Book description
I just finished listening to Nghi Vo's debut, The Empress of Salt and Fortune, and I'm still buzzing. The audiobook brings to life a world that feels like a mash-up of Atwood's sharp social critique and the lush visual flair of a classic Asian period drama. Vo's narration is crisp, every character's voice distinct, so you can't miss the clash between empire and individual.
The story centers on In-yo, a young northern princess whose brothers are dead and whose empire's war-mammoths are locked up and forgotten. She is sent south for a political marriage, and the stakes are immediately high: no allies, no resources, and a court full of intrigue. Vo doesn't waste time on fluff; she pulls you straight into In-yo's world, her inner thoughts, and her fierce resolve.
What really elevates the audiobook is the interplay between In-yo and Rabbit, the handmaiden sold by her parents for a lack of five baskets of dye. Rabbit's companionship with the emperor's lonely new wife adds an unexpected layer of empathy and humor. The voices shift seamlessly, making the friendship feel genuine and the stakes feel personal.
Vo's writing is tightly woven. She balances action with introspection, turning In-yo's journey into a feminist high-fantasy that also critiques monarchy. Her narrative voice remains steady, yet she lets the characters' voices shine, making the political drama feel urgent and the emotional beats resonant.
If you're looking for an audiobook that marries political intrigue, feminist themes, and the vivid texture of a well-crafted fantasy setting, The Empress of Salt and Fortune delivers. It's a powerful, efficient narrative that keeps you moving from one scene to the next while giving you a fresh, gender-focused perspective on empire and storytelling. This is the kind of story that will stay with you long after the last word fades.
Spoiler Betty
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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