Book description
I've just finished the "Rivers of London" audiobook, False Value, and I can't help but feel like I've just stepped off the street into a whole new world. Let me tell you why this one is a must-listen.
First up, the premise is razor-sharp. Peter Grant, our charming but often clueless magical detective, is suddenly faced with the prospect of fatherhood. He's on the edge of a major life change, and the anxiety is palpable. But instead of staying put, he jumps head-first into a new gig at Terrence Skinner's cutting-edge start-up, the Serious Cybernetics Company. That's a lot of jargon, but the book does a great job of making it feel real-old-school Silicon Valley meets London's cobblestones.
Skinner, a self-styled Silicon Valley tech genius, runs the company from Old Street's iconic "silicon roundabout." The vibe is buzzing with geeks, developers, and the kind of people who know how to code a better future. For Peter, who's used to dealing with more traditional magical mishaps, this tech-heavy environment feels like a whole new puzzle. And that's exactly what makes the audiobook so engaging: you get to hear the clash of worlds-mystic and mechanical-through Peter's eyes.
The plot thickens when Skinner reveals a secret buried deep in the company's foundation. The technology they're building traces back to Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage, but it also points toward the very future of artificial intelligence. The twist? It's as magical as it is technological, and it's dangerously out of hand. The narrator nails the tension, giving us a clear sense of how this ancient code is threatening to disrupt the modern world. You can feel the stakes rising with every word.
Another great element is how the audiobook delivers Peter's inner voice. The narrator brings out his mix of panic and enthusiasm, making it easy to feel his excitement about fatherhood and his dread of the unknown. The voice of the narrator balances the quirky humor of the city's supernatural side with the sharp edge of Silicon Valley's competitive edge. It's this duality that keeps you turning the page-or rather, turning the track.
The setting is as much a character as the people. The description of the "silicon roundabout" and Old Street's tech scene feels vivid and alive, transporting you right into the bustling heart of London's newest frontier. You can almost hear the clatter of keyboards and the hum of servers, juxtaposed against the faint whispers of old magic that run through the city's veins.
Ben Aaronovitch's style remains consistent with his other books: witty, fast-paced, and grounded in a deep love of London. The audiobook captures this effortlessly. The pacing keeps the narrative moving, while the subtle humor lightens the heavier moments of political intrigue and magical danger.
If you're a fan of urban fantasy that doesn't shy away from tech-savvy twists, or if you're just looking for an engaging, character-driven story, False Value is the perfect pick. The audiobook format delivers a dynamic listening experience, with clear diction and a lively tone that makes the stakes feel real. It's a story that makes you think about the future of our city, while still keeping your heart racing with Peter Grant's latest adventure.
Gullyway
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Burst Nibbler
Audiobook immersion without fuss β this app's ease of use is commendable. Makes listening to audiobooks so easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
Buckshot
Audiobooks have become my constant companions during my daily activities. π Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks β bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. ππ
Wrangler Jim
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Red Woman
This app has rekindled my passion for literature in a whole new way. Library organization is simplified with ListenBook. It's easy to keep my audiobooks neat and tidy. The sound quality is excellent. It feels like Iβm in the story. The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
Esquire
I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. Thanks to ListenBook, I've rediscovered the joy of exploring my favorite content on multiple devices. With this app, reading has become an integral part of my daily routine. π Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks β bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. ππ Effortless audiobook exploration β this app's functionality is remarkable.
AirportHobo XD
This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. With this app, I can read anytime, anywhere β it's a reader's dream come true. This app is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts. The interface is intuitive, and the playback is seamless!
Winded On Friday
π This app is a game-changer β its intuitive design and seamless functionality make listening to audiobooks a joy. ππ§ Noise reduction and voice tone changing are brilliant features.
ForumFlare
This app's sleek design and effortless controls have made audiobook listening an immersive experience. I've recommended ListenBook to all my fellow bookworms. It's a true companion for audiobook lovers.
Freeway
π‘ This app is a brilliant way to squeeze in reading time amidst my busy schedule! π±π©βπ³ ListenBook has made audiobook listening more convenient and enjoyable than ever before. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a novel feature that allows for a personalized listening experience.
Noise Toy
This app has transformed my daily walks into insightful journeys of knowledge β talk about efficiency! ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative touch that adds a layer of personalization. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a game-changer. It's like customizing my listening experience. ListenBookβs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Bat Magenta
ListenBook's drag and drop downloads from web browsers are a time-saving feature I can't live without. I'm addicted to this app's ability to turn mundane moments into opportunities for intellectual growth. π‘ Seamlessly weaving audiobooks into my daily routine β this app's functionality has redefined how I enjoy books. π±π The download options are versatile, making it a breeze to get my favorite audiobooks on the go.
Frenzy
With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines β it's pure bliss. Finally, an app that supports a wide range of audio formats! It's a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends, sparking engaging conversations and connections that transcend boundaries.
Lucifurious
With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual growth and personal enjoyment. With support for various formats, I can finally listen to my diverse audiobook collection.
Racy Lady
This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any hassle. Sharing audiobooks with friends is so easy with AirDrop. It's a great way to spread happiness.
Curio
ListenBook's compatibility with playlists and CUE files is a great addition for those who love organized listening. Audiobooks have become a cherished part of my daily life, all thanks to this app.
Washer
I used to struggle to find time for books β now, I listen while doing chores! The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personalized touch to my audiobook experience. π‘ Seamlessly weaving audiobooks into my daily routine β this app's functionality has redefined how I enjoy books. π±π High-quality playback even with complex formats like FLAC. Impressive!
Voluntary
This app's sleek design and effortless controls have made audiobook listening an immersive experience. π Adding excitement to everyday tasks β this app is my partner in productivity! ππ ListenBook's support for looping and shuffling playback adds versatility to my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook has redefined my workout routine. The controls are so user-friendly. 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.
Judge
I never thought I'd find an app that supports such a wide range of audiobook formats. ListenBook is a true gem! Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app!
Roller Turtle
Precise controls on ListenBook give me complete command over my audio playback. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy of audiobooks. I'm so grateful for this app β it's like having a personal storyteller wherever I go. πΆββοΈπ± I'm exploring new worlds while on the move, all thanks to this app's seamless functionality. ποΈπ The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
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