Book description
Neptune's Brood Review
Charles Stross delivers another ambitious installment in his Freyaverse with Neptune's Brood, a complex space opera that seamlessly blends hard science fiction with intricate financial thriller elements. Set five thousand years after Saturn's Children, this audiobook follows Krina Alizond, a metahuman accountant, as she ventures across star systems searching for her missing sister.
What makes this narrative particularly compelling is Stross's commitment to scientific plausibility. In a universe where faster-than-light travel doesn't exist, the author meticulously explores the logistical realities of interstellar commerce and communication delays across vast distances. The water-world of Shin-Tethys becomes more than just a setting-it's a character itself, shaped by the same physical laws that govern the rest of this carefully constructed cosmos.
The audiobook format serves Stross's dense, idea-rich prose well. Complex financial schemes and technological concepts are rendered accessible through clear narration that doesn't oversimplify the material. Krina's expertise in accounting and fraud detection provides a unique lens through which to view this far-future society, where economic systems have evolved beyond recognition yet remain fundamentally human in their corruption and complexity.
Stross excels at building tension through intellectual puzzles rather than simple action sequences. The mystery surrounding Krina's sister unfolds as layers of financial fraud are peeled away, revealing connections to schemes that span entire star systems. The presence of assassins and privateers adds physical danger to the intellectual stakes, creating a balanced narrative that appeals to both the mind and adrenaline.
The author's background in computer science and finance shines through in authentic-feeling depictions of interstellar economics. Rather than hand-waving the mechanics of banking across light-years, Stross explores how interest rates, communication delays, and relativistic effects would realistically impact financial systems. This attention to detail creates a universe that feels lived-in and logically consistent.
Neptune's Brood succeeds as both sequel and standalone novel, offering enough context for new readers while providing satisfying continuity for those familiar with Saturn's Children. The audiobook's pacing allows listeners to absorb the complex world-building without feeling rushed through crucial plot developments.
Stross continues to prove himself among the leading voices in contemporary hard science fiction, crafting stories that challenge readers while entertaining them. Neptune's Brood demonstrates his ability to tackle big ideas-interstellar economics, post-human evolution, and the persistence of human nature-without sacrificing narrative drive or character development.
LoreLoomer
Navigating audiobooks effortlessly β this app's functionality is commendable. This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. ππ ListenBook's Pro version is worth every penny. The noise reduction feature makes even noisy environments an ideal place for immersive listening.
Wooden Man
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! π§ Fueling my audiobook addiction with this fantastic app β pure listening pleasure! ππ₯ From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing various audio formats has turned my daily activities into enriching listening sessions. What a game-changer! ππ ListenBook's support for playlists in the CUE format makes organizing and enjoying audiobook series a delightful experience.
AirportHobo XD
The quality of the audio is top-notch, making the experience truly immersive. Audiobooks on this app have made my morning rituals something to look forward to. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It enhances the audio quality and makes listening comfortable. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It eliminates distractions and enhances the clarity of recordings, resulting in a more immersive experience.
Gothic Slacker
The quality of the audio is top-notch, making the experience truly immersive. This app has turned my daily commute into a source of inspiration and entertainment. Kudos to ListenBook for optimizing the app for iOS 16 β it shows their dedication to excellence. Audiobook joy made simple β this app's ease of use is a true marvel. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Racy Lion
Listening to audiobooks has made my daily commute more enjoyable and productive. With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings.
Wild Hair
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun way to customize my listening experience. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a huge plus during long drives. Automated metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is so organized now.
Mafia Princess
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to spread the joy. ListenBook is a game-changer for audiobook lovers. 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!
Runway Darling
I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. Book Groups on ListenBook make it easy to categorize and access my audiobooks. With this app, I can read anytime, anywhere β it's a reader's dream come true. The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences.
Flotsams54
ListenBook's intuitive controls and features have made it my preferred choice for audiobooks. π₯ Adding a spark of excitement to my daily routine β this app is my secret weapon! β¨π The app's compatibility with Apple Watch elevates my workouts, making them more engaging and productive. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
PixelPathfinder
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences β a thoughtful feature. Great app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook supports a wide range of formats.
Chuckles
Audiobook excellence made simple β this app's functionality is a true asset. I love the ability to customize the skip buttons. Itβs so convenient.
Fire Sass
ListenBook has reignited my love for storytelling and learning, one audio file at a time. is a breeze. It's incredibly convenient for building my collection. The best app for audiobooks. Downloading and organizing files is super easy with ListenBook.
Flint
Thanks to this app, I can enjoy the world of literature without missing a beat in my fast-paced life. With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of reading through my ears, making every moment more valuable. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to bond over stories.
Freak
Noise reduction on ListenBook enhances the clarity of dictaphone recordings, allowing me to enjoy content even in noisy environments. ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful β I'm hooked! I can't get enough of this app β it's like having a personal library with me. Makes listening to audiobooks so easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook! ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Dez North
Talk about convenience! This app's ease of use and support for multiple audio formats ensure that I can enjoy my favorite stories without any hassle. π±π With ListenBook Pro, I can enjoy super long audiobooks. It's fantastic! The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. The app is perfect for long flights. It keeps me entertained the whole time. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Apple Nola
ListenBook is a game-changer! Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my favorite audio files with ease. π§ Satiate your reading cravings while managing household affairs β this app has it all! ππΌ The app is perfect for long commutes. It keeps me entertained for hours. The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Oblivion
This audiobook app is a true gem β it brings stories to life with every click. Absolutely love this app! It's made my daily commute so much more enjoyable. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a dream for road trips. It keeps me entertained.
Bootleg Taximan
Background play feature lets me multitask while enjoying a book β brilliant! Audiobooks on this app have made studying and learning a more enjoyable process. ποΈπ§ Soaking up the sun while indulging in beach reads β this app is my ultimate relaxation companion. ποΈπ Bookmarking favorite parts of audiobooks is a breeze. It's like having a personalized study guide.
Natural Gold
ListenBook has made managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Library organization is top-notch. I can't get enough of the smooth playback experience. It's like a symphony for my ears. ListenBookβs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Pusher
I can't thank the developers enough for constantly updating and improving the app. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a brilliant way to connect. π Long road trips? No problem β this app keeps me entertained mile after mile! ππ Bookmarks are a lifesaver for study materials. I never lose my place again.
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