Book description
A Captivating Audio Journey Through Tudor Turmoil
Philippa Gregory's The King's Curse is a masterful addition to her canon, and the audiobook version delivers the story with an extra layer of immediacy that makes every twist feel like it's unfolding right beside you. The narrator-an unassuming voice with just the right mix of warmth and authority-guides listeners through the labyrinthine politics of Henry VIII's court while giving Margaret Pole the intimate, almost whisper-like presence she deserves.
From the very first minutes, Gregory pulls us into Margaret's world: a lady-in-waiting whose Plantagenet lineage makes her both an heir and a threat. The narration captures the quiet dread that hangs over her as the "Red Queen" sees her as a rival, yet it also conveys the fierce resilience that keeps Margaret from surrendering to the shadows. The pacing is spot-on: moments of high drama-such as Arthur's guardianship and Katherine of Aragon's arrival-are punctuated by quieter reflections on faith, loyalty, and destiny.
What sets this audiobook apart is how Gregory weaves the "old curse" motif into everyday conversation. It feels less like a plot device and more like an undercurrent that readers can sense in the hushed tones between scenes. The narrator's subtle inflection underscores the growing tension as Henry's tyranny escalates, making each decision Margaret faces feel both personal and monumental.
The cast of voices-though limited to a single narrator-does justice to the period's complexity. Gregory's prose is lush yet accessible; she never lets archaic language alienate modern listeners. The story balances grand historical events with intimate moments: Margaret's care for Katherine, her quiet defiance against Henry's edicts, and her inner conflict between loyalty to the king and love for his queen.
In short, The King's Curse is a rich, immersive experience that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and newcomers alike. Gregory's knack for turning complex political webs into human stories shines through, while the audiobook format brings an extra dimension of immediacy. If you're looking for a tale that blends intrigue, tragedy, and a touch of supernatural suspense, this is one you won't want to miss.
Kabuki
ListenBook's library organization and book groups make managing my collection effortless. ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is a game-changer!
Midnight Rambler
Effortlessly enjoying audiobooks on the go – kudos to this app's functionality. I love the compatibility with iOS 16. The app runs smoothly and flawlessly. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks, and this one stands out for its professional quality. The narrator struck the ideal balance between dramatic interpretation and letting the text speak for itself. The audio engineering was superb with consistent volume levels and crystal-clear recording.
Alpha
I'm hooked on this app's curated content – it's like having a personal librarian. Audiobooks on the go – this app's design prioritizes convenience. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve 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!
Hog Butcher
I can't believe I waited this long to discover the joy of audiobooks through this app. ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It's seamlessly integrated with Apple Watch. is a breeze. It's incredibly convenient for building my collection. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to inspire others to read. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Lounge Master
The app's intuitive design makes it easy to find and listen to my favorite authors. ListenBook Pro offers amazing value with unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction features. Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's thoughtful features, such as statistics tracking and audio filters, have added a new layer of excitement to my reading journey. 📚✨
Kawaii Red
I'm no longer missing out on great stories – this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. 🎧 Elevating my reading experience – this app's intuitive controls and organization features make audiobook enjoyment effortless. 📱📖 The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile. I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version! The narrator added layers of meaning I might have missed reading silently. Their interpretation of the material felt thoughtful and authentic. The recording was technically perfect - no reverb, no peaking, just clean, pleasant audio.
New York Sixlet
I've found solace and relaxation in the pages of countless audiobooks. I'm addicted to this app's seamless performance and impressive library. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
Blood Taker
Effortless and enriching – that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features have set the bar high for audiobook enjoyment. 📱📖 ListenBook has completely elevated my audiobook experience. It's an integral part of my daily routine. The interface is sleek and intuitive, making my audiobook experience a joy.
Black Fantastic
🌟 Embracing reading in the busiest of times – this app is my everyday escape! 📚🏃♀️ The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend! This was a workmanlike audiobook that did the job without flair. The narration was clear and the pacing appropriate, though the delivery lacked some emotional depth. The production quality was acceptable with no major technical issues.
Alley Fiend
👩🍳 Turning cooking sessions into culinary adventures, complete with intriguing tales! 🍳🎧 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. The statistics tracking feature is a gem. I'm surprised by how much time I spend on audiobooks! The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Springheel Jack
Audiobooks on this app have made my daily walks a time of reflection and inspiration. ListenBook's multiple ways to download audio, including from the internet, are a game-changer. 🧘♀️☕ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories – the ultimate way to unwind! 🍵📖
Storm Master
I'm grateful for this app – it's made reading a part of my everyday life. I'm amazed by the app's compatibility with different audio formats. It's truly versatile.
Marshmallow Treat
ListenBook's user-friendly audio filters and controls have made my audiobook sessions more interactive and engaging. ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a thoughtful touch I appreciate. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Sw00sh
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch has made my listening experience even more seamless. Effortless audiobook management – this app's usability is impressive. Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and diverse compatibility ensure that every tale is a captivating journey. 🌌🎧 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction is a lifesaver. I can hear clearly even in noisy environments. ListenBook’s audio filters are great. The app provides a high-quality listening experience.
Heaven Sent
The ability to download audio from network devices directly within ListenBook is incredibly convenient. This app's compatibility with different file types means that my entire audiobook collection is at my fingertips. Seamless integration of audiobooks – this app's ease of use is impressive. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is truly impressive. Tone adjustment is so cool. It's like customizing the reader's voice to my liking.
Delirious Supernova
Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique feature that adds a personalized touch to the listening experience. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and visually appealing. ListenBook’s playback is smooth and reliable. I never have issues with audio quality. The app is perfect for bedtime listening. The sleep timer is a must-have.
Z-Boy
The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch. A serviceable audiobook that met basic expectations. The narration was clear if somewhat unremarkable, and the production quality was standard without any noticeable technical issues. It kept me moderately engaged during workouts but didn't leave a lasting impression.
Black Hole Necromancer
👀📚 Falling asleep to audiobooks has never been easier – this app's soothing voices 😴🎧 📱 My pocket-sized library – this app makes reading accessible anytime, anywhere! 📚📱 Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are excellent. ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Zorkle Sporkle
This app has introduced me to authors I'd never heard of – now they're my favorites! ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand that transforms even the noisiest environments into cozy listening spaces. Looping playback is my secret weapon for language learning. It's revolutionized my approach. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Sexy
This app is my secret weapon for staying entertained during mundane tasks. I've found solace and relaxation in the pages of countless audiobooks. The tone adjustment feature is an exciting touch, allowing me to immerse myself even more in the content. Supports all audio formats I use without issues. Very happy. I love the ability to import books from my computer. It’s so easy.
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