Book description
Katherine Addison's "The Goblin Emperor" presents a refreshing departure from typical fantasy narratives, focusing on political maneuvering rather than epic battles or magical quests. The audiobook format proves particularly effective for this character-driven story, allowing listeners to fully absorb the intricate court dynamics and subtle emotional shifts that define the protagonist's journey.
The novel follows the titular Goblin Emperor, a half-goblin prince who unexpectedly ascends to the throne after his father and brothers die in suspicious circumstances. Unlike conventional fantasy heroes, he possesses no combat skills or supernatural abilities-instead, his strength lies in genuine compassion and careful reasoning. This makes for a protagonist whose growth feels authentic rather than predetermined by destiny.
Addison's background in academia shines through her meticulous world-building and nuanced portrayal of imperial court politics. The author crafts a society with believable social structures and cultural complexities, avoiding the common pitfall of shallow political systems that serve merely as backdrops for action sequences. The court intrigue unfolds with satisfying complexity, as alliances shift and characters reveal multiple layers of motivation.
What sets this audiobook apart is its commitment to character development over plot-driven excitement. The Goblin Emperor's isolation and gradual navigation of his new role create genuine emotional investment. Listeners experience his vulnerability as he attempts to govern effectively while surrounded by advisors whose loyalty remains questionable. The narrative explores themes of legitimacy, prejudice, and the weight of responsibility with remarkable depth.
The pacing allows for thoughtful consideration of political philosophy and ethical governance, making it appealing to readers who appreciate intellectual engagement alongside their fantasy elements. While some might find the deliberate tempo challenging compared to faster-paced genre offerings, the audiobook format's immersive quality helps maintain engagement throughout the more contemplative passages.
Addison demonstrates considerable skill in addressing issues of discrimination and social acceptance through fantasy allegory, though she avoids heavy-handed moralizing. The protagonist's goblin heritage serves as a meaningful narrative device that explores themes of otherness without becoming preachy or overly symbolic.
This audiobook succeeds as both an entertaining listen and a thoughtful examination of power dynamics, making it particularly suitable for listeners who appreciate political fiction with fantasy elements rather than traditional sword-and-sorcery adventures.
Mr. Spy
ListenBook has turned my everyday moments into extraordinary journeys of imagination. With this app, I've discovered the joy of learning while I'm on the move β it's like having a tutor by my side. Easy sharing with friends via AirDrop. Very convenient.
Skull Crusher
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay makes my daily commute a delightful opportunity to indulge in audiobooks. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true blessing for enjoying clear audio even in noisy environments. I love how this app seamlessly integrates into my busy schedule, making multitasking a breeze. The app is so versatile. It works with all my audiobook formats.
RealmRanger
I'm hooked on this app's ability to make every moment a reading moment. Automatic metadata retrieval is a neat touch. My library is well-organized. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook library in my pocket. Organized and easily accessible.
Winded On Friday
With this app, I'm rediscovering the joy of reading in the most convenient way. ListenBook has rekindled my love for audiobooks. The app's interface is beautiful and user-friendly. The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. They help me keep related titles together for a seamless experience.
Chasm Face
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. ListenBook has completely changed my audiobook experience β it's like having a personal audio library. Savoring audiobooks without complications β this app's design is top-notch.
D-Hog-Day
This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. ππ The variety of supported formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from different sources hassle-free.
The China Wall
ListenBook Pro offers an unbeatable deal β unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction. I'm addicted to this app β it's like having a library in my pocket. Audiobook enjoyment has never been this convenient. This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and enjoyable. ππ
Combo Saw
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make every listening session a pleasure. π‘ Cleaning the house with an audiobook in the background β talk about productivity! π§Όπ πΆββοΈπ± I'm exploring new worlds while on the move, all thanks to this app's seamless functionality. ποΈπ As a busy individual, I appreciate ListenBook's versatility in downloading audio files from various sources. It's a time-saver for sure! I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
360
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature elevates my listening experience, allowing me to focus on the content. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like the app knows what I need. Makes listening to audiobooks easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook! Finally, an app that handles all my audiobook formats effortlessly. ListenBook is a must-have!
Rocky Highway
Absolutely in love with this audiobook app! The seamless functionality and easy navigation make my reading time pure bliss. ππ§ The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a dream for road trips. It keeps me entertained. ListenBook has become my go-to app for exploring a diverse range of audiobooks. It offers a wide array of features that cater to different preferences and needs. An unobjectionable but unexceptional audiobook experience. The narrator's performance was serviceable and the audio quality was fine, but nothing about the production particularly stood out or elevated the material. It was decent background listening.
Slacker Cat
π The simplicity and functionality of this app are top-notch. I can start a book with just a tap and immerse myself in the story instantly. π±π I'm blown away by the powerful audio downloading options. So versatile! The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Steel
I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. The statistics tracking feature is a gem. I'm surprised by how much time I spend on audiobooks!
MeeP
Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. ListenBook is a must-have for any audiobook enthusiast. It's reliable, efficient, and a pleasure to use. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Plum Moon
Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's thoughtful features, such as statistics tracking and audio filters, have added a new layer of excitement to my reading journey. πβ¨ The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my listening experience on the go.
PixelPathfinder
I'm hooked on this app β it's like Netflix for book lovers! Audiobooks on this app have made my workouts more enjoyable and productive. The app is so intuitive. I didnβt even need to read the instructions.
High Deck
ListenBook has redefined my audiobook journey, making it more enjoyable and convenient than ever before. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! I can't imagine my life without this app β it has made audiobook enjoyment effortless and convenient. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful feature. Sharing is caring!
Pocket Mazda
This app has made my downtime so much more productive and enjoyable. β° Early mornings have become my favorite time to listen to audiobooks β energizing! π π§ ListenBook has become my workout companion. It keeps me engaged and entertained during exercise.
InfinityInsight
ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortless and enjoyable. Audiobooks have become a source of inspiration and motivation, thanks to this app. With this app, I can enjoy my favorite stories while traveling, making my journeys more delightful. Playback speed and volume controls are fantastic.
Sky Dahlia
I'm able to enjoy books in a whole new way β while cooking, working out, or even gardening. I'm hooked on this app's curated content β it's like having a personal librarian. ListenBook's absence of synchronization requirements adds to its convenience and flexibility. The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference. Supports extensive playlists and bookmarks. Very user-friendly.
Winter Bite
With ListenBook, every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories and gain knowledge. Finally, an app that values usability β navigating and listening is a breeze! The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is amazing. ListenBook is top-notch. The app is constantly updated with new features. The developers really care. The interface is so clean and clutter-free. Itβs a pleasure to use.
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