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.
Freesia
ListenBook's auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that ensures I never miss a single word. ListenBook's commitment to user experience shines through its thoughtful design and seamless functionality. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends and family. It fosters connections and conversations.
Shady Lady
π Finding the perfect audiobook is a breeze with this app's robust search and recommendation features. My reading list has never been better! ππ« Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very user-friendly. A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasnβt blown away. The narratorβs performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat.
Shivers
πΌ Making work hours enjoyable β audiobooks turn my tasks into learning opportunities and moments of joy. π»π Book groups are a thoughtful addition. They help me keep related titles together for a seamless experience. 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.
WanderWord
π§ My daily chores just got an upgrade! Thanks to this app, I can dive into captivating stories while cooking and cleaning. ππ³ Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's functionality is truly commendable. With ListenBook, I've rediscovered my love for audiobooks. The binaural audio processing is a game-changer for comfortable, fatigue-free listening. Download via WiFi, WebDAV, iTunes β options galore to suit everyone's preferences. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that has a big impact on my listening experience. I love it!
Viceswerve
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay makes my daily commute a delightful opportunity to indulge in audiobooks. The app's performance is remarkable β it's fast, stable, and designed to cater to audiobook enthusiasts. It's a pleasure to use.
Sexual Chocolate
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear dictaphone recordings. The playback history is a great feature. I can easily revisit my favorite parts. A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
Heaven Sent
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that I can access my content without any limitations. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my audio content much more enjoyable in noisy environments.
Slacker Cat
I'm amazed at how this app's features cater to audiobook enthusiasts' every need. I'm amazed at how this app has turned my errands into exciting reading sessions. π Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks β bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. ππ Audiobooks made accessible and enjoyable β this app's design is a triumph. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my audiobook library.
Steel Cut Toe
Say goodbye to cumbersome interfaces β this app's intuitive controls and user-friendly design have elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. π±π CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to create curated listening experiences for different moods and settings.
Kimono Goddess
ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. Now I can enjoy my favorite lectures and speeches with ease! Listening to audiobooks has become a ritual, thanks to this incredible app. My audiobook collection has never been more organized. Library management is a breeze. The ability to adjust playback speed and volume is a game-changer for me.
Firecracker
I'm grateful for ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats, making it a one-stop solution for audio content. ListenBookβs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Scooby Did
ListenBook's compatibility with multiple downloading methods ensures there's always a way to get my content. If you love stories but have a busy schedule, this app is your solution! This app has transformed my daily walks into insightful journeys of knowledge β talk about efficiency!
Emerald Goddess
This app has enriched my daily routine and added a touch of intellectual stimulation. ListenBook has become my go-to audiobook app. It's dependable, user-friendly, and enhances every listening session. Auto-rewind feature is extremely helpful. Great functionality.
Hemingway Mirmillone
Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. 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!
Gothic Gucci
Audiobooks have become my bedtime companions, soothing me into a peaceful sleep. πΌ Merging work and pleasure β audiobooks keep me company during house admin tasks! π»π§ Adjusting playback speed has transformed the way I consume audiobooks. I can tailor the pacing to match my learning style and preferences.
Drugstore Cowboy
The basic audio filters are a game-changer. Adjusting playback speed is a breeze. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction keep my audiobook library organized and visually appealing.
Feline Devil
ListenBook's player features, like chapters and bookmarks, make it a versatile tool for any listener. Book groups keep my related titles together for a cohesive listening experience. A thoughtful feature! The tone adjustment feature is an exciting touch, allowing me to immerse myself even more in the content.
Cool Iris
ListenBook's support for network device downloads and drag-and-drop is a time-saving delight. With this app, every moment is an opportunity to dive into a new story. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to connect with fellow book lovers.
Thrasher
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. ListenBook has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again β it's a must-have app. π₯ Simplifying my reading routine β the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. ππ The perfect balance between dramatic reading and natural storytelling. Felt like a friend telling me an amazing story rather than someone just reading words. Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
Red Woman
ListenBook's extensive format support makes it the ultimate audiobook app for any audiobook lover. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a thoughtful gesture that ListenBook makes seamless.
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