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.
NexusNomad
Noise reduction on ListenBook enhances the clarity of dictaphone recordings, allowing me to enjoy content even in noisy environments. If you love stories but have a busy schedule, this app is your solution! ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible.
Alberta
I've been able to explore different cultures and perspectives through a diverse range of books. The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Aqua Diva
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ReiGnZ
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Pigeon Woman
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WanderWord
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Pepper Prada
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Juice Petite
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Zorkle Sporkle
ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent user experience sets a new standard in audiobook apps. This app has brought back the joy of reading, no matter how busy I am. π₯ Simplifying my reading routine β the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. ππ Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique and fun feature. I can customize the narration to my liking.
Zero Charisma
ListenBook's variety of ways to download audio makes it incredibly convenient. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a feature I can't live without. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and seamless playback have made it my go-to app. This app has made long flights and road trips so much more enjoyable. This app's convenience has made reading a consistent part of my life.
Show Boat
The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. 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!
Lady Killer
ListenBook's unlimited length of audiobooks with the Pro version is a fantastic value for avid listeners. I'm amazed at how this app's features cater to audiobook enthusiasts' every need. Say goodbye to monotony β this app's diverse format compatibility and intuitive controls have turned every moment into a thrilling audiobook experience. π±π Looping playback helps me immerse myself in the content. It's my secret study weapon. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Red Delicious
ListenBook Pro takes my experience to the next level. Unlimited audiobook length, noise reduction, and voice tone adjustment? Count me in! The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that has a big impact on my listening experience. I love it!
Shay
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best. This app has made multitasking a breeze β I can listen while I work, cook, or exercise. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls β it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Fantastic app!
Onion King
With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with maximum comfort and convenience. Chapters, configurable auto-rewind, and bookmarks on ListenBook keep me in control of my content. πΆ Swapping background music for the soothing voices of narrators β audiobooks have become my soundtrack for daily life. π΅π
Intimidation Station
The controls on ListenBook are intuitive and user-friendly, making it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. With its powerful audio downloading features, I can have my favorite audiobooks ready to go, anytime and anywhere.
East Army
One of the best audiobooks Iβve heard! The story was compelling, and the narratorβs delivery added depth to every scene. I found myself looking for excuses to listen just a little longer. Will definitely revisit this one! 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.
SpellTansy
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Hairpin
I love that I can switch between fiction and non-fiction effortlessly. If you love stories but have a busy schedule, this app is your solution! I love how this app makes my daily commute a journey through literature.
xFRST
ListenBook's commitment to a seamless user experience is evident in its sleek design and intuitive controls. The bookmark feature is fantastic. I can easily pick up where I left off.
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