Book description
Lloyd Alexander's The Chronicles of Prydain isn't just a classic; it's the bedrock of modern children's fantasy, and its audiobook adaptation proves why it endures. Published over thirty years ago, this series-winner of the Newbery Medal and a Newbery Honor-has captivated millions, selling over two million copies and translating into twenty languages. But what makes it truly special, especially as an audiobook, is its timeless storytelling and the sheer joy of hearing Taran's journey unfold.
Taran begins as a humble Assistant Pig-Keeper in the enchanted land of Prydain, far from the hero he dreams of becoming. The audiobook masterfully captures his growth: his youthful impulsiveness, his fierce loyalty to friends like the fierce princess Eilonwy and the wise, gruff Gwydion, and his deepening understanding of courage. The narrator's voice brings Taran's internal struggles to life-his doubts, his determination-making his transformation feel earned, not forced. You hear the weight of his choices as he faces bandits, ancient magic, and the looming threat of the Horned King, all while navigating the complexities of friendship and duty.
What elevates the audiobook beyond the printed page is its pacing. Alexander's prose, though written decades ago, avoids the slow pacing that can plague older works. The audiobook narrator uses subtle vocal shifts to distinguish characters-Taran's earnestness, Fflewddur Fflam's flamboyant storytelling, the dry wit of Doli-without resorting to caricature. This clarity makes the intricate world of Prydain feel immediate and accessible, whether you're listening on a commute or sharing it with a child. The magical elements-like the sentient, grumpy pig Hen Wen or the whispering woods-gain texture through sound, enhancing the sense of wonder without overwhelming the plot.
Crucially, the series avoids simplistic good-versus-evil tropes. Taran's battles are often internal, testing his character more than his sword arm. The audiobook emphasizes this, letting the quiet moments of reflection resonate as much as the action. You feel the cost of his choices, the value of hard-won wisdom, making the climax feel deeply satisfying. It's a story about growing up, finding your place, and understanding that true strength comes from heart, not just might.
For new listeners, the audiobook is a perfect gateway to a foundational fantasy series. It's not overly complex, yet it rewards attention with layers of character and world-building. For longtime fans, it's a nostalgic trip back to Prydain, now refreshed by the intimacy of the spoken word. The Newbery recognition isn't just about its writing-it's about how it resonates across generations, a testament to Alexander's skill in crafting stories that feel both timeless and urgently relevant. This audiobook doesn't just tell Taran's story; it makes you feel like you're walking beside him, through the misty valleys of Prydain, ready for whatever adventure comes next.
Solo Kill
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. π± Carrying stories in my pocket β this app's convenience is a game-changer! πποΈ No more fussing with synchronization β this app just gets it done!
Flash
I can't believe how much more productive I am β I'm learning and growing while multitasking! I've found hidden gems in genres I never thought I'd be interested in. The ability to download audio from network devices directly within ListenBook is incredibly convenient. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Sun Leo
I'm absolutely in love with this app! The interface is so intuitive and user-friendly. With support for various audio formats, ListenBook ensures I can enjoy my favorite audiobooks without worries.
Red Hot Kevorkian
With ListenBook, my daily commutes have become a cherished time for learning and enjoyment. Accessing my favorite audiobooks has never been easier β this app's user-centric design and comprehensive features make it an absolute gem. π±π§
PixelPathfinder
Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. This app is my constant companion, making every moment a chance to discover new worlds. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options have made audiobook revisiting and studying a breeze.
Mustard Centaur
I can't imagine my daily routine without ListenBook's intuitive layout and easy-to-access controls. This app is a true treasure for audiobook lovers β it's my go-to source for literary adventures! I'm hooked on this app's seamless performance β it's like having a personal audiobook curator. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into any moment. Say goodbye to monotony β this app's diverse format support and intuitive controls have turned my daily activities into thrilling audiobook adventures. π±π
Mother Hen
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a game-changer β I can have my audiobooks ready in no time. I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, thanks to this app. I can't get enough of this app β it's like having a personal library with me. Looping playback is my favorite study tool. It's a game-changer for mastering challenging content.
Spitfire
The bookmarking feature ensures I never lose my place in a book β so convenient! With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my daily routines more enriching and rewarding. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is top-notch. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate themed listening sessions, creating a dynamic and engaging audiobook experience. ListenBookβs support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is fantastic. I can listen anywhere.
Wheels
The ListenBook app has become an indispensable part of my daily routine, helping me learn and relax simultaneously. CUE playlist support is a rare gem. Perfect for organizing content efficiently. I love the auto-rewind feature. ListenBook always picks up right where I left off.
High-Fructose
With ListenBook, I've found a way to make the most of my free time while indulging in my love for audiobooks. With this app, I can enjoy my favorite stories while traveling, making my journeys more delightful. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy. This app is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. The ability to adjust skip intervals and playback speed is fantastic. I also love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Worth every penny!
Kevlar Wanted
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun way to customize my listening experience. ListenBook has redefined my workout routine. The controls are so user-friendly.
ManManMan
With support for various formats, I can finally listen to my diverse audiobook collection. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my library look organized and visually appealing.
RealmRanger
Tone adjustment is such a unique feature. It's like customizing the narrator's voice. ListenBook has all the features I need in an audiobook app. My top choice!
Sly Bible
I'm grateful for ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats, making it a one-stop solution for audio content. π± An app that truly understands audiobook enthusiasts β it's all about functionality, and this app nails it! ππ‘ Absolutely in love with this audiobook app! The seamless functionality and easy navigation make my reading time pure bliss. ππ§ Absolutely loved the narration! The voice actor brought the characters to life with distinct tones and emotions. The production quality was top-notch, with no background noise or distractions. A truly immersive experience!
Old Orange Eyes
This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle β I can enjoy books while doing chores! ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. I've rediscovered my love for reading, all thanks to this app's convenience. Audiobooks made accessible and enjoyable β this app's design is a triumph. Bookmarking my favorite parts of audiobooks is now a breeze. Love this feature!
Bleachers
π Rekindling my love for reading β this app makes each day a new adventure! ππ Tone adjustment adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I'm hooked! ListenBookβs interface is sleek and user-friendly. Finding and playing my audiobooks has never been easier. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Moon Cricket
The ListenBook app is a fantastic companion for my long walks, helping me learn and explore at the same time. With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one convenient app. The adjustable playback speed is a secret weapon for getting through educational content faster. Auto-rewind is a brilliant feature. Never lose track of where I left off.
Trick Baron
I've become a more empathetic listener thanks to the emotional depth of audiobooks. The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a portable audiobook library that I can carry everywhere. Bookmarks are a must-have for any audiobook lover. They help me stay organized and engaged. Looping playback helps me immerse myself in the content. It's my secret study weapon. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly.
Mallow Man
π Transforming my mundane routine into a captivating journey β thank you, this app! β¨π π§ Finally, an app that understands my need for convenience and ease of use! Audiobooks have never been this accessible. ππ± Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is truly impressive. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is top-notch. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to an impressive degree.
Spunky Sphinx
I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life. π§ββοΈ Finding zen through storytelling β this app makes meditation even more calming. π§ββοΈπ§ Binaural audio reduces listening fatigue. Such a great feature!
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