Book description
John Scalzi's "Head On" delivers a compelling blend of futuristic speculation and police procedural that few audiobook narrators could handle as skillfully as Wil Wheaton and Robert Petkoff. This second installment in the Lock In series proves Scalzi hasn't lost his touch for crafting stories that feel both wildly imaginative and eerily plausible.
The audiobook's greatest strength lies in its central mystery: when star Hilketa player Thomas Kaga dies during a match, Agents Chris Shane and Leslie Vann must navigate the dangerous world of competitive sports where human consciousness controls robotic bodies. Wheaton's narration brings Shane's dry wit to life while maintaining the character's complexity as both investigator and former Haden's Syndrome patient.
Scalzi's world-building shines through Petkoff's performance, particularly in descriptions of Hilketa itself. The sport's brutal simplicity-players using swords and hammers to decapitate opponents and carry heads through goalposts-comes alive through vivid audio descriptions that make the action sequences pulse with tension. The fact that participants control robot bodies removes physical limitations while preserving genuine stakes makes for fascinating listening.
The investigation unfolds with classic procedural elements, but Scalzi elevates familiar territory through his exploration of identity, consciousness, and what happens when technology reshapes human ambition. Both narrators handle the technical aspects of Haden's Syndrome and threep technology without losing narrative momentum.
"Head On" succeeds as both standalone thriller and series continuation, offering enough context for newcomers while rewarding fans of "Lock In" with deeper character development. The audiobook format particularly benefits from Scalzi's sharp dialogue, which Wheaton and Petkoff deliver with perfect timing and distinct character voices.
This isn't just science fiction using crime fiction structure-it's a thoughtful examination of how human nature persists even when bodies become optional. The corruption and violence surrounding Hilketa reflect contemporary sports scandals while pushing them to logical extremes in a post-human future.
Listeners will find themselves questioning assumptions about identity and embodiment long after the mystery resolves, making "Head On" more than its entertaining surface suggests.
Divine Quasar
I can't imagine my daily routine without ListenBook's intuitive layout and easy-to-access controls. Listening stats feature keeps me on track with my audiobook goals. Love it! I love the statistics feature. Itβs fun to see how much Iβve listened. A perfectly acceptable audiobook that fulfilled its purpose. The narration was competent if not particularly memorable, and the production quality was standard for the genre. It served as decent background entertainment during mundane tasks. Perfect for my daily walks. The story was engaging enough to keep me motivated to exercise but not so complex that I got lost in thought. Great production quality too.
Hen Skittle
πΌ Boosting productivity at work with an audiobook in the background β love it! π»π§ Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Fantastic app! I canβt believe how easy it is to manage my audiobook library with ListenBook. Highly recommended! The app supports background playback, which is a must for me.
Darling Peacock
Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration. Library organization and book groups make managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Solid performance overall though some character voices sounded too similar. I occasionally got confused about who was speaking in dialogue-heavy scenes.
xFRST
ListenBook Pro has taken my audiobook experience to the next level. No regrets! Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my audiobook library. ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Zod
This app has rekindled my passion for storytelling in the most convenient way. An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
Snapdragon
This app is a blessing for those with busy schedules β it's like time travel through stories. π Elevating everyday moments β this app adds an extra layer of magic to every aspect of my day. πβ¨ The compatibility with Apple Watch is a game-changer. Controlling my audiobooks from my wrist is genius.
Storm Master
Unparalleled support for CarPlay and Apple Watch means I can take my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. This app has made my workouts and chores so much more enjoyable. ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats is impressive. From MP3 to FLAC, it handles them all flawlessly. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a joy to use. It's a seamless experience. The app is perfect for long walks. It keeps me company the whole time.
Killer Merlot
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InsightInkwell
This app is a book lover's dream come true β a vast library right at your fingertips. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata keeps my audiobook library organized and visually appealing. Listening stats motivate me to read more. Great feature! A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable. Perfect for my daily walks. The story was engaging enough to keep me motivated to exercise but not so complex that I got lost in thought. Great production quality too.
CuriousCrafter
This app has turned audiobook listening into a daily ritual for me. ππ Transforming traffic jams into opportunities for literary exploration β this app keeps me engaged on the road! ππ§ Has every feature I need. My top choice for audiobooks! 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.
Fire Fish
π Unleashing the power of audiobooks with this user-friendly app β it's like having a personal storyteller on demand! ππ₯ ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve found. The interface is clean and easy to use. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
Wiccan Trouble
Love the silky-smooth playback and easy-to-use interface. ListenBook is the best! The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Cupid Dust
I'm enjoying books I never thought I'd be interested in β all thanks to this app. ListenBook's thoughtful inclusion of chapters, controls, and filters has enhanced my audiobook experience. Audiobook immersion without fuss β this app's ease of use is commendable. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate customized listening sessions, whether for study, relaxation, or entertainment. ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
QuestWeaver
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures I never miss out on any audio gem. Thanks to this app, I can enjoy the world of literature without missing a beat in my fast-paced life. πΆββοΈπ Exploring stories as I stroll β audiobooks have turned my walks into inspiring journeys of imagination. ποΈπ§
Domino
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. This app has helped me achieve my reading goals and explore new genres effortlessly. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines β it's a game-changer. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my passport to countless stories.
Dahlia
Audiobooks have never been this engaging β this app takes them to the next level. Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is a triumph.
Don Stab
This app's ease of use has made my daily activities more enjoyable and educational. π Unlocking the door to imagination β this app is my key to endless stories and endless possibilities. ππ πββοΈπ Running through chapters has never been smoother β the app's streamlined functionality keeps me on track with my reading goals. πββοΈπ§ Effortlessly exploring audiobook worlds β this app's functionality is genius.
General Broomdog
I've found my new favorite way to relax β cuddled up with an audiobook. Book groups keep my related titles together for a cohesive listening experience. A thoughtful feature! ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use.
Mother Night
This app has brought stories to life in a way that traditional reading never could. If you love stories but have a busy schedule, this app is your solution! π± Turning my phone into a portal of endless stories β this app is pure magic! πβ¨ The app's performance is nothing short of impressive β smooth, responsive, and designed with audiobook lovers in mind. As someone who struggles to focus on audiobooks, this kept my attention the whole way through. The narrator's clear diction and expressive delivery were perfect.
NexusNomad
I've never been so entertained while doing household chores β this app is a lifesaver! ListenBook's support for binaural audio processing is a thoughtful touch that reduces listening fatigue. ListenBook's commitment to providing top-notch audio quality has taken my audiobook experience to a new level. WiFi downloads save a lot of time. Great feature! Iβve been using ListenBook for months, and itβs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnβt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
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