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.
Morbid Angel
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my dictaphone recordings much more comfortable to listen to. ListenBook has rekindled my love for audiobooks. The app's interface is beautiful and user-friendly.
Crazy Eights
This app's compatibility with different file types means that my entire audiobook collection is at my fingertips. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a novel feature that allows for a personalized listening experience. The app's ability to handle various audio formats is impressive. No more file conversions!
Slug-em-dog
This app has reignited my love for literature and made it a part of my everyday life. Audiobook immersion without complications β this app's ease of use is commendable. Talk about convenience! This app's ease of use and support for multiple audio formats ensure that I can enjoy my favorite stories without any hassle. π±π
Fire Bite
I'm impressed by the extensive statistics feature, allowing me to track my audiobook consumption over time. 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!
Sky Herald
Auto-rewind feature is a lifesaver. I never lose my place! The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
VPR
Listening to audiobooks has become my ultimate way to unwind after a long day. π Rekindling my love for reading β this app makes each day a new adventure! ππ 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. Iβm blown away by how feature-rich ListenBook is. From the customizable themes to the car mode, everything is designed with the user in mind. The app works flawlessly, and Iβve had zero issues with crashes or bugs. Highly recommend!
Phoenix Sparrow
Unparalleled support for CarPlay and Apple Watch means I can take my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. This app has turned my mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for reading. The download options are versatile, making it a breeze to get my favorite audiobooks on the go.
Eye Candy Kitten
ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent user experience sets a new standard in audiobook apps. Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing. Looping playback is a fantastic study tool. It helps me focus and retain information effectively. Beautiful layout and easy access to chapters. Really impressed with ListenBook. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Trigger Warming
The minimalist interface and intuitive settings make for an amazing user experience. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my personal audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortlessly. Savoring audiobooks without complications β this app's design is commendable. Drag and drop downloads are genius. It simplifies the entire process. ListenBook has transformed the way I engage with literature. It's like having a virtual bookshelf in my pocket.
RedFisher
πΆββοΈπ Exploring stories as I stroll β audiobooks have turned my walks into inspiring journeys of imagination. ποΈπ§ The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference.
Tweety Bun Bun
ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks, lectures, and speeches an absolute pleasure. I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. I can focus on challenging content. Great for both casual listening and studying. The audio filters are a nice touch.
DragonBlood
This app has broadened my literary horizons, introducing me to new authors. πΌ Workday blues? Not anymore β this app turns my office hours into reading time! π»π
Slug-em-dog
The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. I'm impressed by ListenBook's commitment to providing a silky-smooth playback experience. β° Early mornings have become my favorite time to listen to audiobooks β energizing! π π§ π§ This app is my saving grace! Now I can enjoy my beloved books while cooking up a storm! ππ³ Audiobook enjoyment redefined β this app's design focuses on the essentials.
Microwave
The narrator's voices are so engaging, it's like having a personal storytelling session. Download options are plenty β I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free. Bookmarks are a must-have for any audiobook lover. They help me stay organized and engaged. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly.
THRESHmSTR
π Unleashing the power of audiobooks with this user-friendly app β it's like having a personal storyteller on demand! ππ₯ ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection. ListenBook's statistics feature is both enlightening and motivating. It's incredible to see the time I've invested in learning through audiobooks.
ThoughtTracer
Audiobook adventures simplified β this app's functionality is a revelation. Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is a winner. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
RDTN
Thank you for making my reading goals more achievable and enjoyable. Effortlessly immersing in stories β this app's ease of use is a game-changer.
Troubadour
ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth. Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's functionality is a reader's delight. The app is perfect for bedtime listening. The sleep timer is a must-have.
JesterZilla
Listening to audiobooks has become my daily ritual for relaxation and escape. ListenBook has brought a whole new level of convenience and enjoyment to my audiobook experience. I love that ListenBook offers both basic and advanced features, catering to all types of users. The app's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a true companion for all occasions.
Wooden Man
ListenBook's unlimited length of audiobooks with the Pro version is a fantastic value for avid listeners. With this app, I've discovered a whole new way to enjoy literature. Tone adjustment adds a new layer of personalization to my audiobook experience. It's like having the narrator tailor the voice to my preferences.
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