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.
JigKraken
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. With ListenBook, I can enjoy my own audio content with unparalleled ease and comfort. I canโt believe how easy it is to manage my audiobook library with ListenBook. Highly recommended!
Toe
This app's versatility and convenience have transformed my screen time into a productive reading journey. As an audiobook enthusiast, this app is a dream come true. Its compatibility with various formats and easy navigation make it my ultimate reading companion. ๐๐ง CUE playlist support is a rare gem. Perfect for organizing content efficiently. With features like auto-rewind, I never lose my place when I pause listening. Playlists and bookmarks are super helpful. Love using ListenBook!
Crumb Cake
Supports extensive playlists and bookmarks. Very user-friendly. The app is perfect for long commutes. It keeps me entertained for hours. An unobjectionable but unexceptional audiobook experience. The narrator's performance was serviceable and the audio quality was fine, but nothing about the production particularly stood out or elevated the material. It was decent background listening. The perfect balance between dramatic reading and natural storytelling. Felt like a friend telling me an amazing story rather than someone just reading words.
Truth
I can't believe how easy it is to download and manage my audio content using ListenBook. With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. ๐ Whether I'm cooking, commuting, or relaxing at home, this app's seamless functionality keeps me engaged in captivating narratives. ๐งโจ
Dahlia
This app has made me appreciate the art of storytelling even more. I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do now โ all thanks to this app. I'm amazed by the variety of genres available โ there's something for everyone. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Knuckles
My kids are hooked on the children's audiobook collection โ it's a parenting win! ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. ๐ฑ A world of books at my fingertips โ this app's user-friendly design makes it a true reading companion. ๐๐ฑ ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fun way to experiment with the audiobook experience. My workouts have become more enjoyable and productive with ListenBook's compatibility with Apple Watch.
Hog Butcher
The convenience of downloading audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. Audiobooks have become a part of my self-care routine, thanks to this app. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work! I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version! The narrator added layers of meaning I might have missed reading silently. Their interpretation of the material felt thoughtful and authentic. The recording was technically perfect - no reverb, no peaking, just clean, pleasant audio.
Switch
Thanks to ListenBook's binaural audio processing, my extended listening sessions are fatigue-free. Looping playback is a fantastic study tool. It helps me focus and retain information effectively. The appโs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itโs a fun feature.
Bat Magenta
I've become a loyal fan of audiobooks, and this app is the reason why! ๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ Discovering new worlds on my daily walks โ this app is my travel companion! ๐๐ง Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app! Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thank you!
MythMaker
ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. Organization made easy! This app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures I'm always engrossed in a captivating tale. ๐๐ฑ Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable.
ZenZone
ListenBook is the perfect blend of technology and art, turning audio into an unforgettable experience. ๐ผ Making work hours enjoyable โ audiobooks turn my tasks into learning opportunities and moments of joy. ๐ป๐ Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. ๐๐ง Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy! is a breeze. It's incredibly convenient for building my collection.
Burst Nibbler
The family subscription option is a money-saver โ everyone gets to enjoy their favorite books. ListenBook has completely changed my audiobook experience โ it's like having a personal audio library. ๐ Transforming long drives into memorable journeys through the magic of audiobooks! ๐๐ ๐ฅ Spicing up my routine with this app โ it's like having a personal storyteller on hand at all times! โจ๐ A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
Senior Smurf
I've become so much more productive while cleaning or exercising โ thanks to this app! Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable. Audiobooks on this app have turned my travels into explorations of new narratives. ๐ช Juggling tasks while enjoying stories has never been easier โ this app's functionality is a multitasking marvel. ๐ผ๐ Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of storytelling with friends.
Sugar Man
This app has introduced me to authors I'd never heard of โ now they're my favorites! ๐ก The future of audiobook listening is here โ this app's sleek functionality redefines how we enjoy our favorite stories. ๐ง๐ฎ ListenBook's intuitive layout and quick access to chapters make audiobook navigation a breeze.
RawSkills
I love that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats, making my library diverse. I appreciate the statistics feature. ListenBook helps me track my listening habits.
Red Hot Kevorkian
Audiobook listening has never been this easy and convenient โ it's like having a personal narrator. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking. I love the ability to change the background color. Itโs a nice touch.
Mr. Gadget
Audiobooks have turned my quiet moments into imaginative journeys โ thank you, app! This app has become my go-to for audiobooks, adding a layer of convenience and enjoyment to my days. As an audiobook enthusiast, I'm in awe of ListenBook's advanced features. The ability to adjust the reader's voice tone is a unique and fun addition. Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around. ListenBook has all the features I need in an audiobook app. My top choice!
Light Despair
This app is my constant companion, making every moment a chance to discover new worlds. ๐ก Nurturing my curiosity with audiobooks โ this app adds a touch of wonder to my daily routines. ๐ฑ๐ The intuitive chapter navigation and quick access to controls make my audiobook experience seamless. The app is perfect for multitaskers. I can listen while working out.
3P-own
ListenBook's smooth playback and easy navigation ensure that my audiobook experience is always top-notch. Tone adjustment adds a personalized touch to the narration, making the audiobook experience even more immersive.
Starshine
An audiobook lover's dream come true. So many options, I'm in heaven! This app is like having a personal library with me wherever I go. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options are essential for my audiobook enjoyment and study.
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