Book description
Hey, you won't believe the world Martha Wells has dropped into our ears again in The Edge of Worlds. Imagine standing at the edge of a sprawling ocean that's both shallow and impossibly deep, the salt spray tinged with a faint electric scent as the wind whips through the Indigo Cloud court. That's where the groundlings from the Empire of Kish first find themselves, a ragtag crew that's braver than the myths they carry. They stumble upon a sealed ancient city, its stones still humming with the pulse of forgotten life, and they're convinced it's the final resting place of their own ancestors. I can hear the hush of that revelation, the trembling in their voices, the sense of a destiny they're about to inherit.
But Wells doesn't just hand us a treasure; she throws a storm. The Raksura, those graceful shape-shifting beings of flight, have their own dread. They know that city was built by the Forerunners, a civilization long gone, and the last Forerunner stronghold they discovered was a prison for an unstoppable evil. The air in the Indigo Cloud court crackles with visions of a disaster that could shatter all the courts in the Reaches. It's like a siren's song, a warning that lingers in every echoing hall, urging the court's mentors to seek out this ancient danger. The stakes feel thick as the clouds that hover over the seas, heavy with the weight of history.
Into this maelstrom walk a small, fierce group of warriors-consort Moon, an orphan who's found a new family among the colony, and sister queen Jade, the embodiment of regal strength. They join the groundling expedition, stepping into the mystery that feels as cold and sharp as the first bite of sea wind on their faces. Yet the narrative doesn't stop at their bravery; it escalates with the predatory Fell, who are also sniffing around the city. I hear the low, guttural growls that echo through the silent streets, the tension rising as every step could unleash something ancient and terrible.
What I love most is how Wells layers the ancient with the immediate. The ancient city's walls breathe with stories, the ocean's roar matches the roar of the Fell's approach, and the Raksura's internal conflict crackles with every whisper of the wind. The narration captures that clash, letting the voices of the Raksura feel like the rustle of feathers, while the groundlings' chatter is the clink of metal on stone. The world feels alive, a tapestry woven of sound, scent, and motion.
As the tale swirls, the danger keeps tightening its grip, the sense that the Raksura might inadvertently release the ancient evil looming larger than the sea itself. It's a crescendo of suspense that keeps the ear on edge, a pulse that rises with each new revelation. And through it all, the audiobook's voice weaves a rich texture that makes the world tangible-like stepping onto a tide-laden shore, feeling the wind, hearing the distant crackle of the Fell, and feeling the weight of history pressed against your chest.
If you're looking for a story that blends ancient mystery, a richly imagined world, and an urgent, almost cinematic sense of danger, The Edge of Worlds is your next listening adventure. Martha Wells has once again turned the page on the Cloud Roads, inviting us into a realm where every breath feels charged, every step a gamble, and every sound a promise of something beyond the horizon.
Mud Pie Man
I'm amazed by ListenBook's versatility in handling different formats β it truly supports all my audio needs. This app has made 'reading' more versatile and enjoyable than ever. π‘ This app has made my daily schedule more interesting β 'reading' on the go! π±πΆββοΈ
Irish Dze
ListenBook's dedication to delivering high-quality sound and user-friendly features has won me over. With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. This app has made waiting in lines and queues an opportunity for exploration and enjoyment. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is a technological marvel.
Bambi Wings
This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that I never miss out on a great audiobook. ποΈ Elevating grocery shopping to a whole new level β audiobooks make it an adventure! ππ βοΈ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency β I'm savoring stories with ease, even on the busiest days. πΆπ The playback history is a great feature. I can easily revisit my favorite parts.
Dr. WMD
The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate β it's like they know my taste perfectly! I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, all thanks to this app.
Pluto
ListenBook's audio filters are a fantastic addition, enhancing the sound quality of my audio files. ποΈ Grocery shopping has taken an exciting turn β I'm on a mission to explore new worlds through audiobooks! ππ ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience. I love the auto-bookmark feature. It saves my place automatically. An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
Wings
I'm addicted to this app's curated playlists and recommendations β they're spot on. π§ Elevating my reading experience β this app's intuitive controls and organization features make audiobook enjoyment effortless. π±π Audiobook enthusiasts, gather around! This app's exceptional features, from audio filters to robust support, have transformed my daily routines into storytelling moments. ππ§ I can't believe how seamless the integration with Apple Watch is. My workouts just got better. Library organization is simplified with ListenBook. It's easy to keep my audiobooks neat and tidy.
RiddleRover
I never knew my daily walks could be so fulfilling β all thanks to this app. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. I can enjoy clear recordings. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to introduce them to captivating stories.
Pepper Mouse
Bookmarks are a lifesaver for audiobook lovers. They help me keep track of important moments. ListenBook has become my trusted companion. It's my go-to app for expanding my knowledge and enjoyment. Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature! The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Sand Whiskers
Audiobooks have become my companions during long hours of household chores. With ListenBook, I've unlocked a world of educational and entertaining content right at my fingertips. ListenBook has made my audiobook journey effortless, turning every moment into an escape. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a fantastic way to introduce them to new stories.
Pixie
πΌ Juggling tasks while exploring narratives β this app is my multitasking hero! π»π π Ironing has become a joy with audiobooks β wrinkles are no match for these captivating stories! ππ§ ListenBook has made audiobook listening more convenient and enjoyable than ever before. This audiobook transformed my household chores into enjoyable moments! The narrator's lively yet measured delivery kept me engaged throughout. I particularly appreciated how they handled exposition - making potentially dry information interesting through thoughtful inflection and pacing.
Fuzzy Logic Hottie
ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening into a personalized experience. This app's sleek design and intuitive navigation have made audiobook listening a seamless experience. I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to spread the joy. Great for both casual listening and studying. The audio filters are a nice touch.
Springheel Jack
This app has brought storytelling into every corner of my life β it's incredible. ListenBook's dedication to providing an exceptional listening experience shines through in every aspect of the app. ListenBook has made audiobook listening more convenient and enjoyable than ever before. Automatic metadata retrieval adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection.
Red Pepper
Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. ππ§ Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a touch of elegance to my audiobook collection.
Nickname Master
Downloading audiobooks is a breeze, thanks to the variety of options available. Solid performance overall though some character voices sounded too similar. I occasionally got confused about who was speaking in dialogue-heavy scenes.
Martini Flower
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my audiobook experience, ensuring I catch every detail. The statistics tracking feature is eye-opening. I never realized how much time I spend on audiobooks until now! I love how I can adjust the skip intervals. Itβs perfect for my listening style.
Dangle
This app's sleek design and effortless controls have made audiobook listening an immersive experience. ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices. An absolutely stellar production from start to finish! The narrator's command of pacing and tone was masterful, knowing exactly when to speed up for excitement or slow down for dramatic effect. The audio quality was pristine with no distracting mouth sounds or uneven volume.
DreamWeaver
Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features have set the bar high for audiobook enjoyment. π±π CarPlay compatibility takes my driving experience to a whole new level. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. The app's performance is remarkable β it's fast, stable, and designed to cater to audiobook enthusiasts. It's a pleasure to use. The app is so responsive. It never lags or freezes.
Willow Dragon
I've started a book club with my friends, and this app has been our go-to source for titles. πΆββοΈπ± I'm exploring new worlds while on the move, all thanks to this app's seamless functionality. ποΈπ
Spunky Sphinx
This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, all thanks to this app. Streamlined audiobook integration β this app's usability is truly impressive. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze. The app is constantly updated with new features. The developers really care.
True Sweetness
This app's seamless integration with my devices has made audiobook listening a hassle-free experience. ListenBook's support for looping and shuffling playback adds versatility to my audiobook enjoyment.
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