Book description
The Past Delivers Fresh Sci-Fi in VanWest Series Debut
Kenneth Thomas launches an ambitious new series with "The Past," a dystopian sci-fi thriller set in the year 3000. The audiobook follows an Enforcer working for Earth's authoritarian Universal Council, who discovers his world's fate hinges on rewriting history itself.
The premise immediately hooks listeners: time travel as a tool of oppression. Our protagonist serves the Council by preventing a renegade sect from altering Earth's past, but this mission becomes deeply personal when he falls for the sect leader's daughter. The romantic subplot adds emotional weight to what could have been a straightforward action narrative.
Thomas builds his 31st-century world with convincing detail. The Universal Council's grip on society feels authentic, while the time-travel mechanics remain accessible without oversimplification. The audiobook format serves the story well, particularly during action sequences where the pacing keeps listeners engaged.
What sets "The Past" apart from typical time-travel fiction is its exploration of choice and consequence. The protagonist's journey from loyal enforcer to reluctant rebel unfolds naturally, driven by both duty and personal stakes. His unique abilities, revealed gradually throughout the narrative, add layers to his character development.
The audiobook's strength lies in balancing intimate character moments with broader philosophical questions about free will and destiny. Thomas avoids heavy-handed exposition, letting the world-building emerge through dialogue and action.
While the romantic element may feel familiar, it grounds the story's larger themes in genuine human emotion. The ending sets up future installments effectively without feeling incomplete.
"The Past" succeeds as both standalone thriller and series opener, offering fresh perspectives on dystopian fiction through its time-travel framework.
Sherm
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Cereal Killer
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Dangle
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Sepukku
This app is a true gift for book lovers β it's like having a personal library wherever I go. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats. It's a dream come true for audiophiles like me. ListenBook has changed the way I listen to audiobooks. The app is so easy to use. Great for multitasking! I listened while cooking, driving, and even working out, and it kept me entertained the whole time. The narratorβs voice was pleasant, and the story flowed smoothly. Very enjoyable!
LoreLoomer
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Valley Guardian
This app's features, from bookmarking to customizable playback speed, are fantastic. With this app, I've turned mundane tasks into moments of inspiration and education β it's brilliant! ListenBook's comprehensive format support makes it the ultimate companion for audiobook enthusiasts. The app is perfect for language learners. The playback speed control is a game-changer.
Proper
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The Beekeeper
This app's ease of use has made reading more accessible and enjoyable than ever before. Efficient audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is a revelation. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Widow Curio
I can't imagine my life without this app β it has made audiobook enjoyment effortless and convenient. User-centric audiobook joy β this app's ease of use is a true marvel. Kudos to the developers for optimizing this app for iOS 16. It runs like a dream on my device. ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Jelly Camber
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Call Back Queen
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CirrusFlash
Chapters, configurable auto-rewind, and bookmarks on ListenBook keep me in control of my content. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear.
Murmur
Listening to audiobooks with my kids has become a cherished bonding activity. Audiobook enthusiasts, gather round! This app's remarkable features, including audio filters and compatibility, have transformed my commutes into captivating journeys. ππ§ Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream! The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Automatic Slicer
ListenBook's library organization and book groups have made managing my audiobooks a breeze. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
xSTORMx
ListenBook's clean interface and organized layout make it a pleasure to browse through my audiobooks. ListenBook's thoughtful inclusion of chapters, controls, and filters has enhanced my audiobook experience. Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy! ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. I can't imagine going back! Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that enhances the immersion in the content.
New Magoo
π Adding a touch of magic to mundane tasks β this app turns errands into epic quests! ππ Listening stats feature keeps me motivated to read more. Love it!
Fire Fish
ListenBook's commitment to delivering an exceptional audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, making even the busiest days enjoyable. π§ββοΈ Finding zen in the art of listening β this app takes mindfulness to a new level! π§ββοΈπ§ A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
Bad Beret
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Thunder Tank
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Valley Guardian
ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its powerful features and seamless performance. Tone adjustment is so cool. It's like customizing the reader's voice to my liking.
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