Book description
I'm still buzzing from the last play-through of The Last Days of Magic on my speakers. Mark Tompkins, a poet, photographer, and man who sits on the board of Aspen Words, brings a depth to this tale that feels as if the very earth of medieval Ireland is breathing beneath my ears. The audiobook doesn't just read a story - it delivers an entire world, rich with the scent of ancient druidic groves and the clang of Roman legions marching toward the Emerald Isle.
From the opening line, you're pulled into a landscape where gods walk among mortals, where a goddess in human form, Aisling, is destined to unite the Celtic peoples with the faeries of the Middle Kingdom. The narrator's voice captures her ethereal grace, and when the twin Anya appears, the shift in tone reflects their intertwined fates. Tompkins' world building is meticulous: you can hear the crackle of medieval hearths, the distant trumpet of Vatican commanders, and the hush of exorcists preparing for a looming war.
The story's core conflict - England and Rome waging a crusade to wipe magic from Ireland - is narrated with a clarity that makes the stakes feel visceral. I could almost hear Jordan, the Vatican commander, wrestling with his duty and his curiosity about the forbidden magic. His internal struggle is conveyed with a nuanced performance, making his eventual choices feel earned. The stakes are amplified when you consider the ripple effect the novel promises - repercussions that echo into today's world and into the life of a graduate student, Sara Hill. That bridge from the past to the present, and beyond, keeps the listening experience fresh and relevant.
Tompkins layers myth, legend, fairy tales, and biblical mysteries with a deft hand. He doesn't just recycle tropes; he rewrites them, giving each character a pulse that beats against the weight of centuries. Aisling's power is not just a plot device but a symbol of resilience, and the narrator's tone shifts accordingly, from reverent awe to fierce defiance.
I can't help but appreciate the craftsmanship in how Tompkins interweaves the magical and the mundane. The soundscape, the pacing, the vocal color changes - all coalesce to make every chapter a cinematic experience. It's clear that this is not merely a book; it's a living, breathing story that you feel in your chest, not just your mind.
If you're looking for an audiobook that promises adventure, deep lore, and a narrative that will stay with you long after the final chapter, grab a copy of The Last Days of Magic. Let the voices of Aisling, Jordan, and the ancient forces guide you through a world where magic still has a place, and listen to the echo of its last days.
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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