Book description
The silence after the victory cheers was the loudest sound of all. One moment, the Merry Band of Pirates were riding high-Operation Olympic a stunning success, the galaxy breathing easier. The next? A cold, metallic dread slammed into the ship's hull. Disaster. Not a setback, not a setback-but the utter, crushing failure that made every hard-won victory feel like a cruel joke. The fight was over. Unless... unless they could pull off a miracle without Skippy.
That's the gut-punch opening of Gateway, the eighteenth chapter in Craig Alanson's masterful Expeditionary Force saga, and it hits like a physical blow, especially through R.C. Bray's brilliant narration. You don't just read the panic; you feel it in your bones. Bray's voice drops, tightens, as the crew realizes the unthinkable: Skippy-their brilliant, chaotic, irreplaceable genius-is gone. Gone from the bridge, gone from the mission, gone from their lives. The air in the ship, the air in your ear as you listen, goes thin. You hear the ragged breaths, the choked whispers, the way Captain Kira's voice cracks when she orders the impossible: Find a way, or we're all dead anyway.
Bray doesn't just read the words; he becomes the ship. The frantic energy of the bridge comms, the low thrum of the engines now sounding like a dying heartbeat, the sheer, desperate weight of hope hanging by a thread-Bray pours it all into his performance. You're not just listening to a story; you're in the chaos, scrambling with the crew, every heartbeat pounding in time with the ship's failing systems. When a character finally offers a sliver of hope-a wild, dangerous plan-Bray's voice doesn't just deliver it; it ignites it. You lean in, breathless, because you know how fragile that hope is, how easily it could shatter like the rest.
This isn't just sci-fi; it's a human story stripped bare, played out against the vast, uncaring backdrop of space. Alanson's genius is making you care desperately about this ragtag crew-their humor, their loyalty, their shared history-so that losing Skippy isn't just a plot point; it's a wound. Bray's narration makes that wound feel real, raw. You hear the grief in the quiet moments between the shouts, the way a veteran engineer just stops talking, staring at an empty console where Skippy's hologram used to flicker.
And so, with the galaxy waiting in breathless, terrified silence, the Pirates are left holding a single, terrifying question: Can we be the miracle we need? Gateway doesn't just continue the saga-it throws you headfirst into its heart, where failure is real and hope is a gamble with no safety net. And with R.C. Bray's voice guiding you through every desperate beat, every whispered prayer, you'll be holding your breath right alongside them. The ride is terrifying, brilliant, and utterly unforgettable. Don't just listen to it-live it.
Mother Night
I've found solace in listening to audiobooks before bed โ it's my form of meditation. I love that ListenBook Pro allows me to customize the tone of the sound โ it adds a personal touch. I love how this app's chapters, bookmarks, and controls give me full control over my audiobook journey. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative touch that adds a layer of personalization. Absolutely love this app! It's made my daily commute so much more enjoyable.
Gentle Avenger
I've never been this excited about my daily commute โ thank you, audiobooks! I'm hooked on this app's seamless performance โ it's like having a personal audiobook curator. This app has made me realize that there's always time for a good book. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality to a new level.
Most Wanted
Being able to customize the listening duration is perfect for quick breaks. I can't believe how easily this app has fit into my daily routine. The speed adjustment feature is my secret weapon for studying complex materials. ListenBook has made my daily walks so much more enjoyable. I'm always learning now! Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fun way to personalize the listening experience.
The Beekeeper
This app has become my go-to companion, making my daily routine more exciting and insightful. ListenBook has made my daily commutes so much more enjoyable. I look forward to listening every day! The app is so responsive. It never lags or freezes.
Shooter
The customer support team is responsive and always ready to assist. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. This app is my secret to staying ahead on my reading list, even during my busiest days. ๐ง Finally, an app that understands my need for convenience and ease of use! Audiobooks have never been this accessible. ๐๐ฑ Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to connect over shared interests.
Dangle
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an indispensable tool for my audiobook enjoyment. Bravo to the creators of this app โ they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. ๐๐ ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true for those epic tales. It's like having a personal audiobook library in your pocket. Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
Ozzie Treat
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! ๐ผ Making work hours enjoyable โ audiobooks turn my tasks into learning opportunities and moments of joy. ๐ป๐
SpellTansy
The app's interface is so sleek and modern. It's a joy to use. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itโs perfect for my needs.
Demo Zero
This app is my travel companion โ making long journeys enjoyable and insightful. This app's convenience has turned my exercise sessions into enlightening moments. ListenBook's customizable audio filters are a game-changer for tailoring my audiobook playback. Book groups keep my related titles together for a cohesive listening experience. A thoughtful feature!
Hella Fella
I can't believe how easily this app has fit into my daily routine. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality to a new level. With ListenBook Pro, I'm no longer limited by audiobook length. It's a liberating experience! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling. I love the auto-rewind feature. Itโs great for when I zone out.
Brick Mooch
I'm blown away by the range of non-fiction audiobooks available โ so much to learn! I'm grateful for this app's ability to fit seamlessly into my lifestyle, making learning a part of my day. I can't believe I waited this long to discover the joy of audiobooks through this app. Automatic metadata extraction keeps my library organized. It's a time-saver! The voice boost feature is amazing. It makes every word crystal clear.
CuriousCoder
This app's convenience has transformed my reading habits โ it's a game-changer. The app's compatibility with various sources for audio download is a true time-saver. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. It helps me absorb information more effectively. This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
Slow Trot
Effortless audiobook management โ this app's usability is impressive. Navigating chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and seamless experience. Tone adjustment adds a personalized touch to the narration, making the audiobook experience even more immersive.
Tse Tse Guy
ListenBook's configurable auto-rewind after interruptions is a smart addition that keeps me on track. ๐ผ Making every minute count โ this app's ease of use ensures I'm always making progress in my audiobook adventures. ๐ฑ๐ Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks from various sources has become effortless. The statistics feature in ListenBook adds an element of self-awareness to my audiobook consumption.
Devil Bread
ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureโitโs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
WonderWords
ListenBook's support for network device downloads and drag-and-drop is a time-saving delight. This app has made multitasking a breeze โ I can 'read' while I work! I'm on a literary adventure wherever I go, all thanks to this app. Its extensive format support and effortless navigation make audiobook listening a breeze. ๐๐ ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience.
Star Jammer
I'm hooked on this app โ it's like Netflix for book lovers! ๐ง Fueling my audiobook addiction with this fantastic app โ pure listening pleasure! ๐๐ฅ ๐ Unveiling the joy of reading once again โ this app is my gateway to literary wonders! ๐๐ Gone are the days of fumbling with different formats โ this app's comprehensive support ensures I can enjoy any audiobook without a hitch. ๐๐ 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.
Undergrad
Audiobooks on the go โ this app's design prioritizes convenience. Adjustable playback speed and volume control make for a customized experience.
DreamDiver
The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that I can access my content without any limitations. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my dictaphone recordings much more comfortable to listen to. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureโitโs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Demolition Queen
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my dictaphone recordings much more comfortable to listen to. ListenBook is the perfect blend of technology and art, turning audio into an unforgettable experience. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook consumption habits. The appโs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. Iโve been using ListenBook for months, and itโs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnโt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
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