Book description
Hey, you have to hear about the new audiobook I just finished-Those Below by Daniel Polansky. It's the sequel to Those Above, and it takes you straight into a world where humans have been slaves to the Others for... well, beyond counting centuries. Those Others are these god-like Eternals who live in a cloud-capped mountain city, a place that's both breathtakingly beautiful and brutally vicious. The narration really makes the contrast pop-how something that looks like paradise can still be so cruel.
The story starts with Bas Alyates, a grizzled general who's fought a thousand battles. He's building an army that could finally stand up to the might of those Above. The stakes are sky-high: can humans ever break free from the Eternals' rule? Then we meet Eudokia, the Machiavellian matriarch who's secretly the power behind the Empty Throne. She's supposed to be a peacemaker, but her real goal is to spark a revolt among the people. The way the narrator describes her duplicitous motives adds a layer of intrigue.
At the same time, in the shadows of the mountain's lower tiers, a street kid named Pyre is leading a group of fanatics who're waging terror against their oppressors. Pyre's voice is raw and urgent, and the narrator's performance captures that urgency, making you feel the desperation of his cause.
And then there's Calla-handmaiden to the Eternal king-who's fighting desperately to keep the city's heart from being torn apart by violence. Her perspective is the moral center of the story, and hearing her internal struggle feels almost like listening to your own doubts echoed back in a different context.
What's amazing is how Polansky weaves these multiple threads into one cohesive battle for the human soul. The audiobook takes you through the rising tension in the mountain's lower tiers, the political maneuvering at the Empty Throne, and the battlefield chaos where Bas Alyates finally faces the Others. The narration keeps the pace brisk without sacrificing depth; the voices for each character are distinct, giving each moment its own weight.
By the end, it feels like the entire world is on the brink of a new era. The final scenes are a powerful blend of hope and uncertainty, leaving you thinking about whether humanity can truly rewrite its destiny. If you enjoy epic fantasies that blend political intrigue with high-stakes action-and if you appreciate an audiobook that sounds as vivid as reading the book-then Those Below is a must-listen. It's a gripping, character-driven finish to a compelling saga that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last word.
Houston
π₯ Spicing up my routine with this app β it's like having a personal storyteller on hand at all times! β¨π ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to share the joy of captivating stories with friends and family. Supports a wide range of formats flawlessly. Very happy with it. The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
Miss Mustard
With this app, I've turned mundane chores into exciting opportunities for intellectual growth. π Ironing has become a joy with audiobooks β wrinkles are no match for these captivating stories! ππ§ Effortless audiobook exploration β this app's functionality is remarkable. Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
Bad Badminton
ListenBook's versatile features have made my audiobook experience more enjoyable than ever. ListenBook has made my daily routines more vibrant and exciting with its immersive features. π‘ Making house chores more enjoyable β audiobooks help me stay engaged while tidying up the living space. π π ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to connect with fellow book lovers.
Night Train
This audiobook app is a true gem β it brings stories to life with every click. Effortless audiobook exploration β this app's functionality is remarkable. Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to introduce them to captivating stories.
Boost
πββοΈπ Running with purpose β audiobooks keep my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals. πββοΈπ§ ListenBook has truly transformed my audiobook experience. The sleek interface, extensive format support, and easy downloading options make it my go-to app! Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around.
Lightening Trip
The seamless integration with my car's audio system is a road trip dream. I'm hooked on this app β it's my escape to different worlds and adventures. π Rekindling my love for reading β this app has reintroduced me to the joy of books in a whole new way. ππ₯
Iron Butterfly
π Rekindling my literary flame β this app has brought back the joy of reading in a whole new format. ππ ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
FrankenGrin
This app has become my loyal companion during travels and relaxation times. With this app, my audiobook library is organized and accessible, making my reading journey effortless. I can finally listen to all my audiobooks seamlessly with ListenBook. The customizable playback controls and chapter navigation make it a breeze. Sharing audiobooks with friends is so easy with AirDrop. It's a great way to spread happiness.
QuestWeaver
ListenBook's intuitive controls and beautiful layout make my audiobook experience a delightful one. I'm amazed by how this app effortlessly turns my daily routines into enjoyable learning sessions. Audiobooks made delightful β this app's usability is a breath of fresh air. The app is worth every penny. Itβs packed with features and works flawlessly.
Mother Night
The minimalist interface and intuitive settings make for an amazing user experience. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, making even the busiest days enjoyable. π Bedtime stories for adults? Yes, please! This app is a dream come true. ππ ListenBook's audio filters have given me the power to tailor my listening experience to my preferences. The app's versatility in audio downloading is impressive. It's a one-stop solution for all my content.
Red Hot Kevorkian
With ListenBook, I've found a reliable and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. ListenBook's dedication to enhancing the audiobook experience has made it my preferred app for listening to content on the go. Bravo to the creators of this app β they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. ππ I can't believe how easy it is to download audio from various sources. So convenient! The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
PixelPioneer
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a feature I can't live without. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's ease of use is a game-changer.
Poptart AK47
Audiobooks have become my companions during daily chores, making them enjoyable. ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful β I'm hooked! This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever. The versatility of this app is mind-boggling. It's like a one-stop solution for audiobooks. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a fantastic way to introduce them to new stories.
Prof. Smirk
π₯ Elevating my reading routine to new heights β this app is a real page-turner! ππ The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Earl of Arms
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly enhanced my audio quality. ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Midas
πΆπ My new soundtrack? Audiobooks, of course! This app makes every day musical. π§πΆ The app's support for different audio formats is like a dream come true for audiophiles.
Twisty Freesia
I'm addicted to this app's seamless performance and impressive library. Kudos to the developers for crafting an app that understands readers' needs. The smooth playback and sleek design are pure perfection. ππ The ability to organize my library is a huge plus. Everything is so neat and tidy.
NeoGermal
With this app, reading is no longer a luxury β it's a convenient habit. πΆββοΈπ Discovering new worlds on my daily walks β this app is my travel companion! ππ§ Navigating chapters and genres is a breeze with this app's functionality.
xFRST
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. The app's attention to detail is commendable. It's evident in every feature. ListenBook is packed with useful features. Itβs the best audiobook app Iβve used.
Clover Dragon
Audiobooks have become my preferred way to unwind β and this app is my partner in crime. Audiobooks on this app have expanded my horizons and introduced me to new ideas. I love how this app makes my daily commute a journey through literature. I'm amazed at how this app has seamlessly integrated reading into my daily rhythm. Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. ππ§
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