Book description
For Tolkien fans craving the essence of Middle-earth without the page-turning grind or cinematic noise, this BBC Radio 4 boxed set is pure magic. Forget the debate over books versus films-this audio adaptation offers the perfect, immersive middle ground. The Guardian nailed it: it's "the perfect way to assimilate the myth and magic of Middle-earth" for those who find the books too long or the films too loud.
What elevates this isn't just the story-it's the voices. Ian Holm's Bilbo, with his quiet warmth and gentle wit, feels utterly real. Michael Hordern's Gandalf carries that ancient, patient weight without a hint of theatricality. Robert Stephens brings razor-sharp precision to Aragorn, while Bill Nighy's Gollum? Chillingly intimate, whispering his obsession into your ear. The all-star cast isn't just good; it's a masterclass in character embodiment, making you feel the Shire's peace, Rivendell's mystery, and Mordor's dread through sound alone.
The radio drama format is genius here. Without visuals, you lean into Tolkien's lush prose and the actors' nuanced performances-every rustling leaf, crackling fire, and whispered dialogue becomes vivid. The pacing is deliberate, letting the weight of the quest sink in. You don't just hear the Fellowship; you live their exhaustion, their hope, their quiet moments of connection. The 17 hours fly by because you're fully absorbed, not skimming.
This isn't a mere dramatization-it's a reclamation. It strips away distractions and delivers Tolkien's world as it was meant to be experienced: through the power of voice and imagination. For longtime fans, it's a revelation of depth; for newcomers, it's the ideal entry point. The Guardian was right: it's the essential way to truly feel Middle-earth. Perfect for commutes, quiet evenings, or whenever you need to escape into a world where courage is whispered, not shouted, and magic hums in every word. You won't just hear this story-you'll carry it with you.
Fire Queen
Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique and fun feature. I can customize the narration to my liking. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. My audio quality has improved dramatically.
Voodoo Queen
💡 This app is a brilliant way to squeeze in reading time amidst my busy schedule! 📱👩🍳 No more limits on the genres I can explore! This app's versatility in downloading and organizing audiobooks ensures I always have a captivating tale at my fingertips. 📖📱 ListenBook has changed the way I listen to audiobooks. The app is so easy to use.
SunVolt
📚 Who needs TV when you have this app? Every moment is a storytelling session! 📺🎧 Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's functionality is truly commendable. ListenBook's commitment to user experience shines through its thoughtful design and seamless functionality. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Redneck Giorgio
ListenBook's tone adjustment feature in the Pro version is a creative tool that adds a fun twist to my audiobook journey. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature for those who enjoy organized and structured listening. Binaural audio processing reduces fatigue during long listening sessions. A fantastic feature! AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks with friends.
Winded On Friday
Elevating my reading experience to a whole new level, this app's user-friendly interface and easy navigation have me hooked. Audiobooks have never been this enjoyable! 📱🔊 ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to share the joy of captivating stories with friends and family. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my audiobook library look neat and professional. Listening stats motivate me to read more. Great feature!
JesterZilla
I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. I love the ability to import books from my computer. It’s so easy.
K-Tin Man
No more straining my eyes to read – now I can simply immerse myself in storytelling. Audiobooks have never been this accessible – this app is a true innovation. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. 🎶📚 Replacing melodies with literary symphonies – my ears are in love! 🎵📚 The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
DriftDetector
Audiobooks have become my escape from reality – a journey into captivating worlds. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a testament to the app's commitment to audio quality. Drag and drop downloads are genius. It simplifies the entire process.
Ozzie Treat
ListenBook's customizable audio filters allow me to personalize my listening experience – a fantastic feature. 🎧 Elevating my reading experience – this app's intuitive controls and organization features make audiobook enjoyment effortless. 📱📖 Enhancing my daily routines – this app's design makes listening a joy. ListenBook’s interface is beautiful and functional. It’s my favorite app for audiobooks. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
NemesisX
I never knew my daily walks could be so fulfilling – all thanks to this app. Book Groups on ListenBook make it easy to categorize and access my audiobooks. The ease of downloading content via WiFi, WebDAV, and more has made ListenBook my audiobook hub. Audiobook adventures simplified – this app's functionality is a revelation. My study sessions are more efficient than ever, thanks to the looping playback and bookmark features.
Dahlia
I'm constantly amazed by the variety of genres – there's something for everyone. I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to maintain audio quality even for formats like FLAC and AWB. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual exploration and personal growth. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. I love the quick access to settings. It makes tweaking the app so easy.
Beetle King
is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content. Listening to audiobooks has never been this enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook! The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve 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!
Doz Killer
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun way to customize my listening experience. 🚶♂️🌟 Embracing audiobooks as my companions during leisurely walks – nature and narratives, a perfect match! 🚶♂️🎧 Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy! ListenBook Pro has taken my audiobook experience to the next level. No regrets! ListenBook's attention to detail is commendable. Every aspect of the app is well-crafted.
Koi Diva
ListenBook Pro offers amazing value with unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction features. 💡 This app has made my daily schedule more interesting – 'reading' on the go! 📱🚶♂️ Simplifying audiobook adventures – this app's ease of use is a delight. Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true triumph.
Stud
I'm rediscovering my favorite classics in a whole new way – through audiobooks! ListenBook has become my go-to app for all audiobooks. Full of useful features.
SmartieQuest
Sharing audiobooks with friends is a bonding experience made easy through AirDrop and sharing options. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
New Cycle
Finally, an app that understands the power of CUE playlists. Perfect for organizing. CUE playlist support is a fantastic addition. It helps me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality, providing a clear and immersive listening experience that enhances my enjoyment. Downloading over WiFi saves so much time. Very efficient. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
Miss Twilight
With this app, I've discovered a whole new way to enjoy literature. 💼 Enhancing work-from-home productivity – audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. 💻📖 Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive features, from statistics tracking to enhanced audio quality, enrich my reading. 📚✨ I’m blown away by how feature-rich ListenBook is. From the customizable themes to the car mode, everything is designed with the user in mind. The app works flawlessly, and I’ve had zero issues with crashes or bugs. Highly recommend!
DreadSherX
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a feature I can't live without. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
Miss Murder
Elegant design and easy-to-use interface. Very happy with ListenBook. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
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