Book description
Aerin's mother's story wasn't just heard-it was breathed into her bones. A witchwoman who ensorcelled a king, bore a daughter instead of a son, and turned her face to the wall in despair. That was Aerin's inheritance, etched not in stone but in silence. Yet the tale held more: her own destiny, woven with threads of magic and blood, waiting to be claimed. She was to wield the Blue Sword. Not as a queen, not as a princess-but as the true hero.
This is where Robin McKinley's The Hero and the Crown finds its soul, and the audiobook format makes it breathe. The narrator's voice, rich and unhurried, carries the weight of generations. You feel Aerin's quiet dread as she steps into her mother's shadow, the echo of that turning face in every pause. The magic isn't loud-it's in the space between words, the way the wind carries the scent of ancient stones, the slow, sure rhythm of a sword being forged. You hear the thrum of the Blue Sword's power, not as a shout, but as a hum beneath the skin, a promise in the quiet.
McKinley doesn't give us a warrior born; she gives us a girl learning to be worthy. The audiobook's pacing mirrors Aerin's journey: slow, deliberate, building toward moments that crack the air. When she finally grips the Blue Sword, the narrator's voice doesn't surge-it deepens, becomes steady, like water finding its course. You don't just hear the story; you feel the shift in Aerin's bones, the moment she stops seeing herself as her mother's regret and begins to see the hero she was always meant to be.
This isn't fantasy for spectacle. It's a quiet revolution in the heart of a girl who was told she was a mistake. The audiobook, with its lyrical cadence, makes the despair tangible, the hope luminous. You hear the walls her mother turned her face to-and then, the sound of Aerin turning hers back toward the light. A hero isn't born in thunder. She's born in the quiet, unyielding choice to face the dawn. And in this telling, that choice rings like a bell, clear and true.
Metal Lady
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear listening in noisy environments. Automatic artwork and metadata retrieval is a time-saver. My library looks fantastic.
Steel Ginger
This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle β I can enjoy books while doing chores! I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and powerful features have rekindled my love for audiobooks. The audio filters and precise controls are fantastic! ListenBook's intuitive layout and quick access to chapters make audiobook navigation a breeze.
2nd Hand Joe
This app has brought storytelling into every corner of my life β it's incredible. π Indulging in soothing bedtime stories β this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. ππ πΆ Swapping background music for the soothing voices of narrators β audiobooks have become my soundtrack for daily life. π΅π The app's support for different audio formats is like a dream come true for audiophiles. This audiobook was a fantastic listen! The narrator's voice was clear and engaging, making it easy to follow along. The pacing was just rightβnot too fast, not too slow. Perfect for long commutes or relaxing at home. Highly recommend!
Turnip King
This app has made my road trips and flights infinitely more enjoyable. Download options are versatile, making it easy to get audiobooks from various sources.
X-Dew
This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes. Audiobooks on this app have expanded my horizons and introduced me to new ideas. I can't get enough of this app's convenience β it has turned my audiobook journey into a delightful habit.
Sugar Man
I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my passport to countless stories. Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's diverse format support and easy downloads, my reading routine has reached new heights. ππ The basic audio filters are a game-changer. Adjusting playback speed is a breeze. Bookmarking favorite parts of audiobooks is a breeze. It's like having a personalized study guide. 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!
RDTN
I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. I never knew my daily walks could be so fulfilling β all thanks to this app. Great app for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful! The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Wildcat Talent
ListenBook's versatility and user-friendly interface make it a must-have for audiobook lovers. ποΈ Soaking up the sun with an audiobook by my side β beach days just got better! ποΈπ
Disco Potato
π Igniting my imagination while preparing dinner β this app adds flavor to every meal! π²π Efficiency and ease combined β this app is a must-have for book lovers. Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's ease of use is a true asset. ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It's seamlessly integrated with Apple Watch.
Darkside Hooker
The compatibility with Apple Watch is a huge plus. I can control my audiobooks from my wrist! 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!
Shy Warrior
ListenBook has completely changed my audiobook experience β it's like having a personal audio library. With this app, audiobook listening has become a convenient and enjoyable part of my everyday life. I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience exceptional. Its intuitive interface and diverse compatibility are a true game-changer. π±π§ With ListenBook Pro, long audiobooks are no problem. I love it!
Nibbler
Audiobooks have become my go-to gift for friends β and they all love it! Audiobook heaven! This app has revolutionized the way I enjoy stories. Its sleek design and seamless functionality make it a must-have for book lovers. ππ§
Pocket Mazda
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences β a thoughtful feature. ListenBook's library organization and book groups have made managing my audiobooks a breeze. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a game-changer. Controlling my audiobooks from my wrist is genius. WiFi downloads save a lot of time. Great feature! The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
German Coach
Bravo to the creators of this app β they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. ππ 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 ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Aqua Diva
πΆββοΈπ± I'm exploring new worlds while on the move, all thanks to this app's seamless functionality. ποΈπ CarPlay compatibility takes my driving experience to a whole new level. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. Downloading audiobooks over WiFi is super easy. Saves time. ListenBook is hands down the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The interface is clean, intuitive, and packed with features like customizable playback speed and sleep timers. It supports all formats, which is a huge plus for me. Highly recommend!
Friday Fox
Gone are the days of fumbling with different formats β this app's comprehensive support ensures I can enjoy any audiobook without a hitch. ππ Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment enhance the listening experience significantly.
Sweet Manhattan
ListenBook's library organization and Book Groups feature make it easy to keep my audiobooks organized and accessible. Automatic metadata retrieval adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection.
Capital F
This app's ease of use has made my daily activities more enjoyable and educational. πΆββοΈπ This app's functionality makes every walk an adventure β I'm immersed in stories as I explore the world around me. ποΈπ Audiobook joy made simple β this app's ease of use is a game-changer. I can't get enough of ListenBook's silky-smooth playback and intuitive design. It's my go-to app for both leisurely listening and study sessions.
Mr. Thanksgiving
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audio needs are met. Audiobook immersion without complications β this app's ease of use is commendable. CUE playlist support is a fantastic organizational feature. It keeps my audiobooks neatly arranged. With ListenBook Pro, I'm no longer limited by audiobook length. It's a liberating experience! ListenBookβs support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
Boost
This app is a book lover's dream come true β a vast library right at your fingertips. I'm addicted to this app β it's like having a library in my pocket. This app has made long flights and road trips so much more enjoyable. Has every feature I need. My top choice for audiobooks! A masterclass in audiobook narration! The performer maintained perfect consistency in character voices throughout while keeping the main narration clear and engaging. The production was flawless - no weird edits or background noise. I'll be seeking out more works by this narrator.
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