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.
Murder Cherry
This app has made long flights and road trips so much more enjoyable. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access. I canβt believe how easy it is to manage my audiobook library with ListenBook. Highly recommended!
Swedish Twizz
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my audiobook experience during daily activities. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment.
StormCake
The app's compatibility with CarPlay enhances my driving experience. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narratorβs voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldnβt necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
Sassy Muffin
I'm amazed at how this app's narrators bring characters and stories to life. This app is my secret to staying ahead on my reading list, even during my busiest days. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like my personal audiobook oasis. ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience.
TeederSmartie
I can't get enough of this app's convenience β it has turned my audiobook journey into a delightful habit. ποΈ Grocery shopping has taken an exciting turn β I'm on a mission to explore new worlds through audiobooks! ππ
Twix Bond
ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features add versatility to my audiobook listening experience. Looping playback helps me retain knowledge from audiobooks effectively. It's an invaluable tool.
Good-lookinβ
ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. This app has made my downtime so much more productive and enjoyable.
Demo Zero
Audiobooks have become a part of my self-care routine, thanks to this app. I love how this app's chapters, bookmarks, and controls give me full control over my audiobook journey.
Knight Light
The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate β it's like they know my taste perfectly! ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats ensures that I can enjoy a wide range of content hassle-free. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is top-notch. Iβm so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
Classy Luck
I can't get enough of this app's convenience β it has turned my audiobook journey into a delightful habit. π‘ Embracing audiobooks while tidying up the house β it's like having a helper! π π
Brick Mooch
This app has introduced me to authors I'd never heard of β now they're my favorites! ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made multitasking with audio content a breeze. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the joy of storytelling. The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
Pompeii Unicorn
The app's design is sleek and modern β it's a pleasure to navigate. π Farewell, boredom during ironing sessions β audiobooks make it a breeze! ππ§ ListenBook's attention to detail is commendable. Every aspect of the app is well-crafted.
Lewd Dice
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that I can access my content without any limitations. I'm in awe of this app's ability to make reading so accessible and convenient. With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light. Audiobooks have become a staple in my routine, all thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. It's a must-have for any book lover. ππ± The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Austin Shamrock
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a versatile companion for my daily activities. I'm grateful for ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats, making it a one-stop solution for audio content. This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true delight. This app's ease of use has made my daily activities more enjoyable and educational. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook library.
Mustard Centaur
The app's features, like the sleep timer, make it clear that it's designed with readers in mind. ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time.
Nice Gnome
This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any hassle. π± Turning my phone into a portal of endless stories β this app is pure magic! πβ¨ πββοΈπ Running with purpose β this app keeps my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals! πββοΈπ Audiobook lovers, rejoice! This app's functionality is a game-changer. Seamlessly switch between formats and enjoy a hassle-free reading experience. π±π§
DeathDancer
ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. This app is a blessing for those with busy schedules β it's like time travel through stories. ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks a seamless and delightful experience. ListenBook Pro has taken my audiobook experience to the next level. No regrets!
Red Hot Kevorkian
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences β a thoughtful feature. ListenBook's customizable audio filters allow me to personalize my listening experience β a fantastic feature. Looping playback is a study tool that I can't live without. It helps me master challenging content. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Little General
ListenBook has brought a whole new level of convenience and enjoyment to my audiobook experience. This app is a treasure trove of knowledge, entertainment, and imagination. I'm addicted to this app β it's like having a library in my pocket. The perfect balance between dramatic reading and natural storytelling. Felt like a friend telling me an amazing story rather than someone just reading words.
DARK HQ
No more straining my eyes to read β now I can simply immerse myself in storytelling. Great for multitasking! I listened while cooking, driving, and even working out, and it kept me entertained the whole time. The narratorβs voice was pleasant, and the story flowed smoothly. Very enjoyable! Perfect for my daily walks. The story was engaging enough to keep me motivated to exercise but not so complex that I got lost in thought. Great production quality too.
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