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.
Petite Beauty
Audiobook listening has never been this easy and convenient β it's like having a personal narrator. This app's compatibility with different file types means that my entire audiobook collection is at my fingertips.
Screwtape
The seamless integration with my car's audio system is a road trip dream. Thank you for making literature more accessible, enjoyable, and immersive. This app is a game-changer! ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. It's like having virtual bookshelves!
Knuckles
I can't imagine my daily rituals without this app β it's a constant source of joy. Finally, an app that values usability β navigating and listening is a breeze! Binaural audio processing really works. Less fatigue during long listening sessions. I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch.
Roller Girl
Listening to audiobooks has become a ritual, thanks to this incredible app. π§ Satiate your reading cravings while managing household affairs β this app has it all! ππΌ This app has completely transformed my daily routine. I can't imagine my commute without it!
B@d B0y
I'm amazed at this app's ability to transport me to different worlds through stories. With this app, I've turned my everyday moments into meaningful opportunities for growth and learning. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a creative way to share the love of literature. The audio quality is excellent, and the interface is intuitive. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Tall Sally
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and precise controls make it a joy to use every day. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's elegant design and robust functionality make it a must-have for anyone who loves to listen on the go. π§π± AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks. Great feature! The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Sapiens
ListenBook's dedication to delivering a high-quality playback experience sets it apart from other apps. Audiobook listening has never been this easy and convenient β it's like having a personal narrator. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is such a fun way to spread joy. CUE playlist support is a fantastic organizational feature. It keeps my audiobooks neatly arranged.
Moon Radar
π Long road trips? No problem β this app keeps me entertained mile after mile! ππ I've recommended ListenBook to all my fellow bookworms. It's a true companion for audiobook lovers. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling. Listening stats motivate me to read more. Great feature! Finally, an app that handles all my audiobook formats effortlessly. ListenBook is a must-have!
Rosie Bird
π‘ This app has made my daily schedule more interesting β 'reading' on the go! π±πΆββοΈ The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting. 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.
Suicide Jockey
Audiobooks on this app have made my workouts more enjoyable and productive. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers is incredibly convenient. Downloading audiobooks has never been this easy.
Bit Sentinel
Download via WiFi, WebDAV, iTunes β options galore to suit everyone's preferences. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's an essential tool that enhances every listening session. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Widow Curio
I've discovered authors I'd never heard of before, and now they're among my favorites. Kudos to the app for making literature accessible to those with busy schedules. The audio filters in ListenBook allow me to customize my listening experience. Speed up or slow down playbackβit's all up to me!
Lady In Red
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. ListenBook has revolutionized my audio experience, making it both personalized and engaging. Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze.
Fire Sass
The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. This app has reignited my love for literature in the most delightful way. ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. ListenBook's customizable audio filters are a game-changer for tailoring my audiobook playback. ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Cool Law Topping
I love that I can switch between fiction and non-fiction effortlessly. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly enhanced my audio quality. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. The voice boost feature is amazing. It makes every word crystal clear.
Cosmo
With this app, I can enjoy my favorite stories while traveling, making my journeys more delightful. Noise reduction and voice tone changing are brilliant features.
PixelPathfinder
I'm blown away by the range of non-fiction audiobooks available β so much to learn! ListenBook has become my trusted companion, making even the busiest days enjoyable. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines β it's a game-changer. π‘ Nurturing my curiosity with audiobooks β this app adds a touch of wonder to my daily routines. π±π Navigating through chapters is a breeze. I can easily jump to the parts I want to listen to.
RZR
ListenBook's smooth playback and easy navigation ensure that my audiobook experience is always top-notch. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats makes it a versatile and essential app for audiobook enthusiasts. π Adding an extra layer of delight to cooking β this app turns meal prep into a culinary adventure with its audiobooks! π²π ListenBook's intuitive interface and quick controls make it a pleasure to navigate through audiobooks. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Frosty Snazz
The 'Explore' feature has introduced me to authors I might never have discovered otherwise. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch has made my listening experience even more seamless. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like my personal audiobook oasis. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It enhances the audio quality and makes listening comfortable.
Blade
This app has made waiting in lines and queues an opportunity for exploration and enjoyment. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are simply amazing. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
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