Book description
"A well-researched and well-told epic history. The Dark Queens brings these courageous, flawed, and ruthless rulers and their distant times back to life."--Margot Lee Shetterly, New York Times-bestselling author of Hidden Figures The remarkable, little-known story of two trailblazing women in the Early Middle Ages who wielded immense power, only to be vilified for daring to rule. Brunhild was a foreign princess, raised to be married off for the sake of alliance-building. Her sister-in-law Fredegund started out as a lowly palace slave. And yet-in sixth-century Merovingian France, where women were excluded from noble succession and royal politics was a blood sport-these two iron-willed strategists reigned over vast realms, changing the face of Europe. The two queens commanded armies and negotiated with kings and popes. They formed coalitions and broke them, mothered children and lost them. They fought a decades-long civil war-against each other. With ingenuity and skill, they battled to stay alive in the game of statecraft, and in the process laid the foundations of what would one day be Charlemagne's empire. Yet after the queens' deaths-one gentle, the other horrific-their stories were rewritten, their names consigned to slander and legend. In The Dark Queens, award-winning writer Shelley Puhak sets the record straight. She resurrects two very real women in all their complexity, painting a richly detailed portrait of an unfamiliar time and striking at the roots of some of our culture's stubbornest myths about female power. The Dark Queens offers proof that the relationships between women can transform the world.
Whip Chu
The sound quality is outstanding – it's like having a movie theater in my ears! This app's sleek design and intuitive navigation have made audiobook listening a seamless experience. ListenBook has redefined how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an essential tool for my literary pursuits.
Back Bett
The download options are versatile, making it a breeze to get my favorite audiobooks on the go. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Shamrock
I'm amazed by ListenBook's versatility in handling different formats – it truly supports all my audio needs. Audiobook joy made simple – this app's ease of use is commendable. With ListenBook Pro, long audiobooks are no problem. I love it! ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length feature is fantastic.
Metal Aphrodite
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my audio content much more enjoyable in noisy environments. The app's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically is a huge time-saver.
Uncle Psycho
🏝️🎧 Packing for vacation just got better – this app is my getaway entertainment! 🌴📖 🔥 Spicing up my routine with this app – it's like having a personal storyteller on hand at all times! ✨📖 Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys – this app's ease of use is a winner. The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together. The app's performance is exceptional, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted audiobook experience. It's clear that it's designed with audiobook enthusiasts in mind.
Commando
This app's intuitive controls and user-friendly layout have made audiobook listening a true pleasure. I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury – it's an essential part of my day. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection. I love how I can adjust the skip intervals. It’s perfect for my listening style.
TrinitySoul
I can't believe how convenient this app has made my reading experience. I'm amazed at how this app has seamlessly integrated reading into my daily rhythm. Say goodbye to boring commutes – this app's immersive audio experience and intuitive controls have transformed my daily journeys. 🌟📚
Nessie
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a testament to its innovation. This app is like a personal audiobook concierge! The ability to download and organize audio files effortlessly is a game-changer for my reading routine. 📱📖 Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly.
Reed Lady
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a versatile companion for my daily activities. With this app, I've turned mundane tasks into moments of inspiration and education – it's brilliant! I can't get enough of this app – it's a true game-changer for book lovers. 🧘♀️☕ Unwinding with a cup of tea and a captivating audiobook – relaxation meets intellectual stimulation. 🍵📖 Downloading audio from network devices is a brilliant feature. It's incredibly convenient.
Good-lookin’
ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers is incredibly convenient. Downloading audiobooks has never been this easy. The sleek and user-friendly interface makes navigating the app a breeze. It's a pleasure to use.
Handsome
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. Bravo to the creators of this app – they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. 📚👏 Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I consume audiobooks. I can cover more ground while maintaining comprehension. Flawless support for various audio formats. Very happy with it. Great for multitasking! I listened while cooking, driving, and even working out, and it kept me entertained the whole time. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, and the story flowed smoothly. Very enjoyable!
Delicious Cupid
This app has turned my daily routine into a source of excitement and joy. 🧘♀️☕ Unwinding with a cup of tea and a captivating audiobook – relaxation meets intellectual stimulation. 🍵📖 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand, transforming noisy environments into serene listening spaces. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to inspire others to read.
Acetic Princess
This app has reignited my love for literature in the most delightful way. ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver! Adjusting playback speed has given me greater control over my audiobook experience. I can optimize my learning and enjoyment by customizing the pacing. Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I learn and enjoy audiobooks. I can adapt the pace to my needs, maximizing comprehension and retention.
Freeze Queen
ListenBook's absence of synchronization requirements adds to its convenience and flexibility. The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my audiobook library. Adjustable playback speed and volume control make for a customized experience. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Ex0tic
This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of literature during my daily walks – it's truly invigorating. With this app, reading is as simple as pressing play – it's genius! Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy! The app's versatility in audio downloading is unmatched. It's a comprehensive solution for my audiobook needs.
Captain Peroxide
ListenBook's looping playback, shuffle feature, and configurable controls make learning a breeze. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually fulfilling. Audiobook adventures simplified – this app's functionality is a revelation. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a creative way to share the love of literature. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
High Kingdom Warrior
This app has made my workouts and chores so much more enjoyable. Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is a true gem. As a busy individual, I appreciate ListenBook's versatility in downloading audio files from various sources. It's a time-saver for sure! Listening stats keep me motivated to read more. Great addition!
xSTORMx
I can't imagine a day without this app – it has made my audiobook journey seamless and fulfilling. 🎉 Rekindling my love for stories – this app's accessibility has reignited my passion! 📖🚀 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand, transforming noisy environments into serene listening spaces. ListenBook is more than just an app – it's a doorway to a world of knowledge and imagination. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature for those who enjoy organized and structured listening.
Killer Merlot
ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortless and enjoyable. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my passport to countless stories. Navigating through chapters is effortless with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and intuitive experience. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine. Noise reduction and voice tone changing are brilliant features.
Journeyman
I can't get enough of this app's easy navigation and quick access to chapters and playback controls. 💡 This app is a brilliant way to squeeze in reading time amidst my busy schedule! 📱👩🍳 ListenBook's tone adjustment feature in the Pro version is a creative tool that adds a fun twist to my audiobook journey. No more converting files – this app effortlessly handles various formats, saving me time and effort.
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