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
Die Slice
βοΈ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency β I'm savoring stories with ease, even on the busiest days. πΆπ Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique feature that adds a personalized touch to the listening experience. The perfect balance between dramatic reading and natural storytelling. Felt like a friend telling me an amazing story rather than someone just reading words.
MrOnsTr
ListenBook's dedication to optimizing for iOS 16 ensures a seamless experience on the latest devices. Noise reduction is magic. I can finally enjoy dictaphone recordings without discomfort. The app is worth every penny. Itβs packed with features and works flawlessly.
WanderWord
The audio filters on ListenBook enhance the sound quality, making every listening session a treat for my ears. Perfect for studying with its playback controls and audio filters. Excellent app!
Dr. WMD
This app makes traffic jams a breeze β time flies by while I'm engrossed in a story. This app is like having a personal library with me wherever I go. πΆπ Replacing melodies with literary symphonies β my ears are in love! π΅π ListenBook's detailed statistics feature helps me keep track of my listening habits. It's amazing to see how much I've learned from all those audiobooks!
London Fox
ποΈπ§ Escaping to paradise with a beach read β this app is my vacation in audio form! ποΈπ Audiobook lovers, you need this app in your life. The innovative features, from audio filters to compatibility, enhance my reading journey. ππ§ ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches. I love the auto-rewind feature. Itβs great for when I zone out.
Drift
This app is like a personal audiobook concierge! The ability to download and organize audio files effortlessly is a game-changer for my reading routine. π±π The audiobook player's silky-smooth playback is like music to my ears. Flawless performance! Looping playback of a single track helps me focus and absorb complex content. Navigating through chapters has never been easier. It's a user-friendly delight. The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
New Magoo
π©βπ³ Turning cooking sessions into culinary adventures, complete with intriguing tales! π³π§ βοΈ Turning mundane tasks into exciting adventures β this app makes folding laundry a breeze with audiobooks! ππ§ ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. It's my go-to app for literary adventures. AirDrop sharing is a very convenient feature. Thanks, ListenBook!
Dance Bloom
I can't remember the last time I was this excited about 'reading' books! ListenBook's dedication to delivering a high-quality playback experience sets it apart from other apps. Audiobooks have become my companions during daily chores, making them enjoyable. ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It's seamlessly integrated with Apple Watch. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. They help me keep related titles together for a seamless experience.
HOV
π An app that turns house chores into exciting adventures β count me in! π§Ήπ Looping playback is my favorite feature. It's perfect for revisiting complex content. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and polished. This audiobook spoiled me for others! The narrator's professional delivery set a high bar - perfect diction, ideal pacing, and emotional authenticity. The recording quality was equally impressive with no distracting artifacts. I finished it far too quickly because I couldn't stop listening.
Stud Buster
π©βπ³ Cooking up a storm while enjoying thrilling stories β this app adds flavor to my meals! π³π§ Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to introduce them to captivating stories. Iβd listen to this narrator read anything! Their voice was so expressive and fitting for the material. The story itself was great, but the narration took it to the next level. Definitely a 5-star experience.
The Belgian
Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is a true marvel. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve 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!
GuTzd
ListenBook's user-friendly design and compatibility with different formats have made it my go-to app. Looping playback of a single track helps me master difficult concepts. So helpful! Automatic artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook library.
Slinger
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually fulfilling. π Elevating everyday moments β this app adds an extra layer of magic to every aspect of my day. πβ¨ Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It enhances the audio quality and makes listening comfortable. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks with friends.
High-Fructose
This app has transformed my daily routines into immersive storytelling experiences. This app's support for various formats and genres ensures that there's always something new to explore. π± An app that respects my time and delivers on functionality β audiobook listening has never been this effortless. ππ As an audiobook enthusiast, I'm in awe of ListenBook's advanced features. The ability to adjust the reader's voice tone is a unique and fun addition.
Shadow Chaser
With this app, reading is no longer a task β it's a delightful habit. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has never been easier or more convenient. Download via WiFi, WebDAV, iTunes β options galore to suit everyone's preferences.
Deano
π‘ Balancing learning and living effortlessly β audiobooks on demand, thanks to this app! π§π« π The ease and functionality of this app make it my go-to choice for immersive audiobook experiences. π±π§ ListenBook Pro is totally worth it. Unlimited audiobook length β I'm in!
RZRWRE
ListenBookβs support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narratorβs voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldnβt necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
Pocket Muzzie
I've found solace in listening to audiobooks before bed β it's my form of meditation. This app's ease of use has made reading an integral part of my everyday life. πΌ Making work hours enjoyable β audiobooks turn my tasks into learning opportunities and moments of joy. π»π Perfect for both first-time listeners and audiobook veterans! The narrator's warm, inviting tone made this an incredibly comfortable listening experience. I particularly appreciated how well they handled dialogue - each character felt distinct without being cartoonish. The pacing kept me engaged throughout.
BuzzBait
ListenBook's user-friendly design and compatibility with different formats have made it my go-to app. This app's convenience has transformed my screen time into meaningful reading sessions. π Adding a touch of magic to mundane tasks β this app turns errands into epic quests! ππ π§ Navigating through narratives has never been simpler β this app's functionality enhances my audiobook journey. ππ« Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a touch of elegance to my audiobook collection.
VenusXX
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay makes my daily commute a delightful opportunity to indulge in audiobooks. ListenBook has given me the gift of time β turning daily tasks into moments of inspiration. This app is my constant companion, making every moment a chance to discover new worlds. ListenBook has changed my audiobook game forever. No more format woes! The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
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