Book description
Okay, so let me tell you about this audiobook that completely wrecked my sleep schedule - Machine by Elizabeth Bear.
First off, if you're into space operas that don't hold your hand through the technical stuff but still manage to feel lived-in and real, this one's for you. The narrator does an incredible job bringing Dr. Jens to life - this woman who's been living on bad coffee and alien medical emergencies for fifteen years, and somehow loves every chaotic minute of it.
The setup is deceptively simple: routine rescue mission goes sideways, but then Bear starts peeling back layers like she's unraveling a cosmic onion. Two ships locked together - one ancient, one new - with a crew that's basically falling apart and a shipmind that's trapped and confused. Sounds familiar? It's not. Bear takes what could've been another space mystery and turns it into something genuinely unsettling and original.
What really grabbed me was how the audiobook format made Dr. Jens's voice feel so immediate and personal. You're not just reading about her stumbling through impossible medical cases with alien physiology she's never encountered - you're right there with her, feeling the exhaustion and the excitement. The mystery unfolds naturally, like you're discovering it alongside her, and holy hell does it get dark.
Bear's writing has this thing where she'll hit you with an emotional gut punch right after making you laugh at some perfectly timed sarcastic comment from Jens. The pacing is fantastic - the narrator knows exactly when to lean into the tension and when to let the more contemplative moments breathe.
Seriously, this audiobook will mess with your head in the best possible way. It's smart, it's weird, and it doesn't tie everything up in a neat bow, which I absolutely loved. If you've got a long drive or just want to disappear into some really solid space opera, Machine delivers. Hard.
Pogue
I've fallen in love with literature all over again, thanks to this incredible app. ππ Road trips have never been this entertaining β this app keeps me engaged on the highway! ππ Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's design is a standout.
DreamDiver
ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch has streamlined my multitasking. I'm addicted to this app's ability to seamlessly blend books into my life. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking. The perfect balance between dramatic reading and natural storytelling. Felt like a friend telling me an amazing story rather than someone just reading words.
White Swan
This app's ease of use has made reading a seamless part of my daily routine. The statistics tracking feature is eye-opening. I never realized how much time I spend on audiobooks until now! Supports all audio formats I use without issues. Very happy.
WanderWord
The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that enhances my listening experience. It's these thoughtful touches that matter! Automated artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook collection. This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
BoomerBox
The customer support team is responsive and always ready to assist. ListenBook has brought the joy of audiobooks back into my life in a whole new way.
Wildcat Talent
The ability to adjust the playback speed has made my commute even more efficient. ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. I can't imagine my daily routine without ListenBook's intuitive layout and easy-to-access controls. ListenBook is my trusted partner for all things audiobooks. It's reliable, intuitive, and user-friendly. High-quality playback even with complex formats like FLAC. Impressive!
Mud Finger
ListenBook's audio filters are a valuable tool for customizing my audiobook playback to perfection. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like having a library on my phone! ListenBookβs audio filters are great. The app provides a high-quality listening experience.
Freeze Queen
Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Fantastic app! This audiobook was an absolute pleasure to listen to! The narrator's voice was rich and expressive, perfectly capturing the tone of the material. I found myself completely immersed in the story, often sitting in my car longer than necessary just to hear what happened next. The production quality was excellent with clear audio throughout.
Manimal
This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true delight. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Lightweight
Effortless audiobook exploration β this app's functionality is remarkable. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that makes a big difference. It enhances my listening experience.
Fennel Dove
Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is a true winner. Bookmarking favorite parts of audiobooks is a breeze. It's like having a personalized study guide. From MP3 to FLAC, this app plays them all flawlessly. Say goodbye to compatibility issues! Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique touch β it's like having a personalized reading.
Sidewalk Enforcer
This app is a true gift for book lovers β it's like having a personal library wherever I go. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
ByteBard
This audiobook app is an absolute lifesaver! It brings my favorite stories to life with unparalleled convenience. ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze. No more converting files β this app effortlessly handles various formats, saving me time and effort.
Mother Night
The chapters feature on ListenBook enhances my audiobook exploration β it's like flipping through pages. ππ Embarking on literary journeys even with my eyes closed β bedtime stories have taken a new form with this app! π΄π§ I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers! This was a workmanlike audiobook that did the job without flair. The narration was clear and the pacing appropriate, though the delivery lacked some emotional depth. The production quality was acceptable with no major technical issues.
Snapdragon
π An app that turns house chores into exciting adventures β count me in! π§Ήπ π± Carrying stories in my pocket β this app's convenience is a game-changer! πποΈ
QuantumQuill
I've fallen in love with genres I never thought I'd explore, all thanks to this app. The statistics feature in ListenBook adds an element of self-awareness to my audiobook consumption. Noise reduction and tone changing are awesome features.
Upper D3ckR
With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. ListenBook has become an essential part of my day, enhancing my commute and allowing me to enjoy audiobooks like never before. ListenBookβs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs.
TrinitySoul
Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing. ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks with friends. The detailed listening stats are fantastic. Helps me keep track of my progress.
Dance Bloom
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made multitasking with audio content a breeze. Looping playback has made memorization so much easier. I'm acing my exams! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction is a lifesaver. I can hear clearly even in noisy environments. This was a competent audiobook production with no major flaws. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough and the audio quality was acceptable, though not exceptional. While the performance didn't particularly stand out, it served its purpose adequately for my daily commute.
Joker's Grin
I love how this app makes my daily commute a journey through literature. I can't get enough of this app β it's a true game-changer for book lovers. Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is a triumph. The adjustable playback speed is a secret weapon for getting through educational content faster. Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I consume audiobooks. I can cover more ground while maintaining comprehension.
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