Book description
Matt Dinniman's latest installment, The Gate of the Feral Gods: Dungeon Crawler Carl, Book 4, delivers a masterclass in narrative alchemy, particularly resonant within the audiobook format. The narration, imbued with precise comedic timing and escalating tension, transforms Dinniman's signature wit into an immersive auditory experience. Carl's immediate, utterly spectacular failure-"Total, utter failure. You failed a quest less than five minutes after you received it"-is voiced with a perfect blend of self-deprecating shock and dark humor, establishing an irresistible rhythm. The audiobook's strength lies in how it amplifies the sheer, chaotic absurdity of the dungeon's five-floor challenge: a floating fortress of warrior gnomes, a sand castle fortress, a malfunctioning submarine, and a lethal haunted crypt. Each setting is rendered vividly through the narrator's tonal shifts, making the labyrinthine threats palpable.
Crucially, Dinniman elevates the narrative beyond mere spectacle by weaving intricate character dynamics into the auditory tapestry. Carl's team, forced to rely on the "low-level, I-can't-believe-these-idiots-are-still-alive crawlers," finds its core tension amplified through the audiobook's intimate delivery. The dialogue crackles with authenticity, each character's voice distinct, revealing their vulnerabilities and unexpected resilience. The narrator's skill in conveying the palpable distrust and fragile alliance between the seasoned and the overlooked creates profound emotional stakes. This is not merely a quest for a stairwell; it is a profound exploration of trust, desperation, and the unexpected courage found in the most unlikeliest companions.
The pacing is impeccable, building relentless momentum from Carl's disastrous opening moment through the escalating perils of each captured castle. The audiobook's structure mirrors the dungeon's layered challenges, offering moments of breathless action punctuated by sharp, character-driven dialogue. Dinniman's prose, already sharp on the page, gains remarkable depth through vocal performance; the dry wit of the narration ("It was supposed to be easy. One bubble. Four castles. Fifteen days.") lands with perfect comedic weight. The final line-"Welcome, Crawler. Welcome to the fifth floor of the dungeon"-delivers a chilling, immersive punch, the narrator's tone shifting seamlessly from weary to ominously inviting.
This audiobook transcends its genre, offering a sophisticated blend of humor, suspense, and heart. Dinniman demonstrates remarkable skill in crafting a narrative where every character, no matter their rank, feels essential to the journey. The immersive quality of the narration ensures listeners don't merely follow Carl's misadventures-they feel the weight of each failed step, the sting of betrayal, and the fragile hope of connection. The Gate of the Feral Gods is not just a continuation; it is a vital, brilliantly realized chapter that confirms Dinniman's unique voice as a storyteller of exceptional depth and humor, perfectly realized for the auditory medium.
Dove Dolce
Audiobooks on this app have made studying and learning a more enjoyable process. π§ Carrying a world of literature in my headphones β this app's convenience is truly remarkable. ππ« ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers is incredibly convenient. Downloading audiobooks has never been this easy. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magical spell that transports me into the heart of the story.
Palomino Cake
ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch has streamlined my multitasking. This app has turned my screen time into valuable learning opportunities.
LocKz
Audiobooks have transformed my daily walks into a time of inspiration and learning. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a joy to use. It's a seamless experience. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time. 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.
DZE
This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. I'm addicted to this app's ability to seamlessly blend books into my life. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
High Woo
With ListenBook, my daily commutes have become a cherished time for learning and enjoyment. Audiobook journey simplified β this app's functionality is a wonderful surprise.
Wrangler Jim
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a dream come true β no more hassles! ListenBook has rekindled my passion for learning. I'm exploring new topics every day. ListenBook has all the features I need in an audiobook app. My top choice!
Wiccan Trouble
I can't believe how much more productive I am β I'm learning and growing while multitasking! ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. I love how this app fits seamlessly into my daily routine. π§ Elevating my reading experience β this app's intuitive controls and organization features make audiobook enjoyment effortless. π±π
Whip Chu
I've been recommending this app to all my friends β it's a true game-changer. This app has added a touch of magic to my mundane moments β I'm forever grateful. The bookmark feature is fantastic. I can easily pick up where I left off.
Crossing Guard
I'm no longer missing out on great stories β this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. Listening to books while doing chores? This app makes it possible! I'm amazed at how this app has made reading a seamless part of my life.
Spontan8ty
Adjustable playback speed is a fantastic feature. It allows me to customize my listening experience. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is amazing. ListenBook is top-notch.
PixelPilgrim
The convenience of having an entire library at my fingertips is a dream come true. ListenBook's versatility and user-friendly interface make it a must-have for audiobook lovers.
Vicious Street
Thanks for making my daily commute to work enjoyable and engaging! ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. I'm hooked on this app β it's my escape to different worlds and adventures. I'm grateful for this app's ability to fit seamlessly into my lifestyle, making learning a part of my day. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine.
Trash Sling
I've been recommending this app to all my friends β it's a true game-changer. This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true delight. π Unleashing the power of audiobooks with this user-friendly app β it's like having a personal storyteller on demand! ππ₯ Sharing audiobooks with friends is a breeze thanks to ListenBook Pro's AirDrop and sharing options. Spread the joy of a good story! I love the ability to customize the skip buttons. Itβs so convenient.
Bambi Benz
Audiobooks have made my long commutes enjoyable, and I'm always eager to see what's next. With this app, audiobook listening has become a convenient and enjoyable part of my everyday life. The app's compatibility with CarPlay enhances my driving experience. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly improved the audio quality of my recordings.
Truth
ListenBook's versatile features have made my audiobook experience more enjoyable than ever. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Manly
ππ This app has rekindled my love for books β I can't stop listening! ππ§ π Embracing reading in the busiest of times β this app is my everyday escape! ππββοΈ The interface is sleek and modern. It's a pleasure to navigate and use the app.
QuestWeaver
π Farewell, boredom during ironing sessions β audiobooks make it a breeze! ππ§ πΆββοΈπ§ Walking and listening has never been this smooth β this app's user-friendly interface makes it a breeze to enjoy my favorite stories. ποΈπ ListenBook's easy sharing options make it a breeze to introduce friends to my favorite audiobooks. Sharing is caring! Solid performance overall though some character voices sounded too similar. I occasionally got confused about who was speaking in dialogue-heavy scenes.
Easy Sweep
As a visually impaired person, this app has opened up a new world of stories for me. ListenBook's commitment to enhancing the audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. My study sessions are more efficient than ever, thanks to the looping playback and bookmark features. Auto-rewind feature is very useful. Excellent app! Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldnβt call it unforgettable.
Station WMD
I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to maintain audio quality even for formats like FLAC and AWB. Audiobook enthusiasts, gather round! This app's remarkable features, including audio filters and compatibility, have transformed my commutes into captivating journeys. ππ§ Looping playback helps me focus on challenging content and grasp complex concepts. A study must-have!
Voluntary
I've started reading more books than ever before, all thanks to this app. ListenBook's library organization and Book Groups feature make it easy to keep my audiobooks organized and accessible. The absence of synchronization requirements on ListenBook is a breath of fresh air. ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
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