Book description
June 12, 2024
I just finished The Oldest Dance on audiobook, and I'm still sitting in the quiet, trying to catch my breath. Not because it was overwhelming-it's the opposite. It felt like someone had gently, insistently, pulled the threads of my own forgotten questions right out of my chest. That's the magic Misba's woven here, especially through the audio. You don't just hear Kusha's story; you feel the weight of her missing memories in your bones, like the narrator's voice is leaning close, whispering secrets only you can hear.
The book's core-Kusha, an unevolved citizen haunted by dreams of a dance she can't remember, chasing questions the universe throws at her-isn't just plot. It's a mirror. When she says, "The laws of the universe are painfully fair sometimes," I didn't just read it-I felt it. The audiobook makes that line land like a physical thing. The narrator's pacing, the subtle pauses before the big reveals, the way they let silence hang after something devastating-like when Kusha forgets why she was searching after the High Auction-it's immersive in a way text alone can't achieve. You're not just following Kusha; you're in her confusion, her quiet desperation to help her friends while the world keeps pulling her toward myths she wasn't meant to touch.
And the dance! Oh, the dance. It's not just a metaphor-it's a character. The way the audiobook describes it, the rhythm woven into the narration, the way it calls to Kusha in her dreams... it's not just words. It's a physical sensation, like the music itself is the thread connecting her to something ancient and vital. You can almost hear the steps in the quiet between sentences. The narrator doesn't just tell you the dance is old; they make you feel its echo in the space around you.
What stays with me most? The sheer, quiet courage of someone who doesn't know their own purpose but keeps asking the questions anyway. Kusha's life as a "Ungraded citizen" seems ordinary compared to her friends outside the walls, but the audiobook makes her ordinary feel sacred. You hear the loneliness in her voice when she says, "Her life as an unevolved, Ungraded citizen seems rich compared to those of her friends outside the walls," and it's heartbreaking in a way that makes you lean in closer. You want to tell her, You're not lost. You're being called.
The audiobook doesn't just tell you about the Mesmerizer's voice that stopped World War III-it makes you hear the power in the narrator's delivery when it's mentioned. It's not flashy; it's the quiet dread that follows, the way the narrator lowers their voice when describing how easily you can forget everything if the voice asks you to. You feel that vulnerability in your own throat.
I listened to it in the dark, and for hours after, I kept thinking about those "questions the universe throws at her." Not just for Kusha, but for all of us. The audiobook doesn't give easy answers-it makes you sit with the questions, the way Kusha does. It's a reminder that sometimes, the oldest dance isn't in the past. It's in the space between what we remember and what we're meant to remember. And for those of us who've ever felt lost, searching for a purpose that whispers in dreams... well, this book, this audiobook, feels like it was made just for us. I'm going to listen to it again tonight. I need to hear that dance again.
Fist Wizard
Audiobooks have made my commutes so much more enjoyable, and I'm always excited to listen. ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have! Organization made easy! This app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures I'm always engrossed in a captivating tale. ππ± ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand that transforms even the noisiest environments into cozy listening spaces. ListenBook has made my daily walks so much more enjoyable. I'm always learning now!
InsightfulInk
ποΈ Elevating grocery shopping to a whole new level β audiobooks make it an adventure! ππ Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature! ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Fast FLAK
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. User-centric audiobook joy β this app's ease of use is impressive. ListenBook has elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. It's a treasure trove of knowledge. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Princess Dove
This app has made my commutes and long drives a source of joy and learning. This app's convenience has made reading a priority in my busy schedule. ππ Beating traffic blues with engaging audiobooks β driving has never been this fun! ππ§
Trash Pocky
This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape. ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats is impressive. From MP3 to FLAC, it handles them all flawlessly. An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
Domino
The app's design is sleek and modern β it's a pleasure to navigate. I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily routines and activities. With this app, I can enjoy my favorite stories while traveling, making my journeys more delightful. π Dancing through chores with audiobooks β this app turns cleaning into a lively and literary affair! πΆπ I can't get enough of the smooth playback experience. It's like a symphony for my ears.
Lady In Red
With this app, I've turned my everyday moments into meaningful opportunities for growth and learning. This audiobook kept me company during a long road trip and made the miles disappear! The narrator's engaging performance and the crisp production quality made for an immersive experience. I appreciated how well they balanced drama with clarity - never sacrificing understanding for effect.
Wild Hair
Audiobooks on this app have made my morning rituals something to look forward to. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury β it's a convenient habit. π Dancing to the rhythm of stories while I dance through house chores β pure joy! ππ π± A world of books at my fingertips β this app's user-friendly design makes it a true reading companion. ππ±
Easy Street
I can't believe how easy it is to download and manage my audio content using ListenBook. ListenBook's versatile controls and playback options have made my study sessions more productive and enjoyable. This app has made me realize that there's always time for a good book. πΌ Balancing responsibilities with relaxation β audiobooks make even mundane tasks feel like an escape. π»π Unlocking a world of literary wonders β this app's extensive format support and user-centric approach have rekindled my love for books. π±π
Blizzard Vixen
Thanks to ListenBook's binaural audio processing, my extended listening sessions are fatigue-free. I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life.
FLAK Angel
π©βπ³ Turning cooking sessions into culinary adventures, complete with intriguing tales! π³π§ Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's robust features, I'm always just a tap away from immersing myself in captivating narratives. ππ± ListenBook Pro has taken my audiobook experience to the next level. No regrets! The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Swan Mustang
Automatic metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is finally well-organized. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Dez Bonbon
I can now explore books beyond my preferred genre, broadening my reading horizons. ListenBook's intuitive controls and features have made it my preferred choice for audiobooks. ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its performance and features.
Liquid Death
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my own audio content with unparalleled ease and comfort. ListenBook's controls for looping and shuffling playback have made studying and revisiting content a breeze. Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings. This was a workmanlike audiobook that did the job without flair. The narration was clear and the pacing appropriate, though the delivery lacked some emotional depth. The production quality was acceptable with no major technical issues.
Dance Bloom
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I always have access to my favorite content. With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of reading through my ears, making every moment more valuable. The app's integration with Apple Watch makes it an indispensable tool for my active lifestyle.
Insane SweepKick
Background play feature lets me multitask while enjoying a book β brilliant! π§ Carrying a world of literature in my headphones β this app's convenience is truly remarkable. ππ« The app's compatibility with CarPlay has made my road trips so much more enjoyable. Finally, an audiobook player that supports all formats! No more converting files.
Darth 44
πΆββοΈπ Exploring stories as I stroll β audiobooks have turned my walks into inspiring journeys of imagination. ποΈπ§ Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a thoughtful and enjoyable way to share my favorite stories with friends and introduce them to new worlds of literature.
ByteBard
This app has reignited my passion for literature β I'm devouring books like never before. As an audiobook aficionado, this app is a dream come true. Its support for various formats and effortless navigation make it my perfect reading companion. ππ§
Daisy Stick
I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily routines and activities. ListenBook has become my constant companion, filling my days with captivating narratives. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury β it's an essential part of my day. Drag and drop downloads are genius. It simplifies the entire process.
Foot-long Fry
No more fighting over the radio during family trips β we're all hooked on audiobooks now. I'm constantly amazed by the variety of genres β there's something for everyone. πΌ Workday blues? Not anymore β this app turns my office hours into reading time! π»π Automatic metadata retrieval adds a professional touch to my audiobook 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