Book description
October 12, 2023
I had to pause the audiobook at 3:17 a.m. last night. Not because it was scary-though Death's voice definitely gave me chills-but because I couldn't bear to miss a single word of Existence. Abbi Glines has done it again, but this time, she's woven something utterly unexpected into the fabric of a love story.
I'll admit, I was skeptical at first. Falling for Death? Sounds like a clichΓ© waiting to happen. But then I heard the narrator-oh, the narrator. That smooth, low voice for Death, all velvet and quiet intensity? It wasn't just a voice; it felt like the sound of fate itself leaning close. When he says, "You see me. Finally, you see me," over the crackle of a distant picnic table, I had to hit pause. Just to breathe.
Pagan's world is so real in this audio format. You hear the rustle of her school uniform, the quiet panic in her voice when she realizes she's not just seeing ghosts-she's seeing him. And he's not a ghost. He's... something else. The way the narrator builds that tension, the way Death's lines drip with a dangerous, almost playful warmth while Pagan's voice trembles with disbelief? It's not just a story. It's a heartbeat you can feel in your chest.
What I love most is how Glines makes the impossible feel intimate. You're not just hearing about Pagan ignoring souls-you're there, in her head, as she tries to pretend the guy on the picnic table isn't real. And then he speaks. That moment? It's like the first note of a song you've been waiting your whole life to hear. The narrator nails it: Pagan's shock isn't loud. It's quiet. A gasp you almost miss. And Death? He's not menacing. He's... curious. Interested.
I've read so many romance audiobooks where the love interest is just a voiceover. But here? Death feels alive. The narrator gives him layers-humor, sorrow, a kind of weary hope. When he says, "You don't fear me," it's not a threat. It's a revelation. And Pagan? She's not a damsel. She's sharp, observant, and fiercely human. You root for her not because she's perfect, but because she's real, even when she's arguing with a soul who's literally Death.
The audiobook's pacing is perfect. It doesn't rush the slow burn, letting every glance, every unspoken word hang in the air. The sound design? Subtle-like the distant hum of a school bus or the way Pagan's breath catches when Death steps closer. It's immersive without being distracting. You forget you're listening. You're in Pagan's world.
And that ending? Oh. I replayed it twice. Not because I was confused, but because it left me breathless. The narrator's delivery of Death's final line-"I've been waiting for you to look at me"-wasn't just a line. It was a promise. A quiet, devastating thing that stayed with me long after the chapter ended.
I know some might call it a "dark romance" trope, but Glines twists it into something fresh. This isn't about fear. It's about connection. About two people-one of whom shouldn't exist-finding something real in the space between life and the things we can't see.
Last night, I listened to the scene where Pagan finally sees Death for what he is, and I realized: I'd been holding my breath the whole time. That's how good this audiobook is. It doesn't just tell a story. It makes you feel it. And I'm already counting the minutes until I can listen to it again.
- A completely swept-away listener
EchoExplorer
The minimalist interface and intuitive settings make for an amazing user experience. I'm hooked on this app's intuitive features β from chapters to playback controls.
Steel Ginger
Audiobooks on this app have become my go-to entertainment for winding down. ποΈπ§ Escaping to paradise with a beach read β this app is my vacation in audio form! ποΈπ The app never crashes. Itβs reliable and stable. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Rummy Stickers
Drag and drop downloads are so convenient. No more messing around with complicated steps. The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Sweet Manhattan
The vast selection of titles on this app is a book lover's dream come true. I love how this app brings stories to life, even during my morning jogs. ListenBook has become an integral part of my daily routine. Its compatibility with Apple Watch and CarPlay makes it the ultimate companion for various activities. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a fun and convenient way to share the magic of storytelling with friends and family, sparking meaningful discussions.
Freak
Audiobooks have made long flights feel like a breeze β a true travel essential. Finally, an app that caters to audiobook enthusiasts like me. The diverse format support and user-friendly design are a game-changer. π±π ListenBook's customizable audio filters are a game-changer for tailoring my audiobook playback. Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments. The noise reduction feature is a game-changer for clearer dictaphone recordings.
Purity
ListenBook's Pro version is worth every penny. The noise reduction feature makes even noisy environments an ideal place for immersive listening. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs.
Thumb Candy
Audiobooks have made my long commutes enjoyable, and I'm always eager to see what's next. ποΈ The app's functionality is a true work of art β it enhances the audiobook experience and brings stories to life. ππ¨
Ember Master
I'm impressed by ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically. πΆπ Setting the mood with stories instead of songs β this app is my go-to playlist! π§π I canβt believe how easy it is to manage my audiobook library with ListenBook. Highly recommended!
Hitch Frenzy
Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortless and enjoyable. This app has turned my gym sessions into immersive storytelling experiences β time flies by! With support for various formats, I can finally listen to my diverse audiobook collection.
Sidewalk Enforcer
The statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption β a fantastic way to measure my progress. π Transforming long drives into memorable journeys through the magic of audiobooks! ππ The detailed listening stats are fantastic. Helps me keep track of my progress.
Golden Cougar
This app has helped me achieve my reading goals and explore new genres effortlessly. π§ Elevating my reading experience β this app's intuitive controls and organization features make audiobook enjoyment effortless. π±π Adjustable playback speed and volume control are top-notch. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a game-changer.
NexusNavigator
Audiobooks made convenient β this app's functionality is impressive. ListenBook Pro takes my experience to the next level. Unlimited audiobook length, noise reduction, and voice tone adjustment? Count me in! 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§
Glyph
I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. ListenBook has given me the gift of time β turning daily tasks into moments of inspiration. π Adding an extra layer of delight to cooking β this app turns meal prep into a culinary adventure with its audiobooks! π²π Streamlining my audiobook journey β this app's design is top-notch. An audiobook Iβll listen to again! The story was engaging, and the narratorβs performance made it even better. Some parts were so well-delivered that I replayed them just to hear the emotion again.
Mud Finger
Audiobook listening has never been this easy and convenient β it's like having a personal narrator. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has never been easier or more convenient. The statistics feature in ListenBook is a valuable tool for monitoring and optimizing my audiobook consumption.
Cuff Queen
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my dictaphone recordings much more comfortable to listen to. This app's sleek design and intuitive features make it my trusted partner in exploring new narratives. This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. Savoring captivating stories has become a breeze with this app's sleek design and convenient features. It's like having a personal reading assistant! π±π My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thanks to automatic artwork and metadata.
Nessie Pork
Audiobooks have made my long drives enjoyable, and this app is my co-pilot. This app is my secret weapon for learning while I'm on the move. I'm blown away by the app's performance. It's fast, reliable, and tailored for audiobook lovers.
Miss Twilight
Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. π§ββοΈβ Savoring moments of tranquility with a cup of tea and captivating tales! π΅π My workouts have become more enjoyable and productive with ListenBook's compatibility with Apple Watch.
Flakes
This app's library is a treasure trove β I'm always discovering new favorites. I love how this app allows me to enjoy books even when I'm on the move. Looping playback is my favorite study tool. It's a game-changer for mastering challenging content. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device. 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!
Darth 44
I can't believe how much more I'm able to read with the help of this app. π Long road trips? No problem β this app keeps me entertained mile after mile! ππ πΆββοΈπ Discovering new worlds on my daily walks β this app is my travel companion! ππ§ Iβve been using ListenBook for months, and itβs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnβt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
QuantumQuipper
Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app is your new best friend. I can't imagine my audio routine without ListenBook's seamless and user-friendly design. β° Starting my mornings with inspiration β audiobooks make waking up a joyous literary experience! βοΈπ§
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