Book description
Hey, let me tell you about this audiobook I just finished-Steven V.S.'s The Kingdom Lights. From the very first word the narrator's voice lifts you into a world where cities hover above the clouds, airships glide like giant silver serpents, and mythical beasts can be summoned at the mere flick of a wrist. You hear the distant hum of engines and the soft rustle of wind over stone, all layered over the gentle cadence of the narrator's tone, which makes every cityscape feel alive and immediate.
The story follows Celes Vale, a boy who, up until his twelfth birthday, could barely get out of the soot-stained alleyways behind his family's factory. He's average in a world that's anything but, and the narration captures his quiet frustration with a kind of breathy authenticity that makes you feel his smallness against the grandiose. But then the light-like a burst of molten silver-hits him, a whisper in his ear, and suddenly the boy becomes the first ordinary child to wield magic in recorded history. The narrator's voice shifts, gaining a spark of excitement that mirrors Celes's own, and you feel the city's electric pulse surge through your ears.
He is whisked away to Gardarel, the glittering crown of the floating cities, where the air tastes of salt and possibility. The narrator paints Lady Ban's ballroom with shimmering chandeliers and sharp wit, and you can almost feel the velvet drapes brushing against your cheek. Marcus Blackwood's gang, with their coarse humor and menacing shadows, come alive through the narrator's sharp intonation. You're drawn into Celes's investigations, as the narrator's pacing quickens, mirroring the detective work and the looming threats.
What makes this audiobook stand out is the layered audio detail. The narrator's subtle background sounds-the creaking of airship hulls, the distant crackle of magic-add depth to each scene. When Celes uncovers Lady Ban's secret alliance with the Wardens, the voice dips into a darker register, and the background music swells, giving you a visceral sense of danger.
By the end, when Celes stumbles onto a plot that could annihilate Gardarel itself, the narrator's voice swells with urgency. The climax is delivered with a trembling intensity that pulls you right into the chaos. The final resolution leaves you breathing a bit heavier, the echo of the city's distant bells ringing faintly.
If you're looking for an audiobook that feels like stepping into a vividly imagined world, The Kingdom Lights is a stellar choice. It blends a compelling narrative with rich soundscapes, and the narrator's performance turns every page into an unforgettable sonic journey. You'll finish and find yourself replaying the scenes, just to catch the subtle nuances in the audio that you missed the first time.
Hairpin
ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library. This app's convenience has made reading a priority in my busy schedule. ListenBook's support for looping and shuffling playback adds versatility to my audiobook enjoyment. Adjusting the tone of the voice is so innovative. It's like personalizing the narration. Iβve tried many audiobook players, and this one is by far the best.
Toy Dogwatch
An audiobook lover's dream come true. So many options, I'm in heaven! πΌ Making work hours enjoyable β audiobooks turn my tasks into learning opportunities and moments of joy. π»π Enhancing my daily routines β this app's design makes listening a joy. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become effortless, regardless of the source.
Candy Butcher
Kudos to the creators for making literature so accessible and enjoyable. I love how ListenBook extracts artwork and metadata from audio files, adding a visual touch to my listening experience. πΆπ Setting the mood with stories instead of songs β this app is my go-to playlist! π§π Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality to a new level.
Scratch
The convenience of downloading audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. I can't get enough of this app's convenience β it has transformed my audiobook journey into a joyous experience. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to bond over stories. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. Very convenient. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Papa Smurf
ListenBook has transformed my daily routine into an opportunity to learn, relax, and enjoy. As someone who struggles to focus on audiobooks, this kept my attention the whole way through. The narrator's clear diction and expressive delivery were perfect.
Chameleon
Savoring stories has never been this smooth β this app's functionality is genius. ListenBook has all the features I need. My go-to audiobook app! Auto-rewind feature is very useful. Excellent app!
Flakes
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and intuitive controls make it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. I love how this app's chapters, bookmarks, and controls give me full control over my audiobook journey. Sharing audiobooks with friends is so easy with AirDrop. It's a great way to spread happiness.
High Beam
This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful β I'm hooked!
Hobo Samurai
ποΈ Soaking up the sun with an audiobook by my side β beach days just got better! ποΈπ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand, transforming noisy environments into serene listening spaces. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to connect. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Reno Monarch
With ListenBook, I've found a reliable and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have revolutionized the way I enjoy my audio content. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of reading. The app's support for multiple formats is flawless. Very satisfied. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Tangerine
βοΈ A round of applause for an app that prioritizes functionality β I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and other tasks. ππ§ ListenBook has made audiobook listening more convenient and enjoyable than ever before. Navigating through chapters has never been easier. It's a user-friendly delight. Noise reduction and tone changing enhance the listening experience. Love it! The ability to download audio directly within the app is a lifesaver. ListenBook is incredibly convenient.
Snapdragon
π± No more lugging around heavy books β this app brings the library to my phone! ππ± πΌ Juggling tasks while exploring narratives β this app is my multitasking hero! π»π Iβd listen to this narrator read anything! Their voice was so expressive and fitting for the material. The story itself was great, but the narration took it to the next level. Definitely a 5-star experience.
Parallax Sugar
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has elevated my listening experience. π‘ Cleaning the house with an audiobook in the background β talk about productivity! π§Όπ The sound quality is excellent. It feels like Iβm in the story. A masterclass in audiobook narration! The performer maintained perfect consistency in character voices throughout while keeping the main narration clear and engaging. The production was flawless - no weird edits or background noise. I'll be seeking out more works by this narrator.
Venious
I can't believe how much time I've gained by listening while cooking and doing chores. Background play feature lets me multitask while enjoying a book β brilliant! Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features redefine audiobook joy. π±π ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs. ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. It's reliable, versatile, and a pleasure to use.
QuantumQuill
I love the ability to customize the skip buttons. Itβs so convenient. 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.
Gunhawk
CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate themed listening sessions, creating a dynamic and engaging audiobook experience. ListenBook has revolutionized how I consume content. It's like having a personal library in my pocket. The app is so responsive. It never lags or freezes.
Undergrad
I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn even the most mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for learning. π§ Audiobooks anywhere, anytime β this app's convenience is unbeatable! ππ ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers is incredibly convenient. Downloading audiobooks has never been this easy. Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Excellent app! I love the ability to customize the skip buttons. Itβs so convenient.
Good William
I've found solace in listening to audiobooks before bed β it's my form of meditation. πΆββοΈπ Discovering new worlds on my daily walks β this app is my travel companion! ππ§
Lime
This app has turned audiobook listening into a daily ritual for me. Thanks to ListenBook's binaural audio processing, my extended listening sessions are fatigue-free. Simplifying my audiobook experience β this app's design is a game-changer. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. The app is perfect for long commutes. It keeps me entertained for hours.
Baby Spell
Say goodbye to monotony β this app's diverse format compatibility and intuitive controls have turned every moment into a thrilling audiobook experience. π±π Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a joy to use. It's a seamless experience.
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