Book description
"Immersive . . . bracingly ambitious . . . rewinds the story of life on Earth--from the mammoth steppe of the last Ice Age to the dawn of multicellular creatures over 500 million years ago."--The EconomistLONGLISTED FOR THE BAILLIE GIFFORD PRIZE - "One of those rare books that's both deeply informative and daringly imaginative."--Elizabeth Kolbert, author of Under a White Sky ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New Yorker, Prospect (UK) The past is past, but it does leave clues, and Thomas Halliday has used cutting-edge science to decipher them more completely than ever before. In Otherlands, Halliday makes sixteen fossil sites burst to life on the page. This book is an exploration of the Earth as it used to exist, the changes that have occurred during its history, and the ways that life has found to adapt―or not. It takes us from the savannahs of Pliocene Kenya to watch a python chase a group of australopithecines into an acacia tree; to a cliff overlooking the salt pans of the empty basin of what will be the Mediterranean Sea just as water from the Miocene Atlantic Ocean spills in; into the tropical forests of Eocene Antarctica; and under the shallow pools of Ediacaran Australia, where we glimpse the first microbial life. Otherlands also offers us a vast perspective on the current state of the planet. The thought that something as vast as the Great Barrier Reef, for example, with all its vibrant diversity, might one day soon be gone sounds improbable. But the fossil record shows us that this sort of wholesale change is not only possible but has repeatedly happened throughout Earth history. Even as he operates on this broad canvas, Halliday brings us up close to the intricate relationships that defined these lost worlds. In novelistic prose that belies the breadth of his research, he illustrates how ecosystems are formed; how species die out and are replaced; and how species migrate, adapt, and collaborate. It is a breathtaking achievement: a surprisingly emotional narrative about the persistence of life, the fragility of seemingly permanent ecosystems, and the scope of deep time, all of which have something to tell us about our current crisis.
Scrapple
I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. This app's convenience has revolutionized the way I experience books. Audiobook enjoyment without the hassle – this app's design is a win. The statistics tracking feature is eye-opening. I never realized how much time I spend on audiobooks until now!
Boost
This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. This app's compatibility with different file types means that my entire audiobook collection is at my fingertips. This app has transformed my daily routine into moments of literary delight.
Mosquit-No
ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a playful addition that lets me tweak the audiobook experience. The app is perfect for people who love to read but don’t have the time.
Whip Chu
ListenBook is a game-changer – it plays a wide variety of formats without any conversion needed. I can't get enough of this app's convenience – it has transformed my audiobook journey into a joyous experience. ListenBook's commitment to a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls is evident in every aspect of the app. What a delightful listening experience! The narrator's timing was impeccable, knowing exactly when to pause for effect or let the words flow. Their character voices were distinct yet natural - no over-the-top accents or distracting vocal tics. The audio quality was consistently excellent.
Stud Buster
Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. 🌟 Simplifying my reading routine – this app's user-friendly design ensures I'm always in sync with my favorite stories. 📚✨ The app's performance is unparalleled. It's like it's tailor-made for my device. The statistics feature is brilliant. I love seeing how much time I spend on audiobooks with ListenBook. The customer support is amazing. They responded to my query within hours.
Martini Flower
I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my passport to countless stories. Shuffle playback is a fun feature. It keeps me engaged with my audiobooks.
Lil Rebel Ma
The noise reduction feature in ListenBook Pro is a game-changer for enjoying clear recordings. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
TrinitySoul
The fact that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats without DRM protection is a huge win. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. 💡 Nurturing my curiosity with audiobooks – this app adds a touch of wonder to my daily routines. 📱📖 ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like having a library on my phone!
Atomic Blastoid
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. This app is a true treasure for audiobook lovers – it's my go-to source for literary adventures! CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to create curated listening experiences for different moods and settings. Auto-rewind is a brilliant feature. Never lose track of where I left off. I love how customizable the playback speed is. It makes listening so much more enjoyable.
Snowflake Pixie
ListenBook has made my commutes more enjoyable, transforming them into learning sessions. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn even the most mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for learning. ListenBook's intuitive layout and quick access to chapters make audiobook navigation a breeze. My productivity has soared since I started using ListenBook for my study materials. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are excellent additions.
Undergrad Split
The app's interface is sleek and modern, making it a joy to use. ListenBook's unlimited length of audiobooks with the Pro version is a fantastic value for avid listeners. As a busy individual, I appreciate ListenBook's versatility in downloading audio files from various sources. It's a time-saver for sure! The app's performance is unparalleled. It's like it's tailor-made for my device.
21st Street
Thanks to ListenBook, I've rediscovered the joy of exploring my favorite content on multiple devices. I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, all thanks to this app. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds convenience to my audiobook routine. The statistics feature is brilliant. I love seeing how much time I spend on audiobooks with ListenBook.
VPR
🎉 Rekindling my love for stories – this app's accessibility has reignited my passion! 📖🚀 Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend. A reasonable choice for casual listening. The audiobook was well-produced, but the pacing felt uneven in places. I didn’t dislike it, but I also didn’t feel strongly about it one way or another.
CuriousCrafter
📱 Unlocking the world of literature with just a tap – this app is my digital library card! 📚📱 Looping playback of a single track helps me master difficult concepts. So helpful! It was fine. The narrator did an adequate job but nothing about the performance particularly stood out to me. Got me through my commute though.
Sw33per
I've become a more empathetic listener thanks to the emotional depth of audiobooks. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is amazing. ListenBook is top-notch.
Trip
ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a game-changer. The app's ability to handle various audio formats is impressive. No more file conversions! The app is perfect for long commutes. It keeps me entertained for hours. An audiobook I’ll listen to again! The story was engaging, and the narrator’s performance made it even better. Some parts were so well-delivered that I replayed them just to hear the emotion again.
Twix Bond
ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for personal growth. 🚶♀️🎧 Enjoying the great outdoors while immersing myself in fantastic tales – walking never felt this magical! 🏞️📚
Rook
With ListenBook, I can finally enjoy my audiobooks without worrying about format compatibility. It handles everything! ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a boon for those who enjoy deep dives into lengthy narratives. Noise reduction and tone changing enhance the listening experience. Love it! The interface is sleek and modern. It’s a joy to use. I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs.
Granola Dove
I'm addicted to this app – it's a non-stop journey through captivating tales. Audiobook multitasking made easy – this app's functionality is a marvel. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends, sparking engaging conversations and connections that transcend boundaries. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Highway
The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds. Listening stats feature keeps me motivated to read more. Love it!
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