Book description
Peter S. Beagle's The Last Unicorn achieves a rare alchemy in its audiobook adaptation, transforming a beloved fantasy classic into an intimate, resonant auditory experience. The narrative's core-centered on the solitary unicorn's journey beyond her timeless forest-gains profound depth through the narrator's masterful pacing and emotional cadence. Her voice, initially serene yet tinged with ancient sorrow, perfectly embodies the creature's isolation: "She was magical, beautiful beyond belief-and completely alone." This loneliness, so palpable in the prose, becomes a tangible presence in the audio, underscored by the subtle rustle of leaves and distant, melancholic wind in the sound design.
The journey itself, guided by the hapless magician Schmendrick and the fiercely pragmatic Molly Grue, unfolds with a rhythm that feels both deliberate and organic. The narrator's delivery of Schmendrick's verbose, self-deprecating dialogue crackles with comedic timing, while Molly's sharp wit carries a grounded warmth that anchors the fantastical elements. Crucially, the audiobook amplifies the novel's central tension-the unicorn's confrontation with mortality-through vocal inflection. When she learns unicorns are "gone from the world," the narrator's voice tightens, a quiet fracture in the otherwise measured tone, making the existential dread visceral rather than merely described.
Beagle's prose, often praised for its lyrical precision, finds new life in audio. Phrases like "dark whispers and rumours carried a message" are rendered with eerie subtlety, the whispers almost imperceptible beneath the narrative flow, mirroring the unicorn's own dawning unease. The audiobook's greatest strength lies in its ability to convey the forest's magic not through visual description alone, but through sound: the hush of ancient trees, the gurgle of a hidden stream, the sudden, sharp silence when the unicorn senses danger. These auditory textures immerse the listener, making the world feel lived-in and immediate.
The thematic weight-mortality, the cost of change, the fragility of beauty-resonates more powerfully here than in any static reading. The narrator's final moments with the unicorn, where "her immortal wisdom meant nothing," are delivered with a quiet, aching gravity that lingers long after the story concludes. This adaptation doesn't merely tell the tale; it invites the listener to feel the forest's breath, the sting of loss, and the fragile hope that persists even in endings. For those who know the book, it's a revelation; for newcomers, it's an effortlessly captivating introduction to a masterpiece. The audiobook version transcends mere narration-it becomes a companion, weaving the story's magic directly into the listener's consciousness, proving that some tales are not just read, but lived.
Seattle Jay
Finally, a way to enjoy literature on the go without straining my eyes. π Adding excitement to everyday tasks β this app is my partner in productivity! ππ Audiobook lovers, you need this app in your life. The innovative features, from audio filters to compatibility, enhance my reading journey. ππ§
Flame OUT
I'm blown away by how this app has made my workouts more enjoyable and my mind more active. ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs. My productivity has soared since I started using ListenBook for my study materials. The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. This audiobook transformed my household chores into enjoyable moments! The narrator's lively yet measured delivery kept me engaged throughout. I particularly appreciated how they handled exposition - making potentially dry information interesting through thoughtful inflection and pacing.
Pusher
The fact that ListenBook doesn't just play, but enhances audio quality, is truly remarkable. This app has made my daily routines more meaningful and enjoyable. π§ββοΈβ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories β the ultimate way to unwind! π΅π The versatility of this app is mind-boggling. It's like a one-stop solution for audiobooks.
Red Hot Kevorkian
This app makes traffic jams a breeze β time flies by while I'm engrossed in a story. ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend.
New York Sixlet
I've never been so entertained while doing household chores β this app is a lifesaver! Thank you for making my reading goals more achievable and enjoyable. ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features make it easy to keep my content at my fingertips. From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing different formats has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary listening sessions. π±π This app is a game-changer for audiobook lovers! The interface is clean and easy to use.
Badger the Burglar
My audiobook collection has never been more organized. Library management is a breeze. The app's compatibility with CarPlay enhances my driving experience. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and polished. 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.
Sweet Manhattan
βοΈ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency β I'm savoring stories with ease, even on the busiest days. πΆπ Audiobook heaven! This app has revolutionized the way I enjoy stories. Its sleek design and seamless functionality make it a must-have for book lovers. ππ§ Download via WiFi, WebDAV, iTunes β options galore to suit everyone's preferences. Organizing my audiobook library has never been easier. The app keeps everything tidy. Looping playback helps me focus on challenging content and grasp complex concepts. A study must-have!
Tokyo Dream
With ListenBook, I can enjoy a wide range of audiobook formats without any hassle, making my listening experience seamless. Controls are intuitive and user-friendly, making my audiobook experience seamless.
Lord Nikon
This app has rekindled my passion for storytelling in the most convenient way. I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. Easy chapter access and smooth playback. Love this app! Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend! The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
K-9
ListenBook has made my daily routines more vibrant and exciting with its immersive features. I love how this app's user-friendly interface allows me to navigate through chapters and controls effortlessly. πΆ Music? Nah, I prefer immersing myself in captivating stories with this app! πΆπ Navigating through chapters is a breeze. I can easily jump to the parts I want to listen to.
InsightInkwell
The ability to switch between devices seamlessly is a game-changer for busy readers. Noise reduction on ListenBook enhances the clarity of dictaphone recordings, allowing me to enjoy content even in noisy environments. This app has made me realize that there's always time for a good book. π§ Audiobooks anywhere, anytime β this app's convenience is unbeatable! ππ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear dictaphone recordings.
Mr. Wholesome
The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate β it's like they know my taste perfectly! Kudos to the app for making literature accessible to those with busy schedules. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
Phoenix Sparrow
The sleep timer is a brilliant addition β I drift off to sleep with amazing stories. π‘ Enriching my daily routines with wisdom and wonder β thank you, this app! π±π ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook lovers. The auto-rewind feature ensures I never miss a word. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve 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!
K-9
With ListenBook, I've found a versatile and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. The app's performance is beyond impressive. It's like it's tailor-made for my device.
Alley Cat
The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. The voice boost feature is amazing. It makes every word crystal clear.
Pusher
This app's simplicity has made me fall in love with books all over again. Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. ππ ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature is a time-saving convenience that I greatly appreciate. I'm impressed with the wide range of supported formats. Finally, an app that plays all my audiobooks flawlessly.
Insane SweepKick
I love that I can download content directly from the internet within the ListenBook app β so handy! π₯ Elevating my reading routine to new heights β this app is a real page-turner! ππ πͺ Achieving double wins β workouts become invigorating with stories to fuel my motivation! πͺπ§ ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve 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! An absolutely stellar production from start to finish! The narrator's command of pacing and tone was masterful, knowing exactly when to speed up for excitement or slow down for dramatic effect. The audio quality was pristine with no distracting mouth sounds or uneven volume.
Stone Boomstick
I'm hooked on this app's curated content β it's like having a personal librarian. I can't imagine a day without this app β it has made my audiobook journey seamless and fulfilling. Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
WordWanderer
The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. πΌ Balancing responsibilities with relaxation β audiobooks make even mundane tasks feel like an escape. π»π ListenBook has become my go-to workout companion. It keeps me motivated and entertained. Elegant design and easy-to-navigate interface. Very pleased with ListenBook. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Roadblock
ListenBook has turned my downtime into an opportunity for exploration and growth. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection.
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