Book description
The definitive history of Russia’s most secret spy program, from the earliest days of the Soviet Union to Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, and a revelatory examination of how that hidden history shaped both Russia and the West.More than a century ago, the new Bolshevik government began sending Soviet citizens abroad as deep-cover spies, training them to pose as foreign aristocrats, merchants, and students. Over time, this grew into the most ambitious espionage program in history. Many intelligence agencies use undercover operatives, but the KGB was the only one to go to such lengths, spending years training its spies in language and etiquette, and sending them abroad on missions that could last for decades. These spies were known as “illegals.” During the Second World War, illegals were dispatched behind enemy lines to assassinate high-ranking Nazis. Later, in the Cold War, they were sent to assimilate and lie low as sleepers in the West. The greatest among them performed remarkable feats, while many others failed in their missions or cracked under the strain of living a double life.Drawing on hundreds of hours of interviews, as well as archival research in more than a dozen countries, Shaun Walker brings this history to life in a page-turning tour de force that takes us into the heart of the KGB’s most secretive program. A riveting spy drama peopled with richly drawn characters, The Illegals also uncovers a hidden thread in the story of Russia itself. As Putin extols Soviet achievements and the KGB’s espionage prowess, and Moscow continues to infiltrate illegals across the globe, this timely narrative shines new light on the long arc of the Soviet experiment, its messy aftermath, and its influence on our world at large.
Silver Agent
I'm constantly amazed by the variety of genres – there's something for everyone. I can't believe how much I've 'read' since I started using this app. I've rediscovered my love for reading, all thanks to this app's convenience. Navigating chapters and genres is a breeze with this app's functionality. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. It's like having virtual bookshelves!
Mum Mary
ListenBook's versatile player features are like having a personal audio assistant – it's that good! 🌟 Elevating everyday moments – this app adds an extra layer of magic to every aspect of my day. 📚✨ Library organization is simplified with ListenBook. It's easy to keep my audiobooks neat and tidy. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a game-changer. It's like customizing my listening experience.
Jade Fox
🚶♀️🎧 Enjoying the great outdoors while immersing myself in fantastic tales – walking never felt this magical! 🏞️📚 Tone adjustment adds a personalized touch to the narration, making the audiobook experience even more immersive.
ManMaker
ListenBook's versatile player features are like having a personal audio assistant – it's that good! Navigating chapters and genres is a breeze with this app's functionality.
RetroMirage
Audiobooks have become my go-to gift for friends – and they all love it! I can't imagine my daily rituals without this app – it's a constant source of joy. What a delightful listening experience! The narrator's timing was impeccable, knowing exactly when to pause for effect or let the words flow. Their character voices were distinct yet natural - no over-the-top accents or distracting vocal tics. The audio quality was consistently excellent.
LoreLoomer
I'm blown away by the range of non-fiction audiobooks available – so much to learn! ListenBook has elevated my audiobook enjoyment to a whole new level – it's a must-have for any audio enthusiast. Audiobook enthusiasts, celebrate! This app's thoughtful features, like auto-rewind and easy chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our reading cravings. 🎉📚 The app's versatility in downloading audio is impressive. It streamlines the process and saves time. Download options are versatile, making it easy to get audiobooks from various sources.
180
I've fallen in love with literature all over again, thanks to this incredible app. The adjustable playback speed is a secret weapon for getting through educational content faster. 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!
The Final Judgement
Audiobook multitasking made easy – this app's functionality is top-notch. Adjustable playback speed is a fantastic feature. It allows me to customize my listening experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has transformed the audio quality. It's crystal clear now.
Delirious Supernova
I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. This app's user-friendly interface has made reading on-the-go a breeze. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a breeze to use. It's an intuitive experience. Tone adjustment is a brilliant addition that lets me personalize the narration to my liking. It adds an extra layer of connection to the audiobooks. Looping playback is an invaluable tool for my study sessions. It helps me grasp complex concepts.
Seattle Jay
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay makes my daily commute a delightful opportunity to indulge in audiobooks. 📚 Who needs TV when you have this app? Every moment is a storytelling session! 📺🎧 Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like the app knows what I need. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Kitchen
Listening to audiobooks has become my guilt-free indulgence, and I love it. Finally, an app that caters to audiobook enthusiasts like me. The diverse format support and user-friendly design are a game-changer. 📱🔊 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature elevates my listening experience, allowing me to focus on the content. Incredible character voices! Each person felt distinct without being over-the-top. The emotional scenes gave me chills with how well they were delivered.
Fatsy Bear
I can't get enough of this app's easy navigation and quick access to chapters and playback controls. With this app, I've turned my daily commutes into exciting journeys through the world of literature. CUE playlist support is a brilliant feature that allows me to create customized listening experiences for different moods, activities, and moments of the day. The best app for audiobooks. Downloading and organizing files is super easy with ListenBook.
Tabasco Dracula
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. The auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that enhances my listening journey. I appreciate it!
WonderWords
🎉 Making each day a new chapter – this app keeps me hooked from morning to night! 📖🌄 ListenBook’s design is sleek and modern. The app is a pleasure to use.
Sleek Zelda
With ListenBook, I can effortlessly manage and organize my audiobook library. Listening to audiobooks has become a ritual, thanks to this incredible app. Audiobooks have become my constant companions during my daily activities. 📱 An app that respects my time and delivers on functionality – audiobook listening has never been this effortless. 📖🔗 The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Doughboy, Esq
Audiobooks have become my preferred way to unwind – and this app is my partner in crime. Seamless audiobook integration – this app's design is a true delight. ListenBook has become my go-to app for all audiobooks. Full of useful features.
Bombay Shivers
I've been able to tackle my reading list like never before, thanks to this app. This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes. I'm addicted to this app – it's a non-stop journey through captivating tales. Bookmarks are a fantastic tool for keeping track of important moments. They're a game-changer.
Mammoth 2
Audiobooks have become my go-to gift for friends – and they all love it! From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing various audio formats has turned my daily activities into enriching listening sessions. What a game-changer! 🌟📚
Dahlia
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook is a fun feature that adds a unique touch to my audiobook experience. ListenBook has enriched my life with a diverse range of content, all at my fingertips. I love how I can adjust the skip intervals. It’s perfect for my listening style. I’ve tried several audiobook players, but ListenBook stands out for its reliability and ease of use. The equalizer and voice boost features make every book sound amazing. Plus, the dark mode is perfect for nighttime listening. Great job, developers! I've found my new favorite narrator! Their voice was perfectly suited to this material, with just the right blend of authority and approachability. The production quality was broadcast-level - no distracting breaths, clicks, or inconsistent volume. Already looking for more of their work.
MythMaker
ListenBook's dedication to delivering high-quality sound and user-friendly features has won me over. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly – this app's design is top-notch. The listening stats feature is awesome. I can track my audiobook habits effortlessly.
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