Book description
An award-winning journalist reveals the dramatic true story of the CIA's Team Alpha, the first Americans to be dropped behind enemy lines in Afghanistan after 9/11. America is reeling; Al-Qaeda has struck and thousands are dead. The country scrambles to respond, but the Pentagon has no plan for Afghanistan--where Osama bin Laden masterminded the attack and is protected by the Taliban. Instead, the CIA steps forward to spearhead the war. Eight CIA officers are dropped into the mountains of northern Afghanistan on October 17, 2001. They are Team Alpha, an eclectic band of linguists, tribal experts, and elite warriors: the first Americans to operate inside Taliban territory. Their covert mission is to track down Al- Qaeda and stop the terrorists from infiltrating the United States again. First Casualty places you with Team Alpha as the CIA rides into battle on horseback alongside the warlord Abdul Rashid Dostum. In Washington, DC, few trust that the CIA men, the Green Berets, and the Americans' outnumbered Afghan allies can prevail before winter sets in. On the ground, Team Alpha is undeterred. The Taliban is routed but hatches a plot with Al-Qaeda to hit back. Hundreds of suicidal fighters, many hiding weapons, fake a surrender and are transported to Qala-i Jangi--the "Fort of War." Team Alpha's Mike Spann, an ex-Marine, and David Tyson, a polyglot former Central Asian studies academic, seize America's initial opportunity to extract intelligence from men trained by bin Laden--among them a young Muslim convert from California. The prisoners revolt and one CIA officer falls--the first casualty in America's longest war, which will last two decades. The other CIA man shoots dead the Al-Qaeda jihadists attacking his comrade. To survive, he must fight his way out against overwhelming odds. Award-winning author Toby Harnden gained unprecedented access to all living Team Alpha members and every level of the CIA. Superbly researched, First Casualty draws on extensive interviews, secret documents, and deep reporting inside Afghanistan. As gripping as any adventure novel, yet intimate and profoundly moving, it tells how America found a winning strategy only to abandon it. Harnden reveals that the lessons of early victory and the haunting foretelling it contained--unreliable allies, ethnic rivalries, suicide attacks, and errant US bombs--were ignored, tragically fueling a twenty-year conflict. "Masterful, complex, and heartfelt, from the deeply personal to the critically strategic. Captures many lessons on many levels." --Ambassador Hank Crumpton, former senior CIA officer
Mindless Bobcat
I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one convenient app. Gone are the days of waiting for the right time to read β this app is always ready. π± My pocket-sized library β this app makes reading accessible anytime, anywhere! ππ± ποΈ Basking in the sun with an audiobook β relaxation meets storytelling paradise! βοΈπ
Dewdrop Doll
With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one app. I can't get enough of this app β it's like having a personal library with me.
Mad Rascal
I can't believe how much time I've gained by listening while cooking and doing chores. I'm hooked on this app's intuitive features β from chapters to playback controls. βοΈ Loving the fact that I can learn and listen at the same time β multitasking made easy! π§ π§ π Whether I'm cooking, commuting, or relaxing at home, this app's seamless functionality keeps me engaged in captivating narratives. π§β¨
Referee
π‘ This app's convenience is a blessing β I can squeeze in reading time between managing household tasks! π±π©βπ³ Binaural audio processing really works. Less fatigue during long listening sessions.
East Army
Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is a true gem. Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive features, from statistics tracking to enhanced audio quality, enrich my reading. πβ¨ ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. It's like having a personal assistant for my literary adventures. 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!
West Warrior
I've become so much more productive while cleaning or exercising β thanks to this app! I'm hooked on this app's sleek design and seamless performance β it's a must-have for any reader. I can't believe how easy it is to download audio from various sources. So convenient! Sharing audiobooks with friends is a great way to connect over stories. The sleek and user-friendly interface makes navigating the app a breeze. It's a pleasure to use.
MindfulMingle
This app has turned even my mundane tasks into exciting learning opportunities. ListenBook is a true audio treasure! It turns my own audio files into immersive listening experiences. βοΈ Loving the fact that I can learn and listen at the same time β multitasking made easy! π§ π§ π₯ Elevating my reading routine to new heights β this app is a real page-turner! ππ ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is seamless. I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks during commutes and workouts.
Pixy Mox
Audiobooks have never been this accessible β this app is a true innovation. ListenBook Pro offers an unbeatable deal β unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narratorβs voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldnβt necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
SubWoof330
Finally, a way to enjoy literature on the go without straining my eyes. This app's convenience has revolutionized the way I experience books. Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's robust features, I'm always just a tap away from immersing myself in captivating narratives. ππ± CUE playlist support is a fantastic addition. It helps me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. ListenBook has transformed the way I engage with literature. It's like having a virtual bookshelf in my pocket.
Night Magnet
I'm addicted to this app's curated playlists and recommendations β they're spot on. The import process is seamless. I had no trouble adding my audiobooks. This audiobook was neither good nor bad - simply average. The narrator's delivery was professional but uninspired, and the recording quality was clean though not exceptional. It provided satisfactory entertainment without standing out from similar titles.
Divine Bramble
I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. This app is a book lover's dream come true β a vast library right at your fingertips. The Looping playback and Shuffle features on ListenBook help me customize my listening sessions to my liking. ListenBook has enriched my life with a world of captivating stories and knowledge. It's not just an app; it's a portal to endless possibilities. Iβve tried many audiobook players, and this one is by far the best.
Snapple Whistler
This app has revolutionized my daily routine β I can't imagine life without it. The library organization feature is a blessing. My audiobooks are finally organized and easy to find.
Ember Master
The bookmarking feature ensures I never lose my place in a book β so convenient! Unlocking a world of literary wonders β this app's extensive format support and user-centric approach have rekindled my love for books. π±π ListenBook has truly transformed my audiobook experience. The sleek interface, extensive format support, and easy downloading options make it my go-to app! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling. The import process is seamless. I had no trouble adding my audiobooks.
Miss Lucky
I can't imagine my daily routine without ListenBook's intuitive layout and easy-to-access controls. π Rekindling my love for reading β this app makes each day a new adventure! ππ ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Liquid Death
This app's ease of use has made my downtime more enriching and enjoyable. The app's compatibility with Apple Watch elevates my workouts, making them more engaging and productive. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine. ListenBook has become my constant companion. It's like having a personal audiobook assistant. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Armed Hawk
Say goodbye to cumbersome interfaces β this app's intuitive controls and user-friendly design have elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. π±π ListenBook has completely elevated my audiobook experience. It's an integral part of my daily routine. Listening statistics are a great motivator. Love this feature! Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend!
Gro
πΌ Juggling tasks while exploring narratives β this app is my multitasking hero! π»π The speed adjustment feature is my secret weapon for studying complex materials. The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds. The app's ability to handle various audio formats is impressive. No more file conversions!
Steel Ginger
My kids are hooked on the children's audiobook collection β it's a parenting win! Audiobooks have become my companions during daily chores, making them enjoyable. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it an essential companion for my daily commutes and workouts. It's convenience at its finest! Sharing audiobooks with friends is a fantastic way to introduce them to new stories. The customer support is amazing. They responded to my query within hours.
Acid Gosling
I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, all thanks to this app. Bookmarks have become my study companion. I can easily revisit important passages in my audiobooks.
Vicious Street
This app has transformed my screen time into valuable learning and entertainment. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that makes a big difference. It enhances my listening experience.
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