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.
Gothic Slacker
With this app, I can dive into captivating narratives while cooking, cleaning, or commuting β pure magic! Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its functionality, from seamless downloads to binaural audio processing, has truly raised the bar. π±π Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Manly
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! I can finally listen to all my audiobooks seamlessly with ListenBook. The customizable playback controls and chapter navigation make it a breeze. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature.
Marbles
Unparalleled support for CarPlay and Apple Watch means I can take my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. With this app, I've turned my daily commutes into exciting journeys through the world of literature. Binaural audio processing is a godsend. My ears don't fatigue even during extended listening. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear and distraction-free listening.
Sapiens
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's design is a true delight. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a boon for those who enjoy deep dives into lengthy narratives. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. I can easily jump to the parts I want to listen to. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a game-changer.
Gold Dahlia
Thanks to ListenBook's extensive statistics, I can track my audiobook consumption and celebrate my progress. π Transforming laundry time into a journey through fantastic stories β thank you, this app! ππ
Wolf Tribune
πββοΈπ Combining exercise and exploration β this app keeps me motivated on my daily jogs! πββοΈπ πΌ Enhancing work-from-home productivity β audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. π»π My study sessions are more efficient than ever, thanks to the looping playback and bookmark features.
Spunky Comet
π Long road trips? No problem β this app keeps me entertained mile after mile! ππ Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the joy of storytelling.
Tabasco Dracula
I appreciate the minimal ads β it's all about uninterrupted enjoyment. Kudos to the developers! ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Pixy Mox
With ListenBook, I can effortlessly manage and organize my audiobook library. Audiobooks on the go β this app's design prioritizes convenience. Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend. A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
King Panther
ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments. An audiobook Iβll listen to again! The story was engaging, and the narratorβs performance made it even better. Some parts were so well-delivered that I replayed them just to hear the emotion again.
Coldy
I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my constant companion for literary adventures. I've never experienced such a smooth audiobook player. The playback is seamless. ListenBook has breathed new life into my audiobook collection. I can't imagine using anything else. From MP3 to FLAC, this app plays them all flawlessly. Say goodbye to compatibility issues! Perfect narration for this genre! The voice actorβs tone matched the atmosphere of the book, enhancing the overall experience. No complaintsβjust a smooth, enjoyable listen from beginning to end.
BoomerBox
π± My secret to staying well-read β this app ensures that I'm never without a book, no matter where I am! ππ± The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Bitmap
This app's user-friendly design makes navigating through books a breeze. ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its powerful features and seamless performance. No more worries about compatibility β ListenBook handles numerous formats flawlessly. πΆββοΈπ Walking my way through exciting narratives β this app makes exercise more fun! ποΈπ§
180
I love how ListenBook caters to various formats, making it versatile and accommodating for all my audiobooks. I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to play diverse formats flawlessly β it's a game-changer. ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. Makes listening to audiobooks easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
Yellow Menace
ListenBook has become my go-to app for all things audio β from lectures to speeches, it's got it all. I love how this app brings stories to life, even during my morning jogs. This app has reignited my love for literature and made it a part of my everyday life. Library organization and book groups make managing my audiobook collection a breeze.
Nueva Nova
This app has become my loyal companion during travels and relaxation times. I can't believe how much I've learned and enjoyed through this app's audiobooks. π Rekindling my literary flame β this app has brought back the joy of reading in a whole new format. ππ Audiobook heaven! This app's functionality is a dream β simple and efficient. Adjustable playback speed is a fantastic feature. It allows me to customize my listening experience.
Father Abbot
π‘ Cleaning the house with an audiobook in the background β talk about productivity! π§Όπ Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback. Playlists and bookmarks are super helpful. Love using ListenBook!
Burst Nibbler
The app's features, like the sleep timer, make it clear that it's designed with readers in mind. Kudos to the developers for crafting an app that understands readers' needs. The smooth playback and sleek design are pure perfection. ππ The app's seamless integration with Apple Watch makes it my perfect workout companion. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Danqqqqq
Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become effortless, regardless of the source. The attention to detail is commendable. Artwork and metadata are sorted automatically. My productivity has soared since I started using ListenBook for my study materials. The app's versatility in audio downloading is impressive. It's a one-stop solution for all my content. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very user-friendly.
57 Pixels
The offline mode is a lifesaver on flights β I'm never without a good story. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app β it's my go-to for staying informed and entertained. ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats is impressive. From MP3 to FLAC, it handles them all flawlessly. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content.
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