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.
The Shield Toronto
I've become a more empathetic listener thanks to the emotional depth of audiobooks. Adjusting the tone of the voice is genius. It's like having a customizable audiobook narrator. ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace. Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldn’t call it unforgettable.
PixelPioneer
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life. ListenBook Pro takes my experience to the next level. Unlimited audiobook length, noise reduction, and voice tone adjustment? Count me in! With support for various audio formats, ListenBook ensures I can enjoy my favorite audiobooks without worries. ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Dallas Burn
As a visually impaired person, this app has opened up a new world of stories for me. The chapters feature on ListenBook enhances my audiobook exploration – it's like flipping through pages. ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library. The statistics feature in ListenBook adds an element of self-awareness to my audiobook consumption.
DanimalDaze
This app has made long flights and road trips so much more enjoyable. Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Fantastic app! The app's ability to handle various audio formats is impressive. No more file conversions! I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
Sir Shark
Seamless integration of audiobooks – this app's ease of use is impressive. Audiobook joy made simple – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique feature that adds a personalized touch to the listening experience. Adjustable playback speed and volume control are top-notch. Fairly enjoyable, but forgettable. I didn’t have any major complaints, but I also don’t see myself revisiting this one. It was a decent way to spend a few hours, though.
Shimmy Shammy
I've become a loyal fan of audiobooks, and this app is the reason why! I'm hooked on this app's ease of use – it's a reader's dream come true. Audiobook enjoyment has become an integral part of my routine, thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. A must-have! 📖📱 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction makes sure that background distractions don't interfere with my listening. Perfect for both first-time listeners and audiobook veterans! The narrator's warm, inviting tone made this an incredibly comfortable listening experience. I particularly appreciated how well they handled dialogue - each character felt distinct without being cartoonish. The pacing kept me engaged throughout.
Atomic Blastoid
ListenBook Pro's sharing features allow me to spread the joy of audiobooks with my friends and family. This app is a must-have for any book lover on the go – it's my daily companion.
Little Cobra
This app is my secret weapon for making the most of my free time. Audiobook enjoyment has never been this convenient. This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and enjoyable. 📚👌 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my immersion in every audiobook, regardless of surroundings. Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze. An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
Stick Shift
🎉 This app is a testament to thoughtful design – its functionality seamlessly blends with my lifestyle, making reading effortless. 📚✨ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my audiobook experience, ensuring I catch every detail. Download via WiFi, WebDAV, iTunes – options galore to suit everyone's preferences.
Snowflake Pixie
ListenBook has elevated my audiobook enjoyment to a whole new level – it's a must-have for any audio enthusiast. This app's features, from bookmarking to customizable playback speed, are fantastic. ListenBook has become my go-to app for exploring a diverse range of audiobooks. It offers a wide array of features that cater to different preferences and needs.
Pitfall Whiskers
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. I love the car mode. It’s so convenient for listening while driving. I don't have strong feelings about this one either way. The narration was competent but forgettable. The story itself was more engaging than the performance.
ForumFlare
I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. 💼 Making work hours enjoyable – audiobooks turn my tasks into learning opportunities and moments of joy. 💻📖 Streamlining audiobook enjoyment – this app's functionality is truly impressive. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend! This was my first audiobook in this genre and I'm hooked! The performance brought the story to life in a way reading never could. Already downloaded another by the same narrator.
Lady Q
ListenBook is a true audio treasure! It turns my own audio files into immersive listening experiences. I love the ability to import books from my computer. It’s so easy. As someone who struggles to focus on audiobooks, this kept my attention the whole way through. The narrator's clear diction and expressive delivery were perfect.
Killer Merlot
This app is a blessing for those with busy schedules – it's like time travel through stories. ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use.
Despair
Integration with Apple CarPlay has made long road trips so much more enjoyable. The app's design is sleek and modern – it's a pleasure to navigate.
Cabbie
I'm blown away by the app's performance. It's fast, reliable, and tailored for audiobook lovers. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and polished. Listening statistics motivate me to read more. Excellent feature! The app is perfect for long flights. It keeps me entertained the whole time. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Hyper
Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and diverse compatibility ensure that every tale is a captivating journey. 🌌🎧 Supports extensive playlists and bookmarks. Very user-friendly. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app is packed with useful features. The app is well-designed and user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a joy. 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.
White Dragon
The narrator's voices are so captivating, it's like they bring the stories to life. Listening to audiobooks has become a ritual, thanks to this incredible app. With this app, audiobook listening has become a convenient and enjoyable part of my everyday life. Looping playback is a fantastic study tool. It helps me focus and retain information effectively. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
ThermalMode
The interface is sleek and user-friendly. Makes navigating through chapters a breeze. ListenBook has become my constant companion. It's like having a personal audiobook assistant.
Congo Wire
ListenBook's support for various audio formats means I never have to worry about compatibility issues. ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an indispensable tool for my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook's commitment to a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls is evident in every aspect of the app. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
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