Book description
Hey, you won't believe the audiobook I just finished-Anthony Ryan's "The Black Song," the second in his Raven's Blade saga. I'm practically shouting from the sofa because it's a wild, blood-thirsty ride from start to finish.
First, a quick intro on the man behind the madness. Ryan, born in Scotland and having spent years in the British Civil Service, decided to trade spreadsheets for swords after his first book, "Blood Song," blew up. He's got a history degree, loves art, science, and the quest for the perfect pint of real ale-yes, that's the kind of detail that makes the narration feel almost like a bar-room chat with a historian-turned-sword-slinger.
Now, the plot. Picture this: the Steel Horde, those ruthless, fire-breathing marauders, have wrecked the Venerable Kingdom. Their leader, Kehlbrand, thinks he's a god and is now eyeing the merchant kingdoms like a hungry beast. Nobody can stop his conquest, but Vaelin Al Sorna-our hero, but also on the run-might be the only one who can. His own army is in disarray, his back is full of betrayal, and he's carrying a new "blood song" that is as cursed as it is powerful. Think of it as a cursed guitar that sings only in the dead of night, guiding you into darkness. He's supposed to use it to save the world, but it might drag him down a darker path than anyone anticipated.
The audiobook delivers this with a narrator who sounds like a seasoned bard-clear, energetic, and just enough gravel in the voice to make you feel like you're in the middle of a battlefield shouting orders. The pacing is relentless; you're never in a lull. Every sword clash, every chant, every grim decision is amplified, making the stakes feel even higher.
What I love most is the sheer scale of the conflict and the depth of Vaelin's struggle. He's not just fighting external enemies; he's battling his own darkness, a theme that's both thrilling and chilling. The story doesn't shy away from blood or betrayal-it embraces it with gusto, which is exactly what you want in a fantasy that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
If you're after an audiobook that packs action, intrigue, and a dash of self-reflection, this one's a slam-dunk. Anthony Ryan takes the "Raven's Blade" name and turns it into a full-blown epic, and you'll be glad you sat down and listened. Cheers!
Wooden Man
I'm addicted to the personalized recommendations โ it's like the app knows me! I've become a more attentive listener thanks to the engaging audiobooks. This app is a boon for book lovers who are always on the go. ๐ Transforming long drives into memorable journeys through the magic of audiobooks! ๐๐ ๐ฅ Simplifying my reading routine โ the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. ๐๐
FlyGuardX
I can't get enough of the celebrity narrators โ they add a unique charm to each book. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a versatile companion for my daily activities. This app has transformed my daily routine into moments of literary delight. Streamlined audiobook integration โ this app's usability is truly impressive.
Red Woman
I'm blown away by the quality of narration on this app โ it's like being in the story. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that enhances my listening experience. It's these thoughtful touches that matter! The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time. 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 featureโit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Soda Delirium
The ability to switch between different books effortlessly is a major plus. Kudos to ListenBook for optimizing the app for iOS 16 โ it shows their dedication to excellence. Audiobook enjoyment redefined โ this app's design focuses on the essentials. Effortlessly managing my audiobook library โ this app's design is a triumph. Automatic metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is finally well-organized.
Call Back Queen
ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats ensures that I can enjoy a wide range of content hassle-free. ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. Thanks to ListenBook, I'm now exploring different genres and formats I never thought I would. I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities.
FRMhndshk
I've become addicted to this app โ in the best possible way! I'm addicted to this app's ability to turn mundane moments into opportunities for intellectual growth. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options are essential for my audiobook enjoyment and study. The app's compatibility with Apple Watch elevates my workouts, making them more engaging and productive.
MythMaker
Thanks to this app, listening to audiobooks has become a delightful habit. ๐๏ธ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency โ I'm enjoying audiobooks without missing a beat in my day. ๐ถ๐ Auto-rewind feature is very useful. Excellent app!
Feral Cookie
Looping playback helps me retain knowledge from audiobooks effectively. It's an invaluable tool. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itโs so easy.
101
I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do now โ all thanks to this app. With ListenBook, I've found a reliable and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. With this app, I've found a way to make long flights and road trips more enjoyable and enlightening. ๐ถ Forget background music, I've got enchanting stories to accompany my chores! ๐ต๐
RedFeet
ListenBook's dedication to delivering high-quality sound and user-friendly features has won me over. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience. The app's support for multiple formats is flawless. Very satisfied.
Baby Brown
Audiobooks on this app have made my daily walks a time of reflection and inspiration. ListenBook's extensive library and user-friendly interface have made it my go-to app. ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats is impressive. From MP3 to FLAC, it handles them all flawlessly.
Spunky Chick
ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling. Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
Captain Peroxide
The ListenBook app has enriched my daily life, adding a layer of intellectual and emotional fulfillment. This app's sleek design and effortless controls have made audiobook listening an immersive experience. ListenBook's support for playlists in the CUE format makes organizing and enjoying audiobook series a delightful experience. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a huge plus. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itโs a unique feature.
Bombay Shivers
ListenBook's customizable features, from playback speed to audio filters, cater to every audiobook lover's preferences. ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. The interface is so clean and clutter-free. Itโs a pleasure to use. It was fine. The narrator did an adequate job but nothing about the performance particularly stood out to me. Got me through my commute though.
Crash Test
With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one app. ๐ Embracing reading in the busiest of times โ this app is my everyday escape! ๐๐โโ๏ธ 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.
Low Menace
Listening to audiobooks has never been this enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook! I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Eerie
๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ง Strolling through captivating narratives while I take my daily walks โ pure bliss! ๐๏ธ๐ ListenBook's detailed statistics feature helps me keep track of my listening habits. It's amazing to see how much I've learned from all those audiobooks!
IceDog
This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks hassle-free. Audiobooks made simple โ this app's functionality is a breath of fresh air. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's thoughtful features, such as auto-rewind and chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our storytelling cravings. ๐๐ The app's support for multiple formats is flawless. Very satisfied.
Good William
Listening to books in their original language has improved my foreign language skills. The chapters feature on ListenBook enhances my audiobook exploration โ it's like flipping through pages. ๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ This app's functionality makes every walk an adventure โ I'm immersed in stories as I explore the world around me. ๐๏ธ๐ Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends and family. It fosters connections and conversations. An unobjectionable but unexceptional audiobook experience. The narrator's performance was serviceable and the audio quality was fine, but nothing about the production particularly stood out or elevated the material. It was decent background listening.
Star Sword
Background play feature lets me multitask while enjoying a book โ brilliant! ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features make it easy to keep my content at my fingertips. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. This app's convenience has made my downtime more rewarding and enriching.
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