Book description
Let's be real: Pierce Brown's Red Rising is the kind of book you'd shove at a friend after they've had one too many beers and declared, "I need a dystopian epic!" It's got all the right ingredients: a genetically engineered society where Golds rule like spoiled toddlers in designer armor, Reds working themselves to death for a future they'll never see, and a protagonist whose trauma is basically a glittering, blood-soaked neon sign screaming "I'M THE CHOSEN ONE, DAMMIT."
The audiobook? Honestly, it's a mixed bag. Darrow's internal monologue-full of "I live for you" and "I must live for more"-lands with the subtlety of a sledgehammer in audio. You hear every ounce of his righteous fury, every choked-back tear, and it's so earnest you can almost smell the sweat-stained rebellion. But let's be honest: the whole "sacrifice everything to infiltrate the enemy's elite school" plot? It's been done so many times it's practically a franchise. You've seen it in The Hunger Games, Divergent, The Maze Runner-all wearing slightly different colored capes. Brown's just giving it a fresh coat of "Gold" paint and a side of "I'll become a monster to destroy monsters." Classic.
The humor here isn't in the plot-it's in the audacity of it all. Darrow's mission is basically a high-stakes game of "Who Can Be More Broken While Still Looking Cool?" And the audiobook leans hard into that. The narrator nails Darrow's rage, but the Golds? They sound like they've been auditioning for a Gossip Girl reboot set on Mars. "Oh, Darrow, you do have such potential," they sneer, and you just want to yell, "Yeah, potential to be killed by the next person who says 'potential'!"
What's genuinely fun is how Brown weaponizes the book's own flaws. The "love interest" line-"I live for you"-is so clichΓ© it's almost parody. But the audiobook makes it work because you hear the raw, unfiltered grief behind it. And when Darrow realizes the Reds are literally slaves to a lie? That moment hits harder in audio. You don't just read it-you feel the betrayal in the narrator's voice, like a punch to the gut. It's the kind of moment that makes you think, "Okay, I'll suspend disbelief for this one."
But let's not pretend it's deep. It's exactly what it says on the tin: a high-octane, blood-soaked power fantasy where the underdog gets to play villain for a while. The themes of "power, violence, hope" are explored with the nuance of a sledgehammer, but hey-sometimes you just want a sledgehammer. The audiobook's pacing keeps you hooked, even when the plot twists feel like they were pulled from a Netflix pitch deck. And the ending? Chef's kiss. You're left wanting more, which is exactly the point.
So yeah, Red Rising isn't groundbreaking. But it's a damn good ride. The audiobook makes you feel every desperate heartbeat, every whispered promise of revolution. Just don't expect Shakespeare. Expect a messy, loud, fun mess. And if you're going to spend 12 hours listening to Darrow's internal monologue about becoming a monster? At least the narrator makes it sound like he's got a really good reason. (Spoiler: He does. It's called "survival.")
Mindless Bobcat
With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of reading through my ears, making every moment more valuable. Accessing my favorite audiobooks has never been easier β this app's user-centric design and comprehensive features make it an absolute gem. π±π§ Finally, an audiobook player that supports all formats! No more converting files.
Soda Delirium
ListenBook's clean interface and organized layout make it a pleasure to browse through my audiobooks. I'm grateful for this app's ability to fit seamlessly into my lifestyle, making learning a part of my day. I can't get enough of this app's versatile features β from playback speed to bookmarking, it's all there.
Scare Stone
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually fulfilling. I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in books through this app. πͺ Achieving double wins β workouts become invigorating with stories to fuel my motivation! πͺπ§ Audiobook joy made simple β this app's ease of use is a true marvel.
Undergrad Split
I'm constantly amazed by the variety of genres β there's something for everyone. Gone are the days of straining my eyes to read β this app lets me 'read' with my ears, anywhere, anytime. Finally, an app that values usability β navigating and listening is a breeze! ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features add versatility to my audiobook listening experience. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
VenusXX
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my content wherever I go. π Say goodbye to boredom during long drives β this app makes road trips fly by! ππ ππ Rekindling my passion for books β this app has sparked a reading revolution in my daily life! π₯π ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fascinating way to add a personal touch to my audiobook journey. AirDrop and sharing make it easy to spread the audiobook love with friends.
TrixiePhany
I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. 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§ Auto-rewind feature is extremely helpful. Great functionality.
Killer Merlot
The 'Discover' section is a treasure trove for finding hidden literary gems. I'm constantly amazed by the variety of genres β there's something for everyone. ListenBook's innovation, seamless playback, and versatile features make it a standout app.
Pompeii Unicorn
I can't imagine my daily activities without this app β it's my go-to for staying informed and entertained. This app's ease of use has made reading an integral part of my everyday life. πββοΈπ Combining exercise and exploration β this app keeps me motivated on my daily jogs! πββοΈπ ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's a true companion for all my literary adventures. ListenBook has become my gateway to new worlds, allowing me to explore stories, ideas, and knowledge.
Santa's Little Helper
The narrators on this app are truly talented β they bring characters to life. CUE playlist support helps me organize my audiobooks efficiently. It's a great organizational tool. 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.
Black Walnut
I can't get enough of the celebrity narrators β they add a unique charm to each book. π± An entire library at my fingertips β this app is a book lover's dream come true! ππ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to an impressive degree. The app's ability to handle various audio formats is impressive. No more file conversions! I appreciate the statistics feature. ListenBook helps me track my listening habits.
Abiss
This app has become my loyal companion during travels and relaxation times. The minimalist interface and intuitive settings make for an amazing user experience. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have revolutionized the way I enjoy my audio content. πΆββοΈπ Embracing audiobooks as my companions during leisurely walks β nature and narratives, a perfect match! πΆββοΈπ§ With its powerful audio downloading features, I can have my favorite audiobooks ready to go, anytime and anywhere.
Berlin Kamikaze
Listening to audiobooks has become my ultimate way to unwind after a long day. No more straining my eyes to read β now I can simply immerse myself in storytelling. The compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch sets ListenBook apart from the rest. Audiobook listening has never been this easy and convenient β it's like having a personal narrator.
Barbwire
Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a joy to use. It's a seamless experience. The app's performance is remarkable β it's fast, stable, and designed to cater to audiobook enthusiasts. It's a pleasure to use.
Swedish Pixie
The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference. This app has completely transformed my daily routine. I can't imagine my commute without it! Binaural audio processing reduces listening fatigue. Fantastic feature! The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
Unseen
Looping playback has transformed my study sessions. It's an invaluable tool for retaining information. The ability to download audio directly within the app is a lifesaver. ListenBook is incredibly convenient. The app is worth every penny. Itβs packed with features and works flawlessly. This audiobook exceeded all my expectations! The narrator's ability to convey emotion through voice alone was remarkable. I laughed, I gasped, I might have even teared up at points - all because of the incredible vocal performance. The story came alive in a way reading alone couldn't achieve.
Dark Matter
πΆββοΈπ This app's functionality makes every walk an adventure β I'm immersed in stories as I explore the world around me. ποΈπ Bookmarking my favorite parts of audiobooks is now a breeze. Love this feature!
Blizzard Vixen
The ability to switch between different books effortlessly is a major plus. I love how this app brings stories to life, even during my morning jogs. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. Enhancing my daily routines β this app's design makes listening a joy. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to jump between sections.
Poppy Coffee
πΆββοΈπ This app's functionality makes every walk an adventure β I'm immersed in stories as I explore the world around me. ποΈπ Audiobook enjoyment has never been this convenient. This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and enjoyable. ππ
Hitch Frenzy
ListenBook's drag and drop downloads from web browsers are a time-saving feature I can't live without. π§ This app has changed my reading game! Now I can 'read' while I work β genius! ππΌ Every moment is an adventure with this app by my side. Its intuitive features and diverse format support ensure that my audiobook journey is seamless and exciting. ππ§ Finally, an app that caters to audiobook enthusiasts like me. The diverse format support and user-friendly design are a game-changer. π±π I'm amazed by the app's compatibility with different audio formats. It's truly versatile.
Valley Guardian
ListenBook has turned my daily routines into audiobook-driven journeys of imagination. Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend! I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch. 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! 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.
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