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.
Pixie Soldier
ListenBook has become an indispensable part of my daily routine β it's my ultimate audio companion. πͺ Flexing my reading muscles with this app's easy-to-use controls β I'm devouring books while managing my busy schedule. πΌπ Audiobooks have become a staple in my routine, all thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. It's a must-have for any book lover. ππ± ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. It's reliable, versatile, and a pleasure to use.
Houston Rocket
The ability to download audio from network devices directly within ListenBook is incredibly convenient. I'm in awe of how this app has made reading seamlessly fit into my lifestyle.
New York Winder
ListenBook's dedication to optimizing for iOS 16 ensures a seamless experience on the latest devices. π Dancing to the rhythm of stories while I dance through house chores β pure joy! ππ Book groups keep my related titles together for a cohesive listening experience. A thoughtful feature! Adjustable playback speed is my secret weapon for covering more material in less time. A productivity boost! ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve found. The interface is clean and easy to use.
BloodEater
This app has turned my daily commute into a source of inspiration and entertainment. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch has made my listening experience even more seamless. Savoring audiobooks without fuss β this app's design is impressive.
Valley Guardian
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I always have access to my favorite content. This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience.
East Army
CUE playlist support is a thoughtful feature that keeps my audiobook listening organized and enjoyable. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats. It's a dream come true for audiophiles like me. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve 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!
Airport Hobo
This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. The app is perfect for people who love to read but donβt have the time. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Scarlet Mary
I never knew my daily walks could be so fulfilling β all thanks to this app. This app has transformed my daily routine into moments of literary delight. Revolutionizing the way I enjoy stories β this app's seamless playback and intuitive controls make it a must-have for every book enthusiast. π±π§ No need for file conversion is a game-changer. Love using ListenBook on my iPhone. Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
Pinup Diva
ListenBook has taken my listening pleasure to new heights β it's a true audio marvel. ποΈ Grocery shopping has taken an exciting turn β I'm on a mission to explore new worlds through audiobooks! ππ I'm impressed by the app's performance β it's stable, fast, and tailored for audiobook enthusiasts. Listening to audiobooks on my iPad has never been easier. Highly recommend ListenBook!
Take Away
Audiobook enjoyment without the hassle β this app's design is a win. The app is perfect for language learners. The playback speed control is a game-changer.
Snout Pixie
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy of audiobooks. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata keeps my audiobook library organized and visually appealing. Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Fantastic app! The app is so versatile. It works with all my audiobook formats.
Metal Star
I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. This app has turned my mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for reading. π‘ This app's convenience is a blessing β I can squeeze in reading time between managing household tasks! π±π©βπ³ With ListenBook Pro, I'm no longer limited by audiobook length. It's a liberating experience! The app's compatibility with CarPlay has made my road trips so much more enjoyable.
Gumby Train
ListenBook has turned my downtime into an opportunity for exploration and growth. This app has transformed my daily walks into insightful journeys of knowledge β talk about efficiency! Simplifying my audiobook experience β this app's design is remarkable. Looping playback helps me immerse myself in the content. It's my secret study weapon. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
Pinball Wizard
I've fallen in love with genres I never thought I'd explore, all thanks to this app. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is a true winner. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a breeze thanks to ListenBook Pro's AirDrop and sharing options. Spread the joy of a good story! I've recommended ListenBook to all my fellow bookworms. It's a true companion for audiobook lovers. A wonderful performance! The narrator captured the mood of the book perfectly, making it easy to visualize each scene. The audio quality was crisp, and the pacing kept me hooked from start to finish.
BearDrift
The noise reduction feature on ListenBook Pro is a godsend for clear and comfortable listening. With this app, I've found a way to turn every moment into an opportunity for learning and enrichment. π Finding the perfect audiobook is a breeze with this app's robust search and recommendation features. My reading list has never been better! ππ« Bookmarks are a lifesaver for my study materials. I can easily revisit important sections.
Patton Digger
The narrator's voices are so engaging, it's like having a personal storytelling session. I can't believe how much I've learned and enjoyed through this app's audiobooks. I can't imagine my daily rituals without this app β it's a constant source of joy.
Bootleg Taximan
The 'Explore' feature has introduced me to authors I might never have discovered otherwise. The statistics feature in ListenBook adds an element of self-awareness to my audiobook consumption.
Peanut Butter Woman
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. I can't remember the last time I was this excited about 'reading' books! πΆββοΈπ§ Strolling through captivating narratives while I take my daily walks β pure bliss! ποΈπ Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it! The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Jester
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences β a thoughtful feature. ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique touch that adds personalization to my audiobook journey. ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is a game-changer!
Wanted Candy
Being able to customize the listening duration is perfect for quick breaks. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. Now I can enjoy my favorite lectures and speeches with ease! The drag-and-drop download feature on ListenBook is incredibly convenient β no more complicated processes. With ListenBook Pro, long audiobooks are no problem. I love it! Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are excellent additions.
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