Book description
Hey, have you ever wanted to hop on a time-traveling train that's stuck between the age of coal and the age of skyscrapers? No? Well, strap in, because The Bands of Mourning is that train, and it's a rumble-through-history kind of ride, narrated with the kind of enthusiasm that only a true Mistborn fan can deliver.
First off, this isn't your run-of-the-mill fantasy. It's set 300 years after the original trilogy, so Scadrial is straddling the cusp of the Industrial Revolution. Imagine electric streetlamps flickering on a canal-lined boulevard, a steam-powered locomotive chugging past a glittering steel-framed tower that's practically hugging the clouds. Sanderson throws us into this oddly anachronistic world where the Lord Ruler's legacy is still alive-literally, in the form of the mythical "Bands of Mourning." Think metal-minded suits of armor that grant the wearer the powers of the Lord Ruler himself. If that's not enough to make your head spin, consider the plot.
Waxillium Ladrian, the protagonist (yes, that Waxillium-no, he's not a waxy fellow, just a pretty name), is summoned north from Elendel by a kandra researcher who's come back with pictures that look like they were taken by a very confused paparazzo. These images supposedly depict the Bands, but they're wrapped in a language nobody can decode. Classic Sanderson-cryptic clues, high stakes, and a mystery that feels like a treasure hunt where the treasure is literally a metal suit of mind-control.
As Wax travels south to New Seran, the plot thickens like a well-stirred potion. He encounters hints about his uncle Edwarn and the shadowy organization known as The Set. Edwarn-who you might think is just another "old family guy"-turns out to have ambitions that could tip the scales of power in Scadrial. The Set? Think of them as the corporate shadow of a modern empire, pulling strings from the back rooms of skyscrapers while the city blinks to the rhythm of progress.
What makes this audiobook shine is the narrator's voice-energetic, slightly sarcastic, and perfectly tuned to Sanderson's worldbuilding. The pacing keeps you engaged, the dialogue is snappy, and the humor is sprinkled like confetti. The narrator never loses the thread, even when the plot goes from railroads to high-tech mind-suits.
The biggest win is the way the book bridges the old and new. You get the familiar Mistborn magic, but with a twist of modernity that feels like a science-fiction-meets-fantasy mashup. It's a clever reminder that the future can still have a past-especially when the past is made of metal and mind.
Bottom line: if you've ever wanted to ride a steampunk train into a future that still hoards the Lord Ruler's power, this audiobook delivers. Sanderson has wrapped a mystery, a quest, and a satirical nod to corporate intrigue into a package that's as fun as it is thought-provoking. Grab a seat, enjoy the ride, and remember: in Scadrial, the past is literally in the metal, and the future is a bit too bright for comfort.
Willow Dragon
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Instant Star
Thank you for making literature more accessible, enjoyable, and immersive. This app is a game-changer! This app's convenience has made reading a priority in my busy schedule. Every moment is a chance to explore new stories with this app. Its intuitive features and compatibility ensure my audiobook journey is seamless. ππ§ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my immersion in every audiobook, regardless of surroundings. Bookmarks are a fantastic tool for keeping track of important moments. They're a game-changer.
MeeP
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MysticMingle
I can't believe I waited this long to discover the joy of audiobooks through this app. I'm in awe of how this app has made reading a part of my busy life. π₯ Spicing up my routine with this app β it's like having a personal storyteller on hand at all times! β¨π Library organization is simplified with ListenBook. It's easy to keep my audiobooks neat and tidy.
Irish Dze
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IdeaAlchemy
I'm grateful for ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats, making it a one-stop solution for audio content. I've never experienced such silky-smooth playback even with high-quality FLAC files. I'm impressed with the wide range of supported formats. Finally, an app that plays all my audiobooks flawlessly. The voice boost feature is amazing. It makes every word crystal clear.
Roller Girl
ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a thoughtful gesture that ListenBook makes seamless. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very user-friendly.
MysticMingle
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Zero Charisma
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a feature I can't live without. I love how this app's chapters, bookmarks, and controls give me full control over my audiobook journey. π Elevating everyday moments β this app adds an extra layer of magic to every aspect of my day. πβ¨ Effortlessly enjoying audiobooks on the go β kudos to this app's functionality.
Crash Enforcer
I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. I'm so grateful for this app β it's like having a personal storyteller wherever I go.
ButterQuest
Being able to download audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. ListenBook has taken my listening pleasure to new heights β it's a true audio marvel. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is a technological marvel. 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. The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
Juice Petite
This app is a boon for book lovers who are always on the go. π± Turning my phone into a portal of endless stories β this app is pure magic! πβ¨ Kudos to the developers for crafting an app that understands readers' needs. The smooth playback and sleek design are pure perfection. ππ I was thoroughly impressed by this audiobook. The combination of engaging content and skilled narration made my daily commute something to look forward to. The narrator's timing and intonation were spot-on, enhancing rather than distracting from the material. Definitely worth a credit! The perfect balance between dramatic reading and natural storytelling. Felt like a friend telling me an amazing story rather than someone just reading words.
ThermalMode
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§ Listening stats feature keeps me on track with my audiobook goals. Love it! The narration elevated an already good book to greatness! The performer's subtle vocal variations conveyed nuance I might have missed while reading. Their ability to maintain consistent character voices across many hours was impressive. Technical quality was flawless throughout.
Hoboken Nightingale
This app has brought stories to life in a way that traditional reading never could. I love that I can download content directly from the internet within the ListenBook app β so handy! 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 ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick access to chapters enhance my overall listening experience. One of the best audiobooks Iβve heard! The story was compelling, and the narratorβs delivery added depth to every scene. I found myself looking for excuses to listen just a little longer. Will definitely revisit this one!
Bowler
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Tokyo Dream
This app has reignited my love for literature in the most delightful way. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook library. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's an essential tool that enhances every listening session. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
ForumFlare
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ThoughtTrailblazer
This app's ease of use has made reading an integral part of my everyday life. ListenBook's interface is so intuitive. I was up and running in no time. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks, and this one stands out for its professional quality. The narrator struck the ideal balance between dramatic interpretation and letting the text speak for itself. The audio engineering was superb with consistent volume levels and crystal-clear recording.
Pepper Legs
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Infinite Hole
The offline mode is a lifesaver on flights β I'm never without a good story. ListenBook's audio filters have transformed the way I experience audio content β it's a real game-changer.
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