Book description
June 12th, 2024
Dear Reader,
Last night, I couldn't sleep. Not because of the book-though I nearly stayed up until dawn, the Kindle light blazing-but because of the sound of it. I'd been listening to Blake Crouch's Dark Matter on audiobook, and the moment Jason Dessen hears those words-"Are you happy with your life?"-and then the world shatters... well, I felt it in my bones. Not just read it. Lived it.
Marc Vietor's narration? Perfect. He's got this quiet intensity, this way of making you lean in, like he's whispering secrets in your ear while the world outside is falling apart. When Jason wakes up strapped to that gurney, hazmat suits looming, and that stranger says "Welcome back, my friend," Vietor's voice doesn't shout-it hisses, low and urgent, and I swear I felt my own breath catch. It's not just a story; it's a soundtrack to your own panic.
You know how sometimes a book makes you question your own life? Dark Matter does that with a scalpel. Jason's ordinary-college professor, quiet life, a wife he loves-and then bam. The other version of him? A genius. A hero. His son never existed in this world. The grief in Vietor's voice when Jason realizes his wife is a stranger? Chilling. You don't just imagine it-you hear the crack in his voice, the way he stops breathing for a second. It's visceral.
And that opening line? "Are you happy with your life?" It's not just a hook-it's a question that sticks with you long after the audiobook ends. Crouch doesn't just give you a sci-fi thriller; he makes you wonder: What if? What if you'd taken that job? Said that thing? Chose differently? The audiobook version makes that itch physical. You're not just thinking it-you're feeling it, through Vietor's pacing, the subtle pauses, the way his voice tightens when Jason realizes: This isn't the life I remember.
I listened to it while walking my dog at 2 a.m. The city was quiet, but my mind was racing. Which world is real? And the worst part? Crouch doesn't give you easy answers. You're right there with Jason, desperate to get back to the life he knows, even as he realizes it might be the dream. That tension? It's made for audio. You hear every heartbeat, every gasp, every silent scream.
Entertainment Weekly called it "mind-blowing," and they weren't wrong. But what the audiobook does better than any printed page is pull you inside Jason's head. You're not just reading about his confusion-you're hearing it, in the tremor of his voice when he asks, "Is it this life or the other that's the dream?" It's not just a thriller; it's a mirror. And I'll admit-after finishing it-I sat in the dark for a full ten minutes, just... thinking. About my own choices. My own path.
This isn't just a book you read. It's one you live. And if you haven't heard it yet? Do yourself a favor. Press play, turn off the lights, and let Blake Crouch and Marc Vietor take you on the ride of your life. Just... maybe don't listen while driving. You'll want to pull over, just to sit with the silence afterward.
You'll never look at your own life the same way again.
- A fellow traveler in the dark,
Alex
Baked ZD
ListenBook has completely changed my audiobook experience – it's like having a personal audio library. This was my first audiobook in this genre and I'm hooked! The performance brought the story to life in a way reading never could. Already downloaded another by the same narrator.
ZenaCake
Finally, an app that values usability – navigating and listening is a breeze! Supports all audio formats I use without issues. Very happy. Finally, an app that handles all my audiobook formats effortlessly. ListenBook is a must-have! ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Noisy Girl
The offline mode is a lifesaver on flights – I'm never without a good story. Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Fantastic app!
Disco Potato
Audiobooks have made my commutes so much more enjoyable, and I'm always excited to listen. Tone adjustment is a brilliant addition that lets me personalize the narration to my liking. It adds an extra layer of connection to the audiobooks.
Light Despair
I'm hooked on this app's sleek design and seamless performance – it's a must-have for any reader. The sleek and user-friendly interface makes navigating the app a breeze. It's a pleasure to use. Love the silky-smooth playback and easy-to-use interface. ListenBook is the best! The import process is seamless. I had no trouble adding my audiobooks. This audiobook was neither good nor bad - simply average. The narrator's delivery was professional but uninspired, and the recording quality was clean though not exceptional. It provided satisfactory entertainment without standing out from similar titles.
London Fox
I can't get enough of the celebrity narrators – they add a unique charm to each book. I can't get enough of this app – it's like having a personal library with me.
Emerald Vine
This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a testament to the app's commitment to audio quality. I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives. Excellent support for various audio formats. Very satisfied.
Day Hawk
🌌 Whether I'm cooking, commuting, or relaxing at home, this app's seamless functionality keeps me engaged in captivating narratives. 🎧✨ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand, transforming noisy environments into serene listening spaces. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that enhances the immersion in the content.
ThreadTrail
I love how this app's chapters, bookmarks, and controls give me full control over my audiobook journey. User-friendly brilliance! This app's functionality enhances my audiobook experience.
Versace-Cat
Kudos for the thoughtfully curated collections – I'm discovering hidden gems! This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. Listening to audiobooks on my iPad has never been easier. Highly recommend ListenBook! The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Taz Ringer
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. 📱 Turning my phone into a portal of endless stories – this app is pure magic! 📚✨ 🔥 Simplifying my reading routine – the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. 📚🔗 Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around. ListenBook is a must-have for any audiobook enthusiast. It's reliable, efficient, and a pleasure to use.
Treasure Devil
The controls on ListenBook are intuitive and user-friendly, making it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. Audiobooks on this app have made my daily walks a time of reflection and inspiration. CUE playlist support helps me organize my audiobooks efficiently. It's a great organizational tool.
Bowler
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. Streamlining audiobook enjoyment – this app's functionality is truly impressive.
HedgeH0g2
ListenBook has become my trusted companion for literary adventures. The app's features are exceptional. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality, providing a clear and immersive listening experience that enhances my enjoyment.
Disco Thunder
With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. I love the auto-rewind feature after interruptions. No more searching for where I left off! Auto-rewind is a very handy feature. Excellent app.
Pepper
Audiobooks made convenient – this app's functionality is a true gift. Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. 🎉🎧 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand, transforming noisy environments into serene listening spaces. The app's compatibility with CarPlay enhances my driving experience. Audiobooks on the road have never been better.
Forger
This app is a true gift for book lovers – it's like having a personal library wherever I go. ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. I can't believe how easy it is to download and manage my audio content using ListenBook. ListenBook has rekindled my passion for learning. I'm exploring new topics every day. My house has never been cleaner! I kept finding chores to do just to keep listening. The narrator's energy matched the tone of the book perfectly.
Phoenix Tetra
⏰ Early mornings have become my favorite time to listen to audiobooks – energizing! 🌅🎧 I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
Pusher
The features on this app, from bookmarks to playback speed, cater to all preferences. ListenBook is a game-changer – it plays a wide variety of formats without any conversion needed.
Raid Bucker
I've become a more empathetic listener thanks to the emotional depth of audiobooks. I can now explore books beyond my preferred genre, broadening my reading horizons. Thanks to ListenBook, I'm now exploring different genres and formats I never thought I would. ListenBook's user-friendly design and compatibility with different formats have made it my go-to app. 🌟 Who needs a dull commute when you can embark on literary journeys with this app? 🚗📖
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