Book description
Although Thomas Stephenson and Cassandra Borden worked together in the past, neither is aware the other is now working in post-war Kosova. Both are forensic microbiologists, although Tom appears ostensibly as a magazine writer on assignment. Through his e-mail correspondence it quickly emerges he is working undercover for the Microbiology Intelligence Network (MIN), a Canadian organization with links to government. Cassie is a novice in foreign assignments. She is helping re-establish a diagnostic microbiology laboratory service at the University of Prishtinë Health Centre at the request of the World Health Organization. Tom's role with MIN involves assessing possible bioterrorist threats. He accepts that some organisms commonly thought to be agents of bioterrorism are merely bi-products of social and physical upheaval in a post-war situation. Then, he and his driver/interpreter, Agron Shalla, encounter a mysterious illness in young adults with fever and influenza-like symptoms manifesting as severe arthritis. In the newly established virology laboratory, an unusual virus is grown that Tom recognizes as chikungunya virus. Tom and Agron pull together sufficient information to theorize a Soviet involvement, suggesting the likelihood of Kosova's use as a testing ground for biological weapons. They realize the Yugoslav government of the day had to be actively or passively complicit. Tom and Cassie's relationship develops over the two years following their meeting in Prishtinë. Official interference ensures that Tom and Cassie are seldom able to schedule their Kosova work sessions at the same time, so much of their relationship evolves through e-mail correspondence.Tom's mental state deteriorates. He expresses concern to his psychiatrist friend back in Ottawa, Albert Tindall. When he finds evidence that Cassie is also an agent for MIN, an e-mail argument ensues severely straining their relationship. By the time Tom is assigned to Somalia, Cassie confides to sister, Karen, that they are no longer together.Tom is plummeted into depression by the deaths of Frank Macgregor and Agron. Tom suspects chikungunya virus but the official cause is influenza. Tom abruptly returns to Canada where he enters a treatment program for post-traumatic stress disorder. Both Tom and Cassie agonize over their lost relationship. The relationship reignites mainly because of Cassie's compassion and they agonizingly reconcile their differences. The effect of war, international service, life from an ethnic Albanian point-of-view is explored via Tom's magazine articles, interviews, e-mail correspondence with friends and family in Canada and through Tom and Cassie's conversations with some of the many characters appearing throughout. The intersection of Mother Teresa and Bill Clinton Boulevards is an important landmark in Prishtinë, capital of Kosova, and a perfect metaphor for involvement in the war, reconstruction, and saints and sinners.
Sassy Muffin
ListenBook's dedication to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every aspect of the app. I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs.
Ladybird
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BuzzBait
I'm absolutely in love with this app! The interface is so intuitive and user-friendly. This app has turned my mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for reading. Audiobook pleasure simplified – this app's design is a true winner. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Gold Dahlia
📚 Ironing has become a joy with audiobooks – wrinkles are no match for these captivating stories! 👗🎧 Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful feature. Sharing is caring! ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
Contrary Mary
ListenBook's dedication to excellence is evident in its well-designed interface, smooth playback, and powerful features. With this app, reading has become an integral part of my daily routine. The interface is sleek and user-friendly. Makes navigating through chapters a breeze. Supports artwork and metadata perfectly. My library looks great! The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Lskeee
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates with my daily routine. The app is perfect for long commutes. It keeps me entertained for hours.
Betty Cricket
With ListenBook, I've found a way to make the most of my free time while indulging in my love for audiobooks. 🌟 Simplifying my reading routine – this app's user-friendly design ensures I'm always in sync with my favorite stories. 📚✨ Say goodbye to monotony – this app's diverse format support and intuitive controls have turned my daily activities into thrilling audiobook adventures. 📱🔊 The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes. An absolutely stellar production from start to finish! The narrator's command of pacing and tone was masterful, knowing exactly when to speed up for excitement or slow down for dramatic effect. The audio quality was pristine with no distracting mouth sounds or uneven volume.
Flash Protein
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Mr. Peppermint
The features on this app, from bookmarks to playback speed, cater to all preferences. 🎧 Finally, an app that understands my need for convenience and ease of use! Audiobooks have never been this accessible. 📚📱 Effortlessly switching between stories – this app's ease of use is impressive. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is truly impressive. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
Raid Bucker
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. ListenBook's configurable auto-rewind after interruptions is a smart addition that keeps me on track. I'm amazed at how this app has expanded my reading horizons. This app has made long flights and road trips so much more enjoyable. Audiobook enjoyment without the hassle – this app's design is a win.
Reno Monarch
If you love stories but have a busy schedule, this app is your solution! 🏡 Making house chores more enjoyable – audiobooks help me stay engaged while tidying up the living space. 🏠📚 ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
Devil Chick
An absolutely stellar production from start to finish! The narrator's command of pacing and tone was masterful, knowing exactly when to speed up for excitement or slow down for dramatic effect. The audio quality was pristine with no distracting mouth sounds or uneven volume. Solid performance overall though some character voices sounded too similar. I occasionally got confused about who was speaking in dialogue-heavy scenes.
Sprinkle Lovenuts
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. ListenBook has turned my everyday moments into extraordinary journeys of imagination. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. I love the auto-bookmark feature. It saves my place automatically. 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.
BlacKitten
I appreciate the minimal ads – it's all about uninterrupted enjoyment. Kudos to the developers! ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay makes my daily commute a delightful opportunity to indulge in audiobooks. Audiobook multitasking made easy – this app's functionality is top-notch. This app has transformed my daily commute into a captivating journey of knowledge and entertainment.
Zod
ListenBook's unlimited length of audiobooks with the Pro version is a fantastic value for avid listeners. ListenBook's dedication to delivering high-quality sound and user-friendly features has won me over. I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, all thanks to this app. This app has transformed my screen time into valuable learning and entertainment. A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
Daffy Girl
ListenBook's support for multiple download methods ensures I can always access my favorite content. ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Natural Gold
ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks, lectures, and speeches an absolute pleasure. I'm addicted to this app – it's like having a library in my pocket. ListenBook makes organizing my audiobooks simple. The app is very user-friendly. The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Lope Lope
I love how this app fits seamlessly into my daily routine. Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys – this app's ease of use is a winner.
Show Off
I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personal touch to my experience. I'm blown away by how this app has revolutionized my reading experience. This app has made me realize that there's always time for a good book.
Don Stab
This app has helped me achieve my reading goals and explore new genres effortlessly. ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a thoughtful touch I appreciate. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a fantastic bonus. It keeps me entertained during long drives. I appreciate the dark mode option. It’s easy on the eyes during nighttime 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