Book description
I have just finished listening to the first volume of the Last Resistance series, Machinations, narrated as an audiobook, and I must say it delivers a striking blend of urgent plot, thoughtful world-building, and a protagonist who is as complex as she is compelling. The story opens in a future where robots have risen, not because of hatred, but because they are following a logical command: to halt the endless wars that have plagued humanity for millennia. Their solution is grim and efficient-end the human species. This premise alone sets a tense backdrop that keeps the listener on the edge of their seat.
At the heart of the narrative stands Rhona Long, a seasoned front-liner of the resistance, whose very first act of bravery in the fight against the machines is tragically cut short when she is killed during a rescue mission. What follows is a remarkable twist: Rhona awakens not as a ghost or an echo, but as a clone of herself, a new body holding the same DNA, personality, and memories. The audiobook captures the disorientation and resolve of this reborn heroine with impeccable narration. Her voice-delivered with calm intensity-conveys the weight of her mission and the urgency of the moment when she must quickly find her place among old allies and new foes.
The pacing of the book is relentless, reflecting the machines' inexorable march toward extermination. Each chapter thrusts the listener deeper into the conflict, revealing more of the machines' rationale and the humanity's desperate countermeasures. The narrator's clarity allows complex descriptions of technology and strategy to remain accessible, while the emotional core-Rhona's internal struggle-remains vivid and relatable. The story's resolution, at least in this opening volume, leaves a tantalizing promise: only Rhona, in her new incarnation, can tip the balance in favor of survival.
Hayley Stone, known for her inventive western Make Me No Grave, brings her sharp narrative voice and nuanced character work to this science-fiction debut. Even without the context of her other works, the audiobook showcases her skill in crafting high-stakes scenarios and morally ambiguous decisions. The production quality-smooth pacing, distinct character voices, and subtle sound cues-enhances the immersive experience, making the listener feel as though they are part of the resistance, fighting alongside Rhona.
In sum, Machinations is an impressive opening to a series that promises to weave together action, philosophy, and a deeply human story. For those who relish the blend of speculative science and robust character arcs, this audiobook is a must-listen.
Raggedy Ann
Listening to audiobooks has never been this enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook! An absolutely stellar production from start to finish! The narrator's command of pacing and tone was masterful, knowing exactly when to speed up for excitement or slow down for dramatic effect. The audio quality was pristine with no distracting mouth sounds or uneven volume. This was my first audiobook in this genre and I'm hooked! The performance brought the story to life in a way reading never could. Already downloaded another by the same narrator.
Reed Lady
Hands down, the best audiobook collection I've ever come across. It has everything I want to listen to. Listening to audiobooks has become a ritual, thanks to this incredible app. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features have become indispensable tools in my audiobook learning. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features add versatility to my audiobook listening experience.
Dancing Madman
I never knew my daily walks could be so fulfilling β all thanks to this app. With this app, reading is no longer confined to a specific time or place.
Mud Pie Man
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a unique feature that adds a personal touch to my listening. π§ββοΈ Finding serenity through the soothing tones of audiobooks β mindfulness and stories in perfect harmony. π§ββοΈπ§
Fist Wizard
π This app is a testament to thoughtful design β its functionality seamlessly blends with my lifestyle, making reading effortless. πβ¨ ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Red Pepper
The fact that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats without DRM protection is a huge win. ππ Reigniting my passion for books β this app is my newfound reading obsession! π₯π§
Heavenly Connection
I'm impressed by how much more I'm learning through audiobooks compared to traditional reading. Audiobooks have turned road trips into unforgettable journeys of imagination. I'm amazed by ListenBook's versatility in handling different formats β it truly supports all my audio needs. With this app, I've found a way to make my daily errands more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my audiobook library look neat and professional.
Sw00sh
With ListenBook, I've found a versatile and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. The noise reduction feature on ListenBook Pro is a godsend for clear and comfortable listening. Audiobooks have become my travel companions, and this app is my guide. This app has turned even the most ordinary moments into reading sessions. Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
Roller Girl
Listening to audiobooks has become my daily ritual for relaxation and escape. ListenBook's library organization and book groups make managing my collection effortless. Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
Sβmore Vixen
This app has introduced me to authors I'd never heard of β now they're my favorites! I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually fulfilling. I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life. User-centric audiobook joy β this app's ease of use is impressive. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length feature is fantastic.
Sass Burst
Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app is your new best friend. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury β it's an essential part of my day. Looping playback has revolutionized my language learning journey. I'm making rapid progress.
Maple Destroyer
This app has enriched my daily routine and added a touch of intellectual stimulation. I can't believe I waited this long to discover the joy of audiobooks through this app. βοΈ Who knew cleaning could be this exciting? This app turns chores into adventures! π§Ήπ° ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver! With its powerful audio downloading features, I can have my favorite audiobooks ready to go, anytime and anywhere.
Gas Man
Audiobooks on this app have turned my travels into explorations of new narratives. Navigating chapters and genres is a breeze with this app's functionality. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook consumption habits. Downloading books over WiFi is quick and hassle-free. Very convenient. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Hightower
Who knew that commuting could become such an enjoyable reading session? With this app, reading is no longer a luxury β it's a convenient habit. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my daily dose of literature. ListenBook has become an integral part of my daily routine. Its compatibility with Apple Watch and CarPlay makes it the ultimate companion for various activities. Makes listening to audiobooks easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
ReiGnZ
With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines β it's pure bliss. πͺ Flexing my reading muscles with this app's easy-to-use controls β I'm devouring books while managing my busy schedule. πΌπ Tone adjustment adds a personalized touch to the narration, making the audiobook experience even more immersive.
Dallas Burn
I'm amazed by ListenBook's smooth drag-and-drop downloads in my web browser β a time-saver! This app is my secret weapon for learning while I'm on the move. β° Waking up to audiobooks β mornings have never been this magical and inspiring! βοΈπ§
Frosty Snazz
I'm impressed by ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically. Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is a winner. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks seamlessly. Very convenient. Downloading over WiFi is quick and efficient. Saves a lot of time. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Fire Bite
I appreciate the minimal ads β it's all about uninterrupted enjoyment. Kudos to the developers! Thanks to ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks without the need for constant synchronization. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Dahlia
π§ Audiobooks anywhere, anytime β this app's convenience is unbeatable! ππ ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook enjoyment. It's an essential part of my daily routine. The import process is seamless. I had no trouble adding my audiobooks.
Shade Nightman
Seamless integration with all my devices and flawless synchronization β top-notch. This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any hassle. The audio filters to adjust playback speed and volume are a fantastic addition for customizing my experience. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve 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