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.
Daisy Stick
Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library. ListenBook has become my go-to app for all audiobooks. Full of useful features. Unlimited audiobook length with ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Scooby Did
This app has rekindled my passion for storytelling in the most convenient way. π± Carrying stories in my pocket β this app's convenience is a game-changer! πποΈ Audiobooks made simple β this app's functionality is a breath of fresh air.
MuseMaster
πΌ Boosting productivity at work with an audiobook in the background β love it! π»π§ π‘ Embracing audiobooks while tidying up the house β it's like having a helper! π π ListenBook is more than just an app β it's a doorway to a world of knowledge and imagination. Downloading over WiFi saves so much time. Very efficient.
Innocent Ghost
I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life. I love the auto-rewind feature after interruptions. No more searching for where I left off! Library organization and book groups make managing my audiobook collection a breeze. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks with friends. ListenBook has become my go-to app for all audiobooks. Full of useful features.
Snout Pixie
Now I can enjoy my favorite books anytime, even during workouts. I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds. 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!
Curio
I've become a more empathetic listener thanks to the emotional depth of audiobooks. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work! Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldnβt call it unforgettable. Not the best audiobook I've heard but far from the worst. The production quality was good and there were no major issues with the narration.
Delicious Wing
My kids are hooked on the children's audiobook collection β it's a parenting win! The app's attention to detail is commendable. It's evident in every feature.
QuestQuill
With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light. π Rekindling my love for stories β this app's accessibility has reignited my passion! ππ πΌ Making every minute count β this app's ease of use ensures I'm always making progress in my audiobook adventures. π±π Effortlessly exploring new worlds β this app's design is user-centric and efficient. ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations.
Bug Blitz
π Farewell, boredom during ironing sessions β audiobooks make it a breeze! ππ§ π§ Immerse yourself in stories effortlessly β this app's functionality is the gateway to endless audiobook adventures. ππ ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. It's like having a personal assistant for my literary adventures. ListenBook has become my go-to app for exploring a diverse range of audiobooks. It offers a wide array of features that cater to different preferences and needs. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly.
Scratch Man
π§ Satiate your reading cravings while managing household affairs β this app has it all! ππΌ The app is so intuitive. I didnβt even need to read the instructions.
Fuzzy Claws
I'm so grateful for this app β it's like having a personal storyteller wherever I go. π₯ Audiobook enjoyment at the tap of a finger β this app's functionality is a testament to modern convenience. π±π Bookmarking my favorite parts of audiobooks is now a breeze. Love this feature! CUE playlist support is a fantastic addition. It helps me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. Finally, an app that supports a wide range of audio formats! It's a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts.
Dangle
is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and efficient. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Keystone
I love how this app's chapters, bookmarks, and controls give me full control over my audiobook journey. Audiobook multitasking made easy β this app's functionality is a marvel. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a fantastic way to introduce them to new stories. The app is perfect for language learners. The playback speed control is a game-changer.
Frosty Squid
I can't believe how easy it is to download and manage my audio content using ListenBook. ListenBook has become my go-to app for exploring a diverse range of audiobooks. It offers a wide array of features that cater to different preferences and needs. ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes. The app is perfect for long walks. It keeps me company the whole time.
QuestQuill
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. This app's versatility and convenience have transformed my screen time into a productive reading journey. With this app, I've found a way to turn every moment into an opportunity for learning and enrichment. This app's sleek design and intuitive navigation have made audiobook listening a seamless experience. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve found. The interface is clean and easy to use.
Mud Pie Man
I'm amazed by the variety of genres available β there's something for everyone. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction makes sure that background distractions don't interfere with my listening. The ability to download audio from various sources without syncing is fantastic. ListenBook makes it so easy.
Runway Darling
ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks a seamless and delightful experience. πΆ Saying goodbye to tangled headphones and complex controls β this app's easy navigation has made audiobook listening a breeze. π΅π Efficient audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is a revelation. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my audiobook library look neat and professional. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks and this narrator is now in my top 5. Their timing and inflection were masterful. Never a dull moment in the entire performance.
Contrary Mary
Thank you for making literature more accessible, enjoyable, and immersive. This app is a game-changer! I can't imagine my daily rituals without this app β it's a constant source of joy. Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's design is a true winner. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a huge plus. I can control my audiobooks from my wrist!
StormCake
Listening to books while doing chores? This app makes it possible! β° Maximizing my time with efficient features β this app's functionality lets me dive into stories even in the busiest moments. πβ³ Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's functionality is a reader's delight.
Cosmo
I've become the go-to storyteller at bedtime with the help of this magical app. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening sessions into immersive experiences. ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its performance and features. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique feature that adds a personalized touch to the 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