Book description
I was scrolling through the library's new releases when I stumbled across "Tress of the Emerald Sea." The cover was a splash of green, and the subtitle promised a fresh spin on the Cosmere that would feel like a breezy, island-tale adventure. As soon as the book's description hit my screen, I heard my inner audiobook reviewer jump to life.
From the get-go, the narrative is clear: Tress, a simple island girl who collects cups and listens to stories from sailors, is suddenly thrust into a quest when her friend Charlie's father takes him aboard a ship in search of a bride. The stakes raise when disaster strikes, forcing Tress to hide aboard the same vessel and chase the mysterious Sorceress of the Midnight Sea. The setting of "spore oceans," where even a single drop can kill, creates an atmosphere that's both beautiful and dangerous. The pirates that roam those waters add a lively edge, reminiscent of the swashbuckling spirit of The Princess Bride-and that's exactly the hook the description offers for fans of that classic.
Listening to the audiobook, the narration breathes life into the island's vibrant world. The voice used for Tress feels genuine and curious, capturing her "simple pleasures" and her excitement about the unknown. The background sound effects, a subtle ocean hum and occasional gull cries, pull the listener into that emerald-green sea. When the plot turns toward the sorceress, the tone shifts, and the narrator's pacing heightens the suspense without losing the lyrical quality of Sanderson's prose.
I also appreciated how the book sits comfortably within the larger Cosmere tapestry, yet remains a standalone. Sanderson's signature world-building shows through subtly: references to the magic system, the way the island's cups are crafted, and the very name of the Midnight Sea. Yet the story is accessible, not requiring any prior knowledge of the Stormlight Archive or Mistborn. For someone who has only read The Princess Bride, this book feels like a gentle but thrilling bridge into a richer, magical universe.
The pacing is steady, with well-timed twists. The stowaway scene is a highlight; the tension of hiding on a ship while pirates roam feels taut, and the narrator's delivery makes it palpable. The climax-confronting the sorceress-balances action with emotional resonance, letting the listener feel Tress's growth from an island child to a woman who's taken charge of her destiny.
What makes this audiobook stand out is the harmony between story and sound. The narration doesn't overdo it; it matches the narrative's ebb and flow. The soundtrack underlies moments of calm with gentle waves and escalates during battles. This attention to detail keeps the listener engaged throughout the 20-plus hour runtime.
Overall, "Tress of the Emerald Sea" delivers on its promise: a fresh, whimsical adventure that echoes the charm of The Princess Bride while adding depth through the Cosmere's expansive world. For audiophiles looking for a tale of island adventure, unexpected bravery, and the thrill of the sea, this book is a solid choice. If you're a Sanderson fan or simply love a good, character-driven story, this audiobook is ready to ship into your collection.
White Swan
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls β it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. πββοΈπ Running through chapters has never been smoother β the app's streamlined functionality keeps me on track with my reading goals. πββοΈπ§ CarPlay compatibility takes my driving experience to a whole new level. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments.
Trouble Mittens
I've been able to tackle my reading list like never before, thanks to this app. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! Library organization has never been this easy. My audiobook collection is finally tidy. Listening statistics are a great motivator. Love this feature!
SWAT Honey
This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it the perfect companion for any audiobook lover. I'm in awe of this app's ability to make reading so accessible and convenient.
ZenZone
Sharing audiobooks with friends is a bonding experience made easy through AirDrop and sharing options. A decent listen overall. The narration was clear, though some character voices sounded similar. The story was interesting but had moments where it dragged slightly. Still, it was a good way to pass the time.
DreamWeaver
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences β a thoughtful feature. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and precise controls make it a joy to use every day. I've recommended this app to all my fellow audiobook enthusiasts. It's a game-changer!
Trixie Doodle
I can't believe how much I've learned and enjoyed through this app's audiobooks. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. ListenBook's intuitive design and thoughtful features have made my audiobook experience delightful. From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing different formats has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary listening sessions. π±π Looping playback has taken my language learning to new heights. Highly recommended!
Mafia Princess
I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments. π Embracing reading in the busiest of times β this app is my everyday escape! ππββοΈ Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys β this app's ease of use is a delight. 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. Solid performance overall though some character voices sounded too similar. I occasionally got confused about who was speaking in dialogue-heavy scenes.
MindfulMingle
The ability to switch between devices seamlessly is a game-changer for busy readers. With this app, I'm rediscovering the joy of reading in the most convenient way. My workouts have become more enjoyable and productive with ListenBook's compatibility with Apple Watch. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for my study materials. I can easily revisit important sections.
Star Killer
As an audiobook aficionado, this app is a dream come true. Its support for various formats and effortless navigation make it my perfect reading companion. ππ§ Easy chapter access and smooth playback. Love this app!
Lilac Lizard
From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing different formats has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary listening sessions. π±π Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature. I'm loving it! Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access. ListenBook is hands down the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The interface is clean, intuitive, and packed with features like customizable playback speed and sleep timers. It supports all formats, which is a huge plus for me. Highly recommend!
SkyGod
This app makes traffic jams a breeze β time flies by while I'm engrossed in a story. I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to maintain audio quality even for formats like FLAC and AWB. With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light. Gone are the days of fumbling with different formats β this app's comprehensive support ensures I can enjoy any audiobook without a hitch. ππ This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Lady Pomegranate
Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. This app's convenience has transformed my screen time into meaningful reading sessions. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. I can easily jump to the parts I want to listen to. The perfect balance between dramatic reading and natural storytelling. Felt like a friend telling me an amazing story rather than someone just reading words.
AlertXis
I never knew my daily walks could be so fulfilling β all thanks to this app. I'm amazed by the variety of genres available β there's something for everyone. π Unlocking the door to imagination β this app is my key to endless stories and endless possibilities. ππ
IceDog
With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual discovery and personal fulfillment. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my passport to countless stories. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature.
K-Tin Man
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats means I can now enjoy all my favorite audiobooks in one place. I love that ListenBook offers both basic and advanced features, catering to all types of users. With ListenBook Pro, I'm no longer limited by audiobook length. It's a liberating experience! Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If youβre looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
HedgeH0g2
No more fighting over the radio during family trips β we're all hooked on audiobooks now. ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze.
Sass Burst
ListenBook's support for playlists in the CUE format makes organizing and enjoying audiobook series a delightful experience. My audiobook collection has never been more organized. Library management is a breeze. Looping playback is an invaluable study tool. It helps me absorb complex information effortlessly. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Frosty Squid
Binaural audio processing is a game-changer β my ears stay comfortable during long listening sessions. The noise reduction feature is a game-changer for clearer dictaphone recordings.
Drugstore Cowboy
The app's design is sleek and modern β it's a pleasure to navigate. ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. π This app has ignited my passion for reading β I can't get enough of its convenience! ππ₯ 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.
CoB@lt
With this app, every moment becomes an opportunity to indulge in fantastic stories. The controls, layout, and seamless playback are a reader's dream. ππ§ ListenBook has rekindled my love for audiobooks. The app's interface is beautiful and user-friendly.
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