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.
Pepper Legs
ListenBook's basic audio filters enhance my listening experience and make it uniquely mine. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's thoughtful features, such as auto-rewind and chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our storytelling cravings. ππ ListenBook has changed my audiobook game forever. No more format woes!
NexusNomad
ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has never been easier or more convenient. The app is so user-friendly. Even my grandma can use it!
Bad Beret
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy of audiobooks. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it an essential companion for my daily commutes and workouts. It's convenience at its finest! The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Good-lookinβ
Simplifying audiobook adventures β this app's ease of use is a delight. Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream! Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique feature that adds a personalized touch to the listening experience.
ZenaCake
I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, thanks to this app. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like having a personal reading guide. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs.
WonderWords
π§ββοΈβ Unwinding with a cup of tea and a captivating audiobook β relaxation meets intellectual stimulation. π΅π Bookmarks are a must-have for any audiobook lover. They help me stay organized and engaged. The noise reduction feature in ListenBook Pro is a game-changer for enjoying clear recordings. It was fine. The narrator did an adequate job but nothing about the performance particularly stood out to me. Got me through my commute though.
Frosty Squid
This app has transformed my long flights into productive and enjoyable experiences. ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. This app has added a new layer of enjoyment to my downtime β I'm truly grateful.
Tabasco Dracula
I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. Effortless audiobook exploration β this app's design is a reader's dream.
Are Ess Tee
Bookmarks are a lifesaver for study materials. I never lose my place again. 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.
Boost
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences β a thoughtful feature. π§ An audiobook treasure trove in the palm of my hand β this app is pure convenience! ππ This app is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. The ability to adjust skip intervals and playback speed is fantastic. I also love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Worth every penny!
QuantumQuipper
πΆββοΈπ Strolling through captivating narratives has never been easier β this app's intuitive controls make audiobook listening a delight. π§ποΈ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear dictaphone recordings. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Fast FLAK
ListenBook's innovation, seamless playback, and versatile features make it a standout app. An audiobook lover's dream come true! This app's seamless functionality and diverse format support make it my go-to choice for immersive storytelling. ππ§ ListenBook's compatibility with a wide array of audio formats makes it my ultimate audiobook companion. ListenBook has transformed the way I engage with literature. It's like having a virtual bookshelf in my pocket.
Venious
The minimalist interface and intuitive settings make for an amazing user experience. The controls on ListenBook are intuitive and user-friendly, making it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. π Rekindling my love for reading β this app has reintroduced me to the joy of books in a whole new way. ππ₯ ListenBook has made my daily walks so much more enjoyable. I'm always learning now!
Prez Dog
Bookmarks are a lifesaver for study materials. I never lose my place again. The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Guillotine
ListenBook has made my daily walks so much more enjoyable. I'm always learning now! Quick access to chapters and controls ensures a seamless listening experience with ListenBook. It's effortless to use.
Fiend Oblivion
ListenBook's basic audio filters allow me to fine-tune the audio playback to suit my preferences. With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one convenient app. π‘ Making house chores more enjoyable β audiobooks help me stay engaged while tidying up the living space. π π ListenBook has united my love for audiobooks with my passion for learning. What a brilliant app!
ForumFusion
The family subscription option is a money-saver β everyone gets to enjoy their favorite books. Precise controls on ListenBook give me complete command over my audio playback. Book Groups on ListenBook make it easy to categorize and access my audiobooks. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app! 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!
Chuckles
π This app has ignited my passion for reading β I can't get enough of its convenience! ππ₯ ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique touch that adds personalization to my audiobook journey.
Sneaky Lady
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy.
Daisy Stick
I can't believe how easy it is to discover new titles and genres. Pure delight! ListenBook's dedication to excellence is evident in its well-designed interface, smooth playback, and powerful features. π± A world of books at my fingertips β this app's user-friendly design makes it a true reading companion. ππ± I'm blown away by the silky-smooth playback, even for high-quality formats like FLAC. Top-notch performance! Looping playback is my favorite study tool. It's a game-changer for mastering challenging content.
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