Book description
The Queens of Innis Lear: A Crown Worth Fighting For (And Maybe a Few Bloody Noses Too)
Tessa Gratton's debut adult fantasy lands on the literary scene like a perfectly executed palace coup-messy, brutal, and surprisingly refreshing. Where other fantasy authors might have settled for yet another predictable throne room drama, Gratton delivers a blood-soaked family saga that makes the Lannisters look like a bunch of amateurs having a polite disagreement over afternoon tea.
The premise is deceptively simple: a mad king obsessed with prophecies has bled his kingdom dry, leaving three daughters to literally fight over who gets to clean up the mess. But Gratton doesn't just retread Shakespearean territory-she takes Cordelia's sisters and gives them actual agency, swords, and some seriously questionable decision-making skills that make for delicious dramatic tension.
What sets this audiobook apart is Gratton's refusal to let any character off easy. These aren't your typical noble heroes destined for greatness-they're deeply flawed, politically inept, and prone to making choices that would make Machiavelli weep. Gaela charges into battle like she's trying to compensate for something, Reagan manipulates everyone in sight (including the audience), and Elia stands around looking star-blessed while the family empire crumbles. It's dysfunctional family therapy with better sword work.
The audiobook format serves Gratton's prose beautifully, allowing listeners to fully appreciate her lyrical descriptions of magic-drained landscapes and her knack for writing dialogue that cuts like a well-honed blade. The narrative voice captures that perfect balance between poetic and punchy, making the political machinations accessible without dumbing them down.
Sure, the prophecy plotline feels a bit shopworn, and some readers might find themselves rolling their eyes at yet another "chosen one" narrative. But Gratton's three-dimensional characters and genuinely unpredictable plot twists elevate the material beyond its familiar framework. This isn't just another fantasy retelling-it's a sharp-elbowed reimagining that earns its place on the shelf next to the genre's heavy hitters.
For anyone tired of cardboard-cutout fantasy heroines and predictable power struggles, The Queens of Innis Lear offers three sisters worth investing in, even when they're making spectacularly terrible choices. Sometimes the most entertaining royals are the ones who shouldn't be ruling anything bigger than a very small kingdom.
NeoGermal
Listening to audiobooks has never been this convenient and enjoyable! ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. Audiobook adventures simplified – this app's functionality is a revelation. Kudos to the developers for optimizing this app for iOS 16. It runs like a dream on my device. Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend.
CuriousCrafter
🔥 Adding a spark of excitement to my daily routine – this app is my secret weapon! ✨📖 🎉 Rekindling my love for reading – this app has reintroduced me to the joy of books in a whole new way. 📚🔥 Effortlessly exploring audiobook worlds – this app's functionality is genius. Auto-rewind feature is very useful. Excellent app!
King Panther
Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app is your new best friend. ListenBook's support for network device downloads and drag-and-drop is a time-saving delight. 🎧 An audiobook treasure trove in the palm of my hand – this app is pure convenience! 📚🌟 AirDrop and sharing make it easy to spread the audiobook love with friends. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made a significant difference in the clarity of recordings.
Manly
Navigating audiobooks with ease – this app's design is user-centric. ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use. Finally, an app that handles all my audiobook formats effortlessly. ListenBook is a must-have!
Bones
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made multitasking with audio content a breeze. I'm grateful for ListenBook's seamless compatibility with a variety of formats – it's a true lifesaver. ListenBook's versatility and user-friendly interface make it a must-have for audiobook lovers. 🔥 Elevating my reading routine to new heights – this app is a real page-turner! 📚🚀 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!
Mindless Bobcat
The app's design is sleek and modern – it's a pleasure to navigate. Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing. The features on this app, from bookmarks to playback speed, cater to all preferences. ListenBook has become an integral part of my daily routine. Its compatibility with Apple Watch and CarPlay makes it the ultimate companion for various activities. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my audiobook library look neat and professional.
Swan Mustang
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. I'm grateful for ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats, making it a one-stop solution for audio content. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my workouts and downtime more engaging and insightful. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature for those who enjoy organized and structured listening. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
Flame OUT
This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape. Noise reduction and voice tone changing are brilliant features. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
White Snare
Kudos to ListenBook for the intuitive design and easy-to-use controls. It's evident that they've put a lot of thought into user experience. The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting. 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 feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Bad Beh8vior
I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. 💃 Dancing to the rhythm of stories while I dance through house chores – pure joy! 💃📖 Tone adjustment is so cool. It's like customizing the reader's voice to my liking. The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files! ListenBook has become my trusted companion for literary adventures. The app's features are exceptional.
SunVolt
📚 Embracing a new reading habit with this app's seamless accessibility. Say goodbye to boredom! 📱🎉 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for immersive listening in any environment. ListenBook is more than just an app – it's a doorway to a world of knowledge and imagination. 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.
SmartieQuest
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have revolutionized the way I enjoy my audio content. ListenBook's support for network device downloads and drag-and-drop is a time-saving delight. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice adds a layer of personalization that I never knew I needed. The sound quality is excellent. It feels like I’m in the story.
Emerald Vine
This app has made my commutes and long drives a source of joy and learning. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading a seamless part of my life. Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's functionality is truly commendable.
Stick Shift
I can't imagine my daily routine without ListenBook's intuitive layout and easy-to-access controls. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features add versatility to my audiobook listening experience. ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It's seamlessly integrated with Apple Watch.
Spitfire
I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's seamless audio player. With ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become hassle-free, thanks to the various download options. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata keeps my audiobook library organized and visually appealing. 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.
Dancing Madman
I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in books through this app. ⭐️ Loving the fact that I can learn and listen at the same time – multitasking made easy! 🧠🎧 Navigating through chapters is a breeze. I can easily jump to the parts I want to listen to. 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.
Irish Dze
I can't get enough of this app's user-friendly interface – it's a true delight. Audiobook multitasking made easy – this app's functionality is a marvel. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
RiddleRanger
The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing – it's my relaxation therapy. Audiobooks on this app have become my go-to entertainment for winding down. Effortlessly switching between stories – this app's ease of use is impressive. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fine—good narration, decent story—but it didn’t leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking for something low-commitment, this works.
Twinkle Cocoa
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook is a fantastic way to spread the joy of listening. I'm hooked on this app's curated content – it's like having a personal librarian. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it the perfect companion for any audiobook lover. I've never experienced such silky-smooth playback even with high-quality FLAC files. I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives.
MuseMaster
Audiobooks on this app have become my go-to entertainment for winding down. Streamlining my audiobook journey – this app's design is top-notch. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
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