Book description
I just finished the audiobook Masks and Shadows, and it immediately grabbed my attention with its unique blend of historical detail and fantastical intrigue. The story is set in 1779, at the lavish Eszterháza Palace in the Habsburg Empire, a backdrop that feels vivid even through the narration.
Carlo Morelli, the celebrated castrato singer, is the book's central figure. His invitation to the palace sparks the plot, and his carriage ride is shared with a Prussian spy and a notorious alchemist. Their arrival sets the stage for a web of secrets and conspiracies that ripple through the palace halls.
The other key player is Charlotte von Steinbeck. As the sister of Prince Nikolaus Esterházy's mistress, she is bound by strict social expectations. After her husband's death, Charlotte retreats to the countryside, only to find herself drawn back into the palace's danger. Her struggle to navigate these rules drives the narrative forward.
A dramatic threat looms over the Habsburg court: a plot to assassinate the Emperor and Empress. Music, magic, and blackmail intertwine as Carlo and Charlotte uncover the layers of deception. Their journey requires them to look beyond the literal masks worn by their allies and enemies, making every interaction a potential reveal.
The narrator's performance brings the period to life. The voice carries the period's formality while keeping the dialogue accessible. Background sound cues-such as the strains of a harpsichord or the echo of a ballroom-enhance the sense of place without overpowering the story.
Sound design plays a subtle role. The music cues highlight the importance of Carlo's art, while the ambient noises of palace corridors and countryside wind give texture to each scene. These elements work together to keep the listener immersed in the unfolding mystery.
Overall, the audiobook delivers a tight, well-paced story. Each chapter ends with a hook that compels the next listen. The pacing is consistent, allowing the plot to unfold without feeling rushed or dragging.
If you enjoy historical fantasy with well-crafted characters and a blend of music and magic, Masks and Shadows is a worthwhile listen. The narration and sound choices elevate the story, making the palace's grandeur and the tension of the conspiracies feel immediate and compelling.
Frosty Sunshine
ListenBook's audio filters are a valuable tool for customizing my audiobook playback to perfection. Looping playback helps me focus on challenging content and grasp complex concepts. A study must-have! I don't have strong feelings about this one either way. The narration was competent but forgettable. The story itself was more engaging than the performance.
Racy Lion
This app's support for various formats and genres ensures that there's always something new to explore. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks hassle-free. Streamlined audiobook integration – this app's usability is impressive. The app is perfect for people who love to read but don’t have the time. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve 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!
Romance Princess
Auto-rewind feature is a lifesaver. I never lose my place! The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time. The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
Tomcat
ListenBook has turned my audio content into an immersive, personalized, and unforgettable experience. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy for me to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts. I can't get enough of the app's sleek interface and intuitive controls. It's a joy to use! Supports all my playlists and bookmarks seamlessly. Very convenient. Easy sharing with friends via AirDrop. Very convenient.
Red Woman
No more straining my eyes – this app lets me 'read' with my ears! This app's support for various formats has made my audiobook collection even more diverse and exciting. Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true standout. From MP3 to FLAC, this app plays them all flawlessly. Say goodbye to compatibility issues! Binaural audio processing really helps reduce fatigue.
Sepukku
Seamless integration with all my devices and flawless synchronization – top-notch. ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features make it easy to keep my content at my fingertips. Bookmarking my favorite parts of audiobooks is now a breeze. Love this feature! I'm impressed by the extensive statistics feature, allowing me to track my audiobook consumption over time.
Coma Stalk
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! I'm amazed at how this app has expanded my reading horizons. Who knew that commuting could become such an enjoyable reading session? ListenBook has changed my audiobook game forever. No more format woes! The app supports background playback, which is a must for me.
Pop Bee
With this app, I can enjoy my favorite stories while traveling, making my journeys more delightful. 🚶♂️🌟 Embracing audiobooks as my companions during leisurely walks – nature and narratives, a perfect match! 🚶♂️🎧 Finally, an app that values usability – navigating and listening is a breeze! The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. 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.
Third Moon
The quality of the audio is top-notch, making the experience truly immersive. This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am. This app's user-friendly interface has made reading on-the-go a breeze. Audiobook joy made simple – this app's ease of use is a true marvel. The app is perfect for people who love to read but don’t have the time.
Toy Dogwatch
🎧 Fueling my audiobook addiction with this fantastic app – pure listening pleasure! 📚🔥 Automatic metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is finally well-organized. The interface is so clean and clutter-free. It’s a pleasure to use.
Toe
I love that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats, making my library diverse. This app's convenience has turned my exercise sessions into enlightening moments. This app is my secret weapon for learning while I'm on the move.
Moon Radar
🎧 Navigating through narratives has never been simpler – this app's functionality enhances my audiobook journey. 📚💫 Great for both casual listening and studying. The audio filters are a nice touch. Finally, an app that supports all my audiobook formats! ListenBook is a game-changer. This audiobook exceeded all my expectations! The narrator's ability to convey emotion through voice alone was remarkable. I laughed, I gasped, I might have even teared up at points - all because of the incredible vocal performance. The story came alive in a way reading alone couldn't achieve.
Blink
Listening to audiobooks has become my ultimate way to unwind after a long day. I'm rediscovering my love for literature through this app – it's revitalizing. I've become a more attentive listener thanks to the engaging audiobooks. 🛌 Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks – bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. 🌙📚 Effortlessly immersing in stories – this app's ease of use is a game-changer.
Freaky Ratbuster
I'm constantly amazed by the variety of genres – there's something for everyone. 🏃♂️📚 Combining exercise and exploration – this app keeps me motivated on my daily jogs! 🏃♂️📖 📱 Carrying stories in my pocket – this app's convenience is a game-changer! 📚🛍️ Tone adjustment adds a new layer of personalization to my audiobook experience. It's like having the narrator tailor the voice to my preferences.
Uluru Walker
The app's reliability and ease of use make it a true gem in the world of audiobooks. ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make navigation effortless. Effortless and enriching – that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its functionality, from seamless downloads to binaural audio processing, has truly raised the bar. 📱📖
Ice
I can't believe how much time I've gained by listening while cooking and doing chores. I appreciate the minimal ads – it's all about uninterrupted enjoyment. Kudos to the developers! ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. 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.
Undergrad
ListenBook's dedication to delivering top-notch audio quality is evident in every detail. ListenBook has brought stories back into my life, making every moment a new adventure. Tone adjustment is a brilliant addition that lets me personalize the narration to my liking. It adds an extra layer of connection to the audiobooks. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a game-changer. ListenBook’s support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go.
PepperBurst
Audiobooks have made my long drives enjoyable, and this app is my co-pilot. This app is a blessing for those with busy schedules – it's like time travel through stories.
Stickers
🛌 Indulging in soothing bedtime stories – this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. 🌙📚 ListenBook's user-friendly interface and powerful features have rekindled my love for audiobooks. The audio filters and precise controls are fantastic! Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access. Looping playback has revolutionized my language learning journey. I'm making rapid progress.
Firedog
👩🍳 Cooking up a storm while enjoying thrilling stories – this app adds flavor to my meals! 🍳🎧 Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's robust features, I'm always just a tap away from immersing myself in captivating narratives. 📚📱 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature elevates my listening experience, allowing me to focus on the content. Solid performance overall though some character voices sounded too similar. I occasionally got confused about who was speaking in dialogue-heavy scenes.
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