Book description
If you've ever wondered what happens when a space wizard's training gets interrupted by a fight with a warrior-queen, Gathering Strength delivers pure, unadulterated sci-fi fun. This fifth installment in the Monster Girls in Space series is a blast to listen to on audiobook, with voice acting that perfectly captures the sharp banter and simmering tension aboard the Fist of Defiance.
Desmond McLaughlin, our relatable human protagonist navigating life as a young adept in the Hegemony of Velvet Stars, is back. He's settled into ship life, made friends, and is already dodging the aggressive advances of Adept Windracer, a Uth'ra who seems determined to reshape him into a rigid, stereotypical male. Their clashes-both verbal and physical-are crackling in audio form, making you lean in to hear the next barb.
But Desmond's not just dodging personal drama; he's uncovering a deeper, more dangerous mystery. Clues about a shadowy group occupying a Rift are piling up, and the lack of their identities feels deeply wrong. The audiobook does a fantastic job building unease as Desmond races to pass these warnings up the chain of command, knowing time is running out. You feel his frustration and urgency in every whispered update to his commander.
What truly shines here is the seamless blend of genres. This isn't just space opera-it's a military-tinged fantasy where "space-wizard" progression feels organic, woven into a universe full of fascinating monster girls (yes, it's in the title, and it's delightfully embraced). The romance is woven subtly into the fabric of the crew dynamic, not forced, making the bonds between Desmond and his "guards" feel earned and real.
The audiobook's pacing is perfect for this installment. It's a true character-driven moment where Desmond refuses to just ride the wave of events-he's actively gathering strength, training, and preparing, both as an adept and as the leader of his growing clan. The narration brings the camaraderie of the ship's crew to life, making the quiet moments of planning as engaging as the escalating action. You're right there with Desmond as he pieces together the puzzle, the mystery deepening with every cliffhanger.
If you're already hooked by the series, this is essential listening-it's the perfect blend of escalating stakes, genuine character growth, and the sheer joy of a well-crafted sci-fi/fantasy adventure where humanity (and its unconventional allies) is finally starting to understand its place in a curious galaxy. The audiobook makes you feel the ship's hum and the tension of the next move, turning a great story into an immersive experience. Don't just read it-listen, and let the crew's voices pull you right into the heart of the action.
Roller Girl
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Crash Override
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RedMouth
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Dakota Bliss
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Scuffs
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds convenience to my audiobook routine. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Feral Filly
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NexusNavigator
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Twix Bond
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Solitaire
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Alley Cat
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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