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.
The Flying Mouse
Audiobook enjoyment redefined – this app's design focuses on the essentials. The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together. The ability to adjust the tone of the narrator's voice is a creative touch that adds depth to my listening.
Undergrad
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Hen Skittle
The ability to highlight passages and take notes while listening is a fantastic feature. ListenBook has given me a renewed appreciation for audio content – it's my new favorite app. I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to play diverse formats flawlessly – it's a game-changer. Makes listening to audiobooks easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
Burn
ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its impeccable audio quality and user-friendly features. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience. Easy chapter access and smooth playback. Love this app! I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Vicious Street
ListenBook is my daily companion, turning mundane tasks into exciting audio adventures. ListenBook has taken my listening pleasure to new heights – it's a true audio marvel. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a huge plus. I can control my audiobooks from my wrist! The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Lucifurious
The customer support team is responsive and always ready to assist. With ListenBook, I can enjoy my own audio content with unparalleled ease and comfort. 🌟 Transforming laundry time into a journey through fantastic stories – thank you, this app! 👚📖 Navigating audiobooks with ease – this app's design is user-centric. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks. Great feature!
Pepper Prada
I'm grateful for this app – it's made reading a part of my everyday life. 🎶📚 Tuning in to the symphony of stories – audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. 🎵📚 ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent audiobook experience is evident in its smooth and silky playback.
Wildcat Appaloosa
ListenBook's dedication to optimizing for iOS 16 ensures a seamless experience on the latest devices. I'm in awe of this app's ability to make reading so accessible and convenient. I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs.
Biscuit Meg
With this app, I've found a way to turn every moment into an opportunity for learning and enrichment. I love the cloud integration. I can access my books from anywhere.
Firefly Caramel
ListenBook has completely changed my audiobook experience – it's like having a personal audio library. Gone are the days of straining my eyes to read – this app lets me 'read' with my ears, anywhere, anytime.
Handsome
I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's seamless audio player. 📚 Farewell, boredom during ironing sessions – audiobooks make it a breeze! 👗🎧 📚 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. 📱📖 🔥 Simplifying my reading routine – the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. 📚🔗 I love the auto-bookmark feature. It saves my place automatically.
Nessie Pork
💪 Crushing workouts while devouring books – this app makes fitness fun and educational! 🏋️♀️🎉 Bravo to the creators of this app – they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. 📚👏 Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. It's like getting a clear, immersive listening experience. A decent listen overall. The narration was clear, though some character voices sounded similar. The story was interesting but had moments where it dragged slightly. Still, it was a good way to pass the time.
Mother Hen
Listening to books in their original language has improved my foreign language skills. I can't believe how much I've 'read' since I started using this app.
BlackExcalibur
This app has transformed my daily routine into moments of literary delight. Bookmarking my favorite parts of audiobooks is now a breeze. Love this feature!
Trash
ListenBook's versatility and user-friendly interface make it a must-have for audiobook lovers. Audiobook immersion without complications – this app's ease of use is commendable. ListenBook has made managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Library organization is top-notch. Unlimited length audiobooks with ListenBook Pro are a huge plus! The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
Lskeee
It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers. 💪 Flexing my reading muscles with this app's easy-to-use controls – I'm devouring books while managing my busy schedule. 💼📚
Pitfall
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick access to chapters enhance my overall listening experience. I can't believe how seamless the integration with Apple Watch is. My workouts just got better.
ThickSKN
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver – no more losing my place in the story! This app's ease of use has made my daily tasks so much more enjoyable. Audiobook pleasure simplified – this app's design is a standout. I'm amazed by the attention to detail, from automatic metadata extraction to customizable settings.
Redneck Giorgio
I love how ListenBook extracts artwork and metadata from audio files, adding a visual touch to my listening experience. 🎙️ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency – I'm enjoying audiobooks without missing a beat in my day. 🎶📚 ListenBook's controls for looping and shuffling playback have made studying and revisiting content a breeze. Packed with useful features. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook app. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Esquire
I've become so much more productive while cleaning or exercising – thanks to this app! ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a detail-oriented touch I truly appreciate. I can't get enough of this app's user-friendly interface – it's a true delight. 🎶📚 My new soundtrack? Audiobooks, of course! This app makes every day musical. 🎧🎶 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for immersive listening in any environment.
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