Book description
Detective Arkaday Renko--"one of the most compelling figures in modern fiction" (USA TODAY)--risks his life when he heads to Ukraine shortly before the Russian invasion to find an anti-Putin activist who has mysteriously disappeared. Martin Cruz Smith has written nine previous novels featuring Arkady Renko, one of modern detective fiction's most popular characters. These novels, beginning with 1981's international sensation Gorky Park, have collectively traced Russia's evolution over the last half-century. Now, with Independence Square, Smith focuses on the fraught and frenzied days leading up to Vladimir Putin's war against Ukraine. It's June 2021, and Arkady knows that Russia is preparing to invade and subsequently annex Ukraine as it did Crimea in 2014. He is, however, preoccupied with other grievances. His longtime lover, Tatiana Petrovna, has deserted him for her work as an investigative reporter. His corrupt boss has relegated him to a desk job. And he is having trouble with his dexterity and balance. A visit to his doctor reveals that these are symptoms for Parkinson's Disease. This is an ingenious autobiographical conceit, as Martin Cruz Smith has Parkinson's, and is able through Arkady to movingly describe his own experience with the disease. Parkinson's hasn't stopped Smith from his work, and neither does it stop Arkady. Rather than dwell on his diagnosis, he throws himself into another case. An acquaintance has asked him to find his daughter, Karina, an anti-Putin activist who has disappeared. In the course of the investigation, Arkady falls for Karina's roommate, Elena, a Tatar from Ukraine. The search leads them to Kyiv, where rumblings of an armed conflict grow louder. Later, in Crimea, Tatiana reemerges to complicate Arkady's new romance. And as he gets closer to locating Karina, Arkady discovers something that threatens his life as well as the lives of both Elena and Tatiana. Few fiction writers have better captured contemporary Russia with more insight or authenticity than Martin Cruz Smith. He does the same here for Ukraine and the events that preceded Russia's invasion. Independence Square is a timely and a uniquely personal mystery novel-meets-political thriller by a master of the form.
Noise Toy
ListenBook's customizable audio filters allow me to personalize my listening experience β a fantastic feature. Audiobook enjoyment redefined β this app's design focuses on the essentials.
Racy Lion
The diverse selection of audiobooks has made me fall in love with storytelling all over again. ListenBook's audio filters are a fantastic addition, enhancing the sound quality of my audio files. πΌ Juggling tasks while exploring narratives β this app is my multitasking hero! π»π Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive offerings, from statistics tracking to immersive audio processing, have breathed new life into my reading. πβ¨
Twix Bond
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle β I can enjoy books while doing chores! This app is my secret weapon for making the most of my free time.
Steel Heart
πββοΈπ Running through chapters, literally! This app keeps me motivated on the track. πββοΈπ From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing different formats has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary listening sessions. π±π Bookmarks are a lifesaver for my study materials. I can easily revisit important sections.
Bug Fire
This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks hassle-free. Streamlined audiobook integration β this app's usability is truly impressive.
Digital Goddess
The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my constant source of books. This app's ease of use has made reading a seamless part of my daily routine. Shuffle playback is a fun feature. It keeps me engaged with my audiobooks. The ability to download audio from various sources without syncing is fantastic. ListenBook makes it so easy.
Oblivion
This app's seamless integration with CarPlay and other devices has revolutionized my audiobook experience. Adjusting playback speed has transformed the way I consume audiobooks. I can tailor the pacing to match my learning style and preferences.
Tootsie Killer
I can't believe how easy it is to dive into a new world with this app. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience.
Palomino Cake
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's ease of use is a true asset.
2nd Hand Joe
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! ListenBook has made managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Library organization is top-notch.
Coldy
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make every listening session a pleasure. ListenBook's compatibility with playlists and CUE files is a great addition for those who love organized listening. ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It's seamlessly integrated with Apple Watch.
King Bass
π Unlocking the door to imagination β this app is my key to endless stories and endless possibilities. ππ Simplifying my audiobook experience β this app's design is a game-changer.
Spunky Sphinx
I love the auto-rewind feature after interruptions. No more searching for where I left off! Automatic metadata retrieval adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection.
RealmRanger
It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers. I can't believe how convenient this app has made my reading experience. ListenBook Pro takes things up a notch with unlimited audiobook length. It's a game-changer! ListenBook has elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. It's a treasure trove of knowledge. The statistics feature is brilliant. I love seeing how much time I spend on audiobooks with ListenBook.
Berry Succubus
I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. π± Unlocking the world of literature with just a tap β this app is my digital library card! ππ±
Kimono Goddess
ListenBook's commitment to enhancing the audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent user experience sets a new standard in audiobook apps. ListenBook's intuitive design and thoughtful features have made my audiobook experience delightful. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine. Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth.
Low Voltage
Precise controls on ListenBook give me complete command over my audio playback. πΌ Enhancing work-from-home productivity β audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. π»π Downloading audiobooks over WiFi is super easy. Saves time.
Rosie Bird
This app has transformed my daily walks into insightful journeys of knowledge β talk about efficiency! Auto-rewind feature is very useful. Excellent app!
Tse Tse Guy
I'm addicted to this app β it's a non-stop journey through captivating tales. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury β it's an essential part of my day. ππ Beating traffic blues with engaging audiobooks β driving has never been this fun! ππ§ Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is impressive. ListenBook has rekindled my passion for learning. I'm exploring new topics every day.
Troublemasher
This app has given me the joy of reading even when my hands are full. π Adding excitement to everyday tasks β this app is my partner in productivity! ππ 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.
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