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.
RedMouth
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is a game-changer for my on-the-go listening. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my library look organized and visually appealing. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Campfire Mama
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that I can access my content without any limitations. Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze. Tone adjustment adds a personalized touch to the narration, making the audiobook experience even more immersive. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature. Not the best audiobook I've heard but far from the worst. The production quality was good and there were no major issues with the narration.
TrinitySoul
ListenBook has added a new dimension to my audiobook listening experience – it's not just about the content, but the convenience too. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my daily routines more enriching and rewarding. The app's versatility in downloading audio is impressive. It streamlines the process and saves time. Drag and drop downloads directly from my web browser? That's a level of convenience I appreciate.
Pink Stream
Noise reduction on ListenBook enhances the clarity of dictaphone recordings, allowing me to enjoy content even in noisy environments. ListenBook's absence of synchronization requirements adds to its convenience and flexibility. 🎧 Making housework more enjoyable – audiobooks turn mundane chores into moments of discovery. 🧹📚 Navigating my audiobook library is a breeze – thank you, app developers! Say goodbye to cumbersome interfaces – this app's intuitive controls and user-friendly design have elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. 📱🔊
Red Heroine
ListenBook's sleek interface and precise controls make it a joy to use during my daily listening sessions. 🎉 This app's functionality is a masterpiece – it seamlessly integrates audiobooks into my daily routine. 📚🎨
Blood Taker
Background play feature lets me multitask while enjoying a book – brilliant! 🚶♂️🌟 Embracing audiobooks as my companions during leisurely walks – nature and narratives, a perfect match! 🚶♂️🎧 Listening statistics motivate me to read more. Excellent feature! This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work! Perfect narration for this genre! The voice actor’s tone matched the atmosphere of the book, enhancing the overall experience. No complaints—just a smooth, enjoyable listen from beginning to end.
Pink C
The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. Navigating through my audiobook library is a joy with this app's intuitive interface and easy controls. It's like having a personal reading companion at my side. 📱📖 Finally, an app that understands the power of CUE playlists. Perfect for organizing.
EchoEmissary
🏡 Making house chores more enjoyable – audiobooks help me stay engaged while tidying up the living space. 🏠📚 Book groups help me keep series together and navigate my collection more efficiently. A great feature! ListenBook has transformed the way I engage with literature. It's like having a virtual bookshelf in my pocket. The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
Easy Street
ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats ensures that I can enjoy a wide range of content hassle-free. I love how this app's user-friendly interface allows me to navigate through chapters and controls effortlessly. 🎉📚 Reigniting my passion for books – this app is my newfound reading obsession! 🔥🎧 Navigating audiobooks seamlessly – this app's design is a true winner. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Mauve Cactus
Gone are the days of straining my eyes to read – this app lets me 'read' with my ears, anywhere, anytime. Navigating audiobooks with ease – this app's functionality is a standout. Effortlessly managing my audiobook library – this app's design is a triumph. ListenBook’s CarPlay support makes listening in the car a seamless experience.
Coldy
This app is my constant companion, making every moment a chance to discover new worlds. 🎧 My daily chores just got an upgrade! Thanks to this app, I can dive into captivating stories while cooking and cleaning. 📚🍳 This app has completely transformed my daily routine. I can't imagine my commute without it! The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Eerie
This app has made literature accessible and engaging for all ages. I've been able to explore different cultures and perspectives through a diverse range of books. The app's performance is unparalleled. It's like it's tailor-made for my device. The adjustable playback speed is a secret weapon for getting through educational content faster. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fine—good narration, decent story—but it didn’t leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking for something low-commitment, this works.
Miss Murder
With ListenBook, I can enjoy a wide range of audiobook formats without any hassle, making my listening experience seamless. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand, transforming noisy environments into serene listening spaces. CUE playlist support is a fantastic organizational feature. It keeps my audiobooks neatly arranged. Perfect for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful app. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
DuckDuck
🎉 This app has ignited my passion for reading – I can't get enough of its convenience! 📚🔥 🎧 Navigating through narratives has never been simpler – this app's functionality enhances my audiobook journey. 📚💫 CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature for those who enjoy organized and structured listening. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. My audio quality has improved dramatically.
Gr8 Flick
ListenBook has become my gateway to new worlds, allowing me to explore stories, ideas, and knowledge. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Mad Irishman
Thanks to ListenBook's extensive statistics, I can track my audiobook consumption and celebrate my progress. The ListenBook app has enriched my daily life, adding a layer of intellectual and emotional fulfillment. Thanks to this app, I can enjoy the world of literature without missing a beat in my fast-paced life. This app's ease of use has made my downtime more enriching and enjoyable. ListenBook has become an essential part of my day, enhancing my commute and allowing me to enjoy audiobooks like never before.
Wiccan Trouble
The sleek design and easy navigation are visually pleasing and user-friendly. The ListenBook app is a fantastic companion for my long walks, helping me learn and explore at the same time. With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. ListenBook has made my daily routines more vibrant and exciting with its immersive features. This app's convenience and ease of use have transformed my screen time into productive learning sessions.
Subzero Taffy
🚶♀️📖 Walking my way through exciting narratives – this app makes exercise more fun! 🏞️🎧 Navigating through chapters is effortless with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and intuitive experience.
Kamikaze Grandma
I'm blown away by how this app has revolutionized my reading experience. 💪 Flexing my reading muscles with this app's easy-to-use controls – I'm devouring books while managing my busy schedule. 💼📚 🎉 The ease and functionality of this app make it my go-to choice for immersive audiobook experiences. 📱🎧 Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's design is a reader's dream. Adjusting playback speed has transformed the way I consume audiobooks. I can tailor the pacing to match my learning style and preferences.
Knuckles
This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any hassle. The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds.
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