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.
Disco Thunder
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MrOnsTr
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SWAT Honey
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Baked ZD
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Mr. Lucky
Library organization is simplified with ListenBook. It's easy to keep my audiobooks neat and tidy. The narrator was good but spoke a bit too slowly for my taste. I had to speed it up to 1.2x which then made some parts sound slightly unnatural.
Marshmallow Treat
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Lucky Brandy
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Dark Matter
The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a dream for road trips. It keeps me entertained. Adjusting the tone of the voice adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I love the personalization! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the love of literature.
Club Nola
ListenBook's intuitive layout and quick access to chapters make audiobook navigation a breeze. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique feature that adds a personalized touch to the listening experience.
Lope Lope
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Zorkle Sporkle
This audiobook app is an absolute lifesaver! It brings my favorite stories to life with unparalleled convenience. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for audiobook lovers. They help me keep track of important moments.
Kazami of Truth
ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for study materials. I never lose my place again. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is such a fun way to spread joy. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Trash Pocky
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Pluto
I can't believe how much more productive I am β I'm learning and growing while multitasking! With this app, I've found a way to make my daily errands more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. This app's convenience has transformed my reading habits β it's a game-changer. Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a touch of elegance to my audiobook collection. 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.
Unleashed
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Star Jammer
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Prof. Screw
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WanderWord
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DreamWeaver
ListenBook's dedication to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every aspect of the app. The narrators on this app are truly talented β they bring characters to life. This app's support for various formats and genres ensures that there's always something new to explore. 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!
Winter Bite
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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