Book description
I just finished the audiobook of Tara Sim's Scavenge the Stars and I can't stop replaying it in my mind. If you're a fan of Sarah J. Maas or Leigh Bardugo, this one will feel like a double-dose of the good stuff-just with a twist that makes you wonder why the Count of Monte Cristo was never written in a darker, more maritime tone.
The story starts with Amaya rescuing a stranger from drowning. You'd think saving someone would earn her a thank-you note, but instead she lands on a debtor ship-imagine a ship that's basically a prison, and the guy she saved is the one who made her family's life a nightmare. That's a nice way to kick off a plot that's already packed with betrayal, revenge, and the kind of twists that make you question whether the hero is just a villain in disguise. Amaya's desire to get back at the man who ruined her family pulls her into the glittering, treacherous world of Moray, a city-state that feels like it was designed by someone who loves to mix old-world opulence with desperate gamblers. The setting is vivid enough to hear the clink of coins and the hiss of sea wind in your earbuds, even though we're limited to the description.
What keeps the audiobook humming is how Sim keeps the stakes high while juggling romance and identity swaps. Amaya's journey is not only about revenge; it's also about the truth of her past, and the fact that the son of the man she hates turns out to be an unexpected ally-or is he? The narrative doesn't hand you a tidy plot; instead, it throws you into a web where you're forced to decide who to trust, even if that means trusting your own instincts that may already be broken. That tension is perfect for a listening experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat, even if the narrator doesn't mention every subtle nuance of the setting.
And yet, there are moments where the pacing feels a bit... theatrical. The voice may lean toward the dramatic, which, while engaging, sometimes feels like a caricature of the high-stakes world Sim has built. It's almost as if the narrator is auditioning for a role in a grand opera rather than delivering a clear, crisp audiobook. For a few pages, the narration feels like a parody of itself, and the audience might wonder if the story was meant to be satirized instead of straight-forward. But this exaggeration, whether intentional or not, adds a layer of humor that makes the stakes feel even sharper. You're reminded that even a revenge-driven plot can't escape the absurdity of its own world.
All in all, Scavenge the Stars is a lively, audibly engaging read that turns the classic revenge tale into something both familiar and oddly fresh. It's a strong first book in an upcoming duology and will leave you eager to hear how Amaya navigates the next set of deceptions-especially when you're listening to the dramatic, slightly over-the-top narration that, while not flawless, brings a mischievous flare to the story. If you enjoy high-stakes adventures that are equal parts romance, deception, and a splash of political intrigue, give this audiobook a spin; it will keep you hooked and laughing (and maybe a little annoyed) until the very end.
Low Menace
The diverse selection of audiobooks has made me fall in love with storytelling all over again. Audiobooks on this app have made my daily walks a time of reflection and inspiration. π Turning road trips into unforgettable adventures β audiobooks keep me entertained on the journey! ππ
Orange Teflon
ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a testament to the app's commitment to audio quality. The statistics tracking feature is eye-opening. I never realized how much time I spend on audiobooks until now! ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve 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!
Widow Curio
The 'Discover' section is a treasure trove for finding hidden literary gems. The noise reduction feature on ListenBook Pro is a godsend for clear and comfortable listening. I'm blown away by how this app has made my workouts more enjoyable and my mind more active. The statistics tracking feature is eye-opening. I never realized how much time I spend on audiobooks until now! Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldnβt call it unforgettable.
Take Away
ListenBook has become my go-to app for all things audio β from lectures to speeches, it's got it all. Beautiful layout and easy access to chapters. Really impressed with ListenBook.
Shivers
The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. Accessing literary treasures has never been this straightforward β thank you, app! Adjusting playback speed has transformed the way I consume audiobooks. I can tailor the pacing to match my learning style and preferences. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs.
Pinup Diva
ListenBook has brought the joy of audiobooks back into my life in a whole new way. I can't get enough of this app β it's like having a personal storyteller in my pocket. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a breeze thanks to ListenBook Pro's AirDrop and sharing options. Spread the joy of a good story! Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my library look organized and visually appealing.
Suicide Jockey
ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. With this app, reading is no longer confined to a specific time or place.
Bugger
ListenBook has made audiobook listening a personalized and enriching journey. πΆπ My new soundtrack? Audiobooks, of course! This app makes every day musical. π§πΆ Binaural audio processing really helps reduce fatigue. 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!
Nueva Nova
ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. With this app, I can switch seamlessly between my iPhone and iPad, making my reading experience continuous. πͺ Crushing workouts while devouring books β this app makes fitness fun and educational! ποΈββοΈπ ππ Falling asleep to audiobooks has never been easier β this app's soothing voices π΄π§ ListenBook has made managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Library organization is top-notch.
Crazy Eights
The sleek design and easy navigation are visually pleasing and user-friendly. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a testament to its innovation. ππ Embarking on literary journeys even with my eyes closed β bedtime stories have taken a new form with this app! π΄π§
PixelPathfinder
My commutes to work have transformed into exciting journeys thanks to this app. Elegant design and easy-to-use interface. Very happy with ListenBook.
Skull Crusher
The sleep timer is a brilliant addition β I drift off to sleep with amazing stories. Navigating through chapters is effortless with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and intuitive experience. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Flash
With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual exploration and personal growth. π§ Audiobooks anywhere, anytime β this app's convenience is unbeatable! ππ Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. I can focus on challenging content.
Night Magnet
ListenBook has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again β it's a must-have app. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my constant source of books. πΆββοΈπ Strolling through stories on a lazy afternoon β this app is my relaxation buddy! ποΈπ§ The attention to detail is commendable. Artwork and metadata are sorted automatically.
NoiseCake
With this app, I've discovered a whole new way to enjoy literature. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy for me to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts. Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze. I love how I can create playlists. Itβs perfect for organizing my books. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature.
Berry Succubus
This app has made my commutes and long drives a source of joy and learning. I can't get enough of this app β it's like having a personal storyteller in my pocket. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
ThermalMode
This audiobook app is a true gem β it brings stories to life with every click. I can't get enough of this app β it's a true game-changer for book lovers.
Troublemasher
Now I can enjoy my favorite books anytime, even during workouts. This app has introduced me to authors I'd never heard of β now they're my favorites! π± Carrying stories in my pocket β this app's convenience is a game-changer! πποΈ
Mud Eye
This app has ignited my passion for reading once again β but in a modern, convenient way. The features on this app, from bookmarks to playback speed, cater to all preferences. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the clarity of recordings and makes my listening sessions more enjoyable. ListenBook is packed with useful features. Itβs the best audiobook app Iβve used.
Esquire
π‘ Balancing learning and living effortlessly β audiobooks on demand, thanks to this app! π§π« πΌ Enhancing work-from-home productivity β audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. π»π
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