Book description
Diadem from the Stars by Jo Clayton is a mesmerizing blend of science fiction and fantasy that grips you from the first chapter and refuses to let go. The story begins with a high-stakes heist among the stars-when the spider people's most powerful scientific artifact, the diadem, is stolen, an interstellar chase begins that spans galaxies and destinies.
At the heart of this audiobook is Aleytys, a fiercely independent and enigmatic young woman, daughter of a sky wanderer, and an outcast among the nomads who raised her. When the diadem crashes into her life-literally-and bonds with her skull, it becomes both a curse and a catalyst. The device, embedded with alien technology, rewires her nervous system, granting immense power she doesn't understand-and can't remove. Each moment she wears it makes her a target, hunted by the relentless spider race and coveted by factions across the galaxy.
Clayton's prose is richly textured and immersive. Her worldbuilding feels lived-in and authentic, from the windswept plains of Jaydugar to the shadowy corridors of alien politics. The audiobook format brings an added layer of intimacy-voices, tones, and subtle inflections enhance the emotional beats and alien landscapes, making the story feel immediate and vivid.
What sets this novel apart is its balance of action and introspection. Aleytys isn't just a pawn in a cosmic game-she's a thinker, a survivor, and slowly, a wielder of immense power. Her journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about survival.
Jo Clayton's own story-her passion for storytelling nurtured by her sisters, her spiritual journey, and her battle with illness-adds poignancy to the listening experience. You can feel the weight of her imagination and resilience in every scene. The fact that the final book in the series was completed by Kevin Andrew Murphy under the guidance of Katherine Kerr ensures that Clayton's vision lives on with care and respect.
For fans of intelligent sci-fi with a strong central character, Diadem from the Stars is a gem. It's a story that lingers-haunting, thrilling, and deeply human, even among the stars.
Snapple Whistler
I used to struggle to find time for books – now, I listen while doing chores! I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my constant companion for literary adventures.
Digital Goddess
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences – a thoughtful feature. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a social audiophile's dream. ListenBook has become my go-to audiobook app. It's dependable, user-friendly, and enhances every listening session. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to create curated listening experiences for different moods and settings. I love the auto-rewind feature. It’s great for when I zone out.
Willow Dragon
The seamless integration with my car's audio system is a road trip dream. I can't believe how much more productive I am – I'm learning and growing while multitasking! ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a thoughtful touch I appreciate. ListenBook's easy sharing options make it a breeze to introduce friends to my favorite audiobooks. Sharing is caring! The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is amazing. ListenBook is top-notch.
ByteBard
The ability to listen to books while multitasking is a game-changer for me. The drag-and-drop download feature on ListenBook is incredibly convenient – no more complicated processes. Binaural audio processing reduces fatigue during long listening sessions. A fantastic feature!
Jelly Momentum
Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. I'm amazed by ListenBook's dedication to quality – it's evident in every feature. 📚 Embracing reading in the digital age – this app makes accessing books a seamless and enjoyable experience. 📱🎉 ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my audiobook experience during daily activities. Tone adjustment is an innovative touch that adds a personal connection to the audiobook narration. It's like having a custom reading experience.
Fuzzy Claws
I can't believe how easy it is to download and manage my audio content using ListenBook. Makes listening to audiobooks easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
Easy Street
Say goodbye to monotony – this app's diverse format compatibility and intuitive controls have turned every moment into a thrilling audiobook experience. 📱🔊 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!
Chip Queen
I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. I'm amazed at how this app has made my workouts more motivating and my audiobooks more accessible. The tone adjustment feature in ListenBook Pro is a novel addition that allows me to personalize my audiobook experience. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a fantastic bonus. It keeps me entertained during long drives. The app is constantly updated with new features. The developers really care.
Baked ZD
Book Groups on ListenBook make it easy to categorize and access my audiobooks. Thanks to ListenBook's binaural audio processing, my extended listening sessions are fatigue-free. ListenBook's versatility with various audio formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from multiple sources effortlessly. This app has completely transformed my daily routine. I can't imagine my commute without it!
Toxic-oxide
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Voluntary
Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
Pusher
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences – a thoughtful feature. The absence of synchronization requirements on ListenBook is a breath of fresh air. This app has made multitasking a breeze – I can listen while I work, cook, or exercise. Finally, an app that supports all my audiobook formats! ListenBook is a game-changer.
Back Bett
🔥 Streamlined functionality that's music to my ears – audiobook enjoyment has reached a new level of convenience. 🎵📖 As an audiobook aficionado, this app is a dream come true. Its support for various formats and effortless navigation make it my perfect reading companion. 🌟🎧 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!
LuminaLore
Finally, an app that turns my daily commute into an adventure through literature. Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable. I can't believe how quickly I finish books now, all thanks to this app. This app is a gift for book lovers who struggle to find reading time. Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
Murmur
ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent user experience sets a new standard in audiobook apps. I love that ListenBook Pro allows me to customize the tone of the sound – it adds a personal touch. Love how I can adjust playback speed and audio volume. ListenBook caters to all my needs. I’m 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 I’ve had zero issues with crashes or bugs. Highly recommend!
TrixiePhany
🎶 Music? Nah, I prefer immersing myself in captivating stories with this app! 🎶📖 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magical spell that transports me into the heart of the story. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for immersive listening in any environment. The detailed listening stats are fantastic. Helps me keep track of my progress.
Freak
ListenBook's seamless audio player has turned my listening sessions into moments of pure delight. With ListenBook, my iPhone and iPad have become a gateway to a world of captivating stories. Audiobook enthusiasts, gather round! This app's remarkable features, including audio filters and compatibility, have transformed my commutes into captivating journeys. 🎉🎧
Romance Princess
ListenBook's versatile player features are like having a personal audio assistant – it's that good! ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. I can't imagine my life without this app – it has made audiobook enjoyment effortless and convenient. This app has brought the magic of books back into my life. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that has a big impact on my listening experience. I love it!
Trixie Doodle
🎉 This app is a testament to thoughtful design – its functionality seamlessly blends with my lifestyle, making reading effortless. 📚✨ Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive features, from statistics tracking to enhanced audio quality, enrich my reading. 📚✨ Adjustable playback speed is a brilliant feature. It adds a layer of customization to my audiobook enjoyment.
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