Book description
David Collins' The Artifact emerges as a compelling narrative synthesis within contemporary science fiction, masterfully leveraging the unique affordances of the audiobook format to enhance its thematic resonance. The narrative establishes an intricate premise wherein mundane college life collides with cosmic significance through the acquisition of a seemingly inert artifact, an object whose dormant potential is activated by Benjamin's routine placement atop a wireless charger. This initial domestic act catalyzes a complex interplay between terrestrial and extraterrestrial systems, revealing a disabled starship concealed on the lunar surface, now capable of communication due to the artifact's reintegration. The narrative propulsion hinges upon the post-graduation transition of Benjamin, Mark, and Chloe, whose academic achievements become the foundation for an extraordinary mission: securing the ship's safe landing, provisioning its systems, and returning the critical component. Collins deftly navigates the central tension between the perceived technological impossibility of spaceflight and the more profound, unsettling challenges posed by the alien trading center, a locus of negotiation and potential peril.
The audiobook medium proves particularly effective in conveying the novel's layered narrative structure. The narrator's measured pace allows the reader to absorb the precise, almost clinical description of the artifact's discovery and activation, transforming a simple eBay purchase into a narrative pivot point of significant weight. Subtle sonic textures-perhaps the faint hum of the wireless charger, the distant sounds of campus life-anchor the extraordinary within the familiar, a technique amplified through auditory immersion. The narrative's exploration of AI governance protocols governing starship operations, juxtaposed against the human necessity of a physical crew, is rendered with clarity in the audiobook's spoken delivery, making complex technological constraints accessible without dilution. The transition from the controlled environment of a college dormitory to the vast, unpredictable expanse of interstellar commerce is rendered palpable through the narrator's tonal shifts, reflecting the characters' escalating anxiety and wonder.
Critically, Collins avoids reducing the alien element to mere spectacle. The trading center is presented not as a backdrop but as an active, psychologically resonant antagonist, its true nature and protocols forming the narrative's most formidable obstacle. The audiobook format allows for the nuanced delivery of dialogue that explores the characters' evolving understanding of the artifact's significance and the ship's desperate need for a crew, enhancing the emotional stakes beyond mere technical problem-solving. The resolution, while addressing the immediate crisis, leaves the broader implications of the artifact's origin and the ship's purpose deliberately open, a narrative choice that resonates powerfully within the audiobook's contemplative pacing. This deliberate ambiguity, sustained through the auditory medium's capacity for sustained reflection, elevates The Artifact beyond a conventional space adventure into a more profound meditation on connection, purpose, and the often-unseen consequences of seemingly ordinary choices. The audiobook's success lies in its ability to make the cosmic feel intimate, transforming the artifact from a mere plot device into a resonant symbol of unexpected connection across vast divides.
Delicious
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Sprinkle Lovenuts
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Foot-long Fry
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The Howling Swede
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InsightfulInk
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HolyCombo
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Impulse
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Danqqqqq
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Bambi Wings
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Howitzer Rise
Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys β this app's ease of use is a winner. Quick access to chapters is a blessing. No more scrolling through endless content. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze. The app never crashes. Itβs reliable and stable. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy.
Po1son
ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative way to make each audiobook unique. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a fun and convenient way to share the magic of storytelling with friends and family, sparking meaningful discussions. The statistics feature is brilliant. I love seeing how much time I spend on audiobooks with ListenBook. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device. Iβm blown away by how feature-rich ListenBook is. From the customizable themes to the car mode, everything is designed with the user in mind. The app works flawlessly, and Iβve had zero issues with crashes or bugs. Highly recommend!
Fire Queen
Audiobooks on this app have turned my travels into explorations of new narratives. Audiobooks made accessible and enjoyable β this app's design is a triumph. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. It's like getting a clear, immersive listening experience. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique and fun feature. I can customize the narration to my liking.
SWAT Honey
Makes listening to audiobooks so easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook! The detailed listening stats are fantastic. Helps me keep track of my progress. An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
Saturn Extreme
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Alpha
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DreamDasher
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay makes my daily commute a delightful opportunity to indulge in audiobooks. ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. π Adding excitement to everyday tasks β this app is my partner in productivity! ππ Perfect for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful app. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Dropkick
Noise reduction on ListenBook enhances the clarity of dictaphone recordings, allowing me to enjoy content even in noisy environments. Talk about convenience! This app's ease of use and support for multiple audio formats ensure that I can enjoy my favorite stories without any hassle. π±π Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback. I love how I can create playlists. Itβs perfect for organizing my books.
Pinball Esq
No more hassle with converting files β ListenBook supports a wide range of formats for a seamless listening experience. This app has revolutionized my daily routine β I can't imagine life without it. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to introduce them to captivating stories. The app is perfect for long walks. It keeps me company the whole time. A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
Hemingway Mirmillone
I can't imagine my daily routine without ListenBook's intuitive layout and easy-to-access controls. Gone are the days of struggling with formats. Thanks to this app, my audiobook journey is a breeze, and every tale is a tap away. Highly recommended! ππ§ Bookmarks have become my study companion. I can easily revisit important passages in my audiobooks. Iβm so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
Flashpoint
Audiobooks have become my constant companions during my daily activities. ListenBook has made my daily routines more vibrant and exciting with its immersive features. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of intellectual discovery β a win-win! I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs.
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