Book description
The Cruel Prince Review
"You think you know cruelty? I was seven when they took us."
Jude's voice cuts through the opening moments of this audiobook like a blade, and from that instant, you're hooked. Holly Black doesn't waste time with gentle introductions-she plunges you straight into the heart of faerie darkness where human children become pawns in immortal games.
The narration captures something raw and electric that Black's written word alone couldn't fully convey. Jude's ten-year journey from stolen child to ambitious mortal in the High Court isn't just told-it's lived through every inflection, every carefully timed pause. You feel her desperate hunger to belong among beings who see her as barely more than an insect.
What makes this audiobook extraordinary is how it transforms Cardan from a simple villain into something far more dangerous. His cruelty isn't cartoonish-it's artful, calculated, the kind that makes you question whether you're supposed to hate him or envy him. The prince who should be a monster somehow becomes the most fascinating character in the room, and that's exactly Black's point.
The political machinations of the faerie court unfold like a deadly dance, and the audio format adds layers of tension you might miss on the page. Subtle vocal shifts reveal alliances before they're spoken, and the weight of ancient magic carries differently when spoken aloud rather than read silently.
Jude's transformation from victim to player happens gradually, uncomfortably, and that's what makes her compelling. She's not heroic-she's hungry, and sometimes that's the same thing. The audiobook captures every moment of her moral compromise with painful clarity.
This isn't a story about good versus evil. It's about survival, ambition, and the price of belonging somewhere you'll never truly fit. And somehow, listening to it unfold feels more intimate than reading it ever could.
Curio
I'm addicted to this app β it's a non-stop journey through captivating tales. The app's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically is a huge time-saver.
Vortex
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best. I can't imagine my daily routine without ListenBook's intuitive layout and easy-to-access controls. Looping playback is a study aid sent from heaven. It's helping me ace my exams! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is such a fun way to spread joy.
Undergrad Split
The voice actors are incredible β they make the characters come alive. I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand, transforming noisy environments into serene listening spaces. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends and family. It fosters connections and conversations.
Chlorine
With this app, my daily commute has transformed into an engaging journey through captivating stories. High-quality playback even with complex formats like FLAC. Impressive! The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Parallax Sugar
Audiobook lovers, rejoice! This app's functionality is a game-changer. Seamlessly switch between formats and enjoy a hassle-free reading experience. π±π§ Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration. Great for multitasking! I listened while cooking, driving, and even working out, and it kept me entertained the whole time. The narratorβs voice was pleasant, and the story flowed smoothly. Very enjoyable!
Rink Ruler
The app's compatibility with various devices ensures I never miss a moment of my book. With ListenBook, I can enjoy my own audio content with unparalleled ease and comfort. πΌ Workday blues? Not anymore β this app turns my office hours into reading time! π»π The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Dewdrop Doll
π§ This app has changed my reading game! Now I can 'read' while I work β genius! ππΌ 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. ListenBook has become my go-to app for exploring a diverse range of audiobooks. It offers a wide array of features that cater to different preferences and needs. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively.
Acid Gosling
With this app, I can read anytime, anywhere β it's a reader's dream come true. Organization made simple β this app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures that every story is just a tap away. Convenience at its finest. ππ± The app's versatility in audio downloading is unmatched. It's a comprehensive solution for my audiobook needs. The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
Digger
I've discovered authors I'd never heard of before, and now they're among my favorites. This app has rekindled my passion for literature in a whole new way. Tone adjustment is a brilliant addition that lets me personalize the narration to my liking. It adds an extra layer of connection to the audiobooks.
BoomerBox
This app has added a touch of magic to my mundane moments β I'm forever grateful. Audiobooks on this app have turned my exercise sessions into moments of education. My long walks have turned into exciting adventures with this app. ListenBook has become an essential part of my day, enhancing my commute and allowing me to enjoy audiobooks like never before.
Snapple Whistler
I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear and distraction-free listening.
Aqua Monsoon
Thanks to this app, I can enjoy the world of literature without missing a beat in my fast-paced life. ListenBook makes my commute enjoyable. The audio filters really enhance the listening experience. The audio quality is excellent, and the interface is intuitive. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Miss Lucky
Audiobook listening has never been this easy and convenient β it's like having a personal narrator. I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to share the joy of captivating stories with friends and family. Auto-rewind is a brilliant feature. Never lose track of where I left off.
StorySculptor
I can't believe I waited so long to start listening to audiobooks β this app has converted me! The sound quality is outstanding β it's like having a movie theater in my ears! This app is my secret weapon for learning while I'm on the move. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Divine Quasar
π± An app that respects my time and delivers on functionality β audiobook listening has never been this effortless. ππ ListenBook has redefined my workout routine. The controls are so user-friendly. ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration. ListenBookβs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Ladybird
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy. Who knew that commuting could become such an enjoyable reading session? π§ This app is my saving grace! Now I can enjoy my beloved books while cooking up a storm! ππ³
Universe Bullet
The ease of downloading content via WiFi, WebDAV, and more has made ListenBook my audiobook hub. ListenBook has brought stories back into my life, making every moment a new adventure. This app's compatibility with different file types means that my entire audiobook collection is at my fingertips. πββοΈπ Combining fitness and fiction β this app keeps me motivated during workouts with its engaging stories! πββοΈπ Sharing audiobooks with friends is a fantastic way to introduce them to new stories.
Mad Irishman
This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality to a new level. The ability to adjust playback speed and volume is a game-changer for me. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that enhances the immersion in the content.
Iron Jesus
πΆ Swapping background music for the soothing voices of narrators β audiobooks have become my soundtrack for daily life. π΅π Library organization is brilliant. No more cluttered audiobook collection. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature for those who enjoy organized and structured listening. The ability to download audio directly within the app is a lifesaver. ListenBook is incredibly convenient. Fairly enjoyable, but forgettable. I didnβt have any major complaints, but I also donβt see myself revisiting this one. It was a decent way to spend a few hours, though.
RiddleRover
The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. Audiobooks have become my constant companions during my daily activities. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my daily routines more enriching and rewarding. I'm addicted to this app β it's like having a library in my pocket. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment enhance the listening experience significantly.
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