Audibly Audiobooks

The Bet by Anton Chekhov is a thought-provoking short story that explores themes of greed, the value of human life, and the meaning of freedom. The story centers around a wager between a wealthy banker and a young lawyer, made during a party at the banker's house. The debate begins when the guests discuss the morality of the death penalty versus life imprisonment. The banker argues that the death penalty is more humane because it ends suffering quickly, while the lawyer contends that life imprisonment, even with its hardships, is preferable to death because life is inherently valuable. In a moment of impulsive bravado, the banker bets two million rubles that the lawyer wouldn't be able to withstand five years of solitary confinement. The lawyer, eager to prove his point, raises the stakes and agrees to endure fifteen years of voluntary imprisonment instead of just five. The conditions of the bet are that the lawyer will spend these years in solitary confinement within the banker's garden lodge, with no human contact. He is allowed books, music, and wine, but he cannot leave the lodge or communicate with the outside world. As the years pass, the lawyer immerses himself in study, reading an extensive range of books on various subjects—literature, philosophy, languages, and religion. The banker, meanwhile, suffers financially, and by the end of the fifteen years, he is nearly ruined and dreads the prospect of having to pay the lawyer two million rubles. The night before the lawyer is set to be released, the banker, desperate and fearing bankruptcy, decides to kill the lawyer to avoid paying the money. However, when he sneaks into the lodge, he finds a letter written by the lawyer. In the letter, the lawyer explains that through his studies and solitary contemplation, he has come to see the futility of material wealth and worldly desires. He has decided to renounce the money and will leave the lodge five hours before the bet is officially over, thus voiding the agreement. True to his word, the lawyer leaves the lodge early, and the banker, relieved and ashamed of his own actions, locks the letter away in his safe. The story concludes with the lawyer disappearing into the night, having gained profound wisdom and understanding, while the banker is left to reflect on the emptiness of his own life and values. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/audiblyaudiobooks/support

The Horror of the Heights by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is a gripping short story that delves into the eerie and unknown dangers lurking in the upper atmosphere. Written in 1913, during the early days of aviation, the story is presented as a journal discovered in the remains of a crashed aircraft. The journal belongs to Mr. Joyce-Armstrong, an adventurous and somewhat reckless aviator with a fascination for pushing the boundaries of human flight. Driven by rumors of mysterious disappearances of other aviators, Joyce-Armstrong becomes obsessed with exploring the uncharted altitudes above 30,000 feet. He meticulously prepares his aircraft for the journey, equipping it with oxygen tanks and taking every precaution to reach the extreme heights that no one else has dared to explore. His goal is not just to reach these heights but to uncover the truth behind the mysterious fate of other pilots. As he ascends into the thin, cold air, Joyce-Armstrong's journal entries reveal his growing unease. He begins to notice strange, cloud-like shapes in the sky, and as he climbs higher, he encounters a nightmarish sight: massive, jellyfish-like creatures floating in the upper atmosphere. These creatures, with their translucent bodies and trailing tendrils, are both beautiful and terrifying. They move with a slow, deliberate grace, but their very existence suggests an ecosystem high above the Earth that is completely alien to human experience. Joyce-Armstrong describes his encounters with these creatures in increasingly frantic detail. He realizes that these beings are hostile and that their territory is off-limits to humanity. The creatures' presence explains the mysterious disappearances of other pilots who dared to fly too high. The journal abruptly ends with a final, chilling entry, where Joyce-Armstrong's words suggest he is being attacked by these airborne monsters. The story concludes with a note from the narrator, who found the wreckage of Joyce-Armstrong's plane and his bloodstained journal. The narrator expresses skepticism about the aviator's tale, suggesting it might be the product of high-altitude hallucinations. However, the strange and unexplained nature of the wreckage, coupled with the final, ominous words in the journal, leaves readers with a lingering sense of dread and the possibility that there are horrors in the heights that man was never meant to encounter. Doyle's "The Horror of the Heights" combines the thrill of early aviation with elements of cosmic horror, capturing the era's fascination with exploration and the unknown. The story taps into primal fears of the unseen and the unexplored, offering a glimpse into a world where the skies are not just empty spaces but home to unimaginable dangers. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/audiblyaudiobooks/support

Bookshop Memories by George Orwell is an essay that recounts his experiences working in a second-hand bookshop in London during the early 1930s. In this reflective piece, Orwell provides a vivid depiction of the bookshop environment, the customers he encountered, and the various challenges and peculiarities of the job. Orwell begins by describing the general atmosphere of the bookshop, noting the dust, the musty smell of old books, and the often quiet and monotonous routine of tending to the shop. He touches on the different types of customers that frequented the store, including those who were genuinely interested in books and those who merely sought to pass the time. He humorously categorizes the customers into various groups, such as the "oriental students," the "young women," and the "amateur spies." Orwell also discusses the kinds of books that were popular among the customers and reflects on the changing tastes in literature. He mentions the prevalence of cheap, popular fiction and the difficulty in selling more serious, intellectual works. He shares anecdotes about specific interactions with customers, highlighting the sometimes frustrating and often amusing aspects of working in a bookshop. Despite the challenges and the often mundane nature of the work, Orwell expresses a certain fondness for the experience. He appreciates the opportunity to observe human behavior and to immerse himself in the world of books. He also reflects on the value of books and reading, emphasizing the role of literature in providing an escape from the harsh realities of life. "Bookshop Memories" offers a glimpse into Orwell's early career and his observations on society and human nature. It is a charming and insightful essay that captures the quirks and charm of a bygone era of bookselling, while also shedding light on Orwell's own literary sensibilities and his love for books. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/audiblyaudiobooks/support

"The Garden of Fear" by Robert E. Howard is a riveting adventure that features his character James Allison, who recalls his past life as a warrior named Hunwulf. The story is part of the collection "The Valley of the Worm" and is set in a prehistoric era filled with danger and mystery. James Allison, living in modern times but plagued by vivid memories of his previous incarnations, recounts one such memory of being Hunwulf, a courageous and skilled warrior. Hunwulf's journey leads him to a vast and eerie valley, which is shrouded in an atmosphere of dread and foreboding. The valley, known to locals as a place of great peril, is home to bizarre and deadly creatures that test Hunwulf's strength and resolve. As Hunwulf ventures deeper into the valley, he discovers an ancient and overgrown garden, which is unlike any place he has ever seen. The garden is ruled by a monstrous, winged creature that combines elements of human and beast. This terrifying entity has enslaved a beautiful woman named Gudrun, who is trapped within the garden's confines. Determined to free Gudrun and end the reign of the monstrous ruler, Hunwulf faces numerous challenges. The garden itself is filled with deadly plants and creatures that pose constant threats. Hunwulf's battle with the winged beast is intense and brutal, highlighting his bravery and warrior spirit. "The Garden of Fear" is rich with Howard's signature style, combining vivid descriptions, relentless action, and a sense of ancient myth and legend. The story delves into themes of heroism, the struggle against evil, and the power of memory and reincarnation. It explores the idea that the past lives of individuals shape their present, imbuing them with the strength and knowledge to face their current challenges. Howard's portrayal of the prehistoric setting and the fantastical elements within it creates a captivating and immersive experience. "The Garden of Fear" stands as a testament to Howard's ability to blend fantasy, horror, and adventure into a compelling narrative that continues to resonate with readers. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/audiblyaudiobooks/support

Let's Get Together by Isaac Asimov is a science fiction short story that revolves around the theme of espionage and the dangers of advanced technology. The story, set in a future where tensions between global superpowers are high, explores the concept of humanoid robots being used as tools for covert operations. In the story, two intelligence agents, Bernard Gould and Jefferson Scanlon, are tasked with investigating a potential threat posed by the enemy nation. They uncover a plan where a group of humanoid robots, indistinguishable from humans, are designed to infiltrate their society and carry out acts of sabotage. The robots are capable of self-detonation, posing a grave danger. As Gould and Scanlon delve deeper into the investigation, they face the challenge of distinguishing friend from foe, human from machine. The story builds suspense as they work to prevent a catastrophic event, highlighting the ethical and existential dilemmas posed by the use of robots in warfare. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/audiblyaudiobooks/support

A classic horror short story about a young scholar named Malcolm Malcolmson who seeks solitude to study for his exams. He rents an old, isolated house in a small town, known as the Judge's House, despite the warnings from the locals about its dark history. The house, once owned by a notorious and feared judge, exudes an eerie atmosphere. Malcolm soon experiences strange occurrences, including unsettling noises and the presence of rats. The climax of the story reveals the terrifying connection between the judge's sinister past and the supernatural events Malcolm faces, culminating in a haunting and chilling conclusion. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/audiblyaudiobooks/support

A man named Conger, who is offered freedom in exchange for traveling back in time to kill a religious figure. This figure's future teachings are predicted to spark a revolutionary movement that challenges the status quo.Conger receives a skull as his sole clue to identify his target, whom he must assassinate before the teachings begin. As he navigates the past, Conger becomes entangled in the complexities of time travel and the moral implications of his mission.His journey reveals unexpected connections between himself and the target, leading to a profound realization about identity and destiny. The story delves into themes of predestination, the ethical dilemmas of time manipulation, and the intricate web of cause and effect. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/audiblyaudiobooks/support

Herbert West, a medical student obsessed with overcoming death. Using a special serum, West attempts to reanimate corpses, but his experiments often result in gruesome failures. The narrative follows West and his unnamed assistant as they face increasingly horrifying consequences of their experiments, including encounters with reanimated creatures. The story explores themes of hubris, the boundary between life and death, and the potential horrors of scientific overreach. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/audiblyaudiobooks/support

During a future war where soldiers are subjected to intense psychological pressure. The protagonist, a soldier named Willibald, is experiencing extreme anxiety and fear. He is stationed in a bunker, constantly bombarded by the enemy's psychological warfare tactics, which include loudspeakers blaring demoralizing messages and propaganda designed to break the soldiers' spirit.Willibald is on the verge of a mental breakdown, haunted by the incessant noise and the looming threat of death. He feels trapped and helpless, unable to escape the relentless psychological assault. The story delves into his internal struggle, highlighting the effects of psychological warfare on a soldier's mind.In a desperate attempt to find solace, Willibald recalls a conversation with a fellow soldier who had mentioned a mental defense mechanism a way to build an impenetrable mental fortress to shut out the enemy's propaganda. Inspired by this idea, Willibald tries to create his own mental defense mech, a fortress of thoughts and memories that can protect him from the psychological onslaught.As he constructs this mental fortress, Willibald focuses on positive memories and strong, resilient thoughts. He envisions a protective barrier around his mind, blocking out the enemy's messages and finding inner strength. Gradually, he feels the effects of the psychological warfare lessen, gaining a sense of control and resilience. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/audiblyaudiobooks/support

A traveler on a train recounts a vivid and disturbing dream to his fellow passengers. In the dream, he inhabits the life of another man, a prominent politician in a futuristic society. This man experiences immense political pressure and personal turmoil, torn between his duties and a deep desire for peace. In this imagined world, the protagonist falls in love with a beautiful woman, escaping with her to a secluded paradise. Their idyllic life is shattered when war breaks out. Despite his attempts to evade conflict, the protagonist is drawn back into the chaos of political power struggles. The dream escalates into a catastrophic war, characterized by advanced weaponry and massive destruction, depicting a vivid Armageddon. The protagonist struggles with guilt and despair as he witnesses the collapse of civilization and the end of the world. Ultimately, the dream is a reflection on the futility of war and the devastating impact of unchecked political ambition. The story ends with the traveler pondering the dream's significance, questioning the thin line between reality and imagination. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/audiblyaudiobooks/support

Professor Gregg, an anthropologist who becomes obsessed with a strange and ancient artifact known as the Black Seal. Gregg discovers that the seal is connected to a hidden race of beings who once inhabited Britain. His obsession leads him into dangerous territories as he uncovers the horrifying truths about these ancient beings and their influence on humanity. The story is a classic example of Machen's skill in blending folklore, the supernatural, and psychological horror. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/audiblyaudiobooks/support

In this tale, Conan encounters a mysterious and beautiful woman named Atali in the icy northern lands. As they travel together, Conan battles her brothers, who are supernatural frost giants. Ultimately, Atali is revealed to be a supernatural being herself, sent to lure men to their deaths. The story explores themes of deception, survival, and the allure of the unknown. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/audiblyaudiobooks/support

on a visit to Munich before leaving for Transylvania. It is Walpurgis Night, and despite the hotelier's warning not to return late, the young man later leaves his carriage and wanders toward the direction of an abandoned "unholy" village. As the carriage departs with the frightened and superstitious driver, a tall and thin stranger scares the horses at the crest of a hill.After a few hours, as he reaches a desolate valley, it begins to snow; as a dark storm gathers intensity, the Englishman takes shelter in a grove of cypress and yew trees. The Englishman's location is soon illuminated by moonlight to be a cemetery, and he finds himself before a marble tomb with a large iron stake driven through the roof, the inscription reads: "Countess Dolingen of Gratz / in Styria / sought and found death / 1801". The Englishman is disturbed to be in such a place on such a night, and as the storm breaks anew, he is forced by pelting hail to shelter in the tomb's doorway. As he does so, the bronze door of the tomb opens under his weight and a flash of forked lightning shows the interior, revealing a "beautiful woman with rounded cheeks and red lips, seemingly sleeping on a bier". The force of the following thunder peal throws the Englishman from the doorway (experienced as "being grasped as by the hand of a giant") as another lightning bolt strikes the iron spike, destroying the tomb and the now screaming woman inside.The Englishman's troubles are not quite over. As he painfully regains his senses from the ordeal, he is repulsed by a feeling of loathing, which he connects to a warm feeling in his chest and licking at his throat. The Englishman summons the courage to peek through his eyelashes and discovers a gigantic wolf with flaming eyes is attending him.Military horsemen are the next to wake the semi-conscious man, chasing the wolf away with torches and guns. Some horsemen return to the main party and the Englishman after the chase, reporting that they had not found 'him' and that the Englishman's animal is "a wolf—and yet not a wolf". They also note that blood is on the ruined tomb, yet the Englishman's neck is unblooded. "See comrades, the wolf has been lying on him and keeping his blood warm". Later, the Englishman finds his neck pained when a horseman comments.When the Englishman is taken back to his hotel by the men, he is informed that it is none other than his expectant host Count Dracula who has alerted the Maître d'hôtel of "dangers from snow and wolves and night" in a telegram during the time the Englishman was away. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/audiblyaudiobooks/support

The narrator finds herself in a bizarre and terrifying situation. As she explores a decaying cathedral, she becomes trapped atop a high tower. A massive clock's minute hand begins to descend toward her, threatening to slice through her. The story combines dark humor with suspense as the narrator faces an absurd yet life-threatening predicament, highlighting Poe's talent for blending horror and irony. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/audiblyaudiobooks/support

A science fiction short story about an elderly woman named Mrs. Bellows who embarks on a journey to the stars with the hope of reaching Heaven. She joins a group led by a charismatic but deceitful space tour guide who promises spiritual transcendence. As they travel, Mrs. Bellows realizes the guide's intentions are fraudulent, and the journey is a scam. Despite the betrayal, she finds a sense of peace and renewal in the vastness of space, discovering strength and self-realization. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/audiblyaudiobooks/support

"In the Court of the Dragon" by Robert W. Chambers is a short story from his collection The King in Yellow. It follows a narrator who becomes haunted by a sinister organist after attending a church service. As paranoia grips him, the line between reality and madness blurs, creating a chilling atmosphere. The story explores themes of fear, obsession, and the influence of an otherworldly play called "The King in Yellow," which drives its readers insane. The narrative is known for its eerie mood and psychological horror. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/audiblyaudiobooks/support

A group of space explorers who investigate a planet which appears deserted. However, they are shot down and crash land on the planet. While repairing their ship, a team of explorers sets to survey the surrounding area, where they discover the ruins of an ancient city. Upon further investigation, it is revealed that the gun which shot them down is in the city, and is programmed to shoot anything down which enters the airspace above the city. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/audiblyaudiobooks/support

Cool Air by H.P. Lovecraft is a chilling tale about a man who moves into a New York City apartment building and becomes intrigued by his mysterious upstairs neighbor, Dr. Muñoz. The doctor lives in a room kept unnaturally cold and reveals that he relies on the cold to survive due to a peculiar medical condition. As the cooling system fails, the true nature of Dr. Muñoz's existence is terrifyingly revealed, culminating in a shocking discovery that challenges the boundaries of life and death. The story explores themes of mortality, science, and the unknown. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/audiblyaudiobooks/support

The chilling tale of The Vampyre by John William Polidori, one of the earliest works of vampire fiction. This gripping audiobook takes you through the dark and mysterious world of Lord Ruthven, a character that inspired the modern vampire genre. Perfect for fans of gothic literature and classic horror, this narration brings Polidori's eerie and suspenseful story to life.Join us as we explore the origins of the vampire myth in literature, where betrayal, intrigue, and supernatural elements intertwine. Whether you're a gothic horror enthusiast or new to classic horror stories, this audiobook offers an enthralling journey into the shadows of the 19th century.Remember to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more timeless classics and spine-tingling tales!#Audiobook #GothicHorror #ClassicLiterature #VampireFiction #HorrorStories #AudiobookCommunity --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/audiblyaudiobooks/support

Robert E. Howard with The Hyborian Age audiobook! Explore the rich history and lore of Conan the Barbarian's universe, brought to life through vivid storytelling and captivating narration. Perfect for fans of fantasy and adventure. Subscribe for more classic tales and join us on this legendary journey!#Audiobook #RobertEHoward #ConanTheBarbarian #Fantasy #conan --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/audiblyaudiobooks/support