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.
Blistered Outlaw
This app's sleek design and effortless controls have made audiobook listening an immersive experience. π Transforming my mundane routine into a captivating journey β thank you, this app! β¨π π This app is a testament to thoughtful design β its functionality seamlessly blends with my lifestyle, making reading effortless. πβ¨ Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. It helps me absorb information more effectively.
Demand Chopper
No more hassle with converting files β ListenBook supports a wide range of formats for a seamless listening experience. With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. Discovering new literary worlds has never been this easy. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audiobook library is at my fingertips. ππ I can finally listen to all my audiobooks seamlessly with ListenBook. The customizable playback controls and chapter navigation make it a breeze. The statistics tracking feature is a gem. I'm surprised by how much time I spend on audiobooks!
Kevlar Wanted
ListenBook has redefined the way I experience stories, turning every moment into an adventure. I love how this app makes my daily commute a journey through literature. ListenBook has truly transformed my audiobook experience. The sleek interface, extensive format support, and easy downloading options make it my go-to app! Good for background listening. I didnβt get fully immersed, but it was pleasant enough to have on while doing chores. The narratorβs voice was easy to listen to, even if the delivery lacked some energy.
Shay
Downloading over WiFi is super efficient. Saves a lot of time. ListenBook makes my commute enjoyable. The audio filters really enhance the listening experience.
Uluru Walker
The offline mode is a lifesaver on flights β I'm never without a good story. ListenBook's features make it the ultimate audio companion for any audiobook enthusiast. Looping playback and shuffle features keep my audiobook sessions engaging and fresh.
Snowflake Pixie
π± Accessing my favorite stories has never been this straightforward β this app's functionality is a bookworm's dream come true. ππ« Binaural audio processing reduces listening fatigue. Fantastic feature! ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Willow Dragon
With this app, reading is as simple as pressing play β it's genius! π§ This app has changed my reading game! Now I can 'read' while I work β genius! ππΌ ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Sir Shove
π‘ Cleaning the house with an audiobook in the background β talk about productivity! π§Όπ Finally, an app that values usability β navigating and listening is a breeze! ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to spread the joy of captivating stories with friends. I'm impressed by the extensive statistics feature, allowing me to track my audiobook consumption over time. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Shwatson
The narrator's voices are so soothing β a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. This app's compatibility with different formats has made my audiobook collection diverse and enjoyable.
Chapstick
This app has transformed my long flights into productive and enjoyable experiences. ListenBook's features make it the ultimate audio companion for any audiobook enthusiast. π This app has turned my errands into exciting quests β I can conquer the grocery store while enjoying a book! ππ Unlimited length audiobooks with ListenBook Pro are a huge plus! The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Elder Pogue
It's like having a personal library that fits in my pocket β truly amazing! With this app, reading is no longer a luxury β it's an essential part of my day.
Sofa King
The app's performance is remarkable β it's fast, stable, and designed to cater to audiobook enthusiasts. It's a pleasure to use. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Cool Whip
Audiobooks have become my companions during long hours of household chores. The convenience of downloading audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. The app is so intuitive. I didnβt even need to read the instructions.
Legacy
I never knew my daily walks could be so fulfilling β all thanks to this app. π± Turning my phone into a portal of endless stories β this app is pure magic! πβ¨ Navigating through chapters has never been easier. It's a user-friendly delight. Noise reduction and tone changing are awesome features. The app is perfect for people with visual impairments. Itβs so easy to navigate.
Cabbie
I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls β it's a joy to navigate. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls β it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a boon for those who enjoy deep dives into lengthy narratives. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection.
Frosty Snazz
I've become a loyal fan of audiobooks, and this app is the reason why! With this app, I've turned mundane chores into exciting opportunities for intellectual growth. Playlists and bookmarks are super helpful. Love using ListenBook! 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.
Hex Panther
I'm so grateful for this app β it's like having a personal storyteller wherever I go. This app's convenience has made my audiobook addiction thrive! ππ This app has rekindled my love for books β I can't stop listening! ππ§
Serendipity
The convenience of having a library at my fingertips is unparalleled. πΆββοΈπ± I'm exploring new worlds while on the move, all thanks to this app's seamless functionality. ποΈπ
Mt. Indiana
This app has enriched my daily routine and added a touch of intellectual stimulation. Highly engaging! The combination of a well-written story and skilled narration made this audiobook hard to pause. I finished it much faster than I expected because I just couldnβt stop listening.
Darkside Hooker
This app is my secret weapon for learning while I'm on the move. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content.
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