Book description
Imagine sitting in a quiet room, the mountain air of 1942 whispering through your headphones. Maggie Stiefvater's The Listeners isn't just a novel you read-it's a world you step into, perfectly realized for the ear. The Avallon Hotel & Spa, perched in West Virginia's wilds, feels alive, its polished halls and mountain springs almost tangible in the narrator's voice. You hear June Porter Hudson's quiet strength as she guides the hotel through war's first tremors, her local roots grounding her even as she navigates high society's fading luxuries.
Then, the tension snaps. The Gilfoyles, the aristocratic owners, make a secret deal: house captured Axis diplomats. June, who's spent years making every guest feel cherished, now faces the impossible task of offering luxury to the enemy while her own staff-mothers, wives, sisters-wait anxiously for sons and husbands at the front. The weight of it isn't stated; it's in the pause before her next polite word, the slight tremor in her voice as she greets a German diplomat. You feel her calculation: How much can I give without breaking?
Enter FBI Agent Tucker Minnick. His coal tattoo, a whisper of his Appalachian past, hints at a hidden world. His mission? Listen. But his own secret-about the Avallon's sweetwater, a source of healing that can also threaten-makes him a silent witness to June's tightrope walk. The audiobook masterfully uses sound to build this: the creak of old hotel floors, the distant rumble of a train carrying soldiers, the almost-silent crackle of tension in a hallway where diplomats whisper.
What makes this audiobook exceptional is how it turns setting into character. The mountain springs aren't just water; they're a living thing, their dual nature echoing the hotel's fragile peace. You hear the drip of the springs in the background during quiet moments, a subtle reminder of the danger beneath the surface. The narrator doesn't just tell you June is brave; they let you feel her resolve in the way she steadies her voice when speaking to a diplomat who's just admitted to the war, or when she quietly reassures a staff member who's terrified for her son.
Stiefvater's gift is making you care about the small, human moments-the way June remembers a guest's favorite tea, the way Tucker hesitates before sharing his own secret. The audiobook amplifies this. You lean in, not just for the plot, but for the sound of June's quiet courage, the subtle shift in Tucker's tone when he realizes he's not just listening to secrets, but to a woman holding a world together. It's a story about loyalty, cost, and the quiet power of hospitality in the darkest times. And in this audiobook, you don't just hear it-you feel the Avallon's heartbeat, steady and strong, right alongside June. It's a listening experience that lingers long after the final word.
Sky Trinity
I'm amazed at how immersive the experience is β it's like being inside the story. ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. ListenBook's versatility and user-friendly interface make it a must-have for audiobook lovers. πΌ Juggling tasks while exploring narratives β this app is my multitasking hero! π»π
Bugger
I've never been this excited about my daily commute β thank you, audiobooks! The convenience of having a library at my fingertips is unparalleled. πΆββοΈπ§ Enjoying the great outdoors while immersing myself in fantastic tales β walking never felt this magical! ποΈπ ListenBook's audio filters have given me the power to tailor my listening experience to my preferences. The app's integration with CarPlay enhances my road trips with immersive audiobook journeys.
Light Lion
π Grooving to the rhythm of stories while tackling household chores β a dance of productivity! πΆπ π Making each day a new chapter β this app keeps me hooked from morning to night! ππ ListenBook has all the features I need in an audiobook app. My top choice! This was a competent audiobook production with no major flaws. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough and the audio quality was acceptable, though not exceptional. While the performance didn't particularly stand out, it served its purpose adequately for my daily commute.
Dark Matter
The ease of downloading content via WiFi, WebDAV, and more has made ListenBook my audiobook hub. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app β it's the perfect way to stay engaged and informed. Audiobook adventures simplified β this app's functionality is a revelation. ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Cougar Fuzz
With this app, I've found a way to make my daily errands more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Great for listening to lectures and educational content. Very useful! The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
General Broomdog
I'm hooked on this app's curated content β it's like having a personal librarian. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. I can focus on challenging content.
EchoEnigma
I'm blown away by how this app has made my commutes productive and my downtime entertaining. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. π± Accessing my favorite stories has never been this straightforward β this app's functionality is a bookworm's dream come true. ππ« My study sessions are more efficient than ever, thanks to the looping playback and bookmark features.
Texas Butterfly
The customer support team is responsive and always ready to assist. ListenBook's library organization and book groups make managing my collection effortless. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. ListenBook has rekindled my love for audiobooks. The app's interface is beautiful and user-friendly. My study sessions are more efficient than ever, thanks to the looping playback and bookmark features.
RawSkills
βοΈ Loving the fact that I can learn and listen at the same time β multitasking made easy! π§ π§ An audiobook lover's dream come true! This app's seamless functionality and diverse format support make it my go-to choice for immersive storytelling. ππ§ Binaural audio processing really helps reduce listening fatigue. Great feature! The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. The app is worth every penny. Itβs packed with features and works flawlessly.
NexusNomad
I can't get over how smooth the playback is. Even high-quality files play flawlessly. ListenBook has united my love for audiobooks with my passion for learning. What a brilliant app! This app is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. The ability to adjust skip intervals and playback speed is fantastic. I also love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Worth every penny!
Fire Feline
Audiobooks have become my escape from reality β a journey into captivating worlds. User-centric audiobook joy β this app's ease of use is impressive.
ChatterChampion
π Embracing a new reading habit with this app's seamless accessibility. Say goodbye to boredom! π±π I can finally listen to all my audiobooks seamlessly with ListenBook. The customizable playback controls and chapter navigation make it a breeze. ListenBook's comprehensive format support makes it the ultimate companion for audiobook enthusiasts.
Thrasher
I'm enjoying books I never thought I'd be interested in β all thanks to this app. This app has turned my daily commute into a source of inspiration and entertainment. ListenBook's support for various audio formats makes it a versatile app for all kinds of audiobook enthusiasts. πββοΈπ Combining exercise and exploration β this app keeps me motivated on my daily jogs! πββοΈπ The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference.
Shadow Chaser
πΆββοΈπ§ Walking has never been this productive β exploring new worlds while I exercise! ποΈπ« π Bedtime stories for adults? Yes, please! This app is a dream come true. ππ ListenBook's auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that ensures I never miss a single word. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
ThoughtTracer
ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening sessions into immersive experiences. Adjustable playback speed is my secret weapon for covering more material in less time. A productivity boost! Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my library look organized and visually appealing. Listening stats motivate me to read more. Great feature!
Leaf Assassin
With ListenBook, I can effortlessly manage and organize my audiobook library. Simplifying my reading routine β this app's ease of use is remarkable. ListenBook's commitment to user experience shines through its thoughtful design and seamless functionality. Bookmarks have become my study companion. I can easily revisit important passages in my audiobooks. Downloading over WiFi is super efficient. Saves a lot of time.
NemesisX
ListenBook's auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that ensures I never miss a single word. The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature.
Howitzer Rise
Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze. The intuitive interface and efficient navigation make this app a pleasure to use every day. I love the ability to change the font size. It makes reading the titles so easy. What a delightful listening experience! The narrator's timing was impeccable, knowing exactly when to pause for effect or let the words flow. Their character voices were distinct yet natural - no over-the-top accents or distracting vocal tics. The audio quality was consistently excellent.
Energy
Noise reduction on ListenBook enhances the clarity of dictaphone recordings, allowing me to enjoy content even in noisy environments. With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. I can't get enough of this app's convenience β it has transformed my audiobook journey into a joyous experience. My daily workouts are more enjoyable now, thanks to seamless integration with Apple Watch.
Sexy
I've never been this excited about my daily commute β thank you, audiobooks! This app has transformed my daily commute into a captivating journey of knowledge and entertainment. The playback controls are so responsive. No lag at all. The app is perfect for people with visual impairments. Itβs so easy to navigate.
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