Book description
Forget everything you think you know about historical fiction. Dan Jones' Lion Hearts-the thrilling, brutal conclusion to the Essex Dogs trilogy-arrives as a masterclass in audiobook storytelling, where every creak of armor and gasp of the wounded is delivered with visceral immediacy. Imagine the raw energy of a Ridley Scott film, but narrated by a historian who's lived in the muddy trenches of the Hundred Years' War. You don't just read this; you hear it. The narrator's voice, steady yet urgent, pulls you into Winchelsea's haunted taverns and Windsor's glittering, treacherous court, where Loveday battles his demons and Romford must reclaim his past to save his future.
Jones' genius lies in his historical authority-The Times calls it "bloody and beguiling," and that's the least of it. You'll hear the whine of arrows in the wind, the guttural clash of steel, the desperate whispers of a kingdom reeling from the Black Death. This isn't sanitized history; it's the stench of blood and fear, the kind of authenticity that makes you lean closer to the speaker. As Alice Winn raved, it's "a horrible joy to read," and on audio, that horror becomes a physical presence. You feel Romford's old instincts resurfacing-cunning, ruthlessness, speed-as Castilian threats loom. The pacing? Perfect. Each scene clicks like a well-oiled arrow release, building tension until it's almost unbearable.
What elevates Lion Hearts beyond its predecessors is how it honors the trilogy's heart. The Essex Dogs aren't just soldiers; they're men haunted by loss, fighting not for glory, but for the fragile peace they've scraped together. You'll hear the weight in Loveday's quiet struggles, Romford's hard-won confidence cracking under debt and duty. And that final, devastating line from the blurb? "The fighting isn't over yet..."-it lands like a hammer on audio, leaving you breathless.
Jones doesn't just write history; he resurrects it. As Philippa Gregory notes, his "fiction rings with the authority of scholarly history," and on audiobook, that authority becomes undeniable. You'll recognize the echoes of Cornwell's tension and Oliver Stone's grit, but this is distinctly Jones: precise, unflinching, and utterly immersive. The Daily Mail's verdict- "battle-bloody, brutal, and perfectly pitched"-isn't hyperbole; it's a promise kept.
So if you've ever wondered what it sounds like to stand on a medieval battlefield, to hear history breathe, this is your listen. Lion Hearts isn't just the end of a trilogy-it's the sound of a legend being forged, one raw, unforgettable moment at a time. Don't just read about the Essex Dogs' last stand. Live it. You won't forget the sound of it.
Spunky Comet
ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its user-friendly interface and smooth playback. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading fit into every aspect of my life. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a bonding experience made easy through AirDrop and sharing options.
Kazami of Truth
Unparalleled support for CarPlay and Apple Watch means I can take my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a portable audiobook library that I can carry everywhere. Audiobook heaven! This app has revolutionized the way I enjoy stories. Its sleek design and seamless functionality make it a must-have for book lovers. 📚🎧 Looping playback is a study aid sent from heaven. It's helping me ace my exams! ListenBook has completely transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The chapter navigation is seamless, and the statistics feature is a fun way to track my listening progress. The app is stable, fast, and incredibly user-friendly. Five stars!
Runway Darling
The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks. This app has made my workouts and chores so much more enjoyable. CUE playlist support is a fantastic addition. It helps me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. ListenBook has become my go-to app for all audiobooks. Full of useful features.
Mercury Reborn
ListenBook's absence of synchronization requirements adds to its convenience and flexibility. Great for listening to lectures and educational content. Very useful!
Red Woman
I've found hidden gems in genres I never thought I'd be interested in. The app's performance is exceptional, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted audiobook experience. It's clear that it's designed with audiobook enthusiasts in mind.
CommandX
ListenBook's audio filters are a valuable tool for customizing my audiobook playback to perfection. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear. Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments. ListenBook has enriched my life with a world of captivating stories and knowledge. It's not just an app; it's a portal to endless possibilities. I love the ability to import books from my computer. It’s so easy.
Mafia Princess
I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily routines and activities. ListenBook has turned my everyday moments into extraordinary journeys of imagination. Kudos to the developers for creating an app that caters to audiobook lovers like me. From sleek design to functional features, it's a true gem. 💎📚 A wonderful performance! The narrator captured the mood of the book perfectly, making it easy to visualize each scene. The audio quality was crisp, and the pacing kept me hooked from start to finish.
Low Menace
This app's user-friendly design makes navigating through books a breeze. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my downtime more enriching and meaningful. Effortless audiobook management – this app's usability is a triumph. ListenBook's support for looping and shuffling playback adds versatility to my audiobook enjoyment. The ability to organize my library is a huge plus. Everything is so neat and tidy.
Bones
I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls – it's a joy to navigate. I can't believe how convenient this app has made my reading experience. This app's convenience has made reading a priority in my busy schedule. Audiobook pleasure simplified – this app's design is a true winner. An audiobook I’ll listen to again! The story was engaging, and the narrator’s performance made it even better. Some parts were so well-delivered that I replayed them just to hear the emotion again.
Nessie Pork
ListenBook's support for various formats means I can explore a wide range of content without limitations. With this app, I can dive into captivating narratives while cooking, cleaning, or commuting – pure magic! The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it. I’ve tried several audiobook players, but ListenBook stands out for its reliability and ease of use. The equalizer and voice boost features make every book sound amazing. Plus, the dark mode is perfect for nighttime listening. Great job, developers! 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.
Third Moon
Audiobooks have made long flights feel like a breeze – a true travel essential. The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. The app's versatility in downloading audio is impressive. It streamlines the process and saves time. This is exactly what I look for in an audiobook! The narrator's pleasant voice and excellent diction made even complex passages easy to follow. I appreciated the subtle but effective use of pauses and emphasis that added depth to the listening experience. Finished it in record time because I couldn't stop listening.
Fist Wizard
Now I can enjoy my favorite books anytime, even during workouts. With this app, I can switch seamlessly between my iPhone and iPad, making my reading experience continuous. This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true delight. Supports all audio formats I use without issues. Very happy.
Goldman
With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my downtime more enriching and meaningful. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. I can enjoy clear recordings. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my listening experience on the go. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a game-changer. It's like customizing my listening experience.
Sandbox
I've become the go-to storyteller at bedtime with the help of this magical app. ListenBook's drag and drop downloads from web browsers are a time-saving feature I can't live without. ListenBook's commitment to providing top-notch audio quality has taken my audiobook experience to a new level. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly – this app's design is top-notch. 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.
Snow Hound
I'm hooked on this app's intuitive features – from chapters to playback controls. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has elevated my listening experience. I can't believe how easy it is to dive into a new world with this app. This app has made my downtime so much more productive and enjoyable. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a creative feature. It allows for a unique and personalized experience.
Skittle Mine
ListenBook has brought a whole new level of convenience and enjoyment to my audiobook experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality, providing a clear and immersive listening experience that enhances my enjoyment. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my audiobook library look neat and professional. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Bug Fire
ListenBook's support for chapters and bookmarks ensures that I never lose my place in a story. ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. This app is a lifesaver! I can now enjoy my favorite books on the go. 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 kept me company during a long road trip and made the miles disappear! The narrator's engaging performance and the crisp production quality made for an immersive experience. I appreciated how well they balanced drama with clarity - never sacrificing understanding for effect.
Scare Stone
The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds. ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Grabber
🧘♀️☕ Savoring moments of tranquility with a cup of tea and captivating tales! 🍵📖 Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the love of literature. 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. 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.
Raggedy Ann
This app has turned audiobook listening into a daily ritual for me. I'm amazed at how this app's features cater to audiobook enthusiasts' every need. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to spread the joy of storytelling. A fun feature! Love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
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