Book description
Brandon Sanderson's Sunreach-the first of three Skyward novellas-delivers exactly what you'd expect from an author who's mastered the art of "more of the same, but also somehow less." It's like ordering a sandwich you've had before, only to find it's now served on a slightly smaller plate, with a side of exposition.
This time, we're stuck on Detritus with FM (that's "Flight Mode" to you), Jorgen, and a cast of characters who seem to have wandered in from a military procedural that forgot to bring the stakes. A Delver shows up, does a quick flyby of existential doom, and vanishes-because of course it does. Spensa's off doing important spy stuff in the wider galaxy, leaving FM to hold the metaphorical torch, and maybe literally hold a Taynix slug or two.
And what is a Taynix, you ask? Well, it's a hyperdrive slug. Yes, you read that right. In the caverns. Under the planet. And somehow, these slimy little critters are humanity's ticket to not dying. Also on hand: Alanik, a mysterious alien who's apparently been napping through the apocalypse. FM, Jorgen, and engineer Rig must now buddy up, whisper to slugs, and wake the space elf-or whatever Alanik is-in order to save the day. It's part Lord of the Rings, part Sesame Street Nature Special.
Meanwhile, Minister Cuna is stranded at Sunreach, which is apparently the Galactic Superiority's version of a budget embassy. If she's not rescued, the bad guys win. Roll credits, or in this case, roll the next novella.
Look, Sunreach isn't a bad listen-Sanderson's knack for making even bureaucratic alien politics oddly compelling remains intact. But it does feel like a holding pattern, narrated with the enthusiasm of someone explaining the plot of a movie you'll never watch. The audiobook performance does its best with what it's given, though at times it sounds like even the narrator is waiting for Spensa to come back and take over.
If you're a Skyward diehard, this is a fine snack between main courses. If you're new to the series, start with Skyward-or better yet, just wait for the inevitable omnibus. Either way, Sunreach is best enjoyed at 1.5x speed.
Sweetness
βοΈ Loving the fact that I can learn and listen at the same time β multitasking made easy! π§ π§ Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream! Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
Stud
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an indispensable tool for my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortless and enjoyable. With this app, I'm discovering the joy of reading during my commutes. π This app has ignited my passion for reading β I can't get enough of its convenience! ππ₯ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my recordings sound clearer than ever.
Ladysmith
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a testament to its innovation. π§ Carrying a world of literature in my headphones β this app's convenience is truly remarkable. ππ« The interface is sleek and modern. It's a pleasure to navigate and use the app. A textbook example of great audiobook narration! The performer's diction was flawless, their pacing ideal, and their emotional range impressive. I never felt like I was being "read to" but rather like I was experiencing the story firsthand. The audio engineering was equally professional.
DuckDuck
I've become a loyal fan of audiobooks, and this app is the reason why! Playback speed and volume controls are fantastic. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs.
Kabuki
No more carrying heavy books β this app has transformed my reading habits. AirDrop and sharing make it easy to spread the audiobook love with friends. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars! This is exactly what I look for in an audiobook! The narrator's pleasant voice and excellent diction made even complex passages easy to follow. I appreciated the subtle but effective use of pauses and emphasis that added depth to the listening experience. Finished it in record time because I couldn't stop listening.
Bridge Whip
The sheer variety of genres available ensures there's something for everyone. This app has transformed my daily routine into moments of literary delight. πΌ Making work hours fly by with captivating stories β a true work-life balance! π»π 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 I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature.
Casanova
I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. πΆββοΈπ§ Walking and listening has never been this smooth β this app's user-friendly interface makes it a breeze to enjoy my favorite stories. ποΈπ My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thank you, ListenBook!
Koi Diva
The interface is sleek and user-friendly. Makes navigating through chapters a breeze. ListenBook is my trusted partner for all things audiobooks. It's reliable, intuitive, and user-friendly.
Feral Mayhem
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear. A perfectly acceptable audiobook that fulfilled its purpose. The narration was competent if not particularly memorable, and the production quality was standard for the genre. It served as decent background entertainment during mundane tasks.
Guillotine
Audiobooks have become a part of my self-care routine, thanks to this app. ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. Audiobooks have never been this accessible and enjoyable. This app's compatibility with various formats and its emphasis on user experience have made it an essential tool for me. π±π
Winded On Friday
The convenience of having an entire library at my fingertips is a dream come true. π± My pocket-sized library β this app makes reading accessible anytime, anywhere! ππ± Adjustable playback speed is a brilliant feature. It adds a layer of customization to my audiobook enjoyment. I'm blown away by the app's performance. It's fast, reliable, and tailored for audiobook lovers. 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!
Lady In Red
I can't imagine my daily rituals without this app β it's a constant source of joy. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand, transforming noisy environments into serene listening spaces. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a huge plus during long drives. With ListenBook Pro, long audiobooks are no problem. I love it! ListenBook has changed the way I listen to audiobooks. The app is so easy to use.
Hen Skittle
ListenBook's interface is sleek and user-friendly, making navigation a breeze. I love how I can adjust the skip intervals. Itβs perfect for my listening style.
Twinkle
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. Say goodbye to monotony β this app's diverse format compatibility and intuitive controls have turned every moment into a thrilling audiobook experience. π±π Listening to audiobooks has never been this enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
Acid Gosling
Effortlessly enjoying audiobooks on the go β kudos to this app's functionality. The auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that enhances my listening journey. I appreciate it! 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!
Star Scratch
ListenBook's variety of ways to download audio makes it incredibly convenient. Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true triumph. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Eerie
This app is a gift for book lovers who struggle to find reading time. This app has made my daily walks a time for both exercise and learning. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a fun and convenient way to share the magic of storytelling with friends and family, sparking meaningful discussions. This is exactly what I look for in an audiobook! The narrator's pleasant voice and excellent diction made even complex passages easy to follow. I appreciated the subtle but effective use of pauses and emphasis that added depth to the listening experience. Finished it in record time because I couldn't stop listening.
RealmRanger
I appreciate how ListenBook offers various methods for downloading audio β it caters to different preferences. Listening to audiobooks has become a ritual, thanks to this incredible app. Automatic artwork and metadata retrieval is a time-saver. My library looks fantastic. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like having a personal reading guide.
Dallas Burn
As a language learner, this app has been invaluable in improving my listening skills. This app has become my go-to companion, making my daily routine more exciting and insightful. This app has turned even the most ordinary moments into reading sessions. Effortlessly managing my audiobook library β this app's design is commendable.
Spoiler Betty
I love how ListenBook extracts artwork and metadata from audio files, adding a visual touch to my listening experience. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has never been easier or more convenient. Adjustable playback speed and volume control make for a customized experience.
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