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.
Miss Rum Punch
I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to play diverse formats flawlessly β it's a game-changer. Finally, an app that lets me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. The library organization and book groups feature make navigation a breeze. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine. Downloading audiobooks over WiFi is super easy. Saves 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!
Soda Delirium
I'm on a literary adventure wherever I go, all thanks to this app. Its extensive format support and effortless navigation make audiobook listening a breeze. ππ CUE playlist support is a fantastic addition. It helps me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. Unlimited length audiobooks with ListenBook Pro are a huge plus! The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Coma Stalk
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in stories with this app. The app's attention to detail is commendable. It's evident in every feature. ListenBook has become an essential part of my day, enhancing my commute and allowing me to enjoy audiobooks like never before. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to bond over stories.
Shamrock
Bookmarking my favorite parts of audiobooks is now a breeze. Love this feature! The audio filters to adjust playback speed and volume are a fantastic addition for customizing my experience.
Chameleon
The ability to download audio from network devices directly within ListenBook is incredibly convenient. The ease of downloading content via WiFi, WebDAV, and more has made ListenBook my audiobook hub. ListenBook's user-friendly design and compatibility with different formats have made it my go-to app. ListenBook's audio filters have transformed the way I experience audio content β it's a real game-changer. π Unlocking the door to imagination β this app is my key to endless stories and endless possibilities. ππ
Poptart AK47
Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is a winner. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Miss Mustard
ListenBook's library organization and Book Groups feature make it easy to keep my audiobooks organized and accessible. This app's ease of use has made my daily activities more enjoyable and educational. π§ββοΈ Finding zen through storytelling β this app makes meditation even more calming. π§ββοΈπ§ ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers is incredibly convenient. Downloading audiobooks has never been this easy. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. It helps me absorb information more effectively.
PixelPathfinder
ListenBook has turned my audio content into an immersive, personalized, and unforgettable experience. This app has turned my mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for reading. ππ Transforming traffic jams into opportunities for literary exploration β this app keeps me engaged on the road! ππ§ Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it!
Romance Guppy
Thanks to this app, I can enjoy the world of literature without missing a beat in my fast-paced life. A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasnβt blown away. The narratorβs performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat.
HedgeH0g2
With ListenBook, I can enjoy a wide range of audiobook formats without any hassle, making my listening experience seamless. ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. Kudos to the developers for crafting an app that understands readers' needs. The smooth playback and sleek design are pure perfection. ππ AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks with friends.
IceDog
ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver! ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience. Auto-rewind is a brilliant feature. Never lose track of where I left off.
High Heel Goddess
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! A reasonable choice for casual listening. The audiobook was well-produced, but the pacing felt uneven in places. I didnβt dislike it, but I also didnβt feel strongly about it one way or another.
ShadowDancer
is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and efficient. Looping playback is a fantastic study tool. It helps me focus and retain information effectively.
Lounge Master
Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and intuitive controls make it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's design is a standout. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook library. The app's compatibility with CarPlay adds an extra layer of convenience, especially during road trips.
Granola
This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a brilliant way to connect. This app's convenience has revolutionized the way I experience books. This app has made my daily walks a time for both exercise and learning. I'm impressed by the extensive statistics feature, allowing me to track my audiobook consumption over time.
Shady Prairie
I'm absolutely in love with this app! It's like a library of stories in my pocket. ListenBook is a game-changer! Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my favorite audio files with ease. Audiobooks have never been this engaging β this app takes them to the next level. 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!
Slinger
The convenience of having a library at my fingertips is unparalleled. Audiobooks on this app have transformed my daily routines into engaging experiences. I love the auto-rewind feature. ListenBook always picks up right where I left off.
Daisy Stick
π Reading has never been this easy β this app fits right into my fast-paced lifestyle. ππ« π Adding a touch of magic to mundane tasks β this app turns errands into epic quests! ππ ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook enjoyment. It's an essential part of my daily routine.
Berlin Kamikaze
With this app, I can dive into captivating narratives while cooking, cleaning, or commuting β pure magic! Audiobooks have never been this accessible and enjoyable. This app's compatibility with various formats and its emphasis on user experience have made it an essential tool for me. π±π
Married Man
ListenBook's interface is sleek and user-friendly, making navigation a breeze. ListenBook's absence of synchronization requirements adds to its convenience and flexibility.
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