Book description
The Magicians' Guild launches Trudi Canavan's Black Magician Trilogy with a stunning, high-stakes opening. A single stone, hurled by a child named Quelle, shatters the protective shields of Imardin's elite magicians-a moment that instantly defines the series' central conflict. This audiobook masterfully translates that visceral shock into sound. The narrator's pacing accelerates as Quelle's reckless act unleashes chaos, making the city's sudden vulnerability palpable through voice alone.
Canavan crafts a world where magic is both a privilege and a terrifying burden. The Guild's rigid hierarchy, built on controlling power, faces an existential threat: an untrained mage whose raw ability dwarfs even their strongest. The audiobook's strength lies in how it amplifies this tension. You hear the magicians' disbelief, the city's rising panic, and Quelle's own confusion as her accidental power draws dangerous attention. The narrator avoids melodrama, letting the weight of the situation speak through quiet moments and sharp dialogue.
Quelle's journey begins not with grand wizardry, but with fear and a desperate need to survive. The audiobook captures her vulnerability perfectly. You feel her terror as the Guild's agents close in, their cold efficiency contrasting sharply with her ordinary, frightened reality. This isn't a chosen one story; it's a raw survival tale where power is a curse, not a gift. The narrator's subtle shifts in tone-urgent during chases, hushed during Quelle's private moments-keep the focus tightly on her experience.
The novel's core question-how does a city built on suppressing such power react when it can't be ignored?-drives every scene. The audiobook makes the political stakes feel immediate. You hear the magicians' internal debates, their fear of losing control, and the city's simmering resentment towards them. This isn't just about one girl; it's about systems cracking under pressure. The audio format heightens this, using sound design (like the sharp crack of the stone breaking shields) to ground the fantastical in sensory detail.
Canavan avoids infodumps, revealing her world through action and consequence. The audiobook thrives on this approach. You learn about the Guild's rules through the tension of Quelle's pursuit, not exposition. The pacing is relentless, mirroring the urgency of her flight. The narrator's clear, expressive delivery ensures complex magical mechanics remain accessible without simplifying the stakes.
This audiobook succeeds because it trusts its story. The opening scene's shockwave echoes throughout, making every subsequent moment feel charged. Quelle's struggle-against the Guild, against her own power, against a world that fears her-is deeply human. The narrator's restrained intensity ensures you feel every heartbeat of her journey. For listeners seeking a fresh take on fantasy where magic's cost is real, The Magicians' Guild delivers a compelling, character-driven start. It's a powerful reminder that true power often begins with the courage to stand up, stone in hand, against the inevitable.
Doughboy, Esq
Audiobooks on this app have made me look forward to my long commutes. User-friendly audiobook experience β this app's design is a standout. ListenBookβs CarPlay support makes listening in the car a seamless experience. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs.
Fast FLAK
This app has made me appreciate the art of storytelling even more. Listening to audiobooks with my kids has become a cherished bonding activity. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app β it's the perfect way to stay engaged and informed. πΆββοΈπ This app's functionality makes every walk an adventure β I'm immersed in stories as I explore the world around me. ποΈπ Gone are the days of struggling with formats. Thanks to this app, my audiobook journey is a breeze, and every tale is a tap away. Highly recommended! ππ§
Kingfisher
With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of literature during my daily walks β it's truly invigorating. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into every nook and cranny of my day. Audiobook journey simplified β this app's functionality is a wonderful surprise. ListenBook has truly transformed my audiobook experience. The sleek interface, extensive format support, and easy downloading options make it my go-to app!
Acid Queen
ListenBook's auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that ensures I never miss a single word. Looping playback is an invaluable tool for my study sessions. It helps me grasp complex concepts.
Mr. Spy
Now I can enjoy my favorite books anytime, even during workouts. Library organization has never been this easy. My audiobook collection is finally tidy. Finally, an app that supports all my audiobook formats! ListenBook is a game-changer.
Candy Butcher
Language courses on audiobooks helped me pick up a new language effortlessly. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options have made audiobook revisiting and studying a breeze.
Serendipity
I love how ListenBook extracts artwork and metadata from audio files, adding a visual touch to my listening experience. With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light. ListenBook has become my ultimate audiobook companion. It enhances every listening session. I'm impressed by the app's performance β it's stable, fast, and tailored for audiobook enthusiasts.
Sexy
πͺ Crushing workouts while devouring books β this app makes fitness fun and educational! ποΈββοΈπ π Grooving to the rhythm of stories while tackling household chores β a dance of productivity! πΆπ ListenBook has revolutionized how I consume content. It's like having a personal library in my pocket. Love the silky-smooth playback and easy-to-use interface. ListenBook is the best!
Unleashed
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. ποΈ Turning grocery shopping into a thrilling audiobook hunt β what a game-changer! ππ Sharing audiobooks with friends is a breeze thanks to ListenBook Pro's AirDrop and sharing options. Spread the joy of a good story! The compatibility with Apple Watch is a huge plus. I can control my audiobooks from my wrist! Looping playback helps me retain knowledge from audiobooks effectively. It's an invaluable tool.
CirrusFlash
Looping playback of a single track helps me master difficult concepts. So helpful! ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. The unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Homerun Diva
No more fighting over the radio during family trips β we're all hooked on audiobooks now. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a social audiophile's dream. Iβm so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app! 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.
Gentle Avenger
I'm blown away by the attention to detail in every aspect of this app. With ListenBook Pro, I'm no longer limited by audiobook length. It's a liberating experience! Elegant design and user-friendly interface. Love it! This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Earl of Arms
I've found solace and relaxation in the pages of countless audiobooks. ποΈ Turning grocery shopping into a thrilling audiobook hunt β what a game-changer! ππ AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks with friends. ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use. The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Shivers
ListenBook's audiobook player is a true workhorse β chapters, controls, and filters are all seamlessly integrated. ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration. Elegant design and easy-to-use interface. Very happy with ListenBook.
Phoenix Tetra
Tone adjustment adds a personalized touch to the narration, making the audiobook experience even more immersive. It was fine. The narrator did an adequate job but nothing about the performance particularly stood out to me. Got me through my commute though.
Nueva Nova
πΆββοΈπ This app's functionality makes every walk an adventure β I'm immersed in stories as I explore the world around me. ποΈπ The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that makes a big difference. It enhances my listening experience. The app is perfect for multitaskers. I can listen while working out.
Mr. 44
I'm absolutely in love with this app! It's like a library of stories in my pocket. With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. ListenBook's audio filters are a valuable tool for customizing my audiobook playback to perfection. The chapter navigation is a lifesaver. It makes finding my place so easy.
VisionVoyager
ListenBook has elevated my audiobook enjoyment to a whole new level β it's a must-have for any audio enthusiast. I'm addicted to this app's ability to turn mundane moments into opportunities for intellectual growth.
Mosquit-No
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy. This app's ease of use has made reading an integral part of my everyday life. The basic audio filters are a game-changer. Adjusting playback speed is a breeze.
Venious
I've become addicted to this app β in the best possible way! As an audiobook enthusiast, this app is a dream come true. Its compatibility with various formats and easy navigation make it my ultimate reading companion. ππ§ Adjusting the tone of the voice is a creative feature. It allows for a unique and personalized experience. The app's compatibility with various sources for audio download is a true time-saver. This was an adequate audiobook for casual listening. The narrator maintained a consistent pace and clear diction throughout, though their performance lacked some emotional range. The audio quality was fine with no significant technical distractions.
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