Book description
John Scalzi's Old Man's War isn't just a great sci-fi premise-it's a perfectly pitched audiobook experience that makes you wish you'd started listening years ago. Forget the clichés of young soldiers; Scalzi's hero, John Perry, is 75, visiting his late wife's grave before enlisting in humanity's interstellar war effort. The setup-elderly citizens getting enhanced bodies for two years of frontline combat in exchange for a new life on a colony world-isn't just clever; it's deeply human. And that's where the audiobook shines.
The narrator, David Pittu, nails Perry's voice: weary, dryly observant, and unexpectedly funny. You hear the exhaustion in his voice when he admits he's "not the type to die young," then the quiet awe as he realizes his new body can outrun a deer. Pittu doesn't just read the words; he makes you feel Perry's disbelief at surviving a battle, his frustration with the CDF's bureaucracy, and the bittersweet weight of leaving Earth behind. The humor Scalzi writes-like Perry's confusion over "the new body" being called a "replacement"-lands perfectly in audio, where tone and pacing carry the wit.
What elevates this beyond a standard military sci-fi tale is how Scalzi explores aging and purpose through Perry's eyes. The audiobook lets you sit with those moments: Perry realizing he's now a soldier who can outfight younger recruits, or the quiet moment he imagines his wife's reaction to his new life. The pacing is brisk, matching Scalzi's snappy dialogue, but never rushes the emotional beats. Battle scenes crackle with tension, but it's the quieter moments-Perry learning to navigate his enhanced body, or the camaraderie with fellow "old men"-that linger.
You don't just hear the story; you feel its heart. The narrator's warmth makes the stakes feel personal, not just galactic. When Perry says he joined "to see what it's like to be young again," it's not a gimmick-it's a profound, relatable truth about what we carry into new chapters. The audiobook transforms Scalzi's sharp, accessible prose into something intimate, like a friend sharing a wild, heartfelt story over coffee. It's the rare sci-fi debut that's both thrilling and deeply moving, and the audio format makes it impossible not to get swept up. By the time Perry's two years end, you'll be as eager as he is for the next chapter-and already wondering if that colonist homestead is real.
Z-Boy
ListenBook's statistics feature is eye-opening. I had no idea how much time I spent immersed in audiobooks until I started using it. ListenBook's customizable audio filters add a new dimension to my audiobook enjoyment. The app's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically is a huge time-saver.
Doll Champagne
The ability to adjust the playback speed has made my commute even more efficient. This app is a true treasure for audiobook lovers – it's my go-to source for literary adventures! ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Palomino Cake
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver – no more losing my place in the story! 🎧 This app is my saving grace! Now I can enjoy my beloved books while cooking up a storm! 📚🍳 The range of supported formats is astounding. No more compatibility issues! Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my library look organized and professional. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
Lady In Red
This app has given me the joy of reading even when my hands are full. 🌌 Adding an extra layer of delight to cooking – this app turns meal prep into a culinary adventure with its audiobooks! 🍲📖 Adjusting the tone of the voice is so innovative. It's like personalizing the narration. Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
Winter Underdog
The offline mode is a lifesaver on flights – I'm never without a good story. This app is my secret to staying ahead on my reading list, even during my busiest days. Packed with useful features. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook app. The chapter navigation is a lifesaver. It makes finding my place so easy.
Athena Star
ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. No more fussing with synchronization – this app just gets it done!
Iron Butterfly
I can't thank the developers enough for constantly updating and improving the app. This app has turned audiobook listening into a daily ritual for me. The narrators have a way of bringing characters to life – it's a unique experience. ListenBook has made me fall in love with my audio content all over again – it's a must-have. The ability to adjust the tone of the narrator's voice is a creative touch that adds depth to my listening.
Mr. 44
The app's stability is impressive – it runs smoothly without any glitches. The user-friendly interface and precise controls make listening to audiobooks an absolute delight. The app is perfect for people with busy schedules. I can listen on the go.
Racy Lady
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. Effortlessly immersing in stories – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. ListenBook's attention to detail in design and functionality sets it apart from other audiobook apps.
ForumFusion
If you love stories but have a busy schedule, this app is your solution! Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile. I’m so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
Zero Corn
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audio needs are met. I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience so effortless. From downloading to playback, it's a true companion for book lovers. 📚💫
ByteBard
Kudos to the creators for making literature so accessible and enjoyable. The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. This app is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts. The interface is intuitive, and the playback is seamless! Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends, sparking engaging conversations and connections that transcend boundaries. Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If you’re looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
Tan Stallion
ListenBook's customizable audio filters allow me to personalize my listening experience – a fantastic feature. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks is a hassle-free process, regardless of the source. Looping playback and shuffle features keep my audiobook sessions engaging and fresh. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Whistler
Finally, an app that understands the power of CUE playlists. Perfect for organizing. I love how easy it is to download audiobooks with ListenBook. The app is incredibly convenient.
Poptart AK47
This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. My audiobook collection has never been more organized. Library management is a breeze.
Taffy Duchess
Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. Very convenient. ListenBook’s design is sleek and modern. The app is a pleasure to use. The voice boost feature is amazing. It makes every word crystal clear. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend! A masterclass in audiobook narration! The performer maintained perfect consistency in character voices throughout while keeping the main narration clear and engaging. The production was flawless - no weird edits or background noise. I'll be seeking out more works by this narrator.
Uncle Psycho
The ListenBook app has become an indispensable part of my daily routine, helping me learn and relax simultaneously. 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!
Mr. Thanksgiving
Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired. 🎧 Satiate your reading cravings while managing household affairs – this app has it all! 📚💼 🔥 Simplifying my reading routine – the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. 📚🔗
Brick Mooch
I've fallen in love with literature all over again, thanks to this incredible app. Adjustable playback speed and volume control make for a customized experience. The audio quality is superb. ListenBook enhances my audiobook experience. This audiobook was an absolute pleasure to listen to! The narrator's voice was rich and expressive, perfectly capturing the tone of the material. I found myself completely immersed in the story, often sitting in my car longer than necessary just to hear what happened next. The production quality was excellent with clear audio throughout.
Greek Rifle
Audiobooks anytime, anywhere – this app's functionality is a reader's delight. Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is truly remarkable. Downloading books over WiFi is quick and hassle-free. Very convenient.
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