Book description
A richly illustrated, encyclopedic deep dive into the history of roleplaying games. When Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson released Dungeons & Dragons in 1974, they created the first roleplaying game of all time. Little did they know that their humble box set of three small digest-sized booklets would spawn an entire industry practically overnight. In Monsters, Aliens, and Holes in the Ground, Stu Horvath explores how the hobby of roleplaying games, commonly known as RPGs, blossomed out of an unlikely pop culture phenomenon and became a dominant gaming form by the 2010s. Going far beyond D&D, this heavily illustrated tome covers more than three hundred different RPGs that have been published in the last five decades. Monsters, Aliens, and Holes in the Ground features (among other things) bunnies, ghostbusters, soap operas, criminal bears, space monsters, political intrigue, vampires, romance, and, of course, some dungeons and dragons. In a decade-by-decade breakdown, Horvath chronicles how RPGs have evolved in the time between their inception and the present day, offering a deep and gratifying glimpse into a hobby that has changed the way we think about games and play.
Mother Hen
βοΈ A round of applause for an app that prioritizes functionality β I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and other tasks. ππ§ ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app! Not bad, but not amazing either. The narratorβs voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldnβt necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
Dallas Foxface
This app's convenience has made reading a consistent part of my life. Effortlessly accessing my favorite audiobooks has become a reality, all thanks to this app's user-centric design and comprehensive format support. A must-download! π±π§ I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version! The narrator added layers of meaning I might have missed reading silently. Their interpretation of the material felt thoughtful and authentic. The recording was technically perfect - no reverb, no peaking, just clean, pleasant audio.
Bombay Shivers
This app has introduced me to genres I never thought I'd enjoy β it's eye-opening. π Who needs a dull commute when you can embark on literary journeys with this app? ππ Navigating chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and seamless experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to a whole new level. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks, and this one stands out for its professional quality. The narrator struck the ideal balance between dramatic interpretation and letting the text speak for itself. The audio engineering was superb with consistent volume levels and crystal-clear recording.
Martini Flower
I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily routines and activities. The versatility of this app is mind-boggling. It's like a one-stop solution for audiobooks. A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
Squatch
I can't get enough of this app's convenience β it has transformed my audiobook journey into a joyous experience. Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true triumph. ListenBook is a must-have for any audiobook enthusiast. It's reliable, efficient, and a pleasure to use. My daily workouts are more enjoyable now, thanks to seamless integration with Apple Watch.
Evil Smith
This app's library is a treasure trove β I'm always discovering new favorites. This app has made my daily routines more meaningful and enjoyable. π± My secret to staying well-read β this app ensures that I'm never without a book, no matter where I am! ππ± The app is perfect for people who love to read but donβt have the time.
Flint
ListenBook's audio filters have transformed the way I experience audio content β it's a real game-changer. π± Carrying stories in my pocket β this app's convenience is a game-changer! πποΈ
Ex0tic
The app's layout is clean and intuitive, making it a pleasure to navigate. ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of storytelling with friends. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature. 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.
Viceswerve
I'm addicted to this app's ability to turn mundane moments into opportunities for intellectual growth. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. ππ On-the-go listening has never been smoother β this app's functionality keeps me engaged during long commutes. ππ Managing my audiobook collection is a pleasure thanks to this app's usability.
Thumb Candy
With this app, I can devour books like never before β it's incredibly efficient. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks seamlessly. Very convenient. 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!
Dream Killer
As a visually impaired person, this app has opened up a new world of stories for me. ListenBook's statistics feature is both enlightening and motivating. It's incredible to see the time I've invested in learning through audiobooks.
Santa's Little Helper
ListenBook's versatility with various audio formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from multiple sources effortlessly. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to bond over stories.
Handsome
I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments. Say goodbye to cumbersome interfaces β this app's intuitive controls and user-friendly design have elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. π±π Playback speed and volume controls are fantastic.
Hobo Samurai
With this app, reading is no longer confined to a specific time or place. π Elevating everyday moments β this app adds an extra layer of magic to every aspect of my day. πβ¨ No need for file conversion is a game-changer. Love using ListenBook on my iPhone.
Red Heroine
This app has made my workouts and chores so much more enjoyable. This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. I love how this app seamlessly integrates into my busy schedule, making multitasking a breeze. Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. ππ§ The playback controls are so responsive. No lag at all.
Titanium Ladybug
πββοΈπ Combining exercise and exploration β audiobooks make my runs more exciting! πββοΈπ§ As someone who listens to audiobooks daily, I can confidently say ListenBook is the best player out there. The sleep timer and auto-rewind features are lifesavers, and the sound quality is exceptional. Thank you for such a great app!
Rocky Highway
The range of self-help and personal development audiobooks is truly enriching. This app is perfect for audiobook lovers. The interface is beautiful and easy to navigate.
Divine Quasar
The sound quality is outstanding β it's like having a movie theater in my ears! I'm amazed at how this app has made my workouts more motivating and my audiobooks more accessible. I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in stories with this app.
Cool Law Topping
With ListenBook, I've unlocked a world of educational and entertaining content right at my fingertips. The statistics feature is a fantastic addition β knowing how much time I spend on audiobooks is eye-opening, and ListenBook makes tracking it a breeze.
Wonder Lady
I'm rediscovering my love for literature through this app β it's revitalizing. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch has made my listening experience even more seamless. This app's convenience has made my downtime more rewarding and enriching. Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy! A decent listen overall. The narration was clear, though some character voices sounded similar. The story was interesting but had moments where it dragged slightly. Still, it was a good way to pass the time.
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