Book description
The Ninth Metal by Benjamin Percy
Comet strikes. Minnesota burns. New metal emerges.
Benjamin Percy knows how to build a world. His experience writing for Marvel Comics translates perfectly into crafting believable characters facing extraordinary circumstances. The audiobook narrator captures this balance beautifully - quiet moments of family tension contrasted with explosive action sequences.
The premise sounds simple: comet debris contains unknown metal. But Percy complicates everything. Economic boom meets environmental disaster. Religious cults clash with corporate interests. Local families fight against international powers.
What makes this audiobook compelling isn't just the apocalyptic setup. It's how Percy focuses on ordinary people making desperate choices. The Frontier family becomes increasingly complex as their ambitions grow. Supporting characters feel authentic, not plot devices.
The pacing works particularly well in audio format. Short chapters keep momentum building. Character voices remain distinct without overacting. Technical explanations about the mysterious omnimetal integrate naturally into conversations.
Percy avoids typical post-apocalyptic tropes. Yes, society changes dramatically. But small-town dynamics persist. Old grudges matter more than new technologies. This grounding makes the fantastical elements more believable.
The story structure mirrors real economic rushes throughout American history. Percy understands how sudden wealth corrupts communities. How external forces exploit local resources. How families fracture under pressure.
Listening reveals subtle details missed during reading. Environmental sounds enhance tension. Musical cues underscore emotional beats. The narrator's delivery captures Minnesota's understated culture perfectly.
This isn't just another disaster novel. It's a thoughtful examination of American resource extraction wrapped in thrilling speculative fiction. Percy proves genre boundaries are meaningless when storytelling matters.
The audiobook format elevates an already strong narrative into something special. Highly recommended for fans of smart science fiction and character-driven drama.
ByteBard
This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey. Tone adjustment is an innovative touch that adds a personal connection to the audiobook narration. It's like having a custom reading experience. A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasn’t blown away. The narrator’s performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat.
Moon Peaches
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly enhanced my audio quality. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it. ListenBook is a game-changer for audiobook lovers. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Vixen
This app is my constant companion, making every moment a chance to discover new worlds. 🚶♀️🎧 Walking has never been this productive – exploring new worlds while I exercise! 🏞️💫 Looping playback is my favorite study tool. It's a game-changer for mastering challenging content. The app's integration with CarPlay enhances my road trips with immersive audiobook journeys.
Dr. Jam Man
🎙️ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency – I'm enjoying audiobooks without missing a beat in my day. 🎶📚 🌌 Elevating my reading routine – this app's functionality is the key to unlocking new worlds of storytelling. 📚🔑 The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook library.
Wooden German
ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. Navigating chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and seamless experience. I love the ability to change the font size. It makes reading the titles so easy.
Red Woman
Automatic artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook library. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment enhance the listening experience significantly. The app is so user-friendly. Even my grandma can use it! The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
Hyper
ListenBook's audio filters have transformed the way I experience audio content – it's a real game-changer. 🎧 Audiobooks anywhere, anytime – this app's convenience is unbeatable! 🌟📚
ThoughtTrailblazer
I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's intuitive and user-friendly design. ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. The quick access to chapters and controls makes the app a joy to use. I'm always in control. Navigating through chapters has never been easier. It's a user-friendly delight.
Sleek Assassin
The narrator's voices are so engaging, it's like having a personal storytelling session. The app's design is sleek and modern – it's a pleasure to navigate. The ability to switch between different books effortlessly is a major plus. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook is a fantastic way to spread the joy of listening. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful feature. Sharing is caring!
D-Hog-Day
I'm impressed by ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically. This app's user-friendly interface has made audiobook listening a breeze, even for a tech novice like me. Looping playback is a valuable study tool. It helps me grasp complex content and retain information. Beautiful layout and easy access to chapters. Really impressed with ListenBook. Not the best audiobook I've heard but far from the worst. The production quality was good and there were no major issues with the narration.
Nueva Nova
🎉 Finding the perfect audiobook is a breeze with this app's robust search and recommendation features. My reading list has never been better! 📚💫 ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a huge plus during long drives. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve 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!
Plegasus
ListenBook has made audiobook listening more convenient and enjoyable than ever before. Binaural audio processing is a godsend. My ears don't fatigue even during extended listening. The app is perfect for language learners. The playback speed control is a game-changer.
Snake Eyes
User-friendly brilliance! This app's functionality enhances my audiobook experience. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content. The ability to organize my library is a huge plus. Everything is so neat and tidy. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend! The narrator's voice was so pleasant and easy to listen to. They had perfect pacing and made even the slower parts engaging. I found myself looking forward to my commute just to listen more!
Runway Darling
I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my daily dose of literary magic. This app has enriched my daily routine and added a touch of intellectual stimulation.
Bat Magenta
Audiobooks on demand – this app's functionality is a true technological gem. Audiobooks on the go – this app's design prioritizes convenience. ListenBook has transformed the way I engage with literature. It's like having a virtual bookshelf in my pocket. Makes listening to audiobooks so easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook! The sound quality is excellent. It feels like I’m in the story.
Sun Leo
ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs.
Accidental Genius
The narrator's voices are so soothing – a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for personal growth. With this app, my daily commute has transformed into an engaging journey through captivating stories. The app's performance is remarkable – it's fast, stable, and designed to cater to audiobook enthusiasts. It's a pleasure to use. The app is so user-friendly. Even my grandma can use it!
Crumb Cake
I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my daily dose of literary magic. The playback speed adjustment is a game-changer for busy individuals. Time saver! Navigating through chapters is effortless with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and intuitive experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction ensures that my listening experience remains clear and enjoyable.
AlertXis
I'm amazed at how this app has made reading fit into every aspect of my life. Noise reduction is magic. I can finally enjoy dictaphone recordings without discomfort. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Mr. Gadget
Audiobooks have become a source of inspiration and motivation, thanks to this app. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my constant source of books. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. I can easily jump to the parts I want to listen to.
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