Book description
Forget Marvel. This is the REAL superhero origin story, and it's delivered with the energy of a historian who's way too excited about ancient wars. Tom Holland's Persian Fire isn't just a history book-it's the audiobook you'll play while folding laundry, because you'll be too busy laughing at Persia's sheer, glittering arrogance. Picture this: 5th-century BC Persia, a global superpower drowning in gold and delusions of grandeur, deciding Athens and Sparta-two scrappy, mountainous, "terrorist states" (Holland's words, not mine)-needed to be fixed. Because apparently, "herding goats in a rocky hillside" wasn't a valid civilization.
Holland's voice? Pure, unfiltered joy. He narrates like he's sharing a scandal over coffee, not lecturing about battles. You'll hear him chuckle at how the Persians tried to conquer Greece with a navy that got wrecked by a storm (turns out, even empires have bad weather days). The real magic? He makes you feel the underdogs' panic. Imagine being a Greek farmer, suddenly told your tiny village is the last hope against an army that could buy your entire town twice over. Holland doesn't just tell you about Marathon; he makes you hear the clank of armor, smell the fear, and wonder, "Wait, we were the underdogs?"
And the best part? It's not just ancient history. It's the original David vs. Goliath, but with way more drama and fewer superheroes. Holland's gift is making you see how these tiny Greek city-states-fearless, weird, and utterly unimpressed by Persian pomp-changed the world. You'll finish this audiobook convinced that "being a total weirdo" is the ultimate superpower. So grab your headphones, skip the Netflix, and let Holland's voice turn you into the person who actually knows why we still care about Persia vs. Greece. You'll be quoting it at parties. (And yes, the "terrorist states" line is definitely going on your next text chain.)
Atlantic Rim
This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. Audiobook joy made simple – this app's ease of use is a game-changer.
MysticMingle
I can't believe how much I've learned and enjoyed through this app's audiobooks. Effortlessly enjoying audiobooks on the go – kudos to this app's functionality. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly – this app's design is top-notch. The adjustable playback speed is a revelation. It's like having a personal audiobook narrator at my pace. The app never crashes. It’s reliable and stable.
Pecan Oblivion
ListenBook's user-friendly design and compatibility with different formats have made it my go-to app. If you love stories but have a busy schedule, this app is your solution! I love the ability to import books from my computer. It’s so easy.
THRESHmSTR
ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. User-centric audiobook joy – this app's ease of use is a true marvel. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features add versatility to my audiobook listening experience. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and visually appealing.
Sky Herald
Gone are the days of waiting for the right time to read – this app is always ready. 🌟 Adding excitement to everyday tasks – this app is my partner in productivity! 📚🚀 💡 This app's convenience is a blessing – I can squeeze in reading time between managing household tasks! 📱👩🍳 Audiobook multitasking made easy – this app's functionality is top-notch. Downloading audiobooks is a breeze, thanks to the variety of options available.
Zero Corn
This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true delight. Bookmarking my favorite parts of audiobooks is now a breeze. Love this feature! The app is perfect for multitasking. I can listen while doing other things. I love the ability to import books from my computer. It’s so easy.
Tabasco Dracula
ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks a breeze. The smooth playback and intuitive interface are unmatched. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve 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!
New York Mood
This app's convenience and ease of use have transformed my screen time into productive learning sessions. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand, transforming noisy environments into serene listening spaces. This app is perfect for audiobook lovers. The interface is beautiful and easy to navigate.
Wild Hair
ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its impeccable audio quality and user-friendly features. Audiobooks have become my constant companions during my daily activities. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my daily dose of literature. Auto-rewind feature is a lifesaver. I never lose my place! The app is perfect for long commutes. It keeps me entertained for hours.
Nice Gnome
With this app, I've unlocked the secret to reading even on the busiest days. My daily workouts are more enjoyable now, thanks to seamless integration with Apple Watch. I love the bookmarking feature. ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off.
Trash Sling
The ability to download audio from network devices directly within ListenBook is incredibly convenient. This app's convenience has made reading a consistent part of my life. 🚶♀️🎧 Strolling through captivating narratives while I take my daily walks – pure bliss! 🏞️📚 Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique feature that adds a personalized touch to the listening experience. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
ThoughtTracer
With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual discovery and personal fulfillment. ListenBook has become my trusted companion for literary adventures. The app's features are exceptional.
Cream
This app has become my go-to for audiobooks, adding a layer of convenience and enjoyment to my days. Audiobook immersion without fuss – this app's ease of use is commendable. No more hassle with file conversion. This app handles all formats effortlessly. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Ladysmith
📱 It's like having a personal audiobook library at my fingertips! This app's functionality is a dream come true for book lovers. 📚🔥 Simplifying audiobook management – this app's functionality is a true asset. 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.
PixelPathfinder
I've started reading more books than ever before, all thanks to this app. I'm amazed by how this app effortlessly turns my daily routines into enjoyable learning sessions. Noise reduction and tone changing are awesome features.
Houston
Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable. 🌟 This app is a game-changer – its intuitive design and seamless functionality make listening to audiobooks a joy. 🎉🎧
DuckDuck
I'm hooked on this app's intuitive features – from chapters to playback controls. Audiobook immersion simplified – this app's ease of use is a true asset.
42nd Street
I'm amazed at this app's ability to transport me to different worlds through stories. ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features make it easy to keep my content at my fingertips. 💼 Making work hours enjoyable – audiobooks turn my tasks into learning opportunities and moments of joy. 💻📖 ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks a breeze. The smooth playback and intuitive interface are unmatched. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Emerald Goddess
I can't believe how much time I've gained by listening while cooking and doing chores. I never knew my daily walks could be so fulfilling – all thanks to this app. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile. The app is perfect for multitaskers. I can listen while working out. 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.
Trash Sling
🧘♂️ Finding zen through storytelling – this app makes meditation even more calming. 🧘♂️🎧 The noise reduction feature in ListenBook Pro is a game-changer for enjoying clear recordings. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the audio quality and ensures that I can immerse myself fully in the content.
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