Book description
Yelena's execution was supposed to be quick. Instead, she's offered a slow, agonizing death by poison-and the only thing standing between her and a painful end is a daily antidote. That's the brutal reality waiting for her in the palace of Ixia, where the Commander of the realm has a deadly game in mind. You'll feel every heartbeat as Yelena steps from the cell into the gilded cage of the palace kitchens, where every meal is a potential death sentence. The audiobook pulls you into her skin, making the metallic taste of fear as real as the whispered threats in the shadows.
Maria V. Snyder's world-building isn't just vivid-it's alive. The tension isn't just in the plot; it's in the way the narrator captures Yelena's exhaustion, the way her voice cracks when she realizes she's not just tasting food anymore, but surviving. The Commander's voice, calm and utterly chilling, cuts through the tension: "You're not my enemy. You're my problem." You can hear the weight of that line, the threat buried in the politeness.
What makes this audiobook soar isn't just the high stakes-it's Yelena's voice. She's not a passive victim. She's sharp, observant, and fiercely trying to stay alive while navigating palace intrigue, a growing magical power she can't control, and the ever-present shadow of Butterfly's Dust. The narrator doesn't just read her; they become her, making the panic when she misses an antidote feel like your own. You're there with her in the kitchen, smelling the spices, hearing the clink of the vial of antidote on the table, wondering if this time the poison will win.
The twists aren't just clever-they're earned. Snyder builds the world so carefully, you feel the weight of Ixia's political fractures, the rebels' desperation, the Commander's hidden motives. And the magic? It's not flashy. It's a slow burn, as unsettling as the poison itself. You'll find yourself leaning in, not just to solve the mystery, but to understand why Yelena's choices matter.
This isn't just a story about survival. It's about finding your voice when the world is trying to silence you-and realizing the most dangerous thing in a palace isn't the poison, but the silence around it. The audiobook makes you hear every unspoken word, every breath held in the dark. You'll finish it not just with the story in your head, but with the echo of Yelena's voice in your ears, wondering what you'd risk to stay alive. And you'll be desperate to hear what happens next.
ZenZone
Mood-based playlists help me choose books that suit my current state of mind. ListenBook's commitment to providing top-notch audio quality has taken my audiobook experience to a new level. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's design focuses on seamless interaction. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. They help me keep related titles together for a seamless experience. The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily.
Cosmic Presence
The listening stats feature is awesome. I can track my audiobook habits effortlessly. This app is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. The ability to adjust skip intervals and playback speed is fantastic. I also love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Worth every penny!
Sepukku
This app is a must-have for any book lover on the go β it's my daily companion. Audiobooks made convenient β this app's functionality is a true gift. Downloading over WiFi saves so much time. Very efficient. The best app for audiobooks. Downloading and organizing files is super easy with ListenBook.
Trip
This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. ποΈπ§ Escaping to paradise with a beach read β this app is my vacation in audio form! ποΈπ Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy! Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fun way to personalize the listening experience. 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.
Athens Fire
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly improved the audio quality of my recordings. Noise reduction and tone changing are awesome features.
Friday Ferrari
No more straining my eyes to read β now I can simply immerse myself in storytelling. I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments. 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± ListenBook's intuitive interface and quick controls make it a pleasure to navigate through audiobooks. Bookmarks have become my study companion. I can easily revisit important passages in my audiobooks.
Scratch
This app has made my commutes and long drives a source of joy and learning. I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. This audiobook spoiled me for others! The narrator's professional delivery set a high bar - perfect diction, ideal pacing, and emotional authenticity. The recording quality was equally impressive with no distracting artifacts. I finished it far too quickly because I couldn't stop listening.
Evil Smith
ListenBook's smooth playback and easy navigation ensure that my audiobook experience is always top-notch. ListenBook's versatility and user-friendly interface make it a must-have for audiobook lovers. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. Apple Watch compatibility adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook enjoyment. It's seamless control at my wrist. The ability to download audio directly within the app is a lifesaver. ListenBook is incredibly convenient.
Cool Iris
The app's support for multiple formats is flawless. Very satisfied. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature.
Snow Cream
Looping playback and shuffle features keep my audiobook sessions engaging and fresh. My study sessions are more efficient than ever, thanks to the looping playback and bookmark features.
Mr. Alien
This audiobook app is a true gem β it brings stories to life with every click. The statistics feature in ListenBook is a valuable tool for monitoring and optimizing my audiobook consumption. Looping playback is a brilliant study tool. Thanks to ListenBook, my learning has improved! ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use.
CommandX
ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch has streamlined my multitasking. π± It's like having a personal audiobook library at my fingertips! This app's functionality is a dream come true for book lovers. ππ₯ The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook habits, helping me learn and grow. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Indigo Red
Looping playback has revolutionized my study sessions. I'm learning faster than ever. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly improved the audio quality of my recordings. The detailed listening stats are fantastic. Helps me keep track of my progress. Listening stats feature keeps me motivated to read more. Love it! I've found my new favorite narrator! Their voice was perfectly suited to this material, with just the right blend of authority and approachability. The production quality was broadcast-level - no distracting breaths, clicks, or inconsistent volume. Already looking for more of their work.
CuriousCoder
The fact that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats without DRM protection is a huge win. 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 Revolutionizing the way I enjoy stories β this app's seamless playback and intuitive controls make it a must-have for every book enthusiast. π±π§ ListenBook's detailed statistics feature helps me keep track of my listening habits. It's amazing to see how much I've learned from all those audiobooks! ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds convenience to my audiobook routine.
Thumb Candy
The compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch sets ListenBook apart from the rest. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook consumption habits. Quick access to chapters is a blessing. No more scrolling through endless content. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve found. The interface is clean and easy to use.
McDreamy
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Adjusting playback speed has given me greater control over my audiobook experience. I can optimize my learning and enjoyment by customizing the pacing. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is amazing. ListenBook is top-notch.
NexusNinja
I'm absolutely in love with this app! It's like a library of stories in my pocket. The convenience of switching between devices without losing my place is a lifesaver. π Bedtime stories for adults? Yes, please! This app is a dream come true. ππ Audiobook excellence simplified β this app's functionality is a true delight. The app's interface is so sleek and modern. It's a joy to use.
Wolf Tribune
πΆββοΈπ± I'm exploring new worlds while on the move, all thanks to this app's seamless functionality. ποΈπ Streamlining my audiobook journey β this app's design is top-notch. Kudos to the developers for crafting an app that understands readers' needs. The smooth playback and sleek design are pure perfection. ππ
Skirble
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! Finally, an app that turns my daily commute into an adventure through literature. π± My pocket-sized library β this app makes reading accessible anytime, anywhere! ππ± 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.
Shady Lady
ListenBook's attention to detail in design and functionality sets it apart from other audiobook apps. ListenBook has become an integral part of my daily routine. Its compatibility with Apple Watch and CarPlay makes it the ultimate companion for various activities. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It eliminates distractions and enhances the clarity of recordings, resulting in a more immersive experience. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are simply amazing.
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