Book description
Red Planet Blues by Robert J. Sawyer delivers a compelling fusion of hard science fiction and noir detective narrative, rendered with precision and vitality in its audiobook format. Sawyer, a triple-award winner in the science fiction genre, constructs a meticulously detailed Martian setting-New Klondike-where the remnants of a fossil rush echo the lawlessness of Earth's gold rushes. The protagonist, Alex Lomax, operates as a private investigator within this decaying dome city, navigating a stratified society populated by failed prospectors, corrupt officials, and the wealthy "transfers" who inhabit near-immortal android bodies.
The central mystery revolves around the unsolved murders of Simon Weingarten and Denny O'Reilly, figures whose discovery of ancient Martian life triggered an interplanetary frenzy. Lomax's investigation pulls him into a web of intrigue that is both philosophically rich and viscerally engaging. Sawyer's prose remains characteristically concise, evoking comparisons to Asimov while maintaining a distinct voice that prioritizes humanistic concerns within a cosmic framework.
The audiobook format enhances the noir atmosphere, with vocal delivery that underscores the grit and moral ambiguity of Lomax's world. Sawyer's thematic exploration of consciousness, identity, and societal inequality resonates throughout, without sacrificing narrative momentum. True to his self-described mission, Sawyer intertwines the intimately human with the grandly cosmic, producing a work that is as intellectually stimulating as it is entertaining. Red Planet Blues confirms Sawyer's standing as a master of speculative fiction, offering listeners a meticulously crafted tale that is both timely and timeless.
EchoExplorer
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration is a brilliant touch. User-centric audiobook joy – this app's ease of use is a true marvel. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to connect over shared interests. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to an impressive degree.
Manly
Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback. Perfect for studying with its playback controls and audio filters. Excellent app! A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
Bit Sentinel
This app's library is a treasure trove – I'm always discovering new favorites. This app has turned my screen time into valuable learning opportunities. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Alpha
This app's dedication to providing high-quality narration has made all the difference. This app has turned my mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for reading.
The China Wall
It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers. ListenBook's support for playlists in the CUE format makes organizing and enjoying audiobook series a delightful experience. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Married Man
💼 Enhancing work-from-home productivity – audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. 💻📖 Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become effortless, regardless of the source. The narrator's voice was so pleasant and easy to listen to. They had perfect pacing and made even the slower parts engaging. I found myself looking forward to my commute just to listen more!
WanderWord
I can't imagine my daily rituals without this app – it's a constant source of joy. Audiobooks anytime, anywhere – this app's functionality is a reader's delight. Downloading books over WiFi is quick and hassle-free. Very convenient.
Old Orange Eyes
With ListenBook, I can finally enjoy my audiobooks without worrying about format compatibility. It handles everything! Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that sets this app apart.
Polar Bee
ListenBook's support for chapters and bookmarks ensures that I never lose my place in a story. I can't get enough of this app – it's like having a personal storyteller in my pocket. Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app! ListenBook makes my commute enjoyable. The audio filters really enhance the listening experience. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Feline Devil
This app has made my workouts and chores so much more enjoyable. Navigating chapters and genres is a breeze with this app's functionality. Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy! The audio filters to adjust playback speed and volume are a fantastic addition for customizing my experience. I’m 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!
Saturn Extreme
The narrator's voices are so engaging, it's like having a personal storytelling session. Download via WiFi, WebDAV, iTunes – options galore to suit everyone's preferences. I don't have strong feelings about this one either way. The narration was competent but forgettable. The story itself was more engaging than the performance.
Firefly
ListenBook makes my commute enjoyable. The audio filters really enhance the listening experience. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it. This audiobook transformed my household chores into enjoyable moments! The narrator's lively yet measured delivery kept me engaged throughout. I particularly appreciated how they handled exposition - making potentially dry information interesting through thoughtful inflection and pacing. The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
Light Despair
I've found hidden gems in genres I never thought I'd be interested in. This app has made multitasking a breeze – I can listen while I work, cook, or exercise. Audiobooks on this app have made my workouts more enjoyable and productive. 🌌 Elevating my reading routine – this app's functionality is the key to unlocking new worlds of storytelling. 📚🔑 I’ve tried several audiobook players, but ListenBook stands out for its reliability and ease of use. The equalizer and voice boost features make every book sound amazing. Plus, the dark mode is perfect for nighttime listening. Great job, developers!
McDreamy
ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook lovers. The auto-rewind feature ensures I never miss a word. Excellent support for various audio formats. Very satisfied. The narrator's voice was like butter - smooth, rich, and utterly pleasant to listen to for hours. They handled complex sentences with ease, making even dense material accessible. I never had to rewind because I missed something due to unclear delivery. Perfection!
Shivers
Listening to audiobooks has become my daily ritual for relaxation and escape. ListenBook has elevated my audiobook enjoyment to a whole new level – it's a must-have for any audio enthusiast. ListenBook's customizable audio filters add a new dimension to my audiobook enjoyment. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and visually appealing. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Tomcat
I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, all thanks to this app. ListenBook has made my audiobook journey effortless, turning every moment into an escape. 🔥 Elevating my reading routine to new heights – this app is a real page-turner! 📚🚀 ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. Unlimited audiobook length? Count me in! The app is perfect for long walks. It keeps me company the whole time.
Lord Theus
This app makes traffic jams a breeze – time flies by while I'm engrossed in a story. This app has made 'reading' more versatile and enjoyable than ever. Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true standout. The app's versatility in audio downloading is unmatched. It's a comprehensive solution for my audiobook needs.
Bridge Whip
ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. I can't get enough of this app's convenience – it has turned my audiobook journey into a delightful habit. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
The Shield Toronto
I love how I can adjust the skip intervals. It’s perfect for my listening style. It was fine. The narrator did an adequate job but nothing about the performance particularly stood out to me. Got me through my commute though.
Mule Skinner
It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers. ListenBook's commitment to providing top-notch audio quality has taken my audiobook experience to a new level. The equalizer is a great addition. It really enhances the audio quality. One of the best audiobooks I’ve heard! The story was compelling, and the narrator’s delivery added depth to every scene. I found myself looking for excuses to listen just a little longer. Will definitely revisit this one! This audiobook transformed my household chores into enjoyable moments! The narrator's lively yet measured delivery kept me engaged throughout. I particularly appreciated how they handled exposition - making potentially dry information interesting through thoughtful inflection and pacing.
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