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.
Blade
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! The adjustable playback speed feature is a true innovation. It adds a personalized touch to my listening. My workouts have become more enjoyable and productive with ListenBook's compatibility with Apple Watch.
Tse Tse Guy
This app has ignited my passion for reading once again β but in a modern, convenient way. High-quality playback even with complex formats like FLAC. Impressive! I love the auto-rewind feature. ListenBook always picks up right where I left off.
JigKraken
ListenBook's audiobook player is a true workhorse β chapters, controls, and filters are all seamlessly integrated. π Simplifying my reading routine β this app's user-friendly design ensures I'm always in sync with my favorite stories. πβ¨ Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that allows for a personalized listening experience. ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
SkyGod
Hands down, the best audiobook collection I've ever come across. It has everything I want to listen to. Effortlessly managing my audiobook library β this app's design is a triumph. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access.
BlackExcalibur
This app is my secret to staying ahead on my reading list, even during my busiest days. I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience exceptional. Its intuitive interface and diverse compatibility are a true game-changer. π±π§ CUE playlist support is a rare gem. Perfect for organizing content efficiently. This was an adequate audiobook for casual listening. The narrator maintained a consistent pace and clear diction throughout, though their performance lacked some emotional range. The audio quality was fine with no significant technical distractions.
HOV
With this app, reading is no longer a luxury β it's a convenient habit. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a playful addition that lets me tweak the audiobook experience.
Zero Corn
πΆββοΈπ§ Strolling through captivating narratives while I take my daily walks β pure bliss! ποΈπ ποΈ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! πΆββοΈπ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand that transforms even the noisiest environments into cozy listening spaces. Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend.
Insane SweepKick
The noise reduction feature on ListenBook Pro is a godsend for clear and comfortable listening. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audio needs are met. π± Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's ease of use is a booklover's dream come true! ππ₯ πΌ Juggling tasks while exploring narratives β this app is my multitasking hero! π»π ListenBook makes organizing my audiobooks simple. The app is very user-friendly.
Soda Delirium
My commutes to work have transformed into exciting journeys thanks to this app. I can't imagine my audio routine without ListenBook's seamless and user-friendly design. This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey. The versatility of this app is mind-boggling. It's like a one-stop solution for audiobooks. ListenBook is hands down the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The interface is clean, intuitive, and packed with features like customizable playback speed and sleep timers. It supports all formats, which is a huge plus for me. Highly recommend!
Cuff Queen
ListenBook has given me the gift of time β turning daily tasks into moments of inspiration. This app's seamless integration with CarPlay and other devices has revolutionized my audiobook experience. This app's convenience has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again.
Sky Dahlia
The ability to adjust the playback speed has made my commute even more efficient. This app is a game-changer for anyone who's always on the go β it's like carrying a library in my pocket. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape. The statistics feature is a fantastic addition β knowing how much time I spend on audiobooks is eye-opening, and ListenBook makes tracking it a breeze. Bravo to the creators of this app β they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. ππ
Skylark
πΌ Elevating my work-from-home routine with this app's delightful audiobook selection! π»π Navigating audiobooks with ease β this app's design is user-centric.
Hog Butcher
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make every listening session a pleasure. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear listening in noisy environments. ππ Exploring stories even with my eyes off the page β this app is a bedtime dream! π΄π§ βοΈ Turning mundane tasks into exciting adventures β this app makes folding laundry a breeze with audiobooks! ππ§
Shimmy Shammy
I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. π This app has turned my errands into exciting quests β I can conquer the grocery store while enjoying a book! ππ I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience so effortless. From downloading to playback, it's a true companion for book lovers. ππ« Bravo to the creators of this app β they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. ππ No need for file conversion is a game-changer. Love using ListenBook on my iPhone.
ThreadTraveler
Hands down, the best audiobook collection I've ever come across. It has everything I want to listen to. The statistics feature is brilliant. I love seeing how much time I spend on audiobooks with ListenBook.
Slacker Cat
Audiobooks on the go β this app's design prioritizes convenience. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that enhances my listening experience. It's these thoughtful touches that matter! ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like having a library on my phone! I was thoroughly impressed by this audiobook. The combination of engaging content and skilled narration made my daily commute something to look forward to. The narrator's timing and intonation were spot-on, enhancing rather than distracting from the material. Definitely worth a credit!
Mr. 44
Frequent updates ensure there's always something new and exciting to listen to. ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection. This app has transformed my daily commute into a captivating journey of knowledge and entertainment. With its powerful audio downloading features, I can have my favorite audiobooks ready to go, anytime and anywhere. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice adds a layer of personalization that I never knew I needed.
Frosty Squid
ListenBook's support for multiple download methods ensures I can always access my favorite content. With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination.
Mrs. Voltage
Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's functionality is a reader's delight. Configurable auto-rewind is genius. No more confusion when I pause and resume. The sound quality is excellent. It feels like Iβm in the story.
Crash Override
Savoring audiobooks without complications β this app's design is top-notch. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative way to make each audiobook unique. The app's performance is top-notch. It's stable, responsive, and optimized for a seamless audiobook experience. Kudos to the developers!
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