe tech, she lets it influence the plot in ways that feel organic.
I think the audiobook really shines because of how the narrator pulls every character's personality. The Family's youngest, the killer's ominous tone, even the silent, cold rig-each is distinct. The pacing keeps you turning pages (or, in this case, ears) without a moment to relax. I found myself hanging on every line, like a kid listening to a story around the campfire.
If you're into a mix of hard-boiled detective vibes, speculative tech, and a protagonist who's literally the last of her kind, Company Town is a must-listen. Ashby delivers a clever, suspense-filled story that feels fresh and totally worth the time you'll spend listening. Trust me, you'll want to play it on repeat, just to soak in that world.
PixelPathfinder
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QuestQuill
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Acid Gosling
Language courses on audiobooks helped me pick up a new language effortlessly. This served its purpose as background listening while I worked. I probably missed some details but the narrator's voice was pleasant enough. An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
Sky Herald
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Steel Cut Toe
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Chip Queen
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Hen Skittle
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Bowler
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Force
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Sylvester Eye
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Skittle Mine
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Fiend Oblivion
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Fl00d
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Venom Petunia
The selection of classics is a treasure trove for literature enthusiasts. Effortless audiobook exploration β this app's functionality is a true delight.
Black Firefly
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VPR
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Treasure Devil
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Burst Nibbler
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Shimmy Shammy
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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