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.
Infinite Hole
Streamlining my audiobook journey β this app's design is top-notch. The statistics tracking feature is a gem. I'm surprised by how much time I spend on audiobooks! Looping playback has transformed my study sessions. It's an invaluable tool for retaining information. Binaural audio reduces listening fatigue. Such a great feature! The app is perfect for multitaskers. I can listen while working out.
Star Scratch
ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats ensures that I can enjoy a wide range of content hassle-free. ListenBook's user-friendly design and compatibility with different formats have made it my go-to app. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique feature that adds a personalized touch to the listening experience. I love how easy it is to download audiobooks with ListenBook. The app is incredibly convenient.
180
I've started a book club with my friends, and this app has been our go-to source for titles. Listening to audiobooks on this app has become my favorite way to relax. I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience exceptional. Its intuitive interface and diverse compatibility are a true game-changer. π±π§ Adjusting the tone of the voice is a game-changer. It's like customizing my listening experience.
FrankenGrin
The compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch sets ListenBook apart from the rest. With this app, I'm discovering the joy of reading during my commutes. The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds. This app is perfect for audiobook lovers. The interface is beautiful and easy to navigate.
CuriousCrafter
Finally, an app that turns my daily commute into an adventure through literature. π Say goodbye to boredom during long drives β this app makes road trips fly by! ππ Bookmarking my favorite parts of audiobooks is now a breeze. Love this feature! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of reading.
Murmur
ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a detail-oriented touch I truly appreciate. π Bedtime stories for adults? Yes, please! This app is a dream come true. ππ 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! π±π§ 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.
Omega Sub
I'm enjoying books I never thought I'd be interested in β all thanks to this app. ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for.
Gold Bentley
Every moment is a chance to explore new stories with this app. Its intuitive features and compatibility ensure my audiobook journey is seamless. ππ§ Tone adjustment adds a personalized touch to the narration, making the audiobook experience even more immersive.
Gunhawk
I'm in awe of how this app has brought new dimensions to my reading experience. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual discovery and personal fulfillment. An audiobook lover's dream come true! This app's seamless functionality and diverse format support make it my go-to choice for immersive storytelling. ππ§ I'm amazed by the extensive statistics tracking. It's fascinating to see my listening habits.
Voodoo Cyclone
Audiobook enjoyment has never been this convenient. This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and enjoyable. ππ ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique touch that adds personalization to my audiobook journey. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature elevates my listening experience, allowing me to focus on the content. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my carefully curated audiobook collection.
Firefly
Language courses on audiobooks helped me pick up a new language effortlessly. The layout of ListenBook is so beautiful and user-friendly, making it a pleasure to use. ListenBook has united my love for audiobooks with my passion for learning. What a brilliant app! ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
FLAK Angel
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a portable audiobook library that I can carry everywhere. ListenBook's tone adjustment feature in the Pro version is a creative tool that adds a fun twist to my audiobook journey. This app has transformed my daily commute into a captivating journey of knowledge and entertainment. My house has never been cleaner! I kept finding chores to do just to keep listening. The narrator's energy matched the tone of the book perfectly.
Papa Smurf
I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine β thank you! ππ Reigniting my passion for books β this app is my newfound reading obsession! π₯π§
RZRWRE
This app is a boon for book lovers who are always on the go. ListenBook's looping playback, shuffle feature, and configurable controls make learning a breeze. Kudos to ListenBook for the intuitive design and easy-to-use controls. It's evident that they've put a lot of thought into user experience. Bookmarking my favorite parts of audiobooks is now a breeze. Love this feature!
Delicious Wing
The sheer variety of genres available ensures there's something for everyone. The sound quality is outstanding β it's like having a movie theater in my ears! I can't get enough of this app's versatile features β from playback speed to bookmarking, it's all there. Fairly enjoyable, but forgettable. I didnβt have any major complaints, but I also donβt see myself revisiting this one. It was a decent way to spend a few hours, though.
Moon Laser
I'm in awe of how this app has made reading seamlessly fit into my lifestyle. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a seamless addition to my daily routine. Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around. The app's performance is nothing short of impressive β smooth, responsive, and designed with audiobook lovers in mind.
MicroStar
With ListenBook, I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze.
Golden Cougar
The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app. It was fine. The narrator did an adequate job but nothing about the performance particularly stood out to me. Got me through my commute though.
Scooby Did
This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired. ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use. ListenBook Pro has taken my audiobook experience to the next level. No regrets!
Sultan of Speed
ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a seamless addition to my daily routine. Bookmarks are a must-have for any audiobook lover. They help me stay organized and engaged. ListenBook has become my gateway to new worlds, allowing me to explore stories, ideas, and knowledge. ListenBook has become my trusted companion. It's my go-to app for expanding my knowledge and enjoyment.
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