Book description
Dark Reading Matter (Thursday Next, #8) - Audiobook Review
There's something deeply unsettling about the silence between words-especially when you know that silence is listening back.
In Dark Reading Matter, Jasper Fforde drags Thursday Next once more into the shadowy corridors of the Bookworld, a place where stories are not read, but lived, and where the boundaries between narrative and reality unravel like a fever dream. This eighth installment doesn't just continue the saga-it descends deeper into the literary uncanny, where forgotten texts breathe and forgotten characters plot in the margins.
Fforde's prose has always danced on the edge of absurdity, but here it leans into something darker. The humor is still there, razor-sharp and sly, but it's draped in an atmosphere thick with unease. The audiobook format amplifies this perfectly-narrated with a controlled eeriness that makes you lean in, as if proximity might offer safety. It won't.
Thursday's latest case involves a haunting: a book that writes itself, rewriting its own ending with each telling. But the real horror lies not in the anomaly, but in what it reflects-the instability of truth, the fragility of narrative, the fear that stories might outlive their authors, or worse, remember their readers.
Fforde has crafted a mystery that gnaws at you long after the final chapter. It's a tale stitched together with literary theory, detective fiction, and a kind of existential dread that only someone who truly loves books could summon. To listen is to be complicit in the unraveling.
For those familiar with Thursday's world, this is a return to form-stranger, darker, and more introspective. For newcomers, it's a descent best taken with caution. The Bookworld is no longer just a playground. It's a prison of plot, and every page turned is a door closed behind you.
Beware the audiobook. It whispers too well.
Roma Kabuki
I'm able to catch up on my reading list even during the busiest days. πββοΈπ Running with purpose β audiobooks keep my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals. πββοΈπ§
Bruh
Audiobook pleasure without the fuss β this app's functionality is top-notch. Looping playback has taken my language learning to new heights. Highly recommended! 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. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling.
Thumb Candy
The audio filters on ListenBook enhance the sound quality, making every listening session a treat for my ears. Finally, an app that values usability β navigating and listening is a breeze!
The Final Judgement
This app's versatility and convenience have transformed my screen time into a productive reading journey. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Stickers
Mood-based playlists help me choose books that suit my current state of mind. Streamlining audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is truly impressive. My daily workouts are more enjoyable now, thanks to seamless integration with Apple Watch.
Instant Star
This app has turned audiobook listening into a daily ritual for me. I'm blown away by the quality of narration on this app β it's like being in the story. ListenBook has revolutionized my audio experience, making it both personalized and engaging.
SmartieQuest
ππ Reigniting my passion for books β this app is my newfound reading obsession! π₯π§ πββοΈπ Running with purpose β audiobooks keep my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals. πββοΈπ§ Audiobooks made easy β this app's functionality is truly a gift. Unlocking a world of literary wonders β this app's extensive format support and user-centric approach have rekindled my love for books. π±π
1st Degree
Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. I've become addicted to this app β in the best possible way!
Uncle Psycho
Audiobooks have turned road trips into unforgettable journeys of imagination. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and efficient. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars! Perfect for repeat listening! The narrator's performance was so rich with detail that I'm sure I'll discover new layers on a second listen. Their interpretation felt authentic to the material while bringing fresh insights. The audio production was pristine from start to finish.
Valley Guardian
Listening to audiobooks has become my ultimate way to unwind after a long day. Audiobooks have become my companions during daily chores, making them enjoyable. I love the car mode. Itβs so convenient for listening while driving.
Ember Rope
With this app, reading is as simple as pressing play β it's genius! ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Moxie
ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have taken my audiobook journey to new heights. Streamlined audiobook integration β this app's usability is impressive.
Wiccan Thunder
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. Audiobook excellence made simple β this app's functionality is a true asset. ListenBook has become my ultimate audiobook companion. It enhances every listening session. Sharing books with friends via AirDrop is so convenient. Thanks, ListenBook!
Pusher
I've found solace in listening to audiobooks before bed β it's my form of meditation. ListenBook's statistics feature is both enlightening and motivating. It's incredible to see the time I've invested in learning through audiobooks.
Troubled Pie
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. This app is my travel companion β making long journeys enjoyable and insightful. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook journey, making it more enjoyable and convenient than ever before. ListenBookβs playback is smooth and reliable. I never have issues with audio quality. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Miss Mustard
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to connect. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fineβgood narration, decent storyβbut it didnβt leave a lasting impression. If youβre looking for something low-commitment, this works.
Sly Bible
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. Audiobooks made convenient β this app's functionality is impressive. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks is a hassle-free process, regardless of the source. Perfect for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful app.
Tokyo Dream
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook is a fantastic way to spread the joy of listening. I'm addicted to this app β it's like having a library in my pocket. I never thought I'd find an app that supports such a wide range of audiobook formats. ListenBook is a true gem!
Pixie
I'm amazed at how this app's narrators bring characters and stories to life. ListenBook is my daily companion, turning mundane tasks into exciting audio adventures. ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. ListenBook has become my go-to workout companion. It keeps me motivated and entertained. Adjustable playback speed is a fantastic feature. It allows me to customize my listening experience.
Fire Bite
I can't believe how much time I've gained by listening while cooking and doing chores. ListenBook's dedication to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every aspect of the app. This app is a game-changer for anyone who's always on the go β it's like carrying a library in my pocket.
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