Book description
The First Bright Thing Review
J.R. Dawson's debut novel hit me like a perfectly executed trapeze act-unexpected, breathtaking, and impossible to forget.
Ringmaster Rin possesses a gift that would make any performer jealous: she can leap through time itself. Leading the Circus of the Fantasticals with her wife Odette, Rin has created something magical in post-World War I America-a sanctuary for Sparks, those blessed and cursed with extraordinary abilities.
The story unfolds like a series of interconnected performances, each chapter building tension as Rin navigates between her present circus and glimpses of a dark future. Dawson's background in theater shines through every page, transforming what could have been a simple fantasy into an intimate character study wrapped in spectacle.
What makes this audiobook particularly compelling is how Dawson balances wonder with genuine threat. The Circus of the Fantasticals isn't just a whimsical escape-it's a fragile refuge threatened by forces both temporal and malicious. Rin's nemesis, a shadowy ringmaster from her past, looms over the narrative like a storm cloud, making every moment of joy feel precious and temporary.
The prose moves with the same fluid grace as Odette's trapeze work, never losing sight of the human cost behind the magic. Dawson understands that the most powerful stories aren't about spectacle alone, but about the people who create it. Each character feels lived-in and authentic, their supernatural abilities serving the deeper story of found family and survival.
This isn't just fantasy-it's a meditation on how we face tomorrow when we can see the darkness coming.
Sidewalk Enforcer
Accessing literary treasures has never been this straightforward β thank you, app! The audio quality is excellent, and the interface is intuitive. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Hoover Spark
ListenBook's support for network device downloads and drag-and-drop is a time-saving delight. This audiobook spoiled me for others! The narrator's professional delivery set a high bar - perfect diction, ideal pacing, and emotional authenticity. The recording quality was equally impressive with no distracting artifacts. I finished it far too quickly because I couldn't stop listening.
Nickname Master
The app's layout is clean and intuitive, making it a pleasure to navigate. Audiobooks have made my commutes so much more enjoyable, and I'm always excited to listen. ListenBook is the perfect blend of technology and art, turning audio into an unforgettable experience. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. Binaural audio processing is amazing. Reduced my listening fatigue significantly.
Kimono Goddess
This app's convenience has made my audiobook addiction thrive! π₯ Spicing up my routine with this app β it's like having a personal storyteller on hand at all times! β¨π User-friendly audiobook experience β this app's design is a standout. I can't get enough of the binaural audio processing. It's like a breath of fresh air for my ears.
Dez North
ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to introduce others to the joys of audiobook storytelling. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique touch β it's like having a personalized reading. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to jump between sections.
Pocket Mazda
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a joy to use. It's a seamless experience. With support for various formats, I can finally listen to my diverse audiobook collection. ListenBook has completely transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The chapter navigation is seamless, and the statistics feature is a fun way to track my listening progress. The app is stable, fast, and incredibly user-friendly. Five stars!
General Broomdog
I'm blown away by the range of non-fiction audiobooks available β so much to learn! ListenBook's support for various audio formats means I never have to worry about compatibility issues. ListenBook's thoughtful inclusion of chapters, controls, and filters has enhanced my audiobook experience.
Don Stab
Chapters, configurable auto-rewind, and bookmarks on ListenBook keep me in control of my content. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a huge plus. I can control my audiobooks from my wrist! Navigating through chapters is effortless with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and intuitive experience.
Disco Thunder
ListenBook's compatibility with playlists and CUE files is a great addition for those who love organized listening. ListenBook's looping playback, shuffle feature, and configurable controls make learning a breeze. CUE playlist support is a thoughtful feature that keeps my audiobook listening organized and enjoyable. Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thank you! The sleep timer is a lifesaver. I fall asleep listening to my books every night.
Devil Bread
Audiobooks have become my companions during long hours of household chores. πΌ Juggling tasks while exploring narratives β this app is my multitasking hero! π»π Effortlessly switching between stories β this app's ease of use is impressive. With ListenBook, I've rediscovered my love for audiobooks. The binaural audio processing is a game-changer for comfortable, fatigue-free listening. Playback speed and volume controls are fantastic.
Mt. Indiana
The ListenBook app has become an indispensable part of my daily routine, helping me learn and relax simultaneously. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my daily dose of literature. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like the app knows what I need. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that enhances the immersion in the content.
Granola Dove
π Grooving to the rhythm of stories while tackling household chores β a dance of productivity! πΆπ Efficient audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is a revelation. The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference.
Pecan Oblivion
ListenBook's audio filters are a valuable tool for customizing my audiobook playback to perfection. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy.
Homerun Diva
I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. Download via WiFi, WebDAV, iTunes β options galore to suit everyone's preferences. This app has transformed my daily commute into a captivating journey of knowledge and entertainment. The voice boost feature is amazing. It makes every word crystal clear.
Tacklebox
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is a game-changer for my on-the-go listening. With this app, I can dive into captivating narratives while cooking, cleaning, or commuting β pure magic! Adjustable playback speed and volume control are top-notch.
Wooden Man
This app has brought stories to life in a way that traditional reading never could. This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle β I can enjoy books while doing chores! π§ Fueling my audiobook addiction with this fantastic app β pure listening pleasure! ππ₯
Slug-em-dog
I've never experienced such a smooth audiobook player. The playback is seamless. The app's compatibility with Apple Watch elevates my workouts, making them more engaging and productive. ListenBook has changed the way I listen to audiobooks. The app is so easy to use. The app is so versatile. It works with all my audiobook formats. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Prof. Screw
I'm blown away by the range of non-fiction audiobooks available β so much to learn! Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thank you!
Berlin Kamikaze
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. Listened to this on a road trip and it made the hours fly by. Even my passengers who weren't following along commented on how nice the narrator's voice was. The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
Toy Dogwatch
This app's seamless integration with my devices has made audiobook listening a hassle-free experience. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very user-friendly. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
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