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.
Snow Hound
ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. Now I can enjoy my favorite lectures and speeches with ease! πΆπ Replacing tunes with stories β my house is alive with the sound of narration! π§π β° Starting my mornings with inspiration β audiobooks make waking up a joyous literary experience! βοΈπ§ The app is perfect for people with busy schedules. I can listen on the go.
ManBreaker
I love how ListenBook extracts artwork and metadata from audio files, adding a visual touch to my listening experience. Audiobooks have become my constant companions during my daily activities. This app's convenience has transformed my reading habits β it's a game-changer. πΆ Swapping background music for the soothing voices of narrators β audiobooks have become my soundtrack for daily life. π΅π I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version! The narrator added layers of meaning I might have missed reading silently. Their interpretation of the material felt thoughtful and authentic. The recording was technically perfect - no reverb, no peaking, just clean, pleasant audio.
Old Felix
With ListenBook, I can effortlessly manage and organize my audiobook library. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my life so much easier.
MicroStar
ListenBook has become my go-to app for all things audio β from lectures to speeches, it's got it all. This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. I'm amazed at how this app has turned my errands into exciting reading sessions.
Ember Rope
π± No more lugging around heavy books β this app brings the library to my phone! ππ± ListenBook has become my go-to app for exploring a diverse range of audiobooks. It offers a wide array of features that cater to different preferences and needs. I love how I can adjust the skip intervals. Itβs perfect for my listening style. I love the variety of themes available. It makes the app feel personalized.
Patton Digger
I'm in awe of how this app has made reading seamlessly fit into my lifestyle. Iβve been using ListenBook for months, and itβs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnβt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Mud Eye
As a language enthusiast, this app has been a fantastic tool for learning new languages. I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls β it's a joy to navigate. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine, becoming an indispensable companion for various activities. Its user-friendly interface, features, and performance make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts.
Backstreet
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook is a fantastic way to spread the joy of listening. ListenBook is my daily companion, turning mundane tasks into exciting audio adventures. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening into a personalized experience.
CuriousCraft
This app has helped me achieve my reading goals and explore new genres effortlessly. Looping playback helps me focus on challenging content and grasp complex concepts. A study must-have! The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time. 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!
CuriousCrafter
CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate themed listening sessions, creating a dynamic and engaging audiobook experience. Downloading over WiFi saves so much time. Very efficient. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce listening fatigue. Great feature! The app is perfect for bedtime listening. The sleep timer is a must-have.
MeeP
I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. π₯ Simplifying my reading routine β the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. ππ Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true standout. Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings. The adjustable playback speed is a secret weapon for getting through educational content faster.
BuzzMouse
I'd love to see more classic titles, but the current selection is already fantastic. π§ This app is my saving grace! Now I can enjoy my beloved books while cooking up a storm! ππ³ ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments.
Cumulo
This app's user-friendly design makes navigating through books a breeze. With this app, I'm discovering the joy of reading during my commutes. 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§ ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to share the joy of captivating stories with friends and family. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to introduce others to the joys of audiobook storytelling.
Omega Sub
I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful β I'm hooked! I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Stacker of Wheat
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has elevated my listening experience. This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am. ποΈ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency β I'm enjoying audiobooks without missing a beat in my day. πΆπ
VisionVortex
I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's seamless audio player. I never thought I'd find an app that supports such a wide range of audiobook formats. ListenBook is a true gem! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my recordings sound clearer than ever.
Mechani-Man
ListenBook's features are a bookworm's dream come true β from chapters to bookmarks, it's got everything. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun and unique feature I can't get enough of. π©βπ³ Cooking up a storm while enjoying thrilling stories β this app adds flavor to my meals! π³π§ ListenBook's customizable audio filters add a new dimension to my audiobook enjoyment. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality to a new level.
Dez North
I've found my new favorite way to relax β cuddled up with an audiobook. π Transforming long drives into memorable journeys through the magic of audiobooks! ππ This is exactly what I look for in an audiobook! The narrator's pleasant voice and excellent diction made even complex passages easy to follow. I appreciated the subtle but effective use of pauses and emphasis that added depth to the listening experience. Finished it in record time because I couldn't stop listening.
Black Fantastic
Hands down, the best audiobook collection I've ever come across. It has everything I want to listen to. Kudos to ListenBook for optimizing the app for iOS 16 β it shows their dedication to excellence. ListenBook's dedication to providing an exceptional listening experience shines through in every aspect of the app. Tone adjustment is a thoughtful addition that adds a personal touch to the audiobook narration. It's like having a narrator tailor their voice to my preferences. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
RDTN
Looping playback is a fantastic study tool. It helps me focus and retain information effectively. The app is perfect for long commutes. It keeps me entertained for hours. A serviceable audiobook that met basic expectations. The narration was clear if somewhat unremarkable, and the production quality was standard without any noticeable technical issues. It kept me moderately engaged during workouts but didn't leave a lasting impression.
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