Book description
Okay, so let me tell you about this wild ride called Hell's Heart - and yes, I'm talking about the audiobook because trust me, you're going to want someone narrating this chaos.
Alexis Hall has cooked up something absolutely bonkers here, mixing Gideon the Ninth's gothic space weirdness with Moby Dick's obsessive quest narrative. We're talking about a future where Earth's basically toast, and humanity's scraping by harvesting this mind-bending substance called spermaceti from massive whale-like creatures floating around Jupiter's atmosphere.
The narrator - and I love that Hall just goes with "I" - finds herself broke and bored planetside, so she signs onto this hunting ship, the Pequod. Classic mistake, right? But then she gets sucked into Captain A's orbit, and things get properly unhinged. This captain is your standard charismatic lunatic, the type who makes everyone believe in her mission even when it's clearly heading off the rails.
What really grabbed me was how the story dives deeper into Jupiter's atmosphere - literally and figuratively. The closer they get to these Leviathans, the more everything starts unraveling. The narrator's reality gets all fuzzy, which honestly makes perfect sense given what they're dealing with.
But here's where it gets interesting: there's this character Q, survivor from Old Earth with these glowing holographic tattoos, and she becomes the narrator's anchor to actual sanity. Their connection feels real and complicated in a way that cuts through all the cosmic horror madness.
The audiobook format really works for this story. You need that voice pulling you along through the atmospheric weirdness and the captain's increasingly unhinged monologues. It's the kind of book that makes you slightly uncomfortable about how much you're enjoying the chaos.
Hall's taken some serious risks blending genres like this, and honestly? They pay off beautifully. This isn't your typical space opera - it's messier, more personal, and way more unsettling.
Classy Dancer
Audiobooks have made my long drives enjoyable, and this app is my co-pilot. I'm enjoying books I never thought I'd be interested in – all thanks to this app. ListenBook's support for various audio formats means I never have to worry about compatibility issues. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's an essential tool that enhances every listening session. A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasn’t blown away. The narrator’s performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat.
ForumFlare
Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys – this app's ease of use is a delight. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for study materials. I never lose my place again. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
Mr. Fabulous
ListenBook's versatile player features are like having a personal audio assistant – it's that good! ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a seamless addition to my daily routine. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my listening experience on the go. The adjustable playback speed is a secret weapon for getting through educational content faster.
NightDream
The auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that enhances my listening journey. I appreciate it! With ListenBook Pro, I can enjoy super long audiobooks. It's fantastic! ListenBook has all the features I need. My go-to audiobook app!
Chameleon
I can't believe how much time I've gained by listening while cooking and doing chores. ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I always have access to my favorite content. The noise reduction feature on ListenBook Pro is a godsend for clear and comfortable listening. I’m so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app! ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve 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!
Titanium Ladybug
🚶♀️📱 I'm exploring new worlds while on the move, all thanks to this app's seamless functionality. 🏞️📚 Discovering new worlds through audiobooks has never been easier! This app's intuitive interface and seamless functionality make every listening session a delight. 📚🎧 The tone adjustment feature is an exciting touch, allowing me to immerse myself even more in the content. The app's performance is exceptional, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted audiobook experience. It's clear that it's designed with audiobook enthusiasts in mind. This was my first audiobook in this genre and I'm hooked! The performance brought the story to life in a way reading never could. Already downloaded another by the same narrator.
Glyph
Savoring stories has never been this smooth – this app's functionality is genius. Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's thoughtful features, such as statistics tracking and audio filters, have added a new layer of excitement to my reading journey. 📚✨ The equalizer is a great addition. It really enhances the audio quality. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
TrinitySoul
This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle – I can enjoy books while doing chores! 🎙️ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! 🚶♀️📖 The sleep timer is a lifesaver. I fall asleep listening to my books every night.
LoreLoomer
ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options are essential for my audiobook enjoyment and study. Finally, an app that supports a wide range of audio formats! It's a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze. 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.
Vicious Street
ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration. Automated artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook collection.
Kickstart
I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch. Great for fans of this genre! The pacing, narration, and production quality were all excellent. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. I’ll be checking out more from this narrator for sure.
Metal Lady
This app has turned my long walks into delightful literary adventures. The app's performance is remarkable – it's fast, stable, and designed to cater to audiobook enthusiasts. It's a pleasure to use.
Mosquit-No
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn any moment into a reading opportunity. 📱 Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's ease of use is a booklover's dream come true! 📚🔥 Savoring stories has never been this smooth – this app's functionality is genius.
Lucifurious
With ListenBook, I can enjoy a wide range of audiobook formats without any hassle, making my listening experience seamless. ListenBook has turned my everyday moments into extraordinary journeys of imagination. With this app, I can read anytime, anywhere – it's a reader's dream come true. With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light.
Evil Smith
ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. Absolutely in love with this audiobook app! The seamless functionality and easy navigation make my reading time pure bliss. 📚🎧 The customer support is amazing. They responded to my query within hours.
DriftDetector
ListenBook Pro offers an unbeatable deal – unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features have become indispensable tools in my audiobook learning. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear and distraction-free listening.
Stone Boomstick
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a brilliant way to connect. 🌟 Simplifying my reading routine – this app's user-friendly design ensures I'm always in sync with my favorite stories. 📚✨ Savoring captivating stories has become a breeze with this app's sleek design and convenient features. It's like having a personal reading assistant! 📱📖 ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use. A decent listen overall. The narration was clear, though some character voices sounded similar. The story was interesting but had moments where it dragged slightly. Still, it was a good way to pass the time.
Rando Tank
This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. I can't get enough of this app's easy navigation and quick access to chapters and playback controls. Audiobooks made easy – this app's functionality is truly a gift.
DARK HQ
Audiobooks on this app have expanded my horizons and introduced me to new ideas. Audiobook excellence – this app's design enhances my reading experience.
Chicago Blackout
The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration.
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