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.
Devil Chick
The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files! The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds. The app is perfect for people who love to read but don’t have the time. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Maple Destroyer
Now I can enjoy my favorite books anytime, even during workouts. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly – this app's design is top-notch. The sleek and user-friendly interface makes navigating the app a breeze. It's a pleasure to use.
Cross Thread
The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate – it's like they know my taste perfectly! I'm addicted to this app's ability to turn mundane moments into opportunities for intellectual growth. This app's compatibility with different devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. 🎉📚 Reigniting my passion for books – this app is my newfound reading obsession! 🔥🎧 ListenBook has elevated my learning experience. I'm retaining more information than ever.
Raid Bucker
This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that I never miss out on a great audiobook. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
Tall Sally
I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments. Adjustable playback speed is a brilliant feature. It adds a layer of customization to my audiobook enjoyment.
9Lives
Audiobooks have made my commutes so much more enjoyable, and I'm always excited to listen. This app's customizable features, from playback speed to filters, are fantastic. 🎧 Elevating my reading experience – this app's intuitive controls and organization features make audiobook enjoyment effortless. 📱📖 Talk about convenience! This app's ease of use and support for multiple audio formats ensure that I can enjoy my favorite stories without any hassle. 📱🔊 Looping playback is a study tool that I can't live without. It helps me master challenging content.
Sugar Hiccup
Kudos to the developers for crafting an app that understands readers' needs. The smooth playback and sleek design are pure perfection. 📚👏 The interface is sleek and user-friendly. Makes navigating through chapters a breeze. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly improved the audio quality of my recordings.
Cowboy Booter
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DuckDuck
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Riff Raff
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Blade
🎙️ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! 🚶♀️📖 Audiobooks made convenient – this app's functionality is impressive. Kudos to the creators for crafting an app that understands audiobook lovers. With smooth playback and thoughtful design, it's a true companion for book enthusiasts. 📚👏 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand, transforming noisy environments into serene listening spaces.
PP Dubs
The ListenBook app has become an indispensable part of my daily routine, helping me learn and relax simultaneously. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are excellent additions. ListenBook has all the features I need in an audiobook app. My top choice!
Blood Taker
🎧 Satiate your reading cravings while managing household affairs – this app has it all! 📚💼 Organizing my audiobook library has never been easier. The app keeps everything tidy. This is exactly what I look for in an audiobook! The narrator's pleasant voice and excellent diction made even complex passages easy to follow. I appreciated the subtle but effective use of pauses and emphasis that added depth to the listening experience. Finished it in record time because I couldn't stop listening.
Vixen
ListenBook has turned my audio content into an immersive, personalized, and unforgettable experience. 🚶♀️📖 Walking my way through exciting narratives – this app makes exercise more fun! 🏞️🎧 Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it! ListenBook’s interface is sleek and user-friendly. Finding and playing my audiobooks has never been easier. I love the quick access to settings. It makes tweaking the app so easy.
Dr. WMD
AirDrop and sharing make it easy to spread the audiobook love with friends. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the joy of storytelling.
Sexy
This app has enriched my daily routine with the joy of stories and knowledge. Revolutionizing the way I enjoy stories – this app's seamless playback and intuitive controls make it a must-have for every book enthusiast. 📱🎧 CUE playlist support helps me organize my audiobooks efficiently. It's a great organizational tool. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Mammoth 2
With ListenBook Pro, I can customize the tone of the sound to match my preferences – it's a fantastic touch. Unlimited audiobook length with ListenBook Pro is a game-changer.
K-Tin Man
Organization made easy! This app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures I'm always engrossed in a captivating tale. 📖📱 ListenBook’s support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is fantastic. I can listen anywhere. The chapter navigation is a lifesaver. It makes finding my place so easy.
VisionVoyager
The noise reduction feature on ListenBook Pro is a godsend for clear and comfortable listening. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Listening to audiobooks on my iPad has never been easier. Highly recommend ListenBook! ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
SunVolt
ListenBook has made me fall in love with my audio content all over again – it's a must-have. I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily activities. ListenBook’s interface is beautiful and functional. It’s my favorite app for audiobooks.
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