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.
Wiccan Thunder
I'm hooked on this app's effortless downloading process – I can have my favorite audiobooks in seconds. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends and family. It fosters connections and conversations. Adjusting playback speed has given me greater control over my audiobook experience. I can optimize my learning and enjoyment by customizing the pacing.
Zorkle Sporkle
ListenBook's support for chapters and bookmarks ensures that I never lose my place in a story. Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. 💡 Balancing learning and living effortlessly – audiobooks on demand, thanks to this app! 🎧💫
Moon Laser
CUE playlist support is a fantastic addition. It helps me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Bleachers
Thanks to ListenBook, I've rediscovered the joy of exploring my favorite content on multiple devices. Effortless and enriching – that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its functionality, from seamless downloads to binaural audio processing, has truly raised the bar. 📱📖 ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to share the joy of captivating stories with friends and family. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like my personal audiobook oasis.
Freeway
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily activities more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Finally, an app that lets me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. The library organization and book groups feature make navigation a breeze. The voice boost feature is amazing. It makes every word crystal clear.
Jester
ListenBook has given me a renewed appreciation for audio content – it's my new favorite app. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
The Dude
ListenBook has redefined my audiobook journey, making it more enjoyable and convenient than ever before. ListenBook has breathed new life into my audiobook collection. I can't imagine using anything else. Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I learn and enjoy audiobooks. I can adapt the pace to my needs, maximizing comprehension and retention. Unlimited length audiobooks with ListenBook Pro are a huge plus!
Night Train
The tone adjustment feature in ListenBook Pro is a novel addition that allows me to personalize my audiobook experience. CUE playlist support helps me organize my audiobooks efficiently. It's a great organizational tool. 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 wouldn’t call it unforgettable. This was a competent audiobook production with no major flaws. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough and the audio quality was acceptable, though not exceptional. While the performance didn't particularly stand out, it served its purpose adequately for my daily commute.
Shady Lady
Listening to audiobooks has never been this convenient and enjoyable! My audiobook collection has never been more organized. Library management is a breeze. The app is perfect for bedtime listening. The sleep timer is a must-have.
German Coach
ListenBook's dedication to delivering a high-quality playback experience sets it apart from other apps. The features on this app, from bookmarks to playback speed, cater to all preferences. With ListenBook, my daily commutes have become a cherished time for learning and enjoyment. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection.
Toe
Audiobooks have made my long drives enjoyable, and this app is my co-pilot. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of intellectual discovery – a win-win! 🌟 Unleashing the power of audiobooks with this user-friendly app – it's like having a personal storyteller on demand! 📚🔥 ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app! This served its purpose as background listening while I worked. I probably missed some details but the narrator's voice was pleasant enough.
Fresh Peper
I love that ListenBook offers both basic and advanced features, catering to all types of users. I'm amazed by the variety of genres available – there's something for everyone. This app has turned my cooking sessions into culinary adventures with a side of stories. Audiobook multitasking made simple – this app's design is a game-changer.
Marigold Loot
With ListenBook, my iPhone and iPad have become a gateway to a world of captivating stories. With this app, my audiobook library is organized and accessible, making my reading journey effortless.
Queen Bee
With ListenBook, I've found a way to make the most of my free time while indulging in my love for audiobooks. 🧘♀️☕ Unwinding with a cup of tea and a captivating audiobook – relaxation meets intellectual stimulation. 🍵📖 ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible. I can't believe how seamless the integration with Apple Watch is. My workouts just got better. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
Papa Smurf
Audiobooks have made long flights feel like a breeze – a true travel essential. Discovering new worlds through audiobooks has never been easier! This app's intuitive interface and seamless functionality make every listening session a delight. 📚🎧 ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable.
Bad Beret
Listening to audiobooks has become my guilt-free indulgence, and I love it. If you love stories but have a busy schedule, this app is your solution! The intuitive interface and seamless navigation make this app a joy to use. I'm blown away by how this app has made my commutes productive and my downtime entertaining. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Bootleg Taximan
Kudos to the creators for making literature so accessible and enjoyable. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun way to customize my listening experience. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. It's like having virtual bookshelves!
SkyGod
The tone adjustment feature in ListenBook Pro is a novel addition that allows me to personalize my audiobook experience. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like the app knows what I need. The sleep timer is a lifesaver. I fall asleep listening to my books every night. I love the cloud integration. I can access my books from anywhere. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve 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!
Sugar Apple
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. With ListenBook, I can enjoy my own audio content with unparalleled ease and comfort. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a huge plus. 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.
Orange Teflon
I can't believe how much more I'm able to read with the help of this app. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration is a brilliant touch. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
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