Book description
When a crashed alien vessel sinks into Earth's ocean, the real story begins-not with splashdown, but with an invasion of minds. Hal Clement's "Needle" unfolds like a cosmic detective thriller where the clues are buried deep within human consciousness.
The Hunter arrives on Earth as both refugee and predator, his ship destroyed in collision with our planet. Unlike the typical alien invasion narrative, Clement crafts something far more intimate: a symbiotic relationship that borders on partnership. The Hunter's choice of host-young Robert Kinnaird-transforms what could have been a simple chase story into something resembling a mismatched buddy film spanning galaxies.
What makes this audiobook particularly compelling is how Clement balances scientific rigor with genuine emotional stakes. The Hunter isn't merely using Robert; their relationship develops with an almost paternal quality that adds unexpected depth to the interstellar manhunt. Meanwhile, the true quarry remains hidden somewhere among humanity, turning every human interaction into a potential revelation.
Clement's background in hard science fiction serves the narrative well, grounding the alien biology in plausible explanations while never losing sight of the story's momentum. The result feels both educational and thrilling-a science lesson wrapped in adventure.
The pacing builds naturally from the initial crash through mounting tension as the Hunter and Robert work together, their partnership growing more complex with each chapter. It's a testament to Clement's skill that readers find themselves equally invested in both the cosmic chase and the developing relationship between host and symbiote.
This isn't just alien invasion-it's alien integration, and far more interesting for it.
Pitfall Whiskers
I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates with my daily routine. ListenBook's library organization and book groups have made managing my audiobooks a breeze. I can't get enough of this app's convenience β it has transformed my audiobook journey into a joyous experience. The app's support for multiple formats is flawless. Very satisfied.
Lucky Martian
ListenBook has completely changed my audiobook experience β it's like having a personal audio library. With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of literature during my daily walks β it's truly invigorating. Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's ease of use is a true asset. Audiobook lovers, rejoice! This app's functionality is a game-changer. Seamlessly switch between formats and enjoy a hassle-free reading experience. π±π§ Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I learn and enjoy audiobooks. I can adapt the pace to my needs, maximizing comprehension and retention.
Thrasher
I can't believe how much I've learned and enjoyed through this app's audiobooks. ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook journey. Quick access to chapters and controls ensures a seamless listening experience with ListenBook. It's effortless to use. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and moments of relaxation. It's a true companion.
CuriousCoder
ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its impeccable audio quality and user-friendly features. I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape. ListenBook's player features, like chapters and bookmarks, make it a versatile tool for any listener. CUE playlist support is a thoughtful feature that keeps my audiobook listening organized and enjoyable.
Cinder Coffee
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Green Scavenger
Elegant design and user-friendly interface. Love it! 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.
Evil Smith
ποΈπ§ Escaping to paradise with a beach read β this app is my vacation in audio form! ποΈπ Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like the app knows what I need. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to jump between sections.
AirportHobo XD
Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings. Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend.
Daisy Stick
I've found my new favorite way to relax β cuddled up with an audiobook. Noise reduction and tone changing enhance the listening experience. Love it!
Widow Curio
ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. ListenBook has given me a renewed appreciation for audio content β it's my new favorite app. π₯ Streamlined functionality that's music to my ears β audiobook enjoyment has reached a new level of convenience. π΅π The intuitive chapter navigation and quick access to controls make my audiobook experience seamless.
Winded On Friday
This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes. β° Maximizing my time with efficient features β this app's functionality lets me dive into stories even in the busiest moments. πβ³ 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. 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.
Twinkle Cutlass
I'm no longer missing out on great stories β this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. The ability to organize my library is a huge plus. Everything is so neat and tidy. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature. 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.
Delicious
Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive offerings, from statistics tracking to immersive audio processing, have breathed new life into my reading. πβ¨ ListenBook's dedication to user convenience is evident in the drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers.
Wild Kitten
ListenBook's extensive library and user-friendly interface have made it my go-to app. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique tool that adds a touch of creativity to my listening experience. ListenBook is my trusted partner for all things audiobooks. It's reliable, intuitive, and user-friendly.
Murder Matter
I'm rediscovering my love for literature through this app β it's revitalizing. Audiobooks on this app have made me look forward to my long commutes. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading a seamless part of my life. πΆββοΈπ Strolling through captivating narratives has never been easier β this app's intuitive controls make audiobook listening a delight. π§ποΈ ListenBook's support for looping and shuffling playback adds versatility to my audiobook enjoyment.
CodeExia
I can't believe how much time I've saved thanks to this efficient app! Audiobooks have never been this engaging β this app takes them to the next level. This app's dedication to providing high-quality narration has made all the difference. is a breeze. It's incredibly convenient for building my collection.
RightN0w2
ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. Audiobook immersion made simple β this app's ease of use is commendable. Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive features, from statistics tracking to enhanced audio quality, enrich my reading. πβ¨ ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook journey.
ZenZone
π‘ Seamlessly weaving audiobooks into my daily routine β this app's functionality has redefined how I enjoy books. π±π Finally, an app that lets me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. The library organization and book groups feature make navigation a breeze. ListenBook's sleek layout and quick chapter access have made my audiobook journey incredibly enjoyable. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible. The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds.
ForumFusion
The narrator's voices are so engaging, it's like having a personal storytelling session. ππ Falling asleep to audiobooks has never been easier β this app's soothing voices π΄π§ ποΈ Basking in the sun while indulging in literary adventures β this app makes outdoor relaxation even better. βοΈπ Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share stories and connect with friends. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction keep my audiobook library organized and visually appealing.
Red Woman
ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its impeccable audio quality and user-friendly features. πββοΈπ I'm conquering literary marathons with ease, all thanks to this app's intuitive controls and smooth functionality. π±π
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