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.
Shadow Bishop
ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. The range of supported formats is astounding. No more compatibility issues!
Feral Cookie
ListenBook's dedication to enhancing the audiobook experience has made it my preferred app for listening to content on the go. With ListenBook Pro, I can customize the tone of the sound to match my preferences β it's a fantastic touch.
Dallas Burn
Audiobooks have brought a new level of enjoyment to my daily workout routine. I can't get enough of ListenBook's silky-smooth playback and intuitive design. It's my go-to app for both leisurely listening and study sessions. The best app for audiobooks. Downloading and organizing files is super easy with ListenBook. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Silent
Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fantastic feature. It adds a personal touch. The app is perfect for long commutes. It keeps me entertained for hours.
The Howling Swede
Effortlessly exploring audiobook worlds β this app's functionality is genius. Revolutionizing the way I enjoy stories β this app's seamless playback and intuitive controls make it a must-have for every book enthusiast. π±π§ Solid performance overall though some character voices sounded too similar. I occasionally got confused about who was speaking in dialogue-heavy scenes.
Petite Flurry
The convenience of having an entire library at my fingertips is a dream come true. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! Audiobook pleasure without the fuss β this app's functionality is top-notch. Download options are abundant, from WiFi to iTunes. It's all about convenience with this app. 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.
New Magoo
The listening stats feature is awesome. I can track my audiobook habits effortlessly. The chapter navigation is a lifesaver. It makes finding my place so easy. Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldnβt call it unforgettable.
LoreLoomer
The 'Discover' section is a treasure trove for finding hidden literary gems. I'm grateful for ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats, making it a one-stop solution for audio content. ListenBook is a game-changer β it plays a wide variety of formats without any conversion needed. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually fulfilling. πΆββοΈπ Embracing audiobooks as my companions during leisurely walks β nature and narratives, a perfect match! πΆββοΈπ§
Street Squirrel
This app has become my go-to for audiobooks, adding a layer of convenience and enjoyment to my days. Tone adjustment is such a unique feature. It's like customizing the narrator's voice. Bookmarking favorite parts of audiobooks is a breeze. It's like having a personalized study guide. Binaural audio processing is a game-changer β my ears stay comfortable during long listening sessions. I've recommended ListenBook to all my fellow bookworms. It's a true companion for audiobook lovers.
Poppin Loot
The fact that ListenBook doesn't just play, but enhances audio quality, is truly remarkable. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magical spell that transports me into the heart of the story. Elegant design and easy-to-use interface. Very happy with ListenBook.
WanderWord
I can't thank the developers enough for constantly updating and improving the app. The app's customization options allow me to tailor the listening experience to my liking. ListenBook has become my go-to app for exploring a diverse range of audiobooks. It offers a wide array of features that cater to different preferences and needs.
Stallion Patton
π± My pocket-sized library β this app makes reading accessible anytime, anywhere! ππ± βοΈ A round of applause for an app that prioritizes functionality β I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and other tasks. ππ§ ListenBook has made managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Library organization is top-notch.
Darling Peacock
I'm blown away by how this app has made my workouts more enjoyable and my mind more active. This app has made my downtime so much more productive and enjoyable.
Mr. Wholesome
Binaural audio processing really helps reduce listening fatigue. Great feature! Incredible character voices! Each person felt distinct without being over-the-top. The emotional scenes gave me chills with how well they were delivered.
Bad Bond
Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing. ListenBook's user-friendly design and compatibility with different formats have made it my go-to app. I'm addicted to this app's curated playlists and recommendations β they're spot on. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Ginger Chaos
Who knew that commuting could become such an enjoyable reading session? Audiobook excellence simplified β this app's functionality is a true delight. With ListenBook Pro, long audiobooks are no problem. I love it!
SmartieQuest
Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. With this app, every moment is an opportunity to dive into a new story. Looping playback is a study aid sent from heaven. It's helping me ace my exams! I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to jump between sections.
Scooby Did
ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. π± Unlocking the world of literature with just a tap β this app is my digital library card! ππ± ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick access to chapters enhance my overall listening experience.
PepperBurst
This app's ease of use has made reading an integral part of my everyday life. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Saint La-Z-Boy
ListenBook has become my go-to app for all audiobooks. Full of useful features. I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version! The narrator added layers of meaning I might have missed reading silently. Their interpretation of the material felt thoughtful and authentic. The recording was technically perfect - no reverb, no peaking, just clean, pleasant audio.
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