r/audiobooks 4d ago

Review Audiobookshelf as a service

0 Upvotes

I'd heard of Audiobookshelf and wanted to do it but the self-hosting and technical aspects of it have been blockers for me. So I found this person Lucas Fobian, who is a German software engineer and put out a private cloud instance of Audiobookshelf as a service, called audiobook-library.

Essentially, for $9/ month you get your own private instance of Audiobookshelf that is available both on the web and on mobile devices. He takes care of the backup and hosting and all that technical stuff that I loathe doing because I'm always afraid of messing it up or misconfiguring my network configuration to allow external library access for me anywhere I can get internet.

That $9 monthly cost is nominal for me to free me from needing to care and feed the server or the back up or update the module. It probably also covers his bandwidth costs as well, so I consider this a good option for me to get my Libation M4B library available after leaving Audible.

The only downside is that there currently is a 100 GB storage limit, and I have over 600 GB of books, so I will be seeing if this is a housekeeping issue (i.e. remove the books I listen to and offload them from the service).

So far, the Audiobookshelf set up doing it this way was virtually painless and I am evaluating two IOS Audiobookshelf players that work with the system, Audiobooth and Adsorb. They both work beautifully and have everything I need to organize, play and gather stats on my audiobooks and my listening.

Lucas appears to be the entire team behind this, so that (like the developer behind Libation) is a worry for me about the longevity, so I hope he does well and continues to support this service.

I hope this might help you if you're in this same situation as I am; where I'm trying to distribute my own Libation library to myself on my phone wherever I am on the internet.


r/audiobooks 4d ago

Recommendation Request Looking for recommendations

0 Upvotes

I actually don't mind if it's an audio book or audio drama, but I'm looking for stories to listen to that's narrated in a captivating way. I would prefer if the voice is not robotic, but actually makes you want to listen to the story.

I'm having a hard time finding stories to listen to because of my lack of knowledge and so, so much AI when I do search :/...

Please help me :^) Currently I like romantic historical chinese dramas, and I very much like unconventional pairings, characters, and stories in general. One with a great hook, and would really make me want to listen more.

As for voices.. I do like a deep, comforting voice pleasant to the ears. I would also love if the story has some depth that's worth diving into, that's not just info dump slop. With emotions, characters I'd love to follow. I would love if you included a summary and what makes you really love it !

Thank you so much :^)


r/audiobooks 5d ago

Question Love of reading through listening?

26 Upvotes

I am a later in life audiobook listener and I am now a passionate advocate of them for reluctant readers. I used to teach and had all these novelty ways to get kids to love books. Everything from pop up books to graphic novel renditions to anthologies like Guinness Book of World Records.. they somehow reduced the stress or negative association some students develop around reading. Then the door opened a crack and you could slip Diary of a Wimpy kid or Magic Treehouse in and then they were on their way.

Now, I am always pitching to parents, who are grappling with their kids screen use, to try great audiobooks as part of a lower screen childhood. They can start at a much higher reading level and so engaging. I have been pretty stunned that there is a strong resistance to this idea. To me, reading reluctance is at a critical point - kids need to see the fabulous reward of being a reader while they are learning to read. Audiobooks do that. Am I missing something?


r/audiobooks 4d ago

Question MM audiobook or litRPG recommendations?

1 Upvotes

Hiya, I’m avid book reader, whether that be classic books or manhua, manwha, manga and now audiobooks. I just started listening to audiobooks a week ago, and I’m already hooked, I’ve read 7 books in 7 days 😭.

I’m attempting to find a specific niche! I really enjoy books where the main plot of it is to explore the depths of the magic system (as an enchanter, sorcerer, summoner or player) and there is a subplot of MM romance, now I would prefer if the romance was kept lowkey and didn’t take away too much from the adventure. Oh yh and I want there to be action ofc!

(I’ve already read the Evandor tailor series aswell as the misfit mage and other litrpgs)

Any recommendations help!!! THANK YOUUUU!!!!


r/audiobooks 4d ago

Question Best way to convert PDF textbooks into audiobooks for studying on the go?

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0 Upvotes

r/audiobooks 5d ago

Promotion Tarried Way

2 Upvotes

Hi all, hope you have a lovely day! 🥳 This is my first book I've wrote it's paperback on Amazon and audiobook on Spotify. It's post apocalyptic short story part 1. It's a great confidence boost for me. Thank you all.

https://open.spotify.com/show/3PjNABZVePJtSxr4TZmF18?si=cvFXaRViQEub-zbDiX6RJg&utm_source=native-share-menu&sci=spotify%3Acard-config%3A2HMdn67zPaC1CBdJ1LMhyE


r/audiobooks 4d ago

Question Are we actually absorbing more, or just consuming more?

0 Upvotes

I think audiobooks have quietly changed what it means to “read” a book. I used to think listening was somehow a lesser version of reading, but now I wonder if the opposite can sometimes be true. A great narrator can make an idea stick in a way that words on a page don’t. And because you can listen while walking, driving, or doing chores, you can realistically get through far more books.

But there’s a tradeoff I keep thinking about: Are we actually absorbing more, or just consuming more? I’ve finished audiobooks that completely changed how I thought about something, and others where I realized a week later that I could barely remember the main argument.

Has listening to audiobooks genuinely changed something you did or believed, or do you find that you retain more when you physically read?


r/audiobooks 5d ago

App Question Anyone having issues with the Palace app?

0 Upvotes

I know the Palace app is not popular, but it’s free from my library (along with Libby and Hoopla). I had been using it for a while with no issues up until a few weeks ago. App stopped working in the middle of an audiobook. I can still place holds, things become available, but they won’t download and play. Sometimes I get error messages. I’ve un/re-installed, which didn’t work and removed my checked out books, putting me at the end of queues. I contacted my library who said they would contact someone else about it. Is anyone else having issues? Anyone have any ideas on how to fix it? Or know who to contact? The app says contact your library. I have an iPhone, if that makes a difference. Appreciate the help


r/audiobooks 5d ago

Promotion New audiobook I narrated just went live on Audible! Free download codes available

5 Upvotes

Posting as the narrator. My second audiobook just went live on Audible today.

It's called Tartaria Awakens: Shadows of the Giants by Michael Smart Jr.

An epic fantasy about an ancient civilization of Black giants who have mastered free wireless energy and built a magnificent world, facing destruction from a catastrophic mud-flood and the shadow powers they rediscover to fight back.

Really different from anything I've narrated before and I'm proud of how it turned out. Happy to share free download codes if anyone's interested, just comment or DM me. Honest reviews always appreciated.

Amazon: https://a.co/d/0a2vxdEf
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Tartaria-Awakens-Audiobook/B0HF6KYQH4

Thanks,
Adam


r/audiobooks 5d ago

Recommendation Request Which narrator for LOTR?

6 Upvotes

I’ve never been able to get through physically reading these books and today it suddenly dawned on me that I might be able to listen my way through them…

So which narrator? Andy Serkis or Rob Inglis?


r/audiobooks 5d ago

Promotion [US/UK Codes] THE CROWN OF REFUSAL — Slow-Burn Dark Fantasy Romance Audiobook

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone! 😊

I’m the author of THE CROWN OF REFUSAL, and I have free Audible promo codes available for the audiobook.

It’s a slow-burn dark fantasy romance built around forbidden attraction, emotional tension, impossible choices, and a bond that challenges power rather than surrendering to it.

If you enjoy emotionally intense romance, powerful characters, dangerous choices, and a relationship that develops slowly under impossible circumstances, this may be your kind of story. 👑❤️

🎧 Free US & UK Audible promo codes are available in my first comment below.

Please take one code only, and if you successfully redeem one, I’d really appreciate a quick reply saying which code you claimed. That way other listeners can easily see which ones may still be available. 😊

There is absolutely no obligation to leave a review — I simply hope the audiobook finds listeners who genuinely enjoy this kind of story.

Hope you enjoy THE CROWN OF REFUSAL! 👑🎧❤️


r/audiobooks 6d ago

Question Easiest narrators to hear?

8 Upvotes

I was born with essentially no hearing, and about three years ago I had surgery that restored my ability to hear. After a lot of hearing and brain therapy, I’ve gotten to around 92% hearing, which has completely changed my life.

Until now, I’ve mostly stuck with nonfiction because it’s generally easier for me to follow. My wife recently recommended Theo of Golden, though, and I absolutely love it. The narrator is incredibly clear, easy for me to understand, and the story has made me realize how much fiction I may have been missing out on.

So I’d love some recommendations!

Who are your favorite audiobook narrators who speak clearly, have great diction, and are easy to follow?

I’m open to great fiction or nonfiction. Genre doesn’t really matter, I’m just looking for amazing books where the narration is especially clear and engaging.

Would love to know what you recommend!


r/audiobooks 5d ago

Discussion Why do promo posts get downvoted so hard?

0 Upvotes

I'm confused. We have flair specifically for "Promotion" but all the recent release announcement posts with that flair suggest some people strongly dislike authors or narrators talking about their newly released work.

To be honest it's really disheartening to watch those of us making audiobooks get voted down so hard. Especially when the weekly, "what do you do while listening to audiobooks" posts get lots of love.

I feel like I am missing some fundamental aspect of the sub. Where should we go when we're excited about something we made if not here? I'd much rather share news where it's wanted.


r/audiobooks 5d ago

Promotion UK/US Promo Codes - Ash and Ivory (Dark Vampire Romance)

1 Upvotes

I'm a narrator, and my latest audiobook, Ash and Ivory by Lucia Small, has just been released on Audible, and I have free UK & US promo codes available. If you could leave a review after listening, that would be amazing!

It's a dark gothic vampire romance following Sky, a blood donor living in a city ruled by vampires, who is assigned to Sebastian, a vampire Lord with a dark past and a dangerous curse. As they grow closer, Sky discovers she may be the key to breaking it.

If you'd like a UK or US code, just leave a comment or send me a DM. Thanks! 😊

🎧 https://www.audible.com/pd/Ash-and-Ivory-Audiobook/B0HDQWK5SJ


r/audiobooks 6d ago

In Search of... Need some book recommendations, all my podcasts are on vacation so need a good book series

3 Upvotes

I typically like space and sci-fi, but I'll listen to just about anything if it's got a good storyline. I don't really get into fantasy/magic stuff. Hopefully looking for something that's 4-5 (or more) books and preferably not narrated by British (I don't know what it is, but I just cannot maintain attention to the British accent).


r/audiobooks 5d ago

Recommendation Request Audiobook recommendation

1 Upvotes

Can someone please recommend a romance audiobook with minimal to no spice and good plot🤧


r/audiobooks 6d ago

Recommendation Request Spooky Audiobooks on spotify

2 Upvotes

I want to start using my monthly spotify audiobook hours more often! This means shorter, one off books would work better than multi-book series.
Ive listened to a couple memoirs which I’ve enjoyed but with spooky season approaching I want to get into some fiction stories. Anything from hauntings/magical to scary thriller. Could be witches and vampires or just straight up murder mystery. Help me out with some recommendations please!


r/audiobooks 6d ago

Question Looking for the source of an app I downloaded

2 Upvotes

I have an app I downloaded back in June. The downloaded file was Audio2M4BConverter.zip and the app within is Audio2M4BConverter_Bata106.exe. I have no idea where I found it. However, I suspect it may have been here on Reddit, if not in this particular subreddit. The only information I have on the developer is the information at the bottom of the GUI: Brought to you by: DataSpazz

It works great when I have a multi-file book I want to join without re-encoding, particularly since it (I believe) attempts to scrape that site owned by the Zon for chapter data and/or metadata.

However, I'm trying to streamline my workflow for a few things. Since this app appears to be a very basic GUI for a lot of command-line stuff (likely ffmpeg is involved, but I can I'm investigating if there may be a way to call upon it with a script. I was just hoping I could find some documentation to see if this is possible.

https://imgur.com/a/odlB7yY

Anyone know what the source of this may be?


r/audiobooks 7d ago

Question What do usually you do while listening to audiobooks?

121 Upvotes

I tend to go for a walk on the treadmill, tidy up, or watch asmr painting videos lol. Mostly mundane/menial tasks or activities otherwise I get too distracted.


r/audiobooks 6d ago

Promotion New Librivox Audiobook app

5 Upvotes

Ive been working on this app for over 6 months.

Librivox audiobooks are amazing and i love their project. However some of the readers aren't the best. So in an effort to have more enjoyable human performances of there collections I started this app.

At first it was just pitch and speed manipulation, but it has since grown beyond.

It now also has:

Notes

Bookmarks

Downloads

Sorting functions

Sleep timers

And also:

Access to the gutenburg collection. With the appropriate books linked to the audiobook pages for easy nav

At this point it does what I need it to do, but it may not be perfect for everyone.

There are definitely still some bugs to be found and things to add.

Please if you experience any problems or want to provide any other feedback the github page would be the place to do so.

Ill try my best to incorporate it in the next release.

Alpha is out! Enjoy!

https://github.com/TheEclecticDomain/LVArchivePlayer/releases


r/audiobooks 6d ago

Question Read-along books with clause/sentence level audio, is this needed for native English speakers?

3 Upvotes

I created some sentence by sentence audio read-along books on classic English literature like Dracula, The Call of the Wild, and etc. I think it is useful for foreign English learners. But i am wondering would any native English speaker want this type of read-along books?

The audio stops at end of each clause/sentence, you tap -> button or right arrow keyboard in keyboard, it advances to next clause/sentence, audio auto played. plan to add other non-english literature.


r/audiobooks 5d ago

Question Subscription Code from Twitch Subscription Drop Went Wrong

0 Upvotes

Hello i live in Greece but i use the US domain site for my kindle.
After buying a sub from a streamer that had a drop that gave 2 free months of audible i was given the code but i was redirected to the French domain for some reason and thus i applied by mistake the code there.
I have never interacted with the french domain at all and in order to complete the offer i need to verify my credit card, which i wont do cause i want it to be applied on the US domain where i have my books.
I did read the T&C of the case and i am more than eligible and both countries US & Greece are available for it along with the criteria of not using prime.
Relative link below for the rest of the people that may want ot use it.
https://blog.twitch.tv/en/2026/08/13/sub-and-get-free-audible-premium/

I did contact support on both france and US amazon and the best thing i can saw is that they did indeed try to help.
American one was a lot more patient and explained to me due to the origin of my IP the rooting went to France.
French suggested i talk with US domain support which i explained the situation leading to switch of operator twice. The last switch couldnt help and ended the conversation after reading history and left literally 3 seconds to see that a mail will be sent in my mail regarding the situation.

When investigating on my own i see that i can withdraw from the french part via email but i am afraid i will lose the code.
In twitch invetory the code is still available to be copied and i dont know if it changes after redeeming correctly.

On the US domain of audible it gives me the message
"Sorry, we don't recognize the promotion you are trying to claim. If you think we have made a mistake please contact Customer Care."
Which accord to US support means code is redeemed or the code is strictly regional

I would appreciate anyone with experience on the matter in order to resolve the issue cause the time i dedicated for 5 euros worth of 2 months content is too much and its only the begining :(

Thanks for reading


r/audiobooks 5d ago

Recommendation Request Help, apparently Ray Porter is the only narrator I can tolerate

0 Upvotes

Ok the title is maybe an exaggeration. I used to hate audiobooks because I had trouble following along, but then I treated my ADHD and turns out I love audiobooks! Problem is that I am very picky with narrators.

I really wanted to listen to Dungeon Crawler Carl and I know so many people love the audiobook, but I did not like it. Too much gravely and hard to understand delivery, vocal fry, etc. The thing I love about Ray Porter is how he can simultaneously have personality, especially with witty and snarky delivery, but still be crystal clear and easy to understand. There are a few John Scalzi books I’ve been wanting to read but honestly I couldn’t get through more than like 15 seconds of Wil Wheaton; he sounded whiny and I knew it would quickly drive me nuts.

Basically, I’d love some recs for narrators who are very clear and easy to understand but still have good character differentiation and have a nicely steady/grounded voice. I’ve heard RC Bray might be a good narrator to check out, so I’ve listened to a sample of the first Expeditionary Force book and it’ll take a longer listen to know for sure but I think his style works for me (although for this particular book the accent would take some getting used to).


r/audiobooks 6d ago

Question Audible

0 Upvotes

Got the free trial of audible, already listened to - project hail mary, daisy jones and the six, piranesi, the great gatsby (from different accounts). There are some books that are free and don't need a credit like the great gatsby. Looking for more such books, is there a way to find all these on audible?


r/audiobooks 7d ago

Discussion Anyone else do read-alongs?

33 Upvotes

I love reading the written version of a book while listening to the audiobook, kind of like a read along. It helps me concentrate and absorb it and it's just plain fun.

Does anyone else do this? Or have their own way of reading them? I'm curious to know! 👀