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
Spunky Sphinx
ListenBook's absence of synchronization requirements adds to its convenience and flexibility. β° Early mornings have become my favorite time to listen to audiobooks β energizing! π π§ With ListenBook Pro, long audiobooks are no problem. I love it!
Zero Corn
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Star Killer
ListenBook's support for binaural audio processing is a thoughtful touch that reduces listening fatigue. ListenBook's audio filters are a valuable tool for customizing my audiobook playback to perfection.
Boo
This app has made multitasking a breeze β I can 'read' while I work! Audiobooks on demand β this app's functionality is a true technological gem. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the audio quality and ensures that I can immerse myself fully in the content.
Flakes
Kudos to ListenBook for optimizing the app for iOS 16 β it shows their dedication to excellence. Listening to audiobooks has become a ritual, thanks to this incredible app. ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. The layout is not only beautiful but also intuitive. Controls are easy to access. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment enhance the listening experience significantly.
Cool Whip
I can finally tackle my reading list while stuck in traffic β what a win! With ListenBook, my daily commutes have become a cherished time for learning and enjoyment. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a bonding experience made easy through AirDrop and sharing options.
Sky Trinity
Shuffle playback is a fun feature. It keeps me engaged with my audiobooks. ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches. The app is perfect for people who love to read but donβt have the time. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy. Iβm so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
Prone
Mood-based playlists help me choose books that suit my current state of mind. ListenBook's interface is so intuitive. I was up and running in no time. Elegant design and easy-to-use interface. Very happy with ListenBook.
The Shield Toronto
I love how this app fits seamlessly into my daily routine. The statistics tracking feature is a gem. I'm surprised by how much time I spend on audiobooks! Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze. Noise reduction and tone changing enhance the listening experience. Love it!
Judge
Audiobooks have never been this engaging β this app takes them to the next level. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. Simplifying audiobook management β this app's functionality is a true asset. I love the statistics feature. Itβs fun to see how much Iβve listened. Highly engaging! The combination of a well-written story and skilled narration made this audiobook hard to pause. I finished it much faster than I expected because I just couldnβt stop listening.
Admiral Tot
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. π± No more lugging around heavy books β this app brings the library to my phone! ππ± Quick access to chapters is a blessing. No more scrolling through endless content. ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Darkside Isis
The smart recommendation feature keeps surprising me with books I never knew I'd love. ποΈ Soaking up the sun with an audiobook by my side β beach days just got better! ποΈπ The ability to adjust playback speed and volume is a game-changer for me. Downloading audio from network devices is a brilliant feature. It's incredibly convenient. The customer support is amazing. They responded to my query within hours.
Boost Princess
ποΈ Basking in the sun with an audiobook β relaxation meets storytelling paradise! βοΈπ πΆββοΈπ± I'm exploring new worlds while on the move, all thanks to this app's seamless functionality. ποΈπ The statistics tracking is a nice touch. ListenBook helps me keep track of my audiobook habits. The app is perfect for multitasking. I can listen while doing other things. Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
Tangerine
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. This app has brought storytelling into every corner of my life β it's incredible. ListenBook's basic audio filters enhance my listening experience and make it uniquely mine. ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have taken my audiobook journey to new heights. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
IdeaAlchemy
Listening to audiobooks has become my ultimate way to unwind after a long day. The app's design is sleek and modern β it's a pleasure to navigate.
xSTORMx
I'm impressed by how much more I'm learning through audiobooks compared to traditional reading. Savoring captivating stories has become a breeze with this app's sleek design and convenient features. It's like having a personal reading assistant! π±π
Gold Bentley
Audiobooks have become my companions during long hours of household chores. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
DragonBlood
I've discovered authors I'd never heard of before, and now they're among my favorites. This app has made literature accessible and engaging for all ages. The selection of classics is a treasure trove for literature enthusiasts. ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. With this app, reading is no longer a task β it's a delightful habit.
Chapstick
This app's customizable features, from playback speed to filters, are fantastic. π Dancing to the rhythm of stories while I dance through house chores β pure joy! ππ π This app's functionality is a masterpiece β it seamlessly integrates audiobooks into my daily routine. ππ¨ ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to spread the joy of captivating stories with friends. The ability to adjust the tone of the narrator's voice is a creative touch that adds depth to my listening.
Cool Law Topping
This app has revolutionized my daily routine β I can't imagine life without it. Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's diverse format support and easy downloads, my reading routine has reached new heights. ππ
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