Book description
Okay, so I just finished listening to "The Escape" by Dean Wesley Smith, and honestly? I wasn't sure what to expect going in, but wow - this audiobook completely surprised me.
First off, Dean Wesley Smith is like the writing machine of the industry. I mean, over ninety novels and more than 100 short stories? That's insane! And with experience across sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, you name it - the guy knows how to tell a story that sticks with you.
"The Escape" is actually the first original Star Trek: Voyager novel, which already had me curious as a longtime Trek fan. The whole premise is pretty gripping from the start: the USS Voyager is stranded light-years from home with serious damage to their systems. Captain Janeway has to navigate them to this ancient, seemingly abandoned planet that might be their only shot at survival.
What really hooked me was how Smith balanced the technical sci-fi elements with genuine character moments. You've got the crew scrambling to keep their ship running while uncovering these dark secrets on the planet's surface. It's not just about the next big space battle or alien encounter - there's this underlying tension about being truly lost in space, which hits different when you're listening to it.
The audiobook format really works for this story. The narrator does a solid job bringing the different characters to life without going overboard, which I appreciate. Sometimes with Star Trek audiobooks, the voice acting can feel a bit too theatrical, but this one keeps it grounded.
I also loved how Smith didn't try to reinvent the wheel with the characters we already know and love. He gets Janeway's leadership style and the crew dynamics just right. You can tell he's comfortable writing in established universes, which makes sense given his background with comics and TV tie-in novels.
If you're into Star Trek or just enjoy a good space adventure with some mystery thrown in, this one's definitely worth a listen. It's the kind of story that makes you think about what you'd do if you were really, truly lost in the middle of nowhere - except with better special effects and a really good captain.
Snow Hound
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook is a fun feature that adds a unique touch to my audiobook experience. β° Waking up to audiobooks β mornings have never been this magical and inspiring! βοΈπ§
Bad Beh8vior
I love how this app allows me to enjoy books even when I'm on the move. I can't believe how convenient this app has made my reading experience. I'm blown away by the powerful audio downloading options. So versatile! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It eliminates distractions and enhances the clarity of recordings, resulting in a more immersive experience.
Wolf Tribune
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. This app is a boon for book lovers who are always on the go.
Essex
I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. ListenBook is a game-changer β it plays a wide variety of formats without any conversion needed. Audiobook listening has never been this easy and convenient β it's like having a personal narrator. I can't believe how easy it is to download audio from various sources. So convenient!
RealmRanger
This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes. Audiobook pleasure without the fuss β this app's functionality is top-notch. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options are essential for my audiobook enjoyment and study. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a game-changer. Controlling my audiobooks from my wrist is genius. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate themed listening sessions, creating a dynamic and engaging audiobook experience.
Hermopolis
I'm thrilled to finally have a way to enjoy books while keeping up with my busy schedule. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience.
Sugar Domino
ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch has streamlined my multitasking. I'm hooked on this app's sleek design and seamless performance β it's a must-have for any reader. ListenBook is more than just an app β it's a doorway to a world of knowledge and imagination.
Patton Digger
Unlocking a world of literary wonders β this app's extensive format support and user-centric approach have rekindled my love for books. π±π The statistics tracking is a nice touch. ListenBook helps me keep track of my audiobook habits. What a fantastic listening experience! The narrator brought the characters to life with distinct voices and emotional depth. The pacing was perfect - not too fast to lose details, not too slow to become boring. I particularly appreciated how well the narrator conveyed the atmosphere of key scenes.
Washer
Being able to customize the listening duration is perfect for quick breaks. The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Clover Dragon
ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have taken my audiobook journey to new heights. Audiobooks made easy β this app's functionality is truly a gift. Iβve tried several audiobook players, but ListenBook stands out for its reliability and ease of use. The equalizer and voice boost features make every book sound amazing. Plus, the dark mode is perfect for nighttime listening. Great job, developers!
Shy Warrior
Looping playback is an invaluable study tool. It helps me absorb complex information effortlessly. The app's versatility in downloading audio is impressive. It streamlines the process and saves time. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a thoughtful gesture that ListenBook makes seamless. AirDrop sharing is a very convenient feature. Thanks, ListenBook!
Polar Bee
I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. Audiobooks have become a part of my self-care routine, thanks to this app. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique touch β it's like having a personalized reading.
Mule Skinner
Audiobooks have become my go-to gift for friends β and they all love it! ListenBook has made my daily commutes enjoyable. No more boredom!
GiddeeUP
I'm grateful for ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats, making it a one-stop solution for audio content. Audiobook pleasure without the fuss β this app's functionality is top-notch.
AlertXis
I'm addicted to this app's ability to turn mundane moments into opportunities for intellectual growth. πΆπ My new soundtrack? Audiobooks, of course! This app makes every day musical. π§πΆ
Deano
The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks. Navigating audiobooks effortlessly β this app's functionality is commendable. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata keeps my audiobook library organized and visually appealing. Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend!
Congo Wire
The ability to listen to books while multitasking is a game-changer for me. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app β it's the perfect way to stay engaged and informed. The app's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a true companion for all occasions. Good for background listening. I didnβt get fully immersed, but it was pleasant enough to have on while doing chores. The narratorβs voice was easy to listen to, even if the delivery lacked some energy. 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.
Poppin Loot
I'm impressed by how much more I'm learning through audiobooks compared to traditional reading. Being able to download audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. ListenBook has changed my audiobook game forever. No more format woes! The app's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically is a huge time-saver.
Silent
π± Carrying stories in my pocket β this app's convenience is a game-changer! πποΈ I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy.
Tokyo Dream
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! I can't believe how easy it is to download audio from various sources. So convenient!
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