Book description
Hey, you ever stumble into a book that feels like a perfectly balanced sandwich-one slice of grim paladin drama, another of frantic, spider-webbed intrigue, all smothered in a generous layer of humor? That's exactly what "Paladin's Grace" does, and I'm here to tell you why this audiobook is the most delightfully chaotic ride of the year.
First off, meet Stephen. Picture a broken paladin who's so used to being dead-in-the-water that the only thing keeping him going is the hope that someone will let him wield a sword before he finally kicks the bucket. His god died on the longest day of the year-yes, the cosmic calendar got hit by a tragic punchline-and three years later, Stephen is just a shell, drifting through the void of meaningless duty. Then, out of the blue, he bumps into Grace, a fugitive who could be the antidote to his soul-sucking boredom. Grace isn't your run-of-the-mill sidekick; she's a street-wise, one-two punch that throws Stephen into a maelstrom of assassins, spies, poisoners, and a cryptic killer that's always a step ahead.
This is where the author's magic really shines. T. Kingfisher-yes, that's the pen-name of Ursula Vernon, a Hugo-winning author who also writes children's books and weird comics-knows how to juggle genres without dropping a single prop. Her prose slides between the grimy grit of a broken hero and the sparkling wit of a world that refuses to be taken too seriously. Even though the stakes are high, the narration never forgets to drop a joke or a playful twist on the trope of the "chosen one." And that's exactly what keeps you glued to the audio: it feels like you're having a heart-to-heart chat with the story itself, and not a dry lecture.
The stakes are high, the plot is tight, and the love that blooms between Stephen and Grace-yeah, that's the thing-adds a sweet counterpoint to the chaos. It's not a melodramatic swoon; it's a realistic, human connection that feels earned amid all the poison and intrigue. If you're worried that a fantasy thriller will feel too dark, remember: Kingfisher's voice is so buoyant that even the most twisted scenes get a bright, almost comedic edge. It's as if the narrator is whispering, "Don't worry, you'll laugh a little while we're dealing with existential dread."
And let's not forget the author's background: a master of children's tales and comic absurdity who now pulls us into an adult narrative that is as sharp as a razor-sharp sword. That crossover of skill sets translates into an audiobook that is not only a thriller but also a masterclass in pacing, character development, and witty dialogue. You'll hear the narrator switch gears smoothly, bringing the tension of a spy thriller and the levity of a comedy into a single, seamless listening experience.
Bottom line: if you've ever wanted an audiobook that feels like a rollercoaster with a sarcastic voice in the front seat, "Paladin's Grace" will do the trick. Stephen's broken soul, Grace's street-wise resilience, the tangled web of danger, and a love that refuses to be broken-all wrapped in a voice that can turn a grim plot into a laugh-and-breathe moment. This isn't just a fantasy; it's a full-blown, joyous, heart-stopping, slightly sarcastic adventure that will leave you humming the theme song long after the last page. Grab your headphones and let Stephen and Grace show you how to be useful, even when your god is long gone.
CuriousCraft
I'm hooked on this app's curated content β it's like having a personal librarian. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the love of literature. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has transformed the audio quality. It's crystal clear now. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Intimidating Presence
ListenBook's drag and drop downloads from web browsers are a time-saving feature I can't live without. Talk about convenience! This app's ease of use and support for multiple audio formats ensure that I can enjoy my favorite stories without any hassle. π±π
MysticMingle
Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive offerings, from statistics tracking to immersive audio processing, have breathed new life into my reading. πβ¨ Bookmarks are a lifesaver for study materials. I never lose my place again. Auto-rewind feature is a lifesaver. I never lose my place! Auto-rewind feature is extremely helpful. Great functionality. This app is a game-changer for audiobook lovers! The interface is clean and easy to use.
Dancing Madman
Kudos to ListenBook for optimizing the app for iOS 16 β it shows their dedication to excellence. Looping playback helps me retain knowledge from audiobooks effectively. It's an invaluable tool.
Carrot Joker
Unwinding with a good audiobook has become my favorite self-care ritual. Organization made simple β this app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures that every story is just a tap away. Convenience at its finest. ππ± One of the best audiobooks Iβve heard! The story was compelling, and the narratorβs delivery added depth to every scene. I found myself looking for excuses to listen just a little longer. Will definitely revisit this one!
Senior Smurf
If you love stories but have a busy schedule, this app is your solution! ListenBook has united my love for audiobooks with my passion for learning. What a brilliant app!
Waylay Dave
ListenBook has added a new dimension to my audiobook listening experience β it's not just about the content, but the convenience too. Iβm 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!
Knuckles
ListenBook has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again β it's a must-have app. π Bedtime stories for adults? Yes, please! This app is a dream come true. ππ Absolutely love this app! It's made my daily commute so much more enjoyable. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a thoughtful and enjoyable way to share my favorite stories with friends and introduce them to new worlds of literature. Binaural audio processing is amazing. Reduced my listening fatigue significantly.
Wheels
ListenBook's sleek interface and precise controls make it a joy to use during my daily listening sessions. ListenBook's compatibility with multiple downloading methods ensures there's always a way to get my content. ListenBook's dedication to providing a top-quality audio player is evident in every aspect of the app. This app's library is a treasure trove β I'm always discovering new favorites. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction keep my audiobook library organized and visually appealing.
Mirage
This app's seamless integration with CarPlay and other devices has revolutionized my audiobook experience. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading a seamless part of my life. Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's ease of use is a true asset. No more limits on the genres I can explore! This app's versatility in downloading and organizing audiobooks ensures I always have a captivating tale at my fingertips. ππ± AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks. Great feature!
Moon Peaches
πͺ Doubling the impact of my workouts β exercising and exploring stories, all thanks to this app! πͺπ§ π§ββοΈβ Unwinding with a cup of tea and a captivating audiobook β relaxation meets intellectual stimulation. π΅π ListenBook is fantastic! Supports every audiobook format I have. Super convenient! The app is well-designed and user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a joy.
MythMaker
This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that I never miss out on a great audiobook. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. I never thought I'd find an app that supports such a wide range of audiobook formats. ListenBook is a true gem! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature elevates my listening experience, allowing me to focus on the content. ListenBook has become an essential part of my day, enhancing my commute and allowing me to enjoy audiobooks like never before.
Mr. 44
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. I'm amazed at how this app's features cater to audiobook enthusiasts' every need. This app has made me realize that I don't need a lot of time to read.
Swampmasher
With this app, I can read anytime, anywhere β it's a reader's dream come true. Audiobooks made convenient β this app's functionality is impressive. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options have made audiobook revisiting and studying a breeze. Has every feature I need. My top choice for audiobooks!
Red Pepper
π§ Audiobooks anywhere, anytime β this app's convenience is unbeatable! ππ Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. I can focus on challenging content.
Swerve
I'm amazed at how this app has made my workouts more motivating and my audiobooks more accessible. I can't get enough of this app's user-friendly interface β it's a true delight. I love the statistics feature. Itβs fun to see how much Iβve listened. As someone who listens to audiobooks daily, I can confidently say ListenBook is the best player out there. The sleep timer and auto-rewind features are lifesavers, and the sound quality is exceptional. Thank you for such a great app! Not the best audiobook I've heard but far from the worst. The production quality was good and there were no major issues with the narration.
Patton Digger
ListenBook's absence of synchronization requirements adds to its convenience and flexibility. This app's convenience has revolutionized the way I experience books. βοΈ A round of applause for an app that prioritizes functionality β I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and other tasks. ππ§ ListenBook's extensive format support makes it the ultimate audiobook app for any audiobook lover.
Slinger
This app has turned even my mundane tasks into exciting learning opportunities. This app's library is a treasure trove β I'm always discovering new favorites. π§ββοΈβ Unwinding with a cup of tea and a captivating audiobook β relaxation meets intellectual stimulation. π΅π Bookmarks are a must-have for any audiobook lover. They help me stay organized and engaged.
Congo Wire
As an audiobook enthusiast, I'm in awe of ListenBook's advanced features. The ability to adjust the reader's voice tone is a unique and fun addition. ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent audiobook experience is evident in its smooth and silky playback.
Easy Street
I can't imagine a day without this app β it has made my audiobook journey seamless and fulfilling. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like the app knows what I need. Looping playback is an invaluable tool for my study sessions. It helps me grasp complex concepts.
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