Book description
The Big Time by Fritz Leiber: Audiobook Review
Picture this: a cosmic jukebox where the songs are reality itself, and the DJs are locked in an eternal playlist war. That's roughly what Fritz Leiber's "The Big Time" sounds like when it's not trying to melt your brain through your earbuds.
The audiobook throws you straight into what can only be described as temporal trench warfare, where two factions-the Spiders and the Snakes-have been duking it out across the timeline for a cool two billion years. It's like a history channel documentary, if the history channel was run by caffeinated deities with anger management issues.
Our narrator guide through this chronological chaos is Greta Forzane, who's essentially the cosmic equivalent of a backstage caterer at a really, really long-running concert. She and her fellow Entertainers serve as neutral ground zero-outside space, outside time, and apparently outside the laws of narrative decency.
What makes this audiobook particularly entertaining is how Leiber treats memory as the universe's most unreliable narrator. Your past isn't just subjective; it's actively being rewritten by temporal tourists who think they know better. It's the kind of existential crisis that makes you check your own memories like you're proofreading a term paper written by someone having a nervous breakdown.
The production quality matches the story's gonzo energy-voices swirl around you like time-traveling gossip, and the pacing keeps you slightly off-balance, which is exactly right for a tale about reality's questionable reliability.
Leiber's prose zips along with the enthusiasm of someone who's just discovered you can break physics if you ask it nicely. The author, who also gave us sword-swinging barbarians and feline aliens with questionable intentions, clearly enjoys turning the universe into his personal Etch A Sketch.
This isn't so much audiobook as audio experience-like taking a philosophy class taught by someone who's simultaneously stoned and having a revelation. Your memory might not be trustworthy, but this story will definitely remember you.
Fatsy Bear
The app's design is sleek and modern โ it's a pleasure to navigate. ListenBook's compatibility with playlists and CUE files is a great addition for those who love organized listening. This app's convenience has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Y0dler
Audiobooks on this app have turned my travels into explorations of new narratives. Iโve tried several audiobook players, but ListenBook stands out for its reliability and ease of use. The equalizer and voice boost features make every book sound amazing. Plus, the dark mode is perfect for nighttime listening. Great job, developers!
Alias Stick
This app is a lifesaver! I can now enjoy my favorite books on the go. The tone adjustment feature in ListenBook Pro is a novel addition that allows me to personalize my audiobook experience.
Stick Shift
ListenBook Pro offers amazing value with unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction features. This app's convenience has transformed my screen time into meaningful reading sessions.
PixelPathfinder
ListenBook's audio filters have given me the power to tailor my listening experience to my preferences. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature is a time-saving convenience that I greatly appreciate. Looping playback helps me revise and memorize complex topics effectively. A study essential! Flawless support for various audio formats. Very happy with it.
IceDog
This app's compatibility with different file types means that my entire audiobook collection is at my fingertips. This app's convenience has made my audiobook addiction thrive!
High-Fructose
With ListenBook, I can enjoy a wide range of audiobook formats without any hassle, making my listening experience seamless. This app is my secret to staying ahead on my reading list, even during my busiest days. I can't imagine a day without this app โ it has made my audiobook journey effortless and rewarding. ListenBook is fantastic! Supports every audiobook format I have. Super convenient! Downloading books over WiFi is quick and hassle-free. Very convenient.
Kamikaze Grandma
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. ๐ง Making housework more enjoyable โ audiobooks turn mundane chores into moments of discovery. ๐งน๐ ListenBook's audio filters have given me the power to tailor my listening experience to my preferences. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my audiobook experience during daily activities. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureโitโs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
CoB@lt
Audiobooks have become a part of my self-care routine, thanks to this app. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for audiobook lovers. They help me keep track of important moments. ListenBook has become my ultimate audiobook companion. It enhances every listening session. Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments. ListenBookโs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Sloth
I'm amazed by the attention to detail, from automatic metadata extraction to customizable settings. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Alias Stick
ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn any moment into a reading opportunity. 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.
Gbbledgoodk
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. This app has reignited my passion for literature โ I'm devouring books like never before. ListenBook has become my go-to audiobook app. It's dependable, user-friendly, and enhances every listening session. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
B@d B0y
Download via WiFi, WebDAV, iTunes โ options galore to suit everyone's preferences. Automatic metadata extraction keeps my library organized. It's a time-saver! Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed.
Twinkle
The layout of ListenBook is so beautiful and user-friendly, making it a pleasure to use. No more limits on the genres I can explore! This app's versatility in downloading and organizing audiobooks ensures I always have a captivating tale at my fingertips. ๐๐ฑ Downloading audio from network devices is a brilliant feature. It's incredibly convenient. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Eerie Mizzen
Finally, an app that lets me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. The library organization and book groups feature make navigation a breeze. I can't get enough of the app's sleek interface and intuitive controls. It's a joy to use!
Trixie
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my daily activities more seamless and convenient. ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. Binaural audio reduces listening fatigue. Such a great feature!
SprkR
The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook consumption habits. ListenBook's intuitive layout and quick access to chapters make audiobook navigation a breeze. I love the car mode. Itโs so convenient for listening while driving.
Sexy
I'm blown away by how this app has revolutionized my reading experience. ๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ Strolling through stories on a lazy afternoon โ this app is my relaxation buddy! ๐๏ธ๐ง The app's performance is nothing short of impressive โ smooth, responsive, and designed with audiobook lovers in mind. The perfect balance between dramatic reading and natural storytelling. Felt like a friend telling me an amazing story rather than someone just reading words.
Skirble
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks is a hassle-free process, regardless of the source. Book groups help me keep series together and navigate my collection more efficiently. A great feature! The app is perfect for language learners. The playback speed control is a game-changer.
Burst Nibbler
With this app, reading is as simple as pressing play โ it's genius! ๐ Grooving to the rhythm of stories while tackling household chores โ a dance of productivity! ๐ถ๐
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