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.
Despair
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Cream
I'm grateful for ListenBook's seamless compatibility with a variety of formats – it's a true lifesaver. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful feature. Sharing is caring! Listening stats motivate me to read more. Great feature! Perfect narration for this genre! The voice actor’s tone matched the atmosphere of the book, enhancing the overall experience. No complaints—just a smooth, enjoyable listen from beginning to end.
AlertXis
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Good William
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Lunar Treat
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Pink C
No more straining my eyes to read – now I can simply immerse myself in storytelling. Frequent updates ensure there's always something new and exciting to listen to. I love how this app makes even the most mundane tasks exciting with audio stories. 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!
Swan Mustang
With ListenBook, I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. I love the compatibility with iOS 16. The app runs smoothly and flawlessly. The narrator was good but spoke a bit too slowly for my taste. I had to speed it up to 1.2x which then made some parts sound slightly unnatural.
The Belgian
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Papa Smurf
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Hemingway Mirmillone
I've discovered authors I'd never heard of before, and now they're among my favorites. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my workouts and downtime more engaging and insightful. Listening statistics are a great motivator. Love this feature!
Fast Draw
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LocKz
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Daisy Stick
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Prof. Smirk
ListenBook's commitment to enhancing the audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines – it's a game-changer. 💼 Elevating my work-from-home routine with this app's delightful audiobook selection! 💻📖 🎙️ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! 🚶♀️📖
Devil Bread
I'm amazed at how this app's narrators bring characters and stories to life. No more hassle with formats – this app ensures my audiobook adventures are smooth, and my favorite tales are just a tap away. Highly recommended! 📚🎧
Wildcat Talent
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Ice
User-centric audiobook joy – this app's ease of use is impressive. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. They help me keep related titles together for a seamless experience.
Candy Butcher
I've become so much more productive while cleaning or exercising – thanks to this app! The convenience of downloading audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative touch that adds a layer of personalization. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable.
Sky Herald
I can't get enough of this app – it's like having a personal storyteller in my pocket. ⭐️ A round of applause for an app that prioritizes functionality – I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and other tasks. 👏🎧 Audiobook pleasure at its finest! This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and delightful. 📚👌 I can't believe how easy it is to download audio from various sources. So convenient! The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
JesterZilla
The app's performance is beyond impressive. It's like it's tailor-made for my device. The app is perfect for long walks. It keeps me company the whole time.
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