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
Brick Mooch
This app is a blessing for those with busy schedules β it's like time travel through stories. π‘ This app truly understands the needs of audiobook enthusiasts β it delivers an effortless and enjoyable listening experience. ππ§
InsightInkwell
π§ Carrying a world of literature in my headphones β this app's convenience is truly remarkable. ππ« Kudos to ListenBook for the intuitive design and easy-to-use controls. It's evident that they've put a lot of thought into user experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like the app knows what I need.
The Final Judgement
ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. With this app, every moment is an opportunity to dive into a new story.
Eye Candy Kitten
I'm no longer missing out on great stories β this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. Playback speed and volume controls are fantastic.
Tootsie Killer
π Elevating everyday moments β this app adds an extra layer of magic to every aspect of my day. πβ¨ Seamless audiobook integration β this app's design is remarkable.
Night Magnet
ListenBook has added a new dimension to my audiobook listening experience β it's not just about the content, but the convenience too. I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to play diverse formats flawlessly β it's a game-changer. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to create curated listening experiences for different moods and settings.
RoarSweetie
ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling. The library organization feature is a blessing. My audiobooks are finally organized and easy to find. Listening statistics are a great motivator. Love this feature! The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Miss Murder
With ListenBook, my daily commutes have become a cherished time for learning and enjoyment. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my daily dose of literature. The auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that enhances my listening journey. I appreciate it! The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
X-Dew
ListenBook's variety of ways to download audio makes it incredibly convenient. This app's convenience and ease of use have transformed my screen time into productive learning sessions.
Innocent Ghost
ListenBook's looping playback, shuffle feature, and configurable controls make learning a breeze. This app's convenience has turned my exercise sessions into enlightening moments. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
HighBomber
I'm no longer missing out on great stories β this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. This app has reignited my passion for literature β I'm devouring books like never before. I can't get enough of this app β it's like having a personal storyteller in my pocket. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and efficient.
Rosie Bird
With this app, reading is no longer a luxury β it's an essential part of my day. Audiobook multitasking made easy β this app's functionality is top-notch. Sharing books with friends via AirDrop is so convenient. Thanks, ListenBook!
Rope
π§ Immerse yourself in stories effortlessly β this app's functionality is the gateway to endless audiobook adventures. ππ Downloading audio from network devices is a brilliant feature. It's incredibly convenient.
Lucky Brandy
My commutes to work have transformed into exciting journeys thanks to this app. Chapters make navigation a breeze. I can easily pick up where I left off. Automated artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook collection. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and visually appealing.
StarStrider
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and precise controls make it a joy to use every day. With features like auto-rewind, I never lose my place when I pause listening. 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! This audiobook kept me company during a long road trip and made the miles disappear! The narrator's engaging performance and the crisp production quality made for an immersive experience. I appreciated how well they balanced drama with clarity - never sacrificing understanding for effect. A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
Mental Prophet
I can't imagine my daily activities without this app β it's my go-to for staying informed and entertained. π± Accessing my favorite stories has never been this straightforward β this app's functionality is a bookworm's dream come true. ππ«
Flash
Adjustable playback speed is my secret weapon for covering more material in less time. A productivity boost! Looping playback helps me focus on challenging content and grasp complex concepts. A study must-have! Playback speed and volume controls are fantastic.
Demolition Queen
ListenBook has made my audiobook journey effortless, turning every moment into an escape. This app's ease of use has made reading an integral part of my everyday life.
Steel Cut Toe
Gone are the days of fumbling with different formats β this app's comprehensive support ensures I can enjoy any audiobook without a hitch. ππ The app's versatility in audio downloading is unmatched. It's a comprehensive solution for my audiobook needs. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Dark Matter
πΆπ Tuning in to the symphony of stories β audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. π΅π One of the best audiobooks Iβve heard! The story was compelling, and the narratorβs delivery added depth to every scene. I found myself looking for excuses to listen just a little longer. Will definitely revisit this one!
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