Book description
The Rose and the Thorn (The Riyria Chronicles, #2) - Audiobook Review
Let's be honest: returning to a fantasy world where the heroes are essentially rogues with trust issues is like revisiting that one friend who's charming, dangerous, and always dragging you into trouble you didn't ask for. The Rose and the Thorn, the second entry in Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Chronicles, delivers exactly that - and thank goodness, because boring protagonists are the real thorn in any fantasy novel's side.
This time around, Royce and Hadrian - our beloved pair of morally flexible thieves - are on a mission. Not just any mission, mind you, but a very personal one involving Gwen DeLancy, the woman who once saved their hides and who Royce can't seem to get out of his head (or his heart, if we're being dramatic). So what do they do? Naturally, they barge back into her life like uninvited guests at a wedding, only to be promptly shut out.
Gwen, having suffered at the hands of a powerful noble, wants nothing to do with them. She's trying to protect them, which is sweet, if a bit misguided. What she doesn't realize is that these two are not only stubborn but also spectacularly bad at taking "no" for an answer. And thank the literary gods for that.
Sullivan spins a tale that's equal parts adventure and emotional tangle, with just enough snark to keep things from getting too heavy. The audiobook version really brings out the personalities of the characters - the pacing is spot-on, and you can feel the tension, the humor, and the reluctant camaraderie in every line.
If you've ever wondered what it would be like to tag along with two thieves who are equal parts reckless and loyal, this is your chance. And if you're new to Riyria? Start here - or better yet, start at the beginning. Either way, you're in for a ride that's more entertaining than a noble's banquet and about half as safe.
Phoenix Sparrow
ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening into a personalized experience. ListenBook's versatility and user-friendly interface make it a must-have for audiobook lovers. This app's sleek design and intuitive features make it my trusted partner in exploring new narratives.
Spooky Electric
Seamless audiobook integration – this app's design is a true delight. Easy chapter access and smooth playback. Love this app!
TeederSmartie
⏰ Starting my mornings with inspiration – audiobooks make waking up a joyous literary experience! ☀️🎧 I'm impressed by the app's performance – it's stable, fast, and tailored for audiobook enthusiasts. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Washer
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Arsenic Coo
The ability to highlight passages and take notes while listening is a fantastic feature. 🧘♂️ Finding zen in the art of listening – this app takes mindfulness to a new level! 🧘♂️🎧 Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. 🌌📚 ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app is packed with useful features.
Sidewalk Enforcer
I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction ensures that my listening experience remains clear and enjoyable.
Chew Chew
This app has made my road trips and flights infinitely more enjoyable. Streamlined audiobook integration – this app's usability is impressive. Accessing my favorite audiobooks has never been easier – this app's user-centric design and comprehensive features make it an absolute gem. 📱🎧 The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is amazing. ListenBook is top-notch. The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
Tacklebox
Audiobooks have become my preferred way to unwind – and this app is my partner in crime. The fact that ListenBook doesn't just play, but enhances audio quality, is truly remarkable. The quick access to chapters and controls makes the app a joy to use. I'm always in control. I love the ability to change the font size. It makes reading the titles so easy. I love the ability to customize the skip buttons. It’s so convenient.
Bowie
I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. The app's compatibility with various sources for audio download is a true time-saver. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
True Sweetness
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personalized touch to my audiobook experience. ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Acetic Princess
🎧 Elevating my reading experience – this app's intuitive controls and organization features make audiobook enjoyment effortless. 📱📖 Navigating audiobooks seamlessly – this app's design is a true winner. ListenBook has redefined how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an essential tool for my literary pursuits.
Sly Bible
The convenience of switching between devices without losing my place is a lifesaver. I've never been this excited about my daily commute – thank you, audiobooks! I'm impressed with the wide range of supported formats. Finally, an app that plays all my audiobooks flawlessly. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made a significant difference in the clarity of recordings.
Electric Saturn
ListenBook's features make it the ultimate audio companion for any audiobook enthusiast. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. They help me keep related titles together for a seamless experience. With features like auto-rewind, I never lose my place when I pause listening.
Prone
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. Thanks to ListenBook, I'm now exploring different genres and formats I never thought I would. Finally, an app that values usability – navigating and listening is a breeze! ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine. 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!
Scare Stone
🎶📚 Enriching my environment with the power of storytelling – audiobooks infuse my home with literary magic. 🎧🏠 ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection.
Bad Bond
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my content wherever I go. With this app, audiobook listening has become a seamless and enjoyable part of my everyday life. ListenBook's audio filters allow me to customize the audio playback to suit my preferences perfectly. An unobjectionable but unexceptional audiobook experience. The narrator's performance was serviceable and the audio quality was fine, but nothing about the production particularly stood out or elevated the material. It was decent background listening.
Shamrock
This app has made 'reading' more versatile and enjoyable than ever. Every moment is a chance to dive into a new adventure with this app. Its smart controls and comprehensive format support ensure that my audiobook journey is a seamless one. 🌌🎧 An audiobook lover's dream come true! This app's seamless functionality and diverse format support make it my go-to choice for immersive storytelling. 📚🎧 ListenBook’s design is sleek and modern. The app is a pleasure to use.
Chew Chew
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and intuitive controls make it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. Effortlessly accessing my favorite audiobooks has become a reality, all thanks to this app's user-centric design and comprehensive format support. A must-download! 📱🎧 This audiobook was neither good nor bad - simply average. The narrator's delivery was professional but uninspired, and the recording quality was clean though not exceptional. It provided satisfactory entertainment without standing out from similar titles.
Prone
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a huge plus during long drives. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes. An absolutely stellar production from start to finish! The narrator's command of pacing and tone was masterful, knowing exactly when to speed up for excitement or slow down for dramatic effect. The audio quality was pristine with no distracting mouth sounds or uneven volume.
Super Flick
ListenBook has given me a renewed appreciation for audio content – it's my new favorite app. I'm blown away by the quality of narration on this app – it's like being in the story.
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