Book description
Hidden in Sight by Julie E. Czerneda: A Masterclass in Shapeshifting Shenanigans
Let's be honest - when you've been inducted into the Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame, you're probably allowed to coast a little. But Julie E. Czerneda? She's apparently too busy actually writing good books to collect her laurels. Hidden in Sight, the third installment in her Web Shifters series, proves that even established authors can deliver fresh chaos without breaking a sweat.
Our protagonist Esen-alit-Quar - let's call her Esen, because typing that full name is exhausting - returns to Picco's Moon, the cosmic equivalent of your childhood hometown that you visit only to discover everything's been ruined by developers. Except instead of strip malls, someone's mining Ersh's Mountain, which is apparently shapeshifter real estate's most prestigious address. It's like finding out someone's fracking your grandmother's grave - technically legal, but spiritually catastrophic.
The real genius here is how Czerneda takes the familiar "everything falls apart" plot and makes it feel genuinely surprising. Esen and her human partner Paul have built themselves a cozy little life, complete with business ventures and friends who don't immediately try to dissect them. Then - plot twist! - their carefully constructed world implodes. Friends become enemies, safe spaces become war zones, and suddenly they're playing intergalactic whack-a-mole with unidentified foes.
What elevates this from standard space opera fare is Czerneda's biological background seeping through every page. These aren't just aliens - they're carefully considered evolutionary possibilities. The shapeshifting isn't magical hand-waving; it's presented with the same attention to ecological balance you'd expect in a nature documentary. Though admittedly, the nature documentary would be significantly less likely to feature betrayals by former allies.
The audiobook format serves the material well, particularly in distinguishing between Esen's various forms and voices. Let's be real - any narrator tackling this material deserves a medal for keeping straight whether we're dealing with the philosophical shapeshifter, the business-savvy human, or the dozen other forms Esen might take in a single conversation.
Czerneda's optimism shines through even when everything's going sideways, which might be the book's greatest strength or its most annoying feature, depending on your tolerance for hopeful endings in increasingly cynical times. Either way, she's crafted something that feels both familiar and fresh - no small feat in a genre that sometimes recycles plots like they're oxygen tanks on a dying spaceship.
Hidden in Sight succeeds because it remembers that good science fiction isn't about the spectacle - it's about what happens when your carefully ordered universe decides to have an existential crisis.
Kitchen
ποΈ Basking in the sun with an audiobook β relaxation meets storytelling paradise! βοΈπ Supports extensive playlists and bookmarks. Very user-friendly.
Sun Leo
Gone are the days of straining my eyes to read β this app lets me 'read' with my ears, anywhere, anytime. Listening statistics motivate me to read more. Excellent feature! I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch. 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.
MysticMingle
I can't imagine my audio routine without ListenBook's seamless and user-friendly design. I can't believe how easily this app has fit into my daily routine. Audiobook joy made simple β this app's ease of use is commendable.
Centurion Sherman
With ListenBook, I can effortlessly manage and organize my audiobook library. π₯ Streamlined functionality that's music to my ears β audiobook enjoyment has reached a new level of convenience. π΅π ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Swedish Pixie
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a feature I can't live without. π Whether I'm cooking, commuting, or relaxing at home, this app's seamless functionality keeps me engaged in captivating narratives. π§β¨ I was thoroughly impressed by this audiobook. The combination of engaging content and skilled narration made my daily commute something to look forward to. The narrator's timing and intonation were spot-on, enhancing rather than distracting from the material. Definitely worth a credit!
Guillotine Trigger
The app's reliability and ease of use make it a true gem in the world of audiobooks. I've become a more empathetic listener and reader, thanks to the power of audiobooks. The drag-and-drop download feature on ListenBook is incredibly convenient β no more complicated processes. πΆπ Enriching my environment with the power of storytelling β audiobooks infuse my home with literary magic. π§π
MuseMaster
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. Finally, an audiobook player that supports all formats! No more converting files. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Bang Shift
With this app, I've turned my everyday moments into meaningful opportunities for growth and learning. I can't get enough of ListenBook's silky-smooth playback and intuitive design. It's my go-to app for both leisurely listening and study sessions.
Kimono Goddess
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. ListenBook has made audiobook listening a personalized and enriching journey. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading a seamless part of my life. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my audiobook library. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Demo Zero
This app has made long flights and road trips so much more enjoyable. ListenBook's detailed statistics feature helps me keep track of my listening habits. It's amazing to see how much I've learned from all those audiobooks!
Saber-RED
Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it! The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Hyper
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a versatile companion for my daily activities. Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. Enhancing my daily routines β this app's design makes listening a joy. Audiobooks anytime, anywhere β this app's functionality is a reader's delight. The app's compatibility with CarPlay has made my road trips so much more enjoyable.
Mindless Bobcat
I've become a loyal fan of audiobooks, and this app is the reason why! ListenBook's features are a bookworm's dream come true β from chapters to bookmarks, it's got everything. ListenBook's player features are incredibly helpful. Chapters and bookmarks make navigation easy. This app is perfect for audiobook lovers. The interface is beautiful and easy to navigate. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Mr. Lucky
ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an indispensable part of my routine. The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences.
Trick Baron
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true triumph. ListenBook is fantastic! Supports every audiobook format I have. Super convenient!
Jack Cassidy
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a social audiophile's dream. I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is top-notch. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a breeze thanks to ListenBook Pro's AirDrop and sharing options. Spread the joy of a good story!
Trash Sling
ListenBook's features make it the ultimate audio companion for any audiobook enthusiast. ListenBook's audio filters have given me the power to tailor my listening experience to my preferences. Binaural audio processing reduces fatigue during long listening sessions. A fantastic feature! ListenBook has revolutionized the way I consume content. It's like having a personal tutor in my ear.
Dark Matter
ListenBook's dedication to delivering top-notch audio quality is evident in every detail. π The simplicity and functionality of this app are top-notch. I can start a book with just a tap and immerse myself in the story instantly. π±π Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to spread the joy. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment enhance the listening experience significantly.
ThoughtTracer
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magical spell that transports me into the heart of the story. ListenBook has rekindled my passion for learning. I'm exploring new topics every day. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to bond over stories. Has every feature I need. My top choice for audiobooks!
Spunky Sphinx
This app's user-friendly design makes navigating through books a breeze. With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. This app has turned my screen time into valuable learning opportunities. I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience so effortless. From downloading to playback, it's a true companion for book lovers. ππ«
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