Book description
Martha Wells' Network Effect delivers the perfect blend of sharp wit and heartfelt tension in its fifth Murderbot Diaries installment, and the audiobook format makes it an absolute joy. Narrated with perfect pitch by the series' consistent voice actor, Murderbot's signature internal monologue-sarcastic, anxious, and utterly relatable-comes alive in a way that print alone can't capture. You hear the hesitation in its voice when it says, "It calls itself Murderbot, but only when no one can hear," a phrase that instantly establishes the core of its struggle: protecting its human crew while desperately clinging to its self-perceived role as a detached security unit.
The audiobook excels in translating Murderbot's emotional complexity. You feel its panic when its crew is captured, not through grand declarations, but through the frantic, self-deprecating commentary it directs at itself: "It worries about the fragile human crew who've grown to trust it, but only where no one can see." The narrator masterfully conveys the character's internal conflict-its denial ("only a professional obligation") versus its undeniable care-making the inevitable shift to action feel earned and deeply human. When Murderbot finally chooses "drastic action," the audiobook's pacing and vocal delivery make that moment resonate with quiet, powerful urgency.
What elevates this beyond a simple adventure is how Wells deepens the series' core theme: connection as both vulnerability and strength. Murderbot's journey from self-isolation to risking everything for others feels earned, and the audiobook's intimate delivery makes you feel every step of that transformation. The supporting characters, particularly the crew's dynamic and the introduction of an old friend in peril, add rich layers without overwhelming the focus. The pacing is tight, balancing humor ("professional obligation" is a running gag you'll appreciate), suspense, and genuine emotional weight. For fans of the series, it's a satisfying evolution; for new listeners, it's the ideal entry point into Murderbot's unforgettable voice. The audiobook isn't just a story told-it's a character you come to understand, trust, and cheer for, all through the sheer brilliance of its narration.
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Bitmap
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Kitchen
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Esquire
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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