Book description
The Earth teems with life: in its oceans, forests, skies and cities. Yet there's a black hole at the heart of biology. We do not know why complex life is the way it is, or, for that matter, how life first began. In The Vital Question, award-winning author and biochemist Nick Lane radically reframes evolutionary history, putting forward a solution to conundrums that have puzzled generations of scientists.For two and a half billion years, from the very origins of life, single-celled organisms such as bacteria evolved without changing their basic form. Then, on just one occasion in four billion years, they made the jump to complexity. All complex life, from mushrooms to man, shares puzzling features, such as sex, which are unknown in bacteria. How and why did this radical transformation happen?The answer, Lane argues, lies in energy: all life on Earth lives off a voltage with the strength of a lightning bolt. Building on the pillars of evolutionary theory, Lane's hypothesis draws on cutting-edge research into the link between energy and cell biology, in order to deliver a compelling account of evolution from the very origins of life to the emergence of multicellular organisms, while offering deep insights into our own lives and deaths.Both rigorous and enchanting, The Vital Question provides a solution to life's vital question: why are we as we are, and indeed, why are we here at all?
Voodoo Queen
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually fulfilling. I can't get enough of this app's convenience – it has turned my audiobook journey into a delightful habit. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook library. The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily. The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
Woo Woo
I can't imagine my life without this app – it has made audiobook enjoyment effortless and convenient. The user-friendly interface and precise controls make listening to audiobooks an absolute delight.
LoreLoomer
The customer support team is responsive and always ready to assist. With ListenBook Pro, I can customize the tone of the sound to match my preferences – it's a fantastic touch. A textbook example of great audiobook narration! The performer's diction was flawless, their pacing ideal, and their emotional range impressive. I never felt like I was being "read to" but rather like I was experiencing the story firsthand. The audio engineering was equally professional.
Palomino
The app is perfect for people who love to read but don’t have the time. 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!
Raggedy Ann
ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. I can't get enough of ListenBook's silky-smooth playback and intuitive design. It's my go-to app for both leisurely listening and study sessions. This app has transformed my daily commute into a captivating journey of knowledge and entertainment. 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!
Keystone
With this app, my daily commute has transformed into an engaging journey through captivating stories. I'm amazed at how this app has turned my errands into exciting reading sessions.
MysticMingle
ListenBook is a game-changer! Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my favorite audio files with ease. With features like auto-rewind, I never lose my place when I pause listening. Sharing books with friends via AirDrop is so convenient. Thanks, ListenBook! ListenBook has all the features I need in an audiobook app. My top choice!
Flash
Kudos to ListenBook for optimizing the app for iOS 16 – it shows their dedication to excellence. ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. I can't imagine my day without a dose of literature from this app.
Rooster
Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's elegant design and robust functionality make it a must-have for anyone who loves to listen on the go. 🎧📱 Adjusting playback speed has given me greater control over my audiobook experience. I can optimize my learning and enjoyment by customizing the pacing.
Intimidating Presence
I've started a book club with my friends, and this app has been our go-to source for titles. ListenBook's dedication to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every aspect of the app. The ability to download audio from various sources without syncing is fantastic. ListenBook makes it so easy.
Good-lookin’
I'm hooked on this app – it's like Netflix for book lovers! I can't get enough of this app – it's like having a personal library with me. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative touch that adds a layer of personalization. ListenBook has breathed new life into my audiobook collection. I can't imagine using anything else. With ListenBook Pro, long audiobooks are no problem. I love it!
Indestructible Potato
I've become a more empathetic listener thanks to the emotional depth of audiobooks. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's ease of use is a true asset. The variety of supported formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from different sources hassle-free. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Metal Star
This app has turned my household chores into moments of intellectual growth. The attention to detail is commendable. Artwork and metadata are sorted automatically. Navigating chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and seamless experience. Makes listening to audiobooks easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook! Solid performance overall though some character voices sounded too similar. I occasionally got confused about who was speaking in dialogue-heavy scenes.
Liquid Death
I can't imagine my daily routine without ListenBook's intuitive layout and easy-to-access controls. ListenBook's auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that ensures I never miss a single word.
Whistler
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun and unique feature I can't get enough of. Audiobooks have never been this immersive – this app transports me to different worlds. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a blast. AirDrop makes it seamless. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
Sly Bible
🎧 Audiobooks anywhere, anytime – this app's convenience is unbeatable! 🌟📚 ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments.
Demand Chopper
My commutes to work have transformed into exciting journeys thanks to this app. Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive offerings, from statistics tracking to immersive audio processing, have breathed new life into my reading. 📚✨
Moon Cricket
The ability to switch between different books effortlessly is a major plus. I love that ListenBook Pro allows me to customize the tone of the sound – it adds a personal touch. Adjusting playback speed has transformed the way I consume audiobooks. I can tailor the pacing to match my learning style and preferences. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very pleased. The perfect balance between dramatic reading and natural storytelling. Felt like a friend telling me an amazing story rather than someone just reading words.
Most Wanted
Tone adjustment adds a new layer of personalization to my audiobook experience. It's like having the narrator tailor the voice to my preferences. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fantastic feature. It adds a personal touch.
Wild Hair
ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its user-friendly interface and smooth playback. 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!
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