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.
Breadmaker
I can't imagine a day without this app – it has made my audiobook journey seamless and fulfilling. This app is a time-saver – I can 'read' even when I'm on the move. Great for both casual listening and studying. The audio filters are a nice touch.
Uluru Walker
I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app – it's the perfect way to stay engaged and informed. I'm hooked on this app's seamless performance – it's like having a personal audiobook curator. 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.
Stone Boomstick
ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. ListenBook is packed with useful features. It’s the best audiobook app I’ve used. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Sloth
📚 Farewell, boredom during ironing sessions – audiobooks make it a breeze! 👗🎧 🎉📚 Reigniting my passion for books – this app is my newfound reading obsession! 🔥🎧 Audiobooks on demand – this app's functionality is a true technological gem. ListenBook's customizable audio filters are a game-changer for tailoring my audiobook playback.
Lady Pomegranate
I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to play diverse formats flawlessly – it's a game-changer. ListenBook's customizable audio filters add a new dimension to my audiobook enjoyment. 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!
WeldMaster
The compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch sets ListenBook apart from the rest. ListenBook's comprehensive format support makes it the ultimate companion for audiobook enthusiasts.
Crazy Rox
My child has also fallen in love with audiobooks, all thanks to the app's kid-friendly collection. Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream! Perfect for listening to educational materials. Highly efficient and useful. Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend. I love the quick access to settings. It makes tweaking the app so easy.
Jack Cassidy
As a language enthusiast, this app has been a fantastic tool for learning new languages. Thanks to ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks without the need for constant synchronization. Audiobooks made accessible and enjoyable – this app's design is a triumph.
Zesty Dragon
Audiobooks have become a part of my self-care routine, thanks to this app. I can't get enough of this app's convenience – it has transformed my audiobook journey into a joyous experience. Finally, an app that values usability – navigating and listening is a breeze! Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is a technological marvel. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment enhance the listening experience significantly.
Are Ess Tee
This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any limitations. Apple Watch compatibility enhances my audiobook experience. It's a convenient way to control playback.
Clover Rabbit
With this app, my daily commute has transformed into an engaging journey through captivating stories. Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a touch of elegance to my audiobook collection. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment.
ManBreaker
I'd love to see more classic titles, but the current selection is already fantastic. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a boon for those who enjoy deep dives into lengthy narratives. 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! This was an adequate audiobook for casual listening. The narrator maintained a consistent pace and clear diction throughout, though their performance lacked some emotional range. The audio quality was fine with no significant technical distractions.
Hairpin
I'm hooked on this app's effortless downloading process – I can have my favorite audiobooks in seconds. I can't get enough of this app – it's a true game-changer for book lovers. 🎙️ Grocery shopping has taken an exciting turn – I'm on a mission to explore new worlds through audiobooks! 🛒📚
Microwave
Perfect for listening to educational materials. Highly efficient and useful. The equalizer is a great addition. It really enhances the audio quality.
King Panther
I've found solace in listening to audiobooks before bed – it's my form of meditation. This app is a must-have for any book lover on the go – it's my daily companion. This app's compatibility with different file types means that my entire audiobook collection is at my fingertips. Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldn’t call it unforgettable.
WanderWord
ListenBook is a game-changer – it plays a wide variety of formats without any conversion needed. The app is very intuitive. ListenBook makes finding and playing audiobooks simple.
CirrusFlash
This app has turned my gym sessions into immersive storytelling experiences – time flies by! 👀📚 Falling asleep to audiobooks has never been easier – this app's soothing voices 😴🎧
PepperBurst
This app has become my go-to companion, making my daily routine more exciting and insightful. I'm blown away by how this app has revolutionized my reading experience. User-friendly audiobook experience – this app's design is a standout. ListenBook has elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. It's a treasure trove of knowledge. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Gro
🎧 Satiate your reading cravings while managing household affairs – this app has it all! 📚💼 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.
SkyGod
I'm grateful for ListenBook's seamless compatibility with a variety of formats – it's a true lifesaver. Every moment is a chance to explore new stories with this app. Its intuitive features and compatibility ensure my audiobook journey is seamless. 🌌🎧 Navigating through chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's easy to jump to specific sections. 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! 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!
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