Book description
Dark Rise: A Symphony of Swordplay and Snark
Let's get one thing straight: C.S. Pacat didn't just write a fantasy novel-she reverse-engineered every tired trope in the genre and gave it a much-needed personality transplant.
Meet Will, your average dock boy who discovers he's destined for greatness just in time to inherit a world where the magic department has been closed for renovations. It's like finding out you're the chosen one right after the prophecy expired. The Stewards, those overly dramatic guardians of ancient secrets, have been twiddling their thumbs for centuries waiting for the Dark King's comeback tour. Talk about job security.
What sets this apart from the usual "farm boy saves the world" playlist is Pacat's gleeful subversion of expectations. The ancient heroes aren't noble legends-they're complicated relics with relationship drama that would make your therapist weep. Old flames aren't just metaphorical here; they're actual plot devices that ignite more chaos than a dragon with heartburn.
The audiobook format really shines with narrator Elliot Hill's performance, which manages to make ancient prophecies sound like casual gossip and world-ending battles feel surprisingly intimate. When Will gets thrust into this magical mess, you're right there with him, probably more confused than he is but having twice the fun.
Pacat, educated at Melbourne University and clearly harboring a grudge against every fantasy cliché ever written, crafts a world where the Light versus Dark conflict feels refreshingly human. These aren't black-and-white morality plays- they're family feuds with better special effects.
The real magic trick here is how Pacat makes us care about whether London gets swallowed by darkness while we're still laughing at the absurdity of it all. It's fantasy with a wink, swordplay with style, and exactly the kind of adventure that makes you grateful your biggest problem is remembering to feed the cat.
Blistered Outlaw
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch has made my listening experience even more seamless. I'm impressed by the app's performance – it's stable, fast, and tailored for audiobook enthusiasts. This was an adequate audiobook for casual listening. The narrator maintained a consistent pace and clear diction throughout, though their performance lacked some emotional range. The audio quality was fine with no significant technical distractions.
Dahlia
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IdeaAlchemy
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Sylvester Eye
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DARK HQ
I've started reading more books than ever before, all thanks to this app. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting. 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! A serviceable audiobook that met basic expectations. The narration was clear if somewhat unremarkable, and the production quality was standard without any noticeable technical issues. It kept me moderately engaged during workouts but didn't leave a lasting impression.
King Bass
This app has transformed my daily walks into exciting literary adventures. This app's convenience has made my downtime more rewarding and enriching. ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience. ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration. I’m 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!
Tangerine
The sleep timer is a brilliant addition – I drift off to sleep with amazing stories. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. A decent listen overall. The narration was clear, though some character voices sounded similar. The story was interesting but had moments where it dragged slightly. Still, it was a good way to pass the time.
RDTN
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Skittle Mine
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Nutmeg Riot
I've found solace and relaxation in the pages of countless audiobooks. Book Groups on ListenBook make it easy to categorize and access my audiobooks. I can't imagine my daily rituals without this app – it's a constant source of joy. With this app, I've found a way to make my daily errands more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. The narrator's voice was like butter - smooth, rich, and utterly pleasant to listen to for hours. They handled complex sentences with ease, making even dense material accessible. I never had to rewind because I missed something due to unclear delivery. Perfection!
GoldTouch
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Desert Haze
Automatic artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook library. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Star Scratch
I've been able to explore different cultures and perspectives through a diverse range of books. 📱 Carrying my favorite stories with me wherever I go – this app is like a portable library in my pocket. 📚👜 ListenBook is like a personal audiobook library in my pocket. Organized and easily accessible. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks. Very convenient.
K-Tin Man
With this app, I can switch seamlessly between my iPhone and iPad, making my reading experience continuous. Audiobook pleasure simplified – this app's design is a standout. Looping playback has taken my language learning to new heights. Highly recommended! This was an adequate audiobook for casual listening. The narrator maintained a consistent pace and clear diction throughout, though their performance lacked some emotional range. The audio quality was fine with no significant technical distractions.
ByteBard
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Aqua Monsoon
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Jelly Momentum
Audiobooks have become my constant companions during my daily activities. What a fantastic listening experience! The narrator brought the characters to life with distinct voices and emotional depth. The pacing was perfect - not too fast to lose details, not too slow to become boring. I particularly appreciated how well the narrator conveyed the atmosphere of key scenes.
Poppin Loot
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WanderWord
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WanderWord
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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