Book description
A Most-Anticipated Book of 2024: LitHub, Polygon, Apple, Goodreads β "Wiswell raises the bar on the outcast as protagonist . . . the ultimate monster slayer story, if the monster is just a misunderstood creature searching for love." -- Kristi Chadwick, Library Journal (starred review) Discover this creepy, charming monster-slaying fantasy romance--from the perspective of the monster--by Nebula Award-winning debut author John Wiswell Shesheshen has made a mistake fatal to all monsters: she's fallen in love. Shesheshen is a shapeshifter, who happily resides as an amorphous lump at the bottom of a ruined manor. When her rest is interrupted by hunters intent on murdering her, she constructs a body from the remains of past meals: a metal chain for a backbone, borrowed bones for limbs, and a bear trap as an extra mouth. However, the hunters chase Shesheshen out of her home and off a cliff. Badly hurt, she's found and nursed back to health by Homily, a warm-hearted human, who has mistaken Shesheshen as a fellow human. Homily is kind and nurturing and would make an excellent co-parent: an ideal place to lay Shesheshen's eggs so their young could devour Homily from the inside out. But as they grow close, she realizes humans don't think about love that way. Shesheshen hates keeping her identity secret from Homily, but just as she's about to confess, Homily reveals why she's in the area: she's hunting a shapeshifting monster that supposedly cursed her family. Has Shesheshen seen it anywhere? Eating her girlfriend isn't an option. Shesheshen didn't curse anyone, but to give herself and Homily a chance at happiness, she has to figure out why Homily's twisted family thinks she did. As the hunt for the monster becomes increasingly deadly, Shesheshen must unearth the truth quickly, or soon both of their lives will be at risk. And the bigger challenge remains: surviving her toxic in-laws long enough to learn to build a life with, rather than in, the love of her life.
About the Author
John Wiswell is a disabled writer who lives where New York keeps all its trees. He won the 2021 Nebula Award for Short Fiction for his story, "Open House on Haunted Hill," and the 2022 Locus Award for Best Novelette for "That Story Isn't The Story." He has also been a finalist for the Hugo Award, British Fantasy Award, and World Fantasy Award. His fiction has appeared in Uncanny Magazine, Tor.com, the LeVar Burton Reads podcast, The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Diabolical Plots, and other fine venues. His debut novel, Someone You Can Build a Nest In, will be published by DAW Books in April 2024. He can be found making too many puns and discussing craft on his Substack, johnwiswell.substack.com.
Tokyo Dream
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences β a thoughtful feature. With ListenBook Pro, I can customize the tone of the sound to match my preferences β it's a fantastic touch. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape. Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. ππ§ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand, transforming noisy environments into serene listening spaces.
Campfire Mama
The app's compatibility with various sources for audio download is a true time-saver. With ListenBook Pro, long audiobooks are no problem. I love it! Not bad, but not amazing either. The narratorβs voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldnβt necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
Cabbie
ListenBook's thoughtful inclusion of chapters, controls, and filters has enhanced my audiobook experience. Audiobook immersion without complications β this app's ease of use is commendable. Kudos to the creators for crafting an app that understands audiobook lovers. With smooth playback and thoughtful design, it's a true companion for book enthusiasts. ππ The app is perfect for people who love to read but donβt have the time.
Pexxious
The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. With this app, I've discovered the joy of learning while I'm on the move β it's like having a tutor by my side. Iβve been using ListenBook for months, and itβs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnβt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Grinch Cheese
I'm amazed by the app's versatility in downloading audio. It accommodates various sources seamlessly. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for audiobook lovers. They help me keep track of important moments.
Black Mustard
I'm impressed by ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically. ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very pleased. 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.
Necessary Momentum
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§ The app's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a true companion for all occasions. This served its purpose as background listening while I worked. I probably missed some details but the narrator's voice was pleasant enough.
Dewdrop Doll
I'm rediscovering my favorite classics in a whole new way β through audiobooks! ListenBook has turned my daily routines into audiobook-driven journeys of imagination. 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« Looping playback is an invaluable tool for my study sessions. It helps me grasp complex concepts.
Trixie Doodle
π§ Making housework more enjoyable β audiobooks turn mundane chores into moments of discovery. π§Ήπ Download options are plenty β I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction ensures that my listening experience remains clear and enjoyable. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Mr. Alien
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make every listening session a pleasure. I'm impressed by ListenBook's dedication to providing a comfortable listening experience. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made multitasking with audio content a breeze. The interface is sleek and user-friendly. Makes navigating through chapters a breeze. Drag and drop downloads are so convenient. No more messing around with complicated steps.
K-9
ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. π Simplifying my reading routine β this app's user-friendly design ensures I'm always in sync with my favorite stories. πβ¨
Charms
With this app, I've turned my everyday moments into meaningful opportunities for growth and learning. π Long road trips? No problem β this app keeps me entertained mile after mile! ππ I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version! The narrator added layers of meaning I might have missed reading silently. Their interpretation of the material felt thoughtful and authentic. The recording was technically perfect - no reverb, no peaking, just clean, pleasant audio.
RiddleRanger
ListenBook's compatibility with multiple downloading methods ensures there's always a way to get my content. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind.
Low Voltage
With ListenBook, I can enjoy a wide range of audiobook formats without any hassle, making my listening experience seamless. ListenBook's audio filters are a fantastic addition, enhancing the sound quality of my audio files. This app's dedication to providing high-quality narration has made all the difference. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. This audiobook was an absolute pleasure to listen to! The narrator's voice was rich and expressive, perfectly capturing the tone of the material. I found myself completely immersed in the story, often sitting in my car longer than necessary just to hear what happened next. The production quality was excellent with clear audio throughout.
Fadey
Automatic metadata retrieval is a neat touch. My library is well-organized. The import process is seamless. I had no trouble adding my audiobooks.
Runway Darling
ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. I can't imagine going back! ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks a breeze. The smooth playback and intuitive interface are unmatched.
Greek Rifle
ListenBook has redefined how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an essential tool for my literary pursuits. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that allows for a personalized listening experience. I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch.
White Swan
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch has made my listening experience even more seamless. π§ββοΈ Finding serenity through the soothing tones of audiobooks β mindfulness and stories in perfect harmony. π§ββοΈπ§ Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to connect over shared interests.
Cumulo
I love that I can enjoy audiobooks while cooking elaborate meals in the kitchen. I'm blown away by the powerful audio downloading options. So versatile!
Dandelion
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a dream come true β no more hassles! This app has reignited my love for literature in the most delightful way.
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