Book description
Imagine hearing the whispered secrets of three queens who defied a world built to break them. Leah Redmond Chang's Young Queens isn't just history-it's a vivid, intimate journey into the hearts of Catherine de' Medici, Elisabeth de Valois, and Mary, Queen of Scots, as their lives intertwined at the French court. Now, listening to the audiobook is like stepping into a candlelit chamber, the narrator's voice weaving their stories with such warmth and urgency that you feel the weight of their crowns and the sting of their struggles.
These weren't passive figures; they were warriors in a quiet revolution, navigating a sixteenth-century world where power was a weapon wielded against women. Chang masterfully connects their personal triumphs and heartbreaks-love, ambition, the crushing fear of being discarded-to the relentless misogyny of their era. You'll hear Catherine's fierce intellect, Elisabeth's quiet resilience, and Mary's tragic, soaring spirit, all rendered with breathtaking humanity. As Amanda Foreman says, it takes you "into the hearts and minds" of these extraordinary women, and the audiobook makes that connection electric.
The narration is a revelation itself-clear, empathetic, and perfectly paced, turning historical complexity into something deeply personal. You don't just learn about their battles; you feel the tension in their voices as they navigate political chessboards, family betrayals, and the terrifying vulnerability of ruling as women. Alice Roberts calls it "alluring, gripping, real," and it's true: this isn't dry academia. It's the vibrant pulse of the past, alive in your ears. You'll find yourself pausing, not to take notes, but to absorb the sheer, thrilling humanity of these stories.
Chang's genius lies in showing how their fates were inextricably linked-bound by blood, marriage, and shared struggle-before they were scattered across kingdoms, each facing the same brutal truth: a crown could elevate, but it could also destroy. This audiobook doesn't just tell you about their power; it makes you hear it, feel it, and understand why their courage still resonates. As Suzannah Lipscomb declares, it's "an enviable tour de force," and listening to it is to experience history not as a distant echo, but as a living, breathing conversation across centuries. Prepare to be utterly captivated-not by grand battles, but by the quiet, fierce power of three women who refused to be silenced.
InsightfulInk
📱 Carrying stories wherever I go – this app's convenience allows me to indulge my love for reading on the move. 📚🛍️ Love the silky-smooth playback and easy-to-use interface. ListenBook is the best!
Martini Flower
This app is a true treasure for audiobook lovers – it's my go-to source for literary adventures! This app's convenience has made reading a consistent part of my life. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a playful addition that lets me tweak the audiobook experience. ListenBook has changed my audiobook game forever. No more format woes! Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the joy of storytelling.
Hidden Tree
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my audio content much more enjoyable in noisy environments. Simplifying audiobook management – this app's functionality is a true asset. The app's performance is beyond impressive. It's like it's tailor-made for my device.
Springheel Jack
I'm hooked on this app – it's like Netflix for book lovers! User-friendly audiobook experience – this app's design is a standout. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
Gunhawk
With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines – it's a game-changer. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
Fuzzy Rainbow
ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it an essential companion for my daily commutes and workouts. It's convenience at its finest! ListenBook has become my ultimate audiobook companion. It enhances every listening session. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a creative feature. It allows for a unique and personalized experience. ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Trixie Doodle
Audiobooks have transformed my daily walks into a time of inspiration and learning. An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
Dez
I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. Audiobook lovers, rejoice! This app's functionality is a game-changer. Seamlessly switch between formats and enjoy a hassle-free reading experience. 📱🎧 CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate themed listening sessions, creating a dynamic and engaging audiobook experience. The narrator's voice was like butter - smooth, rich, and utterly pleasant to listen to for hours. They handled complex sentences with ease, making even dense material accessible. I never had to rewind because I missed something due to unclear delivery. Perfection!
Daisy Stick
The intuitive interface and seamless navigation make this app a joy to use. CUE playlist support is a fantastic addition. It helps me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. Playback speed and volume controls are fantastic. A serviceable audiobook that met basic expectations. The narration was clear if somewhat unremarkable, and the production quality was standard without any noticeable technical issues. It kept me moderately engaged during workouts but didn't leave a lasting impression.
Diamond Gamer
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature turns any environment into a cozy listening haven. The adjustable playback speed is a revelation. It's like having a personal audiobook narrator at my pace. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce listening fatigue. Great feature!
Roller Girl
I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. The app is perfect for people who love to read but don’t have the time.
Duke Electro
ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. I can't get enough of this app's convenience – it has turned my audiobook journey into a delightful habit. The app's compatibility with Apple Watch elevates my workouts, making them more engaging and productive. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and polished. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Black Mustard
The smart recommendation feature keeps surprising me with books I never knew I'd love. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a major convenience during road trips. I appreciate the dark mode option. It’s easy on the eyes during nighttime listening.
Tangerine
The noise reduction feature on ListenBook Pro is a godsend for clear and comfortable listening. 👀📚 Embarking on literary journeys even with my eyes closed – bedtime stories have taken a new form with this app! 😴🎧 Sharing audiobooks with friends is so easy with AirDrop. It's a great way to spread happiness. CUE playlist support is a thoughtful feature that keeps my audiobook listening organized and enjoyable. The detailed listening stats are fantastic. Helps me keep track of my progress.
Die Slice
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually fulfilling. ListenBook's audio filters have given me the power to tailor my listening experience to my preferences. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my audiobook library. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Woodland Beauty
I'm no longer missing out on great stories – this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily routines and activities. ListenBook's dedication to delivering an exceptional experience is evident in every detail. Binaural audio processing is a godsend. My ears don't fatigue even during extended listening. The statistics tracking feature is eye-opening. I never realized how much time I spend on audiobooks until now!
Snake Eyes
Listening to audiobooks has become my ultimate way to unwind after a long day. This app's intuitive controls and user-friendly layout have made audiobook listening a true pleasure. Library organization is brilliant. No more cluttered audiobook collection. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Nightmare King
Audiobooks have never been this accessible – this app is a true innovation. This app has rekindled my passion for storytelling in the most convenient way. This app is a game-changer for anyone who's always on the go – it's like carrying a library in my pocket. My audiobook collection has never been more organized. Library management is a breeze. Looping playback of a single track helps me focus and absorb complex content.
WittyWordsmith
This app has made audiobook listening an integral part of my daily routine – it's a habit I cherish. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual discovery and personal fulfillment.
Low Voltage
I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers is incredibly convenient. Downloading audiobooks has never been this easy.
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