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!
Lime
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Digital Moonshine
I'm impressed with the wide range of supported formats. Finally, an app that plays all my audiobooks flawlessly. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a fantastic bonus. It keeps me entertained during long drives. I love how I can create playlists. Itβs perfect for organizing my books.
Guncap Slingbad
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Frenzy
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Lightening Trip
Every moment is an adventure with this app by my side. Its intuitive features and diverse format support ensure that my audiobook journey is seamless and exciting. ππ§ Unlocking a world of literary wonders β this app's extensive format support and user-centric approach have rekindled my love for books. π±π Book groups are a thoughtful addition. It's like having virtual bookshelves! Auto-rewind feature is extremely helpful. Great functionality.
Fast FLAK
With this app, I'm discovering the joy of reading during my commutes. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Sneaky Lady
Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. ππ ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true for those epic tales. It's like having a personal audiobook library in your pocket.
Girl Brownie
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Dahlia Bumble
The app's customization options allow me to tailor the listening experience to my liking. This app has turned audiobook listening into a daily ritual for me. ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its user-friendly interface and smooth playback. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to spread the joy of captivating stories with friends.
Toy Peep
Audiobook lovers, you need this app in your life. The innovative features, from audio filters to compatibility, enhance my reading journey. ππ§ ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It enhances the audio quality and makes listening comfortable. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. Downloading over WiFi saves so much time. Very efficient.
Bang Shift
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MrOnsTr
The ability to adjust the playback speed has made my commute even more efficient. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique touch that adds personalization to my audiobook journey. The app is perfect for long commutes. It keeps me entertained for hours. Solid performance overall though some character voices sounded too similar. I occasionally got confused about who was speaking in dialogue-heavy scenes.
Blackfire
I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates with my daily routine. This app's versatility and convenience have transformed my screen time into a productive reading journey. I've recommended ListenBook to all my fellow bookworms. It's a true companion for audiobook lovers. Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth. ListenBook has completely transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The chapter navigation is seamless, and the statistics feature is a fun way to track my listening progress. The app is stable, fast, and incredibly user-friendly. Five stars!
LerveDr
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Girl Brownie
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Athens Fire
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Pistol Hydro
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver β no more losing my place in the story! Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thanks, ListenBook!
Dandelion
ListenBook's dedication to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every aspect of the app. Streamlined audiobook integration β this app's usability is truly impressive. As an audiobook enthusiast, I'm in awe of ListenBook's advanced features. The ability to adjust the reader's voice tone is a unique and fun addition.
Instant Star
I can't believe how much time I've gained by listening while cooking and doing chores. This app has reignited my love for literature in the most delightful way. With this app, reading is as simple as pressing play β it's genius! ListenBook has all the features I need in an audiobook app. My top choice!
Black Walnut
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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