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.
Foot-long Fry
ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true for those epic tales. It's like having a personal audiobook library in your pocket. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the clarity of recordings and makes my listening sessions more enjoyable. The app's compatibility with CarPlay has made my road trips so much more enjoyable. Incredible character voices! Each person felt distinct without being over-the-top. The emotional scenes gave me chills with how well they were delivered.
Riff Raff
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick access to chapters enhance my overall listening experience. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to share the joy of captivating stories with friends and family. Chapters make navigation a breeze. I can easily pick up where I left off.
Tin Mutt
ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to introduce others to the joys of audiobook storytelling. ListenBook Pro takes things up a notch with unlimited audiobook length. It's a game-changer! Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a thoughtful and enjoyable way to share my favorite stories with friends and introduce them to new worlds of literature.
Texas Butterfly
ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. I love how this app brings stories to life, even during my morning jogs. This app's user-friendly interface has made audiobook listening a breeze, even for a tech novice like me. 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. No more interruptions β the auto-rewind feature is a genius solution for seamless listening.
PixelPathfinder
Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. Bookmarks are a fantastic tool for keeping track of important moments. They're a game-changer. The app is perfect for people who love to read but donβt have the time. Iβm 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!
Legacy
This app's user-friendly interface has made reading on-the-go a breeze. The app's versatility in downloading audio is impressive. It streamlines the process and saves time. ListenBook is a must-have for any audiobook enthusiast. It's reliable, efficient, and a pleasure to use.
Commando
πΆββοΈπ Embracing audiobooks as my companions during leisurely walks β nature and narratives, a perfect match! πΆββοΈπ§ ListenBook Pro has taken my audiobook experience to the next level. No regrets! Binaural audio processing really helps reduce fatigue. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Pink Hopper
The ability to switch between devices seamlessly is a game-changer for busy readers. This app's ease of use has made my daily activities more enjoyable and educational. π‘ Balancing learning and living effortlessly β audiobooks on demand, thanks to this app! π§π« My study sessions are more efficient than ever, thanks to the looping playback and bookmark features. Supports all audio formats I use without issues. Very happy.
Racy Babe
β° Early mornings have become my favorite time to listen to audiobooks β energizing! π π§ Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's functionality is a reader's delight. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful feature. Sharing is caring! ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app is packed with useful features.
VileHero
The ability to switch between different books effortlessly is a major plus. Finally, an app that supports a wide range of audio formats! It's a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts.
Intimidating Presence
I'm amazed by ListenBook's smooth drag-and-drop downloads in my web browser β a time-saver! Thanks to ListenBook, I've rediscovered the joy of exploring my favorite content on multiple devices. This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits β truly impressive. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a boon for those who enjoy deep dives into lengthy narratives. ListenBook Pro has taken my audiobook experience to the next level. No regrets!
Pexxious
This app has brought stories to life in a way that traditional reading never could. Listening to audiobooks with my kids has become a cherished bonding activity. πΌ Boosting productivity at work with an audiobook in the background β love it! π»π§ πββοΈπ Combining exercise and exploration β this app keeps me motivated on my daily jogs! πββοΈπ ListenBook is fantastic! Supports every audiobook format I have. Super convenient!
Badger the Burglar
My child has also fallen in love with audiobooks, all thanks to the app's kid-friendly collection. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. My audio quality has improved dramatically. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and polished.
Corny
I'm blown away by how this app has made my commutes productive and my downtime entertaining. ποΈ Grocery shopping has taken an exciting turn β I'm on a mission to explore new worlds through audiobooks! ππ
Pixie
ListenBook's dedication to providing a top-quality audio player is evident in every aspect of the app. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is such a fun way to spread joy. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature for those who enjoy organized and structured listening. The ability to organize my library is a huge plus. Everything is so neat and tidy.
Tall Honey
Hands down, the best audiobook collection I've ever come across. It has everything I want to listen to. CarPlay compatibility takes my driving experience to a whole new level. Audiobooks on the road have never been better.
Doz
Audiobooks made accessible and enjoyable β this app's design is a triumph. Audiobook enjoyment has become an integral part of my routine, thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. A must-have! ππ± ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length feature is fantastic.
Green Ghost
With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics. π This app's functionality is a masterpiece β it seamlessly integrates audiobooks into my daily routine. ππ¨ ListenBook's compatibility with a wide range of audio formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits. Chapters make navigation a breeze. I can easily pick up where I left off. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
IdeaAlchemy
Kudos to the developers for crafting an app that understands readers' needs. The smooth playback and sleek design are pure perfection. ππ ListenBook has made my daily commutes so much more enjoyable. I look forward to listening every day!
EchoEmissary
I can't get enough of this app β it's a true game-changer for book lovers. ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration. Not the best audiobook I've heard but far from the worst. The production quality was good and there were no major issues with the narration.
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