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.
PixelPathfinder
The ListenBook app has enriched my daily life, adding a layer of intellectual and emotional fulfillment. This app's ease of use has made reading more accessible and enjoyable than ever before. πΆββοΈπ Embracing audiobooks as my companions during leisurely walks β nature and narratives, a perfect match! πΆββοΈπ§ The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences.
Hella Fella
ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers is incredibly convenient. Downloading audiobooks has never been this easy. The statistics tracking feature is eye-opening. I never realized how much time I spend on audiobooks until now! Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a breeze to use. It's an intuitive experience. 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!
Metal Aphrodite
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. Who knew that commuting could become such an enjoyable reading session? Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration. ListenBook is fantastic! Supports every audiobook format I have. Super convenient! The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Dancing Madman
I'm hooked on this app's intuitive features β from chapters to playback controls. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks hassle-free. π This app is a testament to thoughtful design β its functionality seamlessly blends with my lifestyle, making reading effortless. πβ¨ ListenBook has become my gateway to new worlds, allowing me to explore stories, ideas, and knowledge. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly enhanced my audio quality.
Apple Nola
ListenBook is a true audio treasure! It turns my own audio files into immersive listening experiences. I'm amazed at how this app has seamlessly integrated reading into my daily rhythm. β° Early mornings have become my favorite time to listen to audiobooks β energizing! π π§ 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!
Mr. Alien
This app has transformed my daily walks into exciting literary adventures. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats means I can now enjoy all my favorite audiobooks in one place. π§ My daily chores just got an upgrade! Thanks to this app, I can dive into captivating stories while cooking and cleaning. ππ³ ποΈπ§ Soaking up the sun while indulging in beach reads β this app is my ultimate relaxation companion. ποΈπ
Marbles
I can't imagine a day without this app β it has made my audiobook journey seamless and fulfilling. Tone adjustment adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I'm hooked!
High Deck
π± It's like having a personal audiobook library at my fingertips! This app's functionality is a dream come true for book lovers. ππ₯ The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
The Belgian
It's like having a personal library that fits in my pocket β truly amazing! This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my daily routines more enriching and rewarding. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique feature that adds a personalized touch to the listening experience. The playback controls are so responsive. No lag at all.
Fire Feline
ListenBook has become my constant companion, filling my days with captivating narratives. Gone are the days of straining my eyes to read β this app lets me 'read' with my ears, anywhere, anytime. ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have! Elegant design and easy-to-navigate interface. Very pleased with ListenBook. 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!
Mad Viral
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch has made my listening experience even more seamless. πΆ Swapping background music for the soothing voices of narrators β audiobooks have become my soundtrack for daily life. π΅π
Hobo Samurai
Unparalleled support for CarPlay and Apple Watch means I can take my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. ListenBook's drag and drop downloads from web browsers are a time-saving feature I can't live without. π An app that turns house chores into exciting adventures β count me in! π§Ήπ Listening stats keep me motivated to read more. Great addition! What a delightful listening experience! The narrator's timing was impeccable, knowing exactly when to pause for effect or let the words flow. Their character voices were distinct yet natural - no over-the-top accents or distracting vocal tics. The audio quality was consistently excellent.
Video Game Heroine
Listening to books in their original language has improved my foreign language skills. I'm amazed at how this app's narrators bring characters and stories to life. With ListenBook, my daily commutes have become a cherished time for learning and enjoyment. Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's functionality is truly commendable. Bookmarks have become my study companion. I can easily revisit important passages in my audiobooks.
Little General
ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. Bookmarking on ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off β no more searching for my spot! This app has brought back the joy of reading, no matter how busy I am. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand that transforms even the noisiest environments into cozy listening spaces. Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around.
Freeze Queen
The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate β it's like they know my taste perfectly! ListenBook has become my trusted companion, making even the busiest days enjoyable. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like my personal audiobook oasis. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fantastic feature. It adds a personal touch.
Bad Beh8vior
Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. π§ Finally, an app that understands my need for convenience and ease of use! Audiobooks have never been this accessible. ππ± Bookmarks have become my study companion. I can easily revisit important passages in my audiobooks. The app is constantly updated with new features. The developers really care.
RiddleRover
ListenBook's support for various formats ensures that no audiobook is out of reach. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design β it's like a personal library right at my fingertips. This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that I never miss out on a great audiobook.
Dropkick
ListenBook's commitment to a seamless user experience is evident in its sleek design and intuitive controls. The auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that enhances my listening journey. I appreciate it! Adjustable playback speed is a brilliant feature. It adds a layer of customization to my audiobook enjoyment.
Nessie
The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing β it's my relaxation therapy. This app's features, from bookmarking to customizable playback speed, are fantastic. π Who needs TV when you have this app? Every moment is a storytelling session! πΊπ§ π Simplifying my reading routine β this app's user-friendly design ensures I'm always in sync with my favorite stories. πβ¨
THRESHmSTR
I can't believe how convenient this app has made my reading experience. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers is incredibly convenient. Downloading audiobooks has never been this easy. ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
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