Book description
The Serpent by Jane Gaskell - Audiobook Review
From the opening moments of this audiobook, Gaskell's voice-both literally and figuratively-casts a spell that few fantasy novels can match. The narrator's delivery perfectly captures the primal intensity of a story that predates civilization itself, weaving through the ancient jungles of South America and the drowned halls of Atlantis with hypnotic precision.
What makes this audiobook particularly haunting is how Gaskell transforms myth into something visceral and immediate. The split between "The Serpent" and "The Dragon"-originally one complete work-feels less like a division and more like breathing room between heartbeats of the same ancient rhythm. The supernatural elements don't announce themselves with fanfare; they seep into the narrative like mist through stone, inevitable and eternal.
The psychological tension builds gradually, the way nightmares do. Cija's journey unfolds with the inexorable pull of tidal forces, each revelation darker than the last. The audiobook format amplifies this effect-there's something deeply unsettling about hearing these primordial secrets whispered into your ear, as if the narrator knows things they shouldn't.
Gaskell's prose carries the weight of forgotten epochs, and the voice work honors this gravity without becoming ponderous. When the supernatural finally reveals itself-when the serpent truly becomes the serpent-the moment hits with the force of geological time. This isn't fantasy as escapism; it's fantasy as archaeology of the soul.
For listeners who appreciate weird fiction that doesn't announce its weirdness, who prefer their horror ancient and their mysteries older still, this audiobook delivers something genuinely unsettling. It's a descent into places that existed before maps, guided by a voice that seems to remember everything we've forgotten.
Scratch
I love that I can switch between fiction and non-fiction effortlessly. Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thank you! ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. 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! I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
AirportHobo XD
Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's thoughtful features, such as statistics tracking and audio filters, have added a new layer of excitement to my reading journey. 📚✨ Binaural audio reduces listening fatigue. Such a great feature!
Liquid Death
Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and broad compatibility ensure every story is a captivating ride. 🌌🎧 The listening stats feature is awesome. I can track my audiobook habits effortlessly.
Nice Gnome
This app has turned my daily commute into a source of inspiration and entertainment. ListenBook has made me fall in love with my audio content all over again – it's a must-have. Audiobooks have never been this accessible and enjoyable. This app's compatibility with various formats and its emphasis on user experience have made it an essential tool for me. 📱🔊
Super Flick
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. With this app, I'm discovering the joy of reading during my commutes. The app's compatibility with CarPlay has made my road trips so much more enjoyable. 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!
Automatic Slicer
This app is a game-changer for anyone who's always on the go – it's like carrying a library in my pocket. This app's support for various formats has made my audiobook collection even more diverse and exciting. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Dropkick
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook is a fun feature that adds a unique touch to my audiobook experience. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual discovery and personal fulfillment. I'm on a literary adventure wherever I go, all thanks to this app. Its extensive format support and effortless navigation make audiobook listening a breeze. 🌟📚 The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a huge plus. Tone adjustment is an innovative touch that adds a personal connection to the audiobook narration. It's like having a custom reading experience.
IceDog
ListenBook's intuitive controls and beautiful layout make my audiobook experience a delightful one. ListenBook has become an indispensable part of my daily routine – it's my ultimate audio companion. Audiobooks made accessible and enjoyable – this app's design is a triumph. Kudos to the developers for creating an app that caters to audiobook lovers like me. From sleek design to functional features, it's a true gem. 💎📚
Alley Fiend
Navigating through my audiobook library is a joy with this app's intuitive interface and easy controls. It's like having a personal reading companion at my side. 📱📖 ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a boon for those who enjoy deep dives into lengthy narratives. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that makes a big difference. It enhances my listening experience. The intuitive chapter navigation and quick access to controls make my audiobook experience seamless. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
MysticMingle
This app has made multitasking a breeze – I can 'read' while I work! Automated artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook collection.
New York Sixlet
Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing. Finally, an app that understands the power of CUE playlists. Perfect for organizing. The adjustable playback speed is a revelation. It's like having a personal audiobook narrator at my pace. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. The app is perfect for people with busy schedules. I can listen on the go.
Tunez
This app has given me the joy of reading even when my hands are full. 📱 Carrying stories wherever I go – this app's convenience allows me to indulge my love for reading on the move. 📚🛍️ Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is a true gem. CUE playlist support is a fantastic addition. It helps me organize my audiobooks effortlessly.
Congo Wire
📱 A world of books at my fingertips – this app's user-friendly design makes it a true reading companion. 📚📱 User-centric audiobook joy – this app's ease of use is impressive. The app's compatibility with CarPlay enhances my driving experience. Audiobooks on the road have never been better.
Corny
The convenience of downloading audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. With this app, my daily commute has transformed into an engaging journey through captivating stories. 📚 Who needs TV when you have this app? Every moment is a storytelling session! 📺🎧 Streamlining my audiobook journey – this app's design is top-notch.
Divine Quasar
This app has transformed my daily routines into immersive storytelling experiences. This was an adequate audiobook for casual listening. The narrator maintained a consistent pace and clear diction throughout, though their performance lacked some emotional range. The audio quality was fine with no significant technical distractions.
Pink C
This app's convenience has turned me into an avid audiobook listener. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a fantastic way to introduce them to new stories. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. Great for fans of this genre! The pacing, narration, and production quality were all excellent. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. I’ll be checking out more from this narrator for sure.
Spunky Comet
This app has rekindled my passion for storytelling in the most convenient way. This app's intuitive controls and user-friendly layout have made audiobook listening a true pleasure. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my recordings sound clearer than ever. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app is packed with useful features.
Palomino
💼 Boosting productivity at work with an audiobook in the background – love it! 💻🎧 Looping playback has taken my language learning to new heights. Highly recommended! ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use. 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.
Raggedy Ann
This app is my travel companion – making long journeys enjoyable and insightful. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. The app never crashes. It’s reliable and stable. A perfectly acceptable audiobook that fulfilled its purpose. The narration was competent if not particularly memorable, and the production quality was standard for the genre. It served as decent background entertainment during mundane tasks.
Petite Flurry
🌟 Simplifying my reading routine – this app's user-friendly design ensures I'm always in sync with my favorite stories. 📚✨ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to an impressive degree. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature! ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
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