Book description
At the Hotel Balzaar, Marta's mother rises before the sun, puts on her uniform, and instructs Marta to roam as she will but quietly, invisibly--like a little mouse. While her mother cleans rooms, Marta slips down the back staircase to the grand lobby to chat with the bellman, study the painting of an angel's wing over the fireplace, and watch a cat chase a mouse around the face of the grandfather clock, all the while dreaming of the return of her soldier father, who has gone missing. One day, a mysterious countess with a parrot checks in, promising a story--in fact, seven stories in all, each to be told in its proper order. As the stories unfold, Marta begins to wonder: could the secret to her father's disappearance lie in the countess's tales? Book two in a trio of novellas bound by place and mood--with elegant line art by J lia Sard --The Hotel Balzaar masterfully juggles yearning and belief, shining light into every dark corner.SynopsisAn instant New York Times bestseller In a wise and magical follow-up to The Puppets of Spelhorst, Kate DiCamillo revisits the land of Norendy, where tales swirl within tales--and every moment is a story in the making. At the Hotel Balzaar, Marta's mother rises before the sun, puts on her uniform, and instructs Marta to roam as she will but quietly, invisibly--like a little mouse. While her mother cleans rooms, Marta slips down the back staircase to the grand lobby to chat with the bellman, study the painting of an angel's wing over the fireplace, and watch a cat chase a mouse around the face of the grandfather clock, all the while dreaming of the return of her soldier father, who has gone missing. One day, a mysterious countess with a parrot checks in, promising a story--in fact, seven stories in all, each to be told in its proper order. As the stories unfold, Marta begins to wonder: could the secret to her father's disappearance lie in the countess's tales? Book two in a trio of novellas bound by place and mood--with elegant line art by J lia Sard --The Hotel Balzaar masterfully juggles yearning and belief, shining light into every dark corner.
Reno Monarch
ListenBook's library organization and book groups have made managing my audiobooks a breeze. Effortless audiobook management – this app's usability is impressive. The app's performance is nothing short of impressive – smooth, responsive, and designed with audiobook lovers in mind.
Hog Butcher
The narrators have a way of bringing characters to life – it's a unique experience. Audiobooks on this app have expanded my horizons and introduced me to new ideas. Looping playback is my favorite feature. It's perfect for revisiting complex content.
Fennel Dove
ListenBook's versatile controls and playback options have made my study sessions more productive and enjoyable. Audiobooks have become my companions during daily chores, making them enjoyable. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines – it's a game-changer. 🚗 Long road trips? No problem – this app keeps me entertained mile after mile! 🚙📚 A textbook example of great audiobook narration! The performer's diction was flawless, their pacing ideal, and their emotional range impressive. I never felt like I was being "read to" but rather like I was experiencing the story firsthand. The audio engineering was equally professional.
Metal Aphrodite
ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's a true companion for all my literary adventures. Easy chapter navigation and beautiful design make this app stand out.
Disco Thunder
This app's ease of use has made my long drives educational and enjoyable. I'm blown away by the app's performance. It's fast, reliable, and tailored for audiobook lovers.
SereneScribe
With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. I love that ListenBook Pro allows me to customize the tone of the sound – it adds a personal touch. 🌟 Making every moment count – this app turns everyday activities into a reading adventure! 📚💫
Manimal
The Looping playback and Shuffle features on ListenBook help me customize my listening sessions to my liking. 🎉 Making each day a new chapter – this app keeps me hooked from morning to night! 📖🌄 ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Demo Zero
Book groups help me keep series together and navigate my collection more efficiently. A great feature! Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a joy to use. It's a seamless experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to a whole new level.
Texas Butterfly
Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's design is a reader's dream. ListenBook's statistics feature is eye-opening. I had no idea how much time I spent immersed in audiobooks until I started using it. Adjusting playback speed has transformed the way I consume audiobooks. I can tailor the pacing to match my learning style and preferences.
Gullyway
Listening to audiobooks has become my daily ritual for relaxation and escape. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my daily dose of literary magic. This app's customizable features, from playback speed to filters, are fantastic. Audiobook enjoyment has never been this convenient. This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and enjoyable. 📚👌
Back Bett
ListenBook's extensive statistics feature adds a new level of insight to my audiobook habits. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features have become indispensable tools in my audiobook learning.
Geneva Cuffs
I'm amazed at how this app has made reading a seamless part of my life. Simplifying audiobook management – this app's functionality is a true asset. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to connect with fellow book lovers. Controls are intuitive and user-friendly, making my audiobook experience seamless. This was an adequate audiobook for casual listening. The narrator maintained a consistent pace and clear diction throughout, though their performance lacked some emotional range. The audio quality was fine with no significant technical distractions.
Low Voltage
ListenBook has rekindled my love for audiobooks. The app's interface is beautiful and user-friendly. Automatic metadata extraction keeps my library organized. It's a time-saver! ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Iron Jesus
I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life. I love the ability to import books from my computer. It’s so easy.
Bug Fire
No more hassle with formats – this app ensures my audiobook adventures are smooth, and my favorite tales are just a tap away. Highly recommended! 📚🎧 ListenBook's extensive format support makes it the ultimate audiobook app for any audiobook lover. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. I can't imagine going back! Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a joy to use. It's a seamless experience. The playback history is a great feature. I can easily revisit my favorite parts.
Spellbinder
I've become a more attentive listener thanks to the engaging audiobooks. ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library. 💼 Enhancing work-from-home productivity – audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. 💻📖 Audiobook pleasure without the fuss – this app's functionality is top-notch. ListenBook’s support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go.
Bad Beh8vior
Looping playback is a fantastic study tool. It helps me focus and retain information effectively. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Rooster
Frequent updates ensure there's always something new and exciting to listen to. This app has reignited my passion for literature – I'm devouring books like never before. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates with my daily routine. I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable.
Terror Master
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook is a fantastic way to spread the joy of listening. ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortless and enjoyable. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fun way to experiment with the audiobook experience.
StorySculptor
I've discovered authors I'd never heard of before, and now they're among my favorites. Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine, becoming an indispensable companion for various activities. Its user-friendly interface, features, and performance make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. It helps me absorb information more effectively. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
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