Book description
I can't keep this to myself-I have to tell you about the audiobook How to Rule an Empire and Get Away with It (The Siege, #2) by K.J. Parker. The first thing that hits you is the sheer audacity of the plot. The City is under siege, rocks are falling from the sky, and yet life doesn't stop. In the middle of this chaos is Notker, a professional liar who's also a playwright, actor, and impresario. He's the kind of man who works harder even when he's not on the stage, and the citizens of Classis still crave his performances like they crave breath. It's a story of survival and performance, where the Empire needs a man like Notker for a role that promises fame, fortune, immortality-or the ultimate death.
What makes this audiobook a pulse-pounding experience is how the narrator brings the city's tension to life. Every rock that crashes, every whispered lie, is threaded through with a sense of urgency that pulls you right into the heart of the siege. The voice shifts from hushed conspiracies to booming declarations, mirroring the dramatic stakes of the narrative. You feel the weight of Notker's double life, the pressure of a role that could save or doom the empire.
The author, K.J. Parker, is actually Tom Holt under a pseudonym-a former lawyer, journalist, and numismatist who now crafts stories while making wood and metal. Parker's background in law and journalism gives the narrative a crisp, structured edge, while his love of rural Vermont spills into the story's earthy undercurrent. It's a fascinating blend of worlds, and the audiobook's pacing captures that blend perfectly.
Every moment is charged with tension: Notker's rehearsals, the city's frantic preparations, the looming threat of a role that could either crown him a hero or shred him to dust. The drama is not just in the events but in the characters' emotional swings-Notker's relentless ambition, the citizens' desperate hope, the empire's hungry ambition. The narrator's inflection rides these highs and lows with a deftness that feels like a stage performance come alive.
If you've ever wanted an audiobook that feels like a live theatre production-where every word feels like a line in a play-this is it. The city's siege becomes a backdrop to a personal siege on Notker's conscience and destiny. The stakes are enormous: immortality or death. The result is a thrilling, high-octane ride that keeps your heart racing from the first frame to the last. Don't miss it; let the voices of this story pull you into a world where truth always seeps through, and the only way to rule an empire is to play the greatest role of all.
Serendipity
The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is a game-changer. 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.
Mechani-Man
I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. With ListenBook Pro, I'm no longer limited by audiobook length. It's a liberating experience! Binaural audio processing really works. Less fatigue during long listening sessions.
Ex0tic
I love how this app seamlessly integrates into my busy schedule, making multitasking a breeze. 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.
Lounge Master
I can't get enough of this app β it's like having a personal storyteller in my pocket. π Long road trips? No problem β this app keeps me entertained mile after mile! ππ Absolutely loved the narration! The voice actor brought the characters to life with distinct tones and emotions. The production quality was top-notch, with no background noise or distractions. A truly immersive experience!
3P-own
This app has added a touch of magic to my mundane moments β I'm forever grateful. With this app, I can switch seamlessly between my iPhone and iPad, making my reading experience continuous. This app is a time-saver β I can 'read' even when I'm on the move. π Adding excitement to everyday tasks β this app is my partner in productivity! ππ What a fantastic listening experience! The narrator brought the characters to life with distinct voices and emotional depth. The pacing was perfect - not too fast to lose details, not too slow to become boring. I particularly appreciated how well the narrator conveyed the atmosphere of key scenes.
EchoExplorer
ListenBook has taken my listening pleasure to new heights β it's a true audio marvel. Quick access to chapters is a blessing. No more scrolling through endless content.
WeldMaster
Listening to audiobooks has never been this convenient and enjoyable! Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is truly impressive. The app's seamless integration with Apple Watch makes it my perfect workout companion. ListenBook has revolutionized the way I consume content. It's like having a personal tutor in my ear.
New York Sixlet
Listening to audiobooks has become my daily ritual for relaxation and escape. The app's reliability and ease of use make it a true gem in the world of audiobooks. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is fantastic. πΆββοΈπ Embracing audiobooks as my companions during leisurely walks β nature and narratives, a perfect match! πΆββοΈπ§ Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true triumph.
Shade Nightman
The app's design is sleek and modern β it's a pleasure to navigate. Streamlined audiobook integration β this app's usability is truly impressive. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature for those who enjoy organized and structured listening. Looping playback has revolutionized my language learning journey. I'm making rapid progress. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of reading.
Kawaii Red
This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate customized listening sessions, whether for study, relaxation, or entertainment. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and visually appealing. A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasnβt blown away. The narratorβs performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat.
Cumulo
Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's thoughtful features, such as auto-rewind and chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our storytelling cravings. ππ Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature. I'm loving it!
Twinkle Cocoa
I can't believe how much time I've gained by listening while cooking and doing chores. I'm amazed by ListenBook's versatility in handling different formats β it truly supports all my audio needs. Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's functionality is truly commendable. ListenBook has become my go-to app for all audiobooks. Full of useful features.
ByteBard
Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is a winner. My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thank you, ListenBook!
Skylark
Audiobooks have brought a new level of enjoyment to my daily workout routine. I can't imagine my daily rituals without this app β it's a constant source of joy. I can't believe how seamless the integration with Apple Watch is. My workouts just got better. Adjustable playback speed and volume control are top-notch.
QuestQuill
ListenBook's audio filters allow me to customize the audio playback to suit my preferences perfectly. Library organization is brilliant. No more cluttered audiobook collection.
Mule Skinner
ListenBook's support for network device downloads and drag-and-drop is a time-saving delight. Library organization has never been this easy. My audiobook collection is finally tidy. My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thank you, ListenBook! ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience.
Intimidating Presence
I can't believe how quickly I finish books now, all thanks to this app. Audiobooks made convenient β this app's functionality is a true gift.
General Broomdog
I love that ListenBook Pro allows me to customize the tone of the sound β it adds a personal touch. ListenBook has made me fall in love with my audio content all over again β it's a must-have. Tone adjustment adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I'm hooked! 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!
MindfulMingle
I've never been so excited about my daily commute β thanks to this app. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is a triumph. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like having a personal reading guide.
Wanted Candy
ListenBook has become my workout companion. It keeps me engaged and entertained during exercise. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
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