Book description
The Hod King audiobook review: A tower worth climbing
Josiah Bancroft's conclusion to The Books of Babel trilogy delivers exactly what fans have been craving: a perfectly paced blend of political intrigue, brutal action, and emotional payoff.
The audiobook format really serves Bancroft's elaborate world-building well. Multiple storylines converge satisfyingly as Senlin infiltrates Pelphia's deadly arena while Voleta and Iren navigate court politics in disguise. Edith's maritime adventures provide welcome contrast, especially her investigation into the mysterious Hod King legend.
What makes this finale work so well is how Bancroft balances intimate character moments with epic scope. The production quality captures both the grimy desperation of hod fighting and the soaring ambition of those climbing toward power. Voice work distinguishes characters clearly without overacting, letting Bancroft's precise prose carry emotional weight.
The mystery elements pay off genuinely rather than feeling forced. Political machinations feel authentic instead of convenient plot devices. Even secondary characters like the sphinx and various ringdom officials earn their moments to shine.
Bancroft's background as poet shows in descriptive passages that never become purple. His experience with comics translates to dynamic action sequences that translate well to audio format.
This isn't just fantasy checking boxes - it's thoughtful adventure that respects both genre conventions and reader intelligence. The Hod King answers lingering questions while leaving room for wonder. Exactly how trilogy conclusions should work.
Crumb Cake
ListenBook's sleek interface and precise controls make it a joy to use during my daily listening sessions. 💪 Flexing my reading muscles with this app's easy-to-use controls – I'm devouring books while managing my busy schedule. 💼📚
BlacKitten
I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates with my daily routine. Listening to audiobooks has become my guilt-free indulgence, and I love it. User-centric audiobook joy – this app's ease of use is a true marvel. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback. Automatic metadata extraction keeps my library organized. It's a time-saver!
Red Woman
I've become the go-to storyteller at bedtime with the help of this magical app. Looping playback is a valuable study tool. It helps me grasp complex content and retain information.
Taffy Duchess
I'm absolutely in love with this app! It's like a library of stories in my pocket. The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a portable audiobook library that I can carry everywhere. This app is my secret weapon for making the most of my free time. I love the cloud integration. I can access my books from anywhere.
Undergrad
is a breeze. It's incredibly convenient for building my collection. My workouts have become more enjoyable and productive with ListenBook's compatibility with Apple Watch. Listening stats motivate me to read more. Great feature!
THRESHmSTR
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's a true companion for all my literary adventures. ListenBook’s interface is beautiful and functional. It’s my favorite app for audiobooks. I’m 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!
Snow Cream
I've become addicted to this app – in the best possible way! 🚶‍♂️🌟 Strolling through captivating narratives has never been easier – this app's intuitive controls make audiobook listening a delight. 🎧🏞️
Highway
The voice actors are incredible – they make the characters come alive. I love how this app's chapters, bookmarks, and controls give me full control over my audiobook journey. ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend! A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasn’t blown away. The narrator’s performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat.
Bae
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. Kudos to ListenBook for optimizing the app for iOS 16 – it shows their dedication to excellence. ListenBook's extensive format support makes it the ultimate audiobook app for any audiobook lover. Navigating chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and seamless experience. Listening stats motivate me to read more. Great feature!
Sky
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personal touch to my experience. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Black Walnut
I used to struggle to find time for books – now, I listen while doing chores! I can now explore books beyond my preferred genre, broadening my reading horizons. Thanks to ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks without the need for constant synchronization. Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings. ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Master Jetson
ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a seamless addition to my daily routine. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks. Great feature!
Icy Avenger
The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate – it's like they know my taste perfectly! I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my constant companion for literary adventures. The layout is not only beautiful but also intuitive. Controls are easy to access.
EchoEmissary
ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that enhances my listening experience. It's these thoughtful touches that matter!
FLAK Angel
This app has turned my long walks into delightful literary adventures. This app has turned even the most ordinary moments into reading sessions. This app's ease of use has made my daily tasks so much more enjoyable. The layout is not only beautiful but also intuitive. Controls are easy to access. This app is a game-changer for audiobook lovers! The interface is clean and easy to use.
Feline Devil
ListenBook's features make it the ultimate audio companion for any audiobook enthusiast. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is fascinating. I can alter the reader's voice to match my mood—what a creative addition! Auto-rewind feature is very useful. Excellent app! The ability to download audio from various sources without syncing is fantastic. ListenBook makes it so easy.
Drift
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, making even the busiest days enjoyable. Tone adjustment is so cool. It's like customizing the reader's voice to my liking.
Venious
This app has made literature accessible and engaging for all ages. 📚 Who needs TV when you have this app? Every moment is a storytelling session! 📺🎧
MythMaker
No more fighting over the radio during family trips – we're all hooked on audiobooks now. I can't believe how much I've 'read' since I started using this app. Binaural audio processing really works. Less fatigue during long listening sessions.
Good-lookin’
I've found my new favorite way to relax – cuddled up with an audiobook. I'm impressed by ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically. AirDrop and sharing make it easy to spread the audiobook love with friends.
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