Read common personal ebook formats
Keep EPUB, PDF, MOBI and AZW3 files in one iPhone and iPad library, including books prepared in Calibre.
Reader Alive
Reader Alive is an AI ebook reader for iPhone and iPad that supports EPUB, PDF, MOBI and AZW3 files, with translation, text-to-speech, summaries and book-aware chat.
Overview
Reader Alive is an AI ebook reader for iPhone and iPad built for people who read their own files, not just books from a single store. It supports EPUB, PDF, MOBI and AZW3 and adds translation, natural text-to-speech, chapter summaries and book-aware chat to the reading flow.
The app is designed to keep reading and comprehension tools close to the page. You can import files from common iOS and desktop workflows, continue across devices with iCloud continuity, and use AI features only when you need help with a passage, chapter or question grounded in the text.
Core features
Translate passages in context
Translate selected text or chapters while staying in the book you are reading.
Listen with text-to-speech
Use natural voices to keep reading by listening when you do not want to stay on the page.
Summarize chapters and ideas
Turn chapters into summaries, key ideas, timelines and action lists for faster review.
Book-aware Q&A
Ask questions about the passage or chapter you are reading and keep the answers grounded in the text.
Sync with iCloud
Keep your library and reading position available across your own Apple devices through iCloud continuity.
Use cases
Language learners
Read foreign-language books with translation and text-to-speech available while you stay in the chapter or passage you are working through.
Long-form readers
Keep novels, nonfiction, manuals and personal documents in a calm mobile library, with support for common ebook and document formats.
Researchers and students
Summarize chapters, extract key ideas and ask grounded questions while staying in context on iPhone or iPad.
People importing ebook files
Import DRM-free personal files through Files, AirDrop, Finder, iCloud Drive, Wi-Fi transfer or the iOS Share Sheet.
Calibre-managed libraries
Use Calibre to organize and prepare books on desktop, then read the exported EPUB, PDF, MOBI or AZW3 files in Reader Alive on mobile.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Supports EPUB, PDF, MOBI and AZW3 in one iOS reader.
- Adds translation, text-to-speech, summaries and book-aware chat without leaving the book.
- Uses iCloud continuity to keep library and reading progress on Apple devices.
- Works with several import paths, including Files, AirDrop, Finder, iCloud Drive, Wi-Fi transfer and the iOS Share Sheet.
- Includes multilingual interfaces for English, Simplified Chinese, French, Spanish and Japanese.
Cons
- Pricing details are not shown in the provided page text, so the exact plan structure is unclear.
- AI features, iCloud sync and some imports require a network connection.
- Scanned or image-only PDFs may limit text-dependent features such as summaries and book-aware questions.
FAQ
Does Reader Alive support EPUB?
Yes. Reader Alive supports EPUB books on iPhone and iPad, alongside PDF, MOBI and AZW3 files.
Can I read MOBI or AZW3 on iPhone and iPad?
Yes. Reader Alive can open MOBI and AZW3 files, so you can keep personal ebook files in one reading library on iPhone and iPad.
Does Reader Alive send my books to AI providers?
Only when you use AI features such as translation, text-to-speech, summaries or book-aware chat. For those requests, the selected text, relevant excerpts, voice input or your question may be sent to AI service providers.
Does it work offline?
You can read imported books and use ordinary reading controls without starting an AI request. AI features, iCloud sync and some imports require a network connection.
Does it sync across iPhone and iPad?
Yes. Reader Alive uses iCloud continuity so your library and reading progress can stay available across your own Apple devices.
Quick Facts
- Category
- AI ebook reader
- Platform
- iPhone and iPad
- Supported formats
- EPUB, PDF, MOBI, AZW3
- Primary workflow
- Import personal books, read with translation, TTS, summaries and book-aware Q&A
- Sync
- iCloud continuity across Apple devices
- Website
- readeralive.com
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