Book description
I slipped on the headphones and let the first few lines unfurl like a mist over a city that never really slept. The narrator's voice is warm and slightly breathy, just enough to feel as if Karen herself were leaning over my shoulder, saying, "You ain't gonna like what I have to tell you, but I'm gonna tell you anyway." From the get-go, the soundscape immerses you: clattering steam engines, the distant thrum of an airship's propellers, and the muffled, rhythmic footfalls of a crowd moving through the cobbled streets of late-nineteenth-century Seattle-now known as the Underground.
The story is told in Karen's perspective, a young woman with a name that feels almost like a whispered joke, "Karen Memery," and it's the perfect lens for the world she inhabits. The audio makes the Hôtel Mon Cherie feel like a living, breathing entity. You can almost taste the buttery pastries on the café counter, hear the clink of wine glasses in the private rooms, and smell the faint tang of cigarette smoke drifting through the back alleys. Beatrice's gentle correction of the French accent ("Hôtel has a little hat over the o like that") sounds almost affectionate, as if the narrator is teasing the listener for being so close.
The plot unfolds like a tightly wound corsage: a badly injured girl arrives at the hotel's threshold, her plea for sanctuary echoing in the hollow corridor. She is followed by a man clutching an indenture, and the tension rises as the machine-sleek, brass-enameled, humming with unseen power-reveals its ability to commandeer any mind. The next night brings a body, a streetwalker whose brutal murder leaves a silent, accusatory whisper in the rubbish heap. Karen's voice rises and falls with the suspense, her internal monologue sounding both naive and unflappable, the kind of voice that makes the listener feel they are walking beside her in the rain-slick streets.
What truly elevates the audio experience is the way Elizabeth Bear's world building is translated into sound. Steam-powered mechanicals are described with a weighty, mechanical clatter that feels almost tactile; the airships are described with a swoosh that brushes against your eardrums like wind across a high balcony. There's a subtle use of binaural audio that lets you hear the rustle of leaves from the balcony of the hotel, the distant crash of a ship on the waterfront, and the whispered gossip of the other girls in the house, each with their own distinct tone. These layered sounds create a tangible, almost palpable atmosphere that transports you from the gilded chambers of Madame Damnable to the grit-laden docks.
If you're a fan of Jack-the-Ripper-style intrigue wrapped in a speculative steampunk aesthetic, this audiobook delivers with a light touch that keeps the story moving. The narrator's intimate connection with Karen's voice, combined with richly detailed soundscapes, turns a novel into an immersive, sensory-driven journey. I found myself reaching for the next chapter even before the first sentence finished, and when I finally finished, I felt like I had stepped out into the rain-kissed streets of old Seattle, ready to explore. This is one of those audiobooks that doesn't just tell a story; it makes you live it.
Darkside Hooker
Automatic metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is finally well-organized. The equalizer is a great addition. It really enhances the audio quality.
ThoughtTrailblazer
Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's design is a reader's dream. The app is perfect for people who love to read but don’t have the time.
Domino Combat
Audiobooks have become my go-to entertainment, and this app is the reason. ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. The app never crashes. It’s reliable and stable. I've found my new favorite narrator! Their voice was perfectly suited to this material, with just the right blend of authority and approachability. The production quality was broadcast-level - no distracting breaths, clicks, or inconsistent volume. Already looking for more of their work. This served its purpose as background listening while I worked. I probably missed some details but the narrator's voice was pleasant enough.
DreamWeaver
ListenBook's attention to detail in design and functionality sets it apart from other audiobook apps. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
Killah Goose
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. 💡 This app is a brilliant way to squeeze in reading time amidst my busy schedule! 📱👩🍳 Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's design focuses on seamless interaction. Quick access to chapters and controls ensures a seamless listening experience with ListenBook. It's effortless to use.
Vortex
The 'Discover' section is a treasure trove for finding hidden literary gems. Effortless and enriching – that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features have set the bar high for audiobook enjoyment. 📱📖 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. My audio quality has improved dramatically.
Natural Gold
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my audio content much more enjoyable in noisy environments. The intuitive interface and seamless navigation make this app a joy to use. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my daily dose of literary magic. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats. It's a dream come true for audiophiles like me.
Shady Lady
ListenBook's support for various formats means I can explore a wide range of content without limitations. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my life so much easier. This app's convenience and ease of use have transformed my screen time into productive learning sessions. 🌟 Transforming laundry time into a journey through fantastic stories – thank you, this app! 👚📖 I love how customizable the playback speed is. It makes listening so much more enjoyable.
Mud Eye
My child has also fallen in love with audiobooks, all thanks to the app's kid-friendly collection. I'm blown away by the quality of narration on this app – it's like being in the story. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Mr. Lucky
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a portable audiobook library that I can carry everywhere. This app has given me the joy of reading even when my hands are full. Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive offerings, from statistics tracking to immersive audio processing, have breathed new life into my reading. 📚✨ Effortlessly accessing my favorite audiobooks has become a reality, all thanks to this app's user-centric design and comprehensive format support. A must-download! 📱🎧 The app is perfect for people with visual impairments. It’s so easy to navigate.
Y0dler
I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do now – all thanks to this app. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy of audiobooks. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily activities more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating.
Deano
I've been recommending this app to all my friends – it's a true game-changer. The app's compatibility with various devices ensures I never miss a moment of my book. I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine – thank you! Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a fun and convenient way to share the magic of storytelling with friends and family, sparking meaningful discussions.
Marbles
🎉 An app that turns house chores into exciting adventures – count me in! 🧹📖 ListenBook has become my go-to workout companion. It keeps me motivated and entertained. Love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Manly
👩🍳 Cooking up a storm while enjoying thrilling stories – this app adds flavor to my meals! 🍳🎧 I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks and this narrator is now in my top 5. Their timing and inflection were masterful. Never a dull moment in the entire performance.
Digital Goddess
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy of audiobooks. This app has added a new layer of enjoyment to my downtime – I'm truly grateful. 🎉 Rekindling my love for reading – this app makes each day a new adventure! 📖🚀 The app's versatility in downloading audio is impressive. It streamlines the process and saves time. ListenBook has become my go-to app for all audiobooks. Full of useful features.
Tootsie Killer
The sound quality is outstanding – it's like having a movie theater in my ears! ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats ensures that I can enjoy a wide range of content hassle-free. With features like auto-rewind, I never lose my place when I pause listening.
Pyscho Hun
I've fallen in love with genres I never thought I'd explore, all thanks to this app. I'm blown away by how this app has made my workouts more enjoyable and my mind more active. Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream! Binaural audio processing reduces fatigue during long listening sessions. A fantastic feature! I love the car mode. It’s so convenient for listening while driving.
DeathDancer
The variety of narrators adds a unique touch to each book, making every experience special. Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. The noise reduction feature is a game-changer for clearer dictaphone recordings.
Berry Succubus
The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. Great for multitasking! I listened while cooking, driving, and even working out, and it kept me entertained the whole time. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, and the story flowed smoothly. Very enjoyable!
Green Scavenger
The tone adjustment feature is an exciting touch, allowing me to immerse myself even more in the content. CUE playlist support is a brilliant feature that allows me to create customized listening experiences for different moods, activities, and moments of the day.
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