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.
Landfill Max
I love that ListenBook Pro allows me to customize the tone of the sound – it adds a personal touch. The quick access to chapters and controls makes the app a joy to use. I'm always in control. ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Vixen
I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to jump between sections. ListenBook’s design is sleek and modern. The app is a pleasure to use. 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!
9Lives
Audiobook listening has never been this easy and convenient – it's like having a personal narrator. 🎶 Forget background music, I've got enchanting stories to accompany my chores! 🎵📚 I love the bookmarking feature. ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
Star Killer
I'm able to enjoy books in a whole new way – while cooking, working out, or even gardening. Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and broad compatibility ensure every story is a captivating ride. 🌌🎧 Download options are plenty – I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch.
Essex
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EchoExplorer
🎉 Rekindling my literary flame – this app has brought back the joy of reading in a whole new format. 📖🚀 Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. 🎉🎧 ListenBook is packed with useful features. It’s the best audiobook app I’ve used. The ability to organize my library is a huge plus. Everything is so neat and tidy.
Corny
ListenBook's dedication to delivering high-quality sound and user-friendly features has won me over. Audiobooks have become my constant companions during my daily activities. I'm grateful for this app – it's made reading a part of my everyday life. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a dream for road trips. It keeps me entertained. Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If you’re looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
Gothic Slacker
This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. I can't get enough of this app's user-friendly interface – it's a true delight. Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments. This was my first audiobook in this genre and I'm hooked! The performance brought the story to life in a way reading never could. Already downloaded another by the same narrator.
Swedish Pixie
Being able to customize the listening duration is perfect for quick breaks. Enhancing my daily routines – this app's design makes listening a joy. Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature!
QuantumQuill
This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle – I can enjoy books while doing chores! This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for audiobook lovers. They help me keep track of important moments. ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace. This audiobook exceeded all my expectations! The narrator's ability to convey emotion through voice alone was remarkable. I laughed, I gasped, I might have even teared up at points - all because of the incredible vocal performance. The story came alive in a way reading alone couldn't achieve.
Noh Noh
I never knew my daily walks could be so fulfilling – all thanks to this app. ListenBook's features are a bookworm's dream come true – from chapters to bookmarks, it's got everything. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening sessions into immersive experiences. Thanks to ListenBook's binaural audio processing, my extended listening sessions are fatigue-free.
Insane SweepKick
I'm rediscovering my favorite classics in a whole new way – through audiobooks! The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs.
Devil Blade
ListenBook's user-friendly audio filters and controls have made my audiobook sessions more interactive and engaging. 📱 Carrying my favorite stories with me wherever I go – this app is like a portable library in my pocket. 📚👜
FrankenGrin
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my daily activities more seamless and convenient. 🎙️ Grocery shopping has taken an exciting turn – I'm on a mission to explore new worlds through audiobooks! 🛒📚 Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to inspire others to read. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze. 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!
Goatee Shield
ListenBook's statistics feature is both enlightening and motivating. It's incredible to see the time I've invested in learning through audiobooks. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Kill Switch
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best. I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities. ListenBook's extensive format support makes it the ultimate audiobook app for any audiobook lover. Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend!
Emerald Goddess
Audiobook joy made simple – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that enhances the immersion in the content. I love the auto-bookmark feature. It saves my place automatically.
Sir Shove
Audiobooks have become my escape from reality – a journey into captivating worlds. With this app, I can dive into captivating narratives while cooking, cleaning, or commuting – pure magic! 💼 Boosting productivity at work with an audiobook in the background – love it! 💻🎧 Seamless integration of audiobooks – this app's ease of use is impressive. ListenBook has completely elevated my audiobook experience. It's an integral part of my daily routine.
Pixie Taze
I'm amazed by ListenBook's smooth drag-and-drop downloads in my web browser – a time-saver! 🧘♂️ Finding zen in the art of listening – this app takes mindfulness to a new level! 🧘♂️🎧 🎉 Unlocking the door to imagination – this app is my key to endless stories and endless possibilities. 📚🔑 Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my audiobook library. I don't have strong feelings about this one either way. The narration was competent but forgettable. The story itself was more engaging than the performance.
Aqua Diva
Audiobook excellence simplified – this app's functionality is a true delight. Looping playback is a brilliant study tool. Thanks to ListenBook, my learning has improved! Bookmarks are a lifesaver for audiobook lovers. They help me keep track of important moments. ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. Unlimited audiobook length? Count me in! The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a fantastic bonus. It keeps me entertained during long drives.
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