Book description
Barbara Hambly's "Dragonsbane" delivers a refreshingly complex fantasy adventure that transcends typical dragon-slaying tropes. The audiobook format particularly benefits from Hambly's rich descriptive language and intricate character development, making the listening experience immersive without being overwhelming.
The story follows Gareth's desperate quest to recruit John Aversin, the legendary Dragonsbane, to save his homeland from the menacing Black Dragon. What unfolds is far from a simple hero's journey. Hambly crafts a narrative where political intrigue at court becomes as dangerous as any mythical beast, with sorceress Zyerne's manipulation of the king creating obstacles that feel genuinely consequential.
The audiobook's strength lies in its character dynamics. Jenny Waynest emerges as particularly compelling - a sorceress struggling with her powers while navigating her complicated relationship with Aversin. Their partnership feels authentic and lived-in, adding emotional weight to the fantastical elements. The narrator effectively captures these nuanced relationships, bringing depth to Hambly's well-drawn characters.
Hambly's experience across multiple genres serves her well here. The Winterlands setting feels distinct from generic fantasy realms, with cultural details that suggest deeper world-building. The dragon itself, Morkeleb, proves to be more than a simple antagonist, adding layers of moral complexity to what initially appears to be a straightforward quest.
The plot maintains momentum through genuine twists rather than artificial complications. Court politics, family dynamics, and magical uncertainty create tension that feels organic to the story's internal logic. This isn't epic fantasy scaled to massive proportions, but rather an intimate adventure that explores how ordinary people confront extraordinary circumstances.
"Dragonsbane" succeeds as both traditional fantasy and thoughtful character study, making it worthwhile for listeners seeking substance alongside their sword and sorcery adventures.
AxelRoad
Navigating through my audiobook library is a joy with this app's intuitive interface and easy controls. It's like having a personal reading companion at my side. π±π Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
Red Delicious
I love that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats, making my library diverse. With ListenBook Pro, long audiobooks are no problem. I love it!
Sexy
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a huge plus during long drives. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a great way to connect over stories. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively. I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch.
Killer Merlot
With ListenBook, I can effortlessly manage and organize my audiobook library. I can't get enough of this app β it's a true game-changer for book lovers. This app has completely transformed my daily routine. I can't imagine my commute without it! AirDrop sharing is a very convenient feature. Thanks, ListenBook! Easy chapter navigation and beautiful design make this app stand out.
Hitch Frenzy
This app's convenience has revolutionized the way I experience books. π§ββοΈ Finding serenity through the soothing tones of audiobooks β mindfulness and stories in perfect harmony. π§ββοΈπ§
Toolmaker
πββοΈπ Experiencing stories while staying active β this app's functionality enhances my walks and runs like never before. π§ποΈ Adjustable playback speed is a brilliant feature. It adds a layer of customization to my audiobook enjoyment. Good for background listening. I didnβt get fully immersed, but it was pleasant enough to have on while doing chores. The narratorβs voice was easy to listen to, even if the delivery lacked some energy.
Chameleon
The diverse selection of audiobooks has made me fall in love with storytelling all over again. The noise reduction feature on ListenBook Pro is a godsend for clear and comfortable listening. πΌ Merging work and pleasure β audiobooks keep me company during house admin tasks! π»π§ πββοΈπ Experiencing stories while staying active β this app's functionality enhances my walks and runs like never before. π§ποΈ ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use.
Stud
I'm impressed by the extensive statistics feature, allowing me to track my audiobook consumption over time. This was a competent audiobook production with no major flaws. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough and the audio quality was acceptable, though not exceptional. While the performance didn't particularly stand out, it served its purpose adequately for my daily commute.
Dewdrop Doll
I'm in awe of how this app has made reading a part of my busy life. ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook lovers. The auto-rewind feature ensures I never miss a word. ListenBook has made my daily walks so much more enjoyable. I'm always learning now! ListenBookβs interface is sleek and user-friendly. Finding and playing my audiobooks has never been easier.
Tomcat
I love how this app's user-friendly interface allows me to navigate through chapters and controls effortlessly. Bookmarking my favorite parts of audiobooks is now a breeze. Love this feature! ListenBook has become my trusted companion for literary adventures. The app's features are exceptional. The app is perfect for bedtime listening. The sleep timer is a must-have.
Intimidating Presence
πββοΈπ Combining exercise and exploration β audiobooks make my runs more exciting! πββοΈπ§ The app is so user-friendly. Even my grandma can use it!
EchoExplorer
I've been recommending this app to all my friends β it's a true game-changer. I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any hassle. ππ Rekindling my passion for books β this app has sparked a reading revolution in my daily life! π₯π
Nightmare King
The app's versatility in audio downloading is impressive. It's a one-stop solution for all my content. Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I consume audiobooks. I can cover more ground while maintaining comprehension. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Hella Fella
ListenBook's library organization and book groups have made managing my audiobooks a breeze. ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a thoughtful touch I appreciate. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a bonding experience made easy through AirDrop and sharing options. 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!
Breadmaker
Bravo to the creators of this app β they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. ππ AirDrop sharing is a very convenient feature. Thanks, ListenBook! 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!
Moon Solitaire
The audio filters on ListenBook enhance the sound quality, making every listening session a treat for my ears. ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. πͺ Achieving double wins β workouts become invigorating with stories to fuel my motivation! πͺπ§ Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
Jersey
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. The ability to adjust playback speed is a fantastic study aid. I'm absorbing information faster than ever.
EchoExplorer
This app has introduced me to genres I never thought I'd enjoy β it's eye-opening. I can't believe how quickly I finish books now, all thanks to this app. Effortlessly immersing in stories β this app's ease of use is a game-changer. With this app, every moment becomes an opportunity to indulge in fantastic stories. The controls, layout, and seamless playback are a reader's dream. ππ§
Manly Reno
I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. I'm addicted to this app's ability to turn mundane moments into opportunities for intellectual growth. Navigating through my audiobook library is a joy with this app's intuitive interface and easy controls. It's like having a personal reading companion at my side. π±π ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly improved the audio quality of my recordings. The bookmark feature is fantastic. I can easily pick up where I left off.
Bleeker
I love how this app's user-friendly interface allows me to navigate through chapters and controls effortlessly. Listening to audiobooks on my iPad has never been easier. Highly recommend ListenBook!
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