Book description
First Light (The Red, #1) - Audiobook Review
Linda Nagata delivers a visceral combat experience that transcends typical military science fiction. Narrator James Shelley's story unfolds through the lens of a high-tech squad operating in Africa's Sahel region, where corporate warfare has replaced traditional conflict.
The audiobook excels at immersing listeners in Shelley's world of nightly insurgent hunts. Nagata's background in high-tech storytelling shines through her depiction of advanced military equipment and tactics, while the narrative maintains brutal authenticity. The protagonist's supernatural sense of danger-described as divine warnings-adds an intriguing layer to otherwise grounded warfare.
What sets this audiobook apart is its unflinching portrayal of modern combat's psychological toll. The corporate-driven conflict raises compelling questions about profit motives in warfare, making Shelley's three core objectives-protect civilians, kill the enemy, stay alive-feel both urgent and hollow.
Nagata's prose translates exceptionally well to audio format. The military-grade language feels natural rather than gratuitous, enhancing realism without overwhelming the story. Listeners will appreciate how technical details serve character development rather than existing purely for spectacle.
The pacing mirrors actual patrol rhythms-tense, methodical, explosive. Shelley's internal monologue reveals a man caught between protecting his squad and questioning their purpose in a war without clear justification.
This isn't sanitized future combat. It's raw, profane, and uncomfortably relevant. Nagata crafts a protagonist who relies on both cutting-edge technology and inexplicable intuition, creating tension between human instinct and military machinery.
First Light succeeds as both thriller and thoughtful examination of modern warfare's moral complexities. The audiobook format amplifies the story's intensity, making Shelley's whispered warnings feel genuinely intimate.
Blink
The offline mode is a lifesaver on flights β I'm never without a good story. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily activities more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. ποΈ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency β I'm enjoying audiobooks without missing a beat in my day. πΆπ Savoring audiobooks without complications β this app's design is commendable. 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.
Hoboken Nightingale
The ability to adjust the tone of the narrator's voice is a creative touch that adds depth to my listening. Tone adjustment is a brilliant addition that lets me personalize the narration to my liking. It adds an extra layer of connection to the audiobooks. The voice boost feature is amazing. It makes every word crystal clear. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
xFRST
As a visually impaired person, this app has opened up a new world of stories for me. Bookmarks have become my study companion. I can easily revisit important passages in my audiobooks.
Frosty Snazz
Audiobook adventures simplified β this app's functionality is a revelation. ListenBook's statistics feature is eye-opening. I had no idea how much time I spent immersed in audiobooks until I started using it.
CyberScribe
Supports all my playlists and bookmarks seamlessly. Very convenient. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Duke Electro
I never knew my daily walks could be so fulfilling β all thanks to this app. Audiobooks have become a source of inspiration and motivation, thanks to this app. Automatic artwork and metadata retrieval is a time-saver. My library looks fantastic. The app's attention to detail is commendable. It's evident in every feature. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a game-changer. Controlling my audiobooks from my wrist is genius.
RiddleRanger
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audio needs are met. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear and distraction-free listening. Playback speed and volume controls are fantastic.
Mad Rascal
Audiobooks have become a source of inspiration and motivation, thanks to this app. I'm hooked on this app's ease of use β it's a reader's dream come true.
Fatsy Bear
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Toy Peep
I can finally tackle my reading list while stuck in traffic β what a win! With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use. The sleek and user-friendly interface makes navigating the app a breeze. It's a pleasure to use.
Tokyo Dream
This app has helped me achieve my reading goals and explore new genres effortlessly. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch has streamlined my multitasking. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls β it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. ListenBook's detailed statistics feature helps me keep track of my listening habits. It's amazing to see how much I've learned from all those audiobooks! ListenBook's versatility with various audio formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from multiple sources effortlessly.
Doz Killer
ListenBook's commitment to delivering an exceptional audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. With ListenBook, my iPhone and iPad have become a gateway to a world of captivating stories. Love how I can adjust playback speed and audio volume. ListenBook caters to all my needs. I don't have strong feelings about this one either way. The narration was competent but forgettable. The story itself was more engaging than the performance.
Pocket Mazda
This app's convenience has made reading a priority in my busy schedule. Automatic artwork and metadata retrieval is a time-saver. My library looks fantastic. Automatic metadata retrieval is a neat touch. My library is well-organized. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time. ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use.
Mule Lock
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AlertXis
I'm impressed by how much more I'm learning through audiobooks compared to traditional reading. This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes. This app is a must-have for any book lover on the go β it's my daily companion. I'm hooked on this app's intuitive features β from chapters to playback controls.
Silver Rose
I've discovered authors I'd never heard of before, and now they're among my favorites. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design β it's like a personal library right at my fingertips. Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's design is a standout. I love the statistics feature. Itβs fun to see how much Iβve listened.
Hoboken Nightingale
With this app, I've unlocked the secret to reading even on the busiest days. The interface is so clean and clutter-free. Itβs a pleasure to use.
Eerie
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a detail-oriented touch I truly appreciate. ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
BuzzBait
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. ππ On-the-go listening has never been smoother β this app's functionality keeps me engaged during long commutes. ππ I can finally listen to all my audiobooks seamlessly with ListenBook. The customizable playback controls and chapter navigation make it a breeze. 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 has redefined my audiobook experience. It's a true companion for all my literary adventures.
Bones
With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one app. The narration elevated an already good book to greatness! The performer's subtle vocal variations conveyed nuance I might have missed while reading. Their ability to maintain consistent character voices across many hours was impressive. Technical quality was flawless throughout.
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