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.)
Ozzie Treat
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a brilliant way to connect. I can't get enough of this app's easy navigation and quick access to chapters and playback controls. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand, transforming noisy environments into serene listening spaces. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a joy to use. It's a seamless experience.
Rink Ruler
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear and distraction-free listening. Chapters make navigation a breeze. I can easily pick up where I left off.
Mauve Cactus
ListenBook's audio filters are a valuable tool for customizing my audiobook playback to perfection. 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.
Romance Guppy
The layout is not only beautiful but also intuitive. Controls are easy to access. The ability to adjust playback speed and volume is a game-changer for me. Incredible character voices! Each person felt distinct without being over-the-top. The emotional scenes gave me chills with how well they were delivered.
Alley Frog
I'm amazed at how immersive the experience is – it's like being inside the story. ⏰ Waking up to audiobooks – mornings have never been this magical and inspiring! ☀️🎧 Efficiency and ease combined – this app is a must-have for book lovers. Savoring stories has never been this smooth – this app's functionality is genius.
Trip
🌟 Adding excitement to everyday tasks – this app is my partner in productivity! 📚🚀 🏝️🎧 Escaping to paradise with a beach read – this app is my vacation in audio form! 🏖️📖 Automatic metadata retrieval is a neat touch. My library is well-organized.
Mammoth 2
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a brilliant way to connect. Audiobooks on this app have expanded my horizons and introduced me to new ideas. 🌟 Say goodbye to boredom during long drives – this app makes road trips fly by! 🚗🎉 Downloading over WiFi is quick and efficient. Saves a lot of time. 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!
Divine Quasar
Unwinding with a good audiobook has become my favorite self-care ritual. This app's playback controls and features make it a breeze to customize my listening experience. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's design focuses on seamless interaction.
Twisty Freesia
Mood-based playlists help me choose books that suit my current state of mind. The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. I can finally tackle my reading list while stuck in traffic – what a win! Adjusting the tone of the voice adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I love the personalization!
BuffFreak
The convenience of downloading audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. 🌟 Who needs a dull commute when you can embark on literary journeys with this app? 🚗📖 I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. I love the cloud integration. I can access my books from anywhere.
Roadblock
Thanks for making my daily commute to work enjoyable and engaging! No more hassle with formats – this app ensures my audiobook adventures are smooth, and my favorite tales are just a tap away. Highly recommended! 📚🎧 Binaural audio processing really works. Less fatigue during long listening sessions.
Wildcat Appaloosa
I've become a more empathetic listener and reader, thanks to the power of audiobooks. With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. ListenBook has made my daily commutes enjoyable. No more boredom! Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share stories and connect with friends. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Backstreet
ListenBook's dedication to delivering an exceptional experience is evident in every detail. Adjustable playback speed is my secret weapon for covering more material in less time. A productivity boost!
Aqua Monsoon
Audiobook multitasking made easy – this app's functionality is a marvel. No more interruptions – the auto-rewind feature is a genius solution for seamless listening.
King Panther
🎶📚 Enriching my environment with the power of storytelling – audiobooks infuse my home with literary magic. 🎧🏠 Bookmarks have become my study companion. I can easily revisit important passages in my audiobooks. Tone adjustment adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I'm hooked! Looping playback is an invaluable tool for my study sessions. It helps me grasp complex concepts.
Troubadour
The quality of the audio is top-notch, making the experience truly immersive. ListenBook's configurable auto-rewind after interruptions is a smart addition that keeps me on track. With ListenBook, my iPhone and iPad have become a gateway to a world of captivating stories. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and efficient.
Tse Tse Guy
ListenBook's user-friendly design and compatibility with different formats have made it my go-to app. Adjusting the tone of the voice is so innovative. It's like personalizing the narration. Perfect for studying with its playback controls and audio filters. Excellent app! Binaural audio processing is amazing. Reduced my listening fatigue significantly.
StorySculptor
📚 Turning my phone into a portal of stories – this app's ease of use is remarkable! 📱💫 Audiobooks anytime, anywhere – this app's functionality is a reader's delight. User-centric audiobook joy – this app's ease of use is a true marvel. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Friday Ferrari
This app has transformed my daily routines into immersive storytelling experiences. 💡 This app truly understands the needs of audiobook enthusiasts – it delivers an effortless and enjoyable listening experience. 📚🎧 Drag and drop downloads are so convenient. No more messing around with complicated steps. ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration.
Moon Orchid
🎶 Swapping background music for the soothing voices of narrators – audiobooks have become my soundtrack for daily life. 🎵📚 ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. I can't imagine going back! Bookmarks are a must-have for any audiobook lover. They help me stay organized and engaged. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and polished. The intuitive interface and efficient navigation make this app a pleasure to use every day.
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