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.
Cali Yacht
ListenBook's thoughtful inclusion of chapters, controls, and filters has enhanced my audiobook experience. This app's support for various formats and genres ensures that there's always something new to explore. I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life. π Elevating my reading routine β this app's functionality is the key to unlocking new worlds of storytelling. ππ I love the cloud integration. I can access my books from anywhere.
Beo
ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a blast. AirDrop makes it seamless. CarPlay compatibility takes my driving experience to a whole new level. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. From MP3 to FLAC, this app plays them all flawlessly. Say goodbye to compatibility issues! The sound quality is excellent. It feels like Iβm in the story.
Freak
I've become the go-to storyteller at bedtime with the help of this magical app. Supports all audio formats I use without issues. Very happy.
Pyscho Hun
The ListenBook app has become an indispensable part of my daily routine, helping me learn and relax simultaneously. I'm blown away by the quality of narration on this app β it's like being in the story. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection.
Pitfall
My child has also fallen in love with audiobooks, all thanks to the app's kid-friendly collection. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make every moment a reading moment. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library. I'm amazed by the extensive statistics tracking. It's fascinating to see my listening habits. Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature!
Old Man Winter
The app's interface is sleek and modern, making it a joy to use. Seamless integration with all my devices and flawless synchronization β top-notch. As a visually impaired person, this app has opened up a new world of stories for me. I've become a more empathetic listener and reader, thanks to the power of audiobooks.
RZR
This app is a boon for book lovers who are always on the go. ListenBook's compatibility with playlists and CUE files is a great addition for those who love organized listening. Incredible character voices! Each person felt distinct without being over-the-top. The emotional scenes gave me chills with how well they were delivered.
Racy Lady
As a language enthusiast, this app has been a fantastic tool for learning new languages. ListenBook's basic audio filters enhance my listening experience and make it uniquely mine. Bravo to the creators of this app β they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design are a win. ππ
Reed Lady
The narrator's voices are so engaging, it's like having a personal storytelling session. ListenBook's versatile controls and playback options have made my study sessions more productive and enjoyable. With support for various audio formats, ListenBook ensures I can enjoy my favorite audiobooks without worries. Looping playback is an invaluable tool for my study sessions. It helps me grasp complex concepts. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Glyph
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun way to customize my listening experience. 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.
Demo Tequila
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. Audiobooks have never been this immersive β this app transports me to different worlds.
Mud Eye
As a visually impaired person, this app has opened up a new world of stories for me. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs.
Snapdragon
π Who needs TV when you have this app? Every moment is a storytelling session! πΊπ§ πΆββοΈπ Strolling through stories on a lazy afternoon β this app is my relaxation buddy! ποΈπ§ ListenBook's sleek layout and quick chapter access have made my audiobook journey incredibly enjoyable.
Frosty Snazz
The bookmarking feature ensures I never lose my place in a book β so convenient! ListenBook's dedication to delivering an exceptional experience is evident in every detail. This app has made me realize that I don't need a lot of time to read. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
TulipCake
ListenBook's compatibility with multiple downloading methods ensures there's always a way to get my content. ListenBook has become my workout companion. It keeps me engaged and entertained during exercise. Flawless support for various audio formats. Very happy with it.
Sweetness
As a language learner, this app has been invaluable in improving my listening skills. ListenBook Pro's sharing features allow me to spread the joy of audiobooks with my friends and family. No need to convert files anymore β ListenBook's seamless playback of various formats is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts like me!
Tangerine
Audiobooks have made my long commutes enjoyable, and I'm always eager to see what's next. 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! 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.
RealmRanger
This app is a true gift for book lovers β it's like having a personal library wherever I go. πββοΈπ Combining fitness and fiction β this app keeps me motivated during workouts with its engaging stories! πββοΈπ The statistics feature in ListenBook is a valuable tool for monitoring and optimizing my audiobook consumption. Playback speed and volume controls are fantastic. I love the auto-rewind feature. ListenBook always picks up right where I left off.
CuriousCraft
Thank you for making literature more accessible, enjoyable, and immersive. This app is a game-changer! The fact that ListenBook doesn't just play, but enhances audio quality, is truly remarkable. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. I can focus on challenging content.
Santa's Little Helper
I'm able to enjoy books in a whole new way β while cooking, working out, or even gardening. User-friendly audiobook experience β this app's design is a standout. Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings. 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.
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