Book description
Hadrian Marlowe's been a prisoner of his own legend for nearly a century-trapped in the Emperor's court, forced to advise while the galaxy burns. That's the crushing reality you hear in the opening moments of Kingdoms of Death, and it's utterly gripping. Christopher Ruocchio's epic space opera/fantasy blend hits its peak here, and the audiobook version makes it feel terrifyingly immediate. You're not just reading about Hadrian's desperation; you're hearing the weight in his voice as he realizes the Empire is losing, and the Cielcin are spilling into human space with terrifying precision. The Great Prince Syriani Dorayaica's rising threat isn't just a plot point-it's a chilling whisper in your ear, building dread with every word.
What makes this audiobook soar is how it turns Hadrian's impossible mission into pure, heart-pounding tension. The Emperor's final, desperate order-send him across the galaxy to the Lothrian Commonwealth-isn't just a task; it's a death sentence wrapped in hope. You feel Hadrian's exhaustion, his quiet fury, as he steps back into the void. The narrator doesn't just tell you he's trapped; they make you hear the cage in his tone. And when the journey twists into something far darker-taking him impossibly deep behind enemy lines-the pacing becomes a relentless thrum, like a ship's engines straining against the void. You'll find yourself leaning in, breath catching, as the narrator subtly shifts from Hadrian's weary internal monologue to the razor-sharp tension of a hidden confrontation.
Ruocchio's genius here is weaving cosmic stakes with intensely human struggle. The Cielcin aren't just monsters-they're a terrifyingly organized force, and the audiobook makes their approach feel like a shadow creeping over your shoulder. You hear the cost of every loss, every strategic gamble. The Lothrian Commonwealth isn't just a political hurdle; it's a gamble that feels like watching a tightrope walker over a chasm. The narrator's delivery during those high-stakes moments-where a single word could mean survival or annihilation-creates a silence in your headphones that's almost deafening. It's not just a story you listen to; it's one that pulls you into Hadrian's skin, making you feel every ounce of his burden, his doubt, and the flicker of something dangerous: hope.
This isn't just another space opera. It's a masterclass in tension, where the quiet moments-the weight of a single word spoken in a shadowed corridor-carry more power than any explosion. The audiobook transforms Ruocchio's already brilliant prose into something visceral, almost physical. You don't just follow Hadrian's journey; you're right there with him, bracing for the next blow, wondering if the Commonwealth will answer, if the Empire can hold. When the final lines drop, you'll sit in the silence afterward, heart racing, already craving the next turn of the page. This is why you listen to audiobooks. It's not just good-it's essential, a perfect storm of story, voice, and sheer, unrelenting momentum. You won't just hear this book; you'll feel it resonate long after the last word fades.
Blistered Outlaw
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay makes my daily commute a delightful opportunity to indulge in audiobooks. The app is so intuitive. I didn’t even need to read the instructions. 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!
Scratch Man
Listening to audiobooks has never been this convenient and enjoyable! ListenBook's audio filters have given me the power to tailor my listening experience to my preferences. Binaural audio processing is a godsend. My ears don't fatigue even during extended listening. I’m so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
InsightfulInk
This app has completely transformed my commute – I look forward to it now! Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. I can't believe how much I've learned and enjoyed through this app's audiobooks. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures I never miss out on any audio gem. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like having a library on my phone!
Stud Buster
I'm rediscovering my favorite classics in a whole new way – through audiobooks! With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. Automatic metadata retrieval adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection.
Roller Turtle
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design and user-friendly interface. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app – it's my go-to for staying informed and entertained. 🌟 Simplifying my reading routine – this app's user-friendly design ensures I'm always in sync with my favorite stories. 📚✨ My productivity has soared since I started using ListenBook for my study materials.
FireBrang
ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It keeps me entertained and motivated during exercise. An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
Con Mammoth
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. I'm amazed by ListenBook's versatility in handling different formats – it truly supports all my audio needs. This app's convenience has transformed my screen time into meaningful reading sessions. 💡 This app is a brilliant way to squeeze in reading time amidst my busy schedule! 📱👩🍳 ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like having a library on my phone!
Blackfire
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. 📱 A world of books at my fingertips – this app's user-friendly design makes it a true reading companion. 📚📱 Sharing audiobooks with friends is a breeze thanks to ListenBook Pro's AirDrop and sharing options. Spread the joy of a good story! CUE playlist support is a brilliant feature that allows me to create customized listening experiences for different moods, activities, and moments of the day.
Daisy Stick
ListenBook's audio filters have transformed the way I experience audio content – it's a real game-changer. 🌟 Say goodbye to boredom during long drives – this app makes road trips fly by! 🚗🎉 🔥 Spicing up my routine with this app – it's like having a personal storyteller on hand at all times! ✨📖 ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments. Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thank you!
Sapiens
ListenBook has completely changed my audiobook experience – it's like having a personal audio library. This app is a blessing for those with busy schedules – it's like time travel through stories. Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration. Finally, an app that supports all my audiobook formats! ListenBook is a game-changer. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
Friday Ferrari
The ability to switch between devices seamlessly is a game-changer for busy readers. is a breeze. It's incredibly convenient for building my collection. A masterclass in audiobook narration! The performer maintained perfect consistency in character voices throughout while keeping the main narration clear and engaging. The production was flawless - no weird edits or background noise. I'll be seeking out more works by this narrator. As someone who struggles to focus on audiobooks, this kept my attention the whole way through. The narrator's clear diction and expressive delivery were perfect.
Red Pepper
An audiobook lover's dream come true. So many options, I'm in heaven! The ability to adjust the playback speed has made my commute even more efficient. With this app, I've discovered the joy of learning while I'm on the move – it's like having a tutor by my side. Efficiency and ease combined – this app is a must-have for book lovers. Adjustable playback speed is a brilliant feature. It adds a layer of customization to my audiobook enjoyment.
Guillotine
ListenBook has brought the joy of audiobooks back into my life in a whole new way. ListenBook has turned my audio content into an immersive, personalized, and unforgettable experience. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy for me to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts. The app's integration with Apple Watch makes it an indispensable tool for my active lifestyle. 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.
Drugstore Cowboy
I'm blown away by the range of non-fiction audiobooks available – so much to learn! I'm on a literary adventure wherever I go, all thanks to this app. Its extensive format support and effortless navigation make audiobook listening a breeze. 🌟📚 ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to introduce others to the joys of audiobook storytelling. CarPlay compatibility is a fantastic addition. It enhances my driving experience with seamless audiobook integration.
Flash Protein
I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. This app's sleek design and intuitive features make it my trusted partner in exploring new narratives. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my workouts and downtime more engaging and insightful. 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! This audiobook was a fantastic listen! The narrator's voice was clear and engaging, making it easy to follow along. The pacing was just right—not too fast, not too slow. Perfect for long commutes or relaxing at home. Highly recommend!
RealmRanger
ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent audiobook experience is evident in its smooth and silky playback. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Mauve Cactus
I'm enjoying books I never thought I'd be interested in – all thanks to this app. ListenBook's library organization and book groups help me keep my content neatly sorted. 💼 Juggling tasks while exploring narratives – this app is my multitasking hero! 💻📖 ListenBook's versatility with various audio formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from multiple sources effortlessly. The ability to download audio directly within the app is a lifesaver. ListenBook is incredibly convenient.
Stallion Patton
ListenBook has all the features I need in an audiobook app. My top choice! Excellent support for various audio formats. Very satisfied.
Alley Frog
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and powerful features have rekindled my love for audiobooks. The audio filters and precise controls are fantastic! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made a significant difference in the clarity of recordings. Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app! This audiobook was neither good nor bad - simply average. The narrator's delivery was professional but uninspired, and the recording quality was clean though not exceptional. It provided satisfactory entertainment without standing out from similar titles.
Freesia
With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my downtime more enriching and meaningful. Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is a true gem. With ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become hassle-free, thanks to the various download options. I appreciate the dark mode option. It’s easy on the eyes during nighttime listening.
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