Book description
Lissa Price's Starters isn't just another dystopian YA entry-it's a razor-sharp, audio-first thriller that grips you from the first whispered line. Set in a world where the Spore Wars wiped out everyone over twenty, teens like Callie survive as squatters, scraping by until the Old Man's Prime Destinations offers a lifeline: rent your body to a wealthy "Ender" for a month of luxury. But when Callie's neurochip malfunctions, she's thrust into the Ender's life, only to uncover a horrifying truth beneath the glittering surface.
What makes this audiobook exceptional is how perfectly the narration mirrors Callie's voice-tired, fiercely protective, and utterly real. You hear the exhaustion in her words as she guards her little brother Tyler, the sharp panic when the chip glitches, and the chilling dawning of betrayal. The pacing is masterful; every twist lands with a punch, amplified by the intimacy of audio. You're not just hearing the story-you're inside Callie's head, feeling her dread as she navigates a mansion she never wanted, driving a car that's not hers, while the sinister plans of Prime Destinations unravel.
Dean Koontz called it "inventive and gripping," and the audiobook proves why. It avoids the overwrought tropes of the genre, grounding its high-stakes plot in raw, relatable survival. Callie's moral choices-what she'll sacrifice, who she'll trust-feel urgent, not convenient. The narrator doesn't just tell you about her world; she makes you feel the grit of the streets, the suffocating fear of the Old Man's control, and the terrifying allure of the Ender's life. You'll lean in, breathless, as the line between victim and participant blurs.
It's the rare audiobook that transcends its premise. The emotional core-Callie's love for Tyler, her fight to keep her family alive-anchors the sci-fi elements, making the horror of Prime Destinations feel devastatingly personal. German and English editions both captured this, but the English narration nails the urgency, turning a book praised as "Dystopian science-fiction at its best" into an immersive, unforgettable experience. If you've loved The Hunger Games for its stakes, Starters delivers something sharper, quieter, and far more unsettling-a story that stays with you long after the final chapter.
Mr. 44
π Bedtime stories for adults? Yes, please! This app is a dream come true. ππ ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative way to make each audiobook unique. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
Delirium
Audiobooks have become my bedtime companions, soothing me into a peaceful sleep. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. I can enjoy clear recordings.
Eye Candy Kitten
π Dancing to the rhythm of stories while I dance through house chores β pure joy! ππ The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it. 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.
Kimono Goddess
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. ListenBook has brought stories back into my life, making every moment a new adventure. ποΈπ§ Escaping to paradise with a beach read β this app is my vacation in audio form! ποΈπ Makes listening to audiobooks so easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook! The app is so intuitive. I didnβt even need to read the instructions.
JigKraken
No more fighting over the radio during family trips β we're all hooked on audiobooks now. The bookmarking feature ensures I never lose my place in a book β so convenient! Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is a game-changer. Listening to audiobooks on my iPad has never been easier. Highly recommend ListenBook! A reasonable choice for casual listening. The audiobook was well-produced, but the pacing felt uneven in places. I didnβt dislike it, but I also didnβt feel strongly about it one way or another.
Combo Saw
Quick access to chapters and controls ensures a seamless listening experience with ListenBook. It's effortless to use. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my carefully curated audiobook collection. The detailed listening stats are fantastic. Helps me keep track of my progress. ListenBookβs design is sleek and modern. The app is a pleasure to use.
CuriousCrafter
The quality of the audio is top-notch, making the experience truly immersive. Book Groups on ListenBook make it easy to categorize and access my audiobooks.
Midnight Bat
πΆββοΈπ§ Strolling through captivating narratives while I take my daily walks β pure bliss! ποΈπ Simplifying audiobook management β this app's functionality is a true asset. Adjustable playback speed is a fantastic feature. It allows me to customize my listening experience. Download options are versatile, making it easy to get audiobooks from various sources.
9Lives
π Transforming my mundane routine into a captivating journey β thank you, this app! β¨π The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. This audiobook kept me company during a long road trip and made the miles disappear! The narrator's engaging performance and the crisp production quality made for an immersive experience. I appreciated how well they balanced drama with clarity - never sacrificing understanding for effect.
Sneaky Lady
Navigating through my audiobook library is a joy with this app's intuitive interface and easy controls. It's like having a personal reading companion at my side. π±π Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a breeze to use. It's an intuitive experience. Finally, an app that supports all my audiobook formats! ListenBook is a game-changer. This app is perfect for audiobook lovers. The interface is beautiful and easy to navigate.
Trixie
I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates with my daily routine. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy. ListenBook's extensive statistics feature adds a new level of insight to my audiobook habits. I can't imagine a day without this app β it has made my audiobook journey seamless and fulfilling. ListenBook has enriched my life with a world of captivating stories and knowledge. It's not just an app; it's a portal to endless possibilities.
MuseMaster
Looping playback is my favorite feature. It's perfect for revisiting complex content. The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Scuffs
I'm blown away by the quality of narration on this app β it's like being in the story. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook library in my pocket. Organized and easily accessible. Listening stats keep me motivated to read more. Great addition! Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs.
BlacKitten
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a portable audiobook library that I can carry everywhere. ListenBook's tone adjustment feature in the Pro version is a creative tool that adds a fun twist to my audiobook journey. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature that adds a personal touch.
Lumberyard
This app is a true gift for book lovers β it's like having a personal library wherever I go. This app is not just about convenience β it's a gateway to new horizons of knowledge. The ability to highlight passages and take notes while listening is a fantastic feature. Effortlessly managing my audiobook collection β this app's functionality is a winner. I'm impressed by the extensive statistics feature, allowing me to track my audiobook consumption over time.
Papa Smurf
The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy of audiobooks. π The simplicity and functionality of this app are top-notch. I can start a book with just a tap and immerse myself in the story instantly. π±π The tone adjustment feature in ListenBook Pro is a novel addition that allows me to personalize my audiobook experience. Perfect for repeat listening! The narrator's performance was so rich with detail that I'm sure I'll discover new layers on a second listen. Their interpretation felt authentic to the material while bringing fresh insights. The audio production was pristine from start to finish.
Skylark
I've become a more empathetic listener and reader, thanks to the power of audiobooks. I'm hooked on this app's curated content β it's like having a personal librarian. ποΈ The app's functionality is a true work of art β it enhances the audiobook experience and brings stories to life. ππ¨ Navigating through my audiobook library is a joy with this app's intuitive interface and easy controls. It's like having a personal reading companion at my side. π±π
Grinch Cheese
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats means I can now enjoy all my favorite audiobooks in one place. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook habits, helping me learn and grow.
180
ListenBook's dedication to excellence is evident in its well-designed interface, smooth playback, and powerful features. I can't believe how easy it is to download and manage my audio content using ListenBook. ListenBook is a true audio treasure! It turns my own audio files into immersive listening experiences. Audiobook immersion without fuss β this app's ease of use is commendable.
CuriousCrafter
ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent user experience sets a new standard in audiobook apps. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading fit into every aspect of my life. Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's ease of use is a true asset.
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