diff --git a/ui/src/lib/components/ListeningMode.svelte b/ui/src/lib/components/ListeningMode.svelte
index eb016ea..8863cff 100644
--- a/ui/src/lib/components/ListeningMode.svelte
+++ b/ui/src/lib/components/ListeningMode.svelte
@@ -187,68 +187,101 @@
 
 <!-- Full-screen listening mode overlay -->
 <!-- svelte-ignore a11y_no_static_element_interactions -->
-<div
-	class="fixed inset-0 z-60 flex flex-col overflow-hidden"
-	style="background: var(--color-surface);"
->
-	<!-- Blurred cover background -->
-	{#if audioStore.cover}
+<div class="fixed inset-0 z-60 flex flex-col overflow-hidden" style="background: var(--color-surface);">
+
+	<!-- ── Full-bleed cover hero (top ~50% of screen) ────────────────────── -->
+	<div class="relative w-full shrink-0" style="height: 52svh; min-height: 220px; max-height: 380px;">
+		{#if audioStore.cover}
+			<!-- Full-bleed cover image -->
+			<img
+				src={audioStore.cover}
+				alt=""
+				class="absolute inset-0 w-full h-full object-cover"
+			/>
+		{:else}
+			<!-- Fallback when no cover -->
+			<div class="absolute inset-0 flex items-center justify-center bg-(--color-surface-2)">
+				<svg class="w-20 h-20 text-(--color-muted)/30" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
+					<path d="M18 2H6c-1.1 0-2 .9-2 2v16c0 1.1.9 2 2 2h12c1.1 0 2-.9 2-2V4c0-1.1-.9-2-2-2zm-2 14H8v-2h8v2zm0-4H8v-2h8v2zm0-4H8V6h8v2z"/>
+				</svg>
+			</div>
+		{/if}
+		<!-- Top gradient: surface → transparent (for header legibility) -->
 		<div
-			class="absolute inset-0 bg-cover bg-center opacity-10 blur-2xl scale-110"
-			style="background-image: url('{audioStore.cover}');"
+			class="absolute inset-x-0 top-0 h-28 pointer-events-none"
+			style="background: linear-gradient(to bottom, var(--color-surface) 0%, transparent 100%);"
+			aria-hidden="true"
+		></div>
+		<!-- Bottom gradient: transparent → surface (seamless blend into controls) -->
+		<div
+			class="absolute inset-x-0 bottom-0 h-40 pointer-events-none"
+			style="background: linear-gradient(to top, var(--color-surface) 0%, transparent 100%);"
 			aria-hidden="true"
 		></div>
-	{/if}
 
-	<!-- Header bar -->
-	<div class="relative flex items-center justify-between px-4 py-3 shrink-0">
-		<button
-			type="button"
-			onclick={onclose}
-			class="p-2 rounded-full text-(--color-muted) hover:text-(--color-text) hover:bg-(--color-surface-2) transition-colors"
-			aria-label="Close listening mode"
-		>
-			<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
-				<path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M19 9l-7 7-7-7"/>
-			</svg>
-		</button>
-		<span class="text-xs font-semibold text-(--color-muted) uppercase tracking-wider">Now Playing</span>
-		<div class="flex items-center gap-2">
-			<!-- Chapters button -->
-			{#if audioStore.chapters.length > 0}
-				<button
-					type="button"
-					onclick={() => { showChapterModal = !showChapterModal; showVoiceModal = false; voiceSearch = ''; }}
-					class={cn(
-						'flex items-center gap-1.5 px-3 py-1.5 rounded-full text-xs font-medium border transition-colors',
-						showChapterModal
-							? 'border-(--color-brand) bg-(--color-brand)/10 text-(--color-brand)'
-							: 'border-(--color-border) bg-(--color-surface-2) text-(--color-muted) hover:text-(--color-text)'
-					)}
-					aria-label="Browse chapters"
-				>
-					<svg class="w-3.5 h-3.5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
-						<path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M4 6h16M4 10h16M4 14h10"/>
-					</svg>
-					Chapters
-				</button>
-			{/if}
-			<!-- Voice selector button -->
+		<!-- Header bar (sits over the top gradient) -->
+		<div class="relative z-10 flex items-center justify-between px-4 pt-3 pb-2">
 			<button
 				type="button"
-				onclick={() => { showVoiceModal = !showVoiceModal; showChapterModal = false; }}
-				class={cn(
-					'flex items-center gap-1.5 px-3 py-1.5 rounded-full text-xs font-medium border transition-colors',
-					showVoiceModal
-						? 'border-(--color-brand) bg-(--color-brand)/10 text-(--color-brand)'
-						: 'border-(--color-border) bg-(--color-surface-2) text-(--color-muted) hover:text-(--color-text)'
-				)}
+				onclick={onclose}
+				class="p-2 rounded-full text-(--color-text)/70 hover:text-(--color-text) hover:bg-black/20 transition-colors"
+				aria-label="Close listening mode"
 			>
-				<svg class="w-3.5 h-3.5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
-					<path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M19 11a7 7 0 01-7 7m0 0a7 7 0 01-7-7m7 7v4m0 0H8m4 0h4m-4-8a3 3 0 01-3-3V5a3 3 0 116 0v6a3 3 0 01-3 3z"/>
+				<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
+					<path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M19 9l-7 7-7-7"/>
 				</svg>
-				<span class="max-w-[80px] truncate">{voiceLabel(audioStore.voice)}</span>
 			</button>
+			<span class="text-xs font-semibold text-(--color-text)/60 uppercase tracking-wider">Now Playing</span>
+			<div class="flex items-center gap-2">
+				<!-- Chapters button -->
+				{#if audioStore.chapters.length > 0}
+					<button
+						type="button"
+						onclick={() => { showChapterModal = !showChapterModal; showVoiceModal = false; voiceSearch = ''; }}
+						class={cn(
+							'flex items-center gap-1.5 px-3 py-1.5 rounded-full text-xs font-medium border transition-colors',
+							showChapterModal
+								? 'border-(--color-brand) bg-(--color-brand)/15 text-(--color-brand)'
+								: 'border-white/20 bg-black/25 text-(--color-text)/70 hover:text-(--color-text) backdrop-blur-sm'
+						)}
+						aria-label="Browse chapters"
+					>
+						<svg class="w-3.5 h-3.5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
+							<path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M4 6h16M4 10h16M4 14h10"/>
+						</svg>
+						Chapters
+					</button>
+				{/if}
+				<!-- Voice selector button -->
+				<button
+					type="button"
+					onclick={() => { showVoiceModal = !showVoiceModal; showChapterModal = false; }}
+					class={cn(
+						'flex items-center gap-1.5 px-3 py-1.5 rounded-full text-xs font-medium border transition-colors',
+						showVoiceModal
+							? 'border-(--color-brand) bg-(--color-brand)/15 text-(--color-brand)'
+							: 'border-white/20 bg-black/25 text-(--color-text)/70 hover:text-(--color-text) backdrop-blur-sm'
+					)}
+				>
+					<svg class="w-3.5 h-3.5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
+						<path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M19 11a7 7 0 01-7 7m0 0a7 7 0 01-7-7m7 7v4m0 0H8m4 0h4m-4-8a3 3 0 01-3-3V5a3 3 0 116 0v6a3 3 0 01-3 3z"/>
+					</svg>
+					<span class="max-w-[80px] truncate">{voiceLabel(audioStore.voice)}</span>
+				</button>
+			</div>
+		</div>
+
+		<!-- Track info (sits over the bottom gradient) -->
+		<div class="absolute inset-x-0 bottom-0 z-10 px-6 pb-3 text-center">
+			{#if audioStore.chapter > 0}
+				<p class="text-[10px] font-bold uppercase tracking-widest text-(--color-brand) mb-0.5">
+					Chapter {audioStore.chapter}
+				</p>
+			{/if}
+			<p class="text-lg font-bold text-(--color-text) leading-snug line-clamp-2">
+				{audioStore.chapterTitle || (audioStore.chapter > 0 ? `Chapter ${audioStore.chapter}` : '')}
+			</p>
+			<p class="text-sm text-(--color-text)/50 mt-0.5 truncate">{audioStore.bookTitle}</p>
 		</div>
 	</div>
 
@@ -273,7 +306,6 @@
 				</button>
 				<span class="text-xs font-semibold text-(--color-muted) uppercase tracking-wider flex-1">Select Voice</span>
 			</div>
-
 			<!-- Search input -->
 			<div class="px-4 py-3 shrink-0 border-b border-(--color-border)">
 				<div class="relative">
@@ -288,7 +320,6 @@
 					/>
 				</div>
 			</div>
-
 			<!-- Voice list -->
 			<div class="flex-1 overflow-y-auto">
 				{#each ([['Kokoro', filteredKokoro], ['Pocket TTS', filteredPocket], ['CF AI', filteredCfai]] as [string, Voice[]][]) as [label, group]}
@@ -298,45 +329,24 @@
 							<div
 								class={cn(
 									'flex items-center gap-3 px-4 py-3 border-b border-(--color-border)/40 transition-colors',
-									audioStore.voice === v.id
-										? 'bg-(--color-brand)/8'
-										: 'hover:bg-(--color-surface-2)'
+									audioStore.voice === v.id ? 'bg-(--color-brand)/8' : 'hover:bg-(--color-surface-2)'
 								)}
 							>
-								<!-- Select voice -->
-								<button
-									type="button"
-									onclick={() => selectVoice(v.id)}
-									class="flex-1 flex items-center gap-3 text-left"
-								>
-									<!-- Selected indicator -->
+								<button type="button" onclick={() => selectVoice(v.id)} class="flex-1 flex items-center gap-3 text-left">
 									<span class={cn(
 										'w-4 h-4 shrink-0 rounded-full border-2 flex items-center justify-center transition-colors',
-										audioStore.voice === v.id
-											? 'border-(--color-brand) bg-(--color-brand)'
-											: 'border-(--color-border)'
+										audioStore.voice === v.id ? 'border-(--color-brand) bg-(--color-brand)' : 'border-(--color-border)'
 									)}>
 										{#if audioStore.voice === v.id}
-											<svg class="w-2 h-2 text-(--color-surface)" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
-												<path d="M9 16.17L4.83 12l-1.42 1.41L9 19 21 7l-1.41-1.41z"/>
-											</svg>
+											<svg class="w-2 h-2 text-(--color-surface)" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M9 16.17L4.83 12l-1.42 1.41L9 19 21 7l-1.41-1.41z"/></svg>
 										{/if}
 									</span>
-									<span class={cn(
-										'text-sm',
-										audioStore.voice === v.id ? 'font-semibold text-(--color-brand)' : 'text-(--color-text)'
-									)}>{voiceLabel(v)}</span>
+									<span class={cn('text-sm', audioStore.voice === v.id ? 'font-semibold text-(--color-brand)' : 'text-(--color-text)')}>{voiceLabel(v)}</span>
 								</button>
-								<!-- Sample play button -->
 								<button
 									type="button"
 									onclick={() => playSample(v.id)}
-									class={cn(
-										'shrink-0 p-2 rounded-full transition-colors',
-										samplePlayingVoice === v.id
-											? 'text-(--color-brand) bg-(--color-brand)/10'
-											: 'text-(--color-muted) hover:text-(--color-text) hover:bg-(--color-surface-2)'
-									)}
+									class={cn('shrink-0 p-2 rounded-full transition-colors', samplePlayingVoice === v.id ? 'text-(--color-brand) bg-(--color-brand)/10' : 'text-(--color-muted) hover:text-(--color-text) hover:bg-(--color-surface-2)')}
 									title={samplePlayingVoice === v.id ? 'Stop sample' : 'Play sample'}
 									aria-label={samplePlayingVoice === v.id ? 'Stop sample' : 'Play sample'}
 								>
@@ -360,11 +370,7 @@
 	<!-- Chapter modal (full-screen overlay) -->
 	{#if showChapterModal && audioStore.chapters.length > 0}
 		<!-- svelte-ignore a11y_no_static_element_interactions -->
-		<div
-			class="absolute inset-0 z-70 flex flex-col"
-			style="background: var(--color-surface);"
-		>
-			<!-- Modal header -->
+		<div class="absolute inset-0 z-70 flex flex-col" style="background: var(--color-surface);">
 			<div class="flex items-center gap-3 px-4 py-3 border-b border-(--color-border) shrink-0">
 				<button
 					type="button"
@@ -378,7 +384,6 @@
 				</button>
 				<span class="text-xs font-semibold text-(--color-muted) uppercase tracking-wider flex-1">Chapters</span>
 			</div>
-			<!-- Search input -->
 			<div class="px-4 py-3 shrink-0 border-b border-(--color-border)">
 				<div class="relative">
 					<svg class="absolute left-3 top-1/2 -translate-y-1/2 w-4 h-4 text-(--color-muted)" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
@@ -392,35 +397,24 @@
 					/>
 				</div>
 			</div>
-			<!-- Chapter list -->
 			<div class="flex-1 overflow-y-auto">
-			{#each filteredChapters as ch (ch.number)}
-				<button
-					type="button"
-					onclick={() => playChapter(ch.number)}
-					use:scrollIfActive={ch.number === audioStore.chapter}
-					class={cn(
+				{#each filteredChapters as ch (ch.number)}
+					<button
+						type="button"
+						onclick={() => playChapter(ch.number)}
+						use:scrollIfActive={ch.number === audioStore.chapter}
+						class={cn(
 							'w-full flex items-center gap-3 px-4 py-3 border-b border-(--color-border)/40 transition-colors text-left',
 							ch.number === audioStore.chapter ? 'bg-(--color-brand)/8' : 'hover:bg-(--color-surface-2)'
 						)}
 					>
-						<!-- Chapter number badge (mirrors voice radio indicator) -->
 						<span class={cn(
 							'w-8 h-8 shrink-0 rounded-full border-2 flex items-center justify-center tabular-nums text-xs font-semibold transition-colors',
-							ch.number === audioStore.chapter
-								? 'border-(--color-brand) bg-(--color-brand) text-(--color-surface)'
-								: 'border-(--color-border) text-(--color-muted)'
+							ch.number === audioStore.chapter ? 'border-(--color-brand) bg-(--color-brand) text-(--color-surface)' : 'border-(--color-border) text-(--color-muted)'
 						)}>{ch.number}</span>
-						<!-- Title -->
-						<span class={cn(
-							'flex-1 text-sm truncate',
-							ch.number === audioStore.chapter ? 'font-semibold text-(--color-brand)' : 'text-(--color-text)'
-						)}>{ch.title || `Chapter ${ch.number}`}</span>
-						<!-- Now-playing indicator -->
+						<span class={cn('flex-1 text-sm truncate', ch.number === audioStore.chapter ? 'font-semibold text-(--color-brand)' : 'text-(--color-text)')}>{ch.title || `Chapter ${ch.number}`}</span>
 						{#if ch.number === audioStore.chapter}
-							<svg class="w-4 h-4 shrink-0 text-(--color-brand)" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
-								<path d="M8 5v14l11-7z"/>
-							</svg>
+							<svg class="w-4 h-4 shrink-0 text-(--color-brand)" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M8 5v14l11-7z"/></svg>
 						{/if}
 					</button>
 				{/each}
@@ -431,195 +425,173 @@
 		</div>
 	{/if}
 
-	<!-- Scrollable body — fills remaining height, content spread vertically -->
-	<div class="relative flex-1 overflow-y-auto flex flex-col justify-between py-4">
+	<!-- ── Controls area (bottom half) ───────────────────────────────────── -->
+	<div class="flex-1 flex flex-col justify-end px-6 pb-6 gap-0 shrink-0 overflow-hidden">
 
-		<!-- Cover art + track info -->
-		<div class="flex flex-col items-center px-8 shrink-0">
-			{#if audioStore.cover}
-				<img
-					src={audioStore.cover}
-					alt=""
-					class="w-44 h-64 object-cover rounded-xl shadow-2xl mb-5"
-				/>
-			{:else}
-				<div class="w-44 h-64 flex items-center justify-center bg-(--color-surface-2) rounded-xl shadow-2xl mb-5 border border-(--color-border)">
-					<svg class="w-16 h-16 text-(--color-muted)/40" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
-						<path d="M18 2H6c-1.1 0-2 .9-2 2v16c0 1.1.9 2 2 2h12c1.1 0 2-.9 2-2V4c0-1.1-.9-2-2-2zm-2 14H8v-2h8v2zm0-4H8v-2h8v2zm0-4H8V6h8v2z"/>
-					</svg>
-				</div>
-			{/if}
-
-			<p class="text-base font-bold text-(--color-text) text-center leading-snug">
-				{audioStore.chapterTitle || (audioStore.chapter > 0 ? `Chapter ${audioStore.chapter}` : '')}
-			</p>
-			<p class="text-sm text-(--color-muted) text-center mt-0.5 truncate max-w-full">{audioStore.bookTitle}</p>
+		<!-- Seek bar -->
+		<div class="shrink-0 mb-1">
+			<input
+				type="range"
+				aria-label="Seek"
+				min="0"
+				max={audioStore.duration || 0}
+				value={audioStore.currentTime}
+				oninput={seek}
+				class="w-full h-1.5 cursor-pointer block"
+				style="accent-color: var(--color-brand);"
+			/>
+			<div class="flex justify-between text-xs text-(--color-muted) tabular-nums mt-1">
+				<span>{formatTime(audioStore.currentTime)}</span>
+				<!-- Remaining time in centre -->
+				{#if audioStore.duration > 0}
+					<span class="text-(--color-muted)/60">−{formatTime(Math.max(0, audioStore.duration - audioStore.currentTime))}</span>
+				{/if}
+				<span>{formatTime(audioStore.duration)}</span>
+			</div>
 		</div>
 
-		<!-- Bottom controls cluster: seek + transport + secondary -->
-		<div class="flex flex-col gap-0 px-6 shrink-0">
-
-			<!-- Seek bar -->
-			<div class="shrink-0">
-				<input
-					type="range"
-					aria-label="Seek"
-					min="0"
-					max={audioStore.duration || 0}
-					value={audioStore.currentTime}
-					oninput={seek}
-					class="w-full h-1.5 accent-[--color-brand] cursor-pointer block"
-					style="accent-color: var(--color-brand);"
-				/>
-				<div class="flex justify-between text-xs text-(--color-muted) tabular-nums mt-1">
-					<span>{formatTime(audioStore.currentTime)}</span>
-					<span>{formatTime(audioStore.duration)}</span>
-				</div>
-			</div>
-
-			<!-- Transport controls -->
-			<div class="flex items-center justify-center gap-4 pt-5 pb-3 shrink-0">
-				<!-- Prev chapter -->
-				{#if audioStore.chapter > 1 && audioStore.slug}
-					<a
-						href="/books/{audioStore.slug}/chapters/{audioStore.chapter - 1}"
-						class="p-2 rounded-full text-(--color-muted) hover:text-(--color-text) hover:bg-(--color-surface-2) transition-colors"
-						title="Previous chapter"
-						aria-label="Previous chapter"
-					>
-						<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
-							<path d="M6 6h2v12H6zm3.5 6l8.5 6V6z"/>
-						</svg>
-					</a>
-				{:else}
-					<div class="w-9 h-9"></div>
-				{/if}
-
-				<!-- Skip back 15s -->
-				<button
-					type="button"
-					onclick={skipBack}
-					class="p-2 rounded-full text-(--color-muted) hover:text-(--color-text) hover:bg-(--color-surface-2) transition-colors"
-					aria-label="Skip back 15 seconds"
-					title="Back 15s"
+		<!-- Transport controls -->
+		<div class="flex items-center justify-between pt-3 pb-4 shrink-0">
+			<!-- Prev chapter — smaller, clearly secondary -->
+			{#if audioStore.chapter > 1 && audioStore.slug}
+				<a
+					href="/books/{audioStore.slug}/chapters/{audioStore.chapter - 1}"
+					class="p-2 rounded-full text-(--color-muted)/60 hover:text-(--color-text) hover:bg-(--color-surface-2) transition-colors"
+					title="Previous chapter"
+					aria-label="Previous chapter"
 				>
-					<svg class="w-6 h-6" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
-						<path d="M11.99 5V1l-5 5 5 5V7c3.31 0 6 2.69 6 6s-2.69 6-6 6-6-2.69-6-6h-2c0 4.42 3.58 8 8 8s8-3.58 8-8-3.58-8-8-8z"/>
-						<text x="8.5" y="14.5" font-size="5" font-family="sans-serif" font-weight="bold" fill="currentColor">15</text>
+					<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
+						<path d="M6 6h2v12H6zm3.5 6l8.5 6V6z"/>
 					</svg>
-				</button>
+				</a>
+			{:else}
+				<div class="w-9 h-9"></div>
+			{/if}
 
-				<!-- Play / Pause -->
-				<button
-					type="button"
-					onclick={togglePlay}
-					class="w-16 h-16 rounded-full bg-(--color-brand) text-(--color-surface) flex items-center justify-center hover:bg-(--color-brand-dim) transition-colors shadow-lg"
-					aria-label={audioStore.isPlaying ? 'Pause' : 'Play'}
-				>
-					{#if audioStore.isPlaying}
-						<svg class="w-7 h-7" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
-							<path d="M6 4h4v16H6V4zm8 0h4v16h-4V4z"/>
-						</svg>
-					{:else}
-						<svg class="w-7 h-7 ml-1" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
-							<path d="M8 5v14l11-7z"/>
-						</svg>
-					{/if}
-				</button>
+			<!-- Skip back 15s — medium -->
+			<button
+				type="button"
+				onclick={skipBack}
+				class="p-2 rounded-full text-(--color-muted) hover:text-(--color-text) hover:bg-(--color-surface-2) transition-colors"
+				aria-label="Skip back 15 seconds"
+				title="Back 15s"
+			>
+				<svg class="w-7 h-7" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
+					<path d="M11.99 5V1l-5 5 5 5V7c3.31 0 6 2.69 6 6s-2.69 6-6 6-6-2.69-6-6h-2c0 4.42 3.58 8 8 8s8-3.58 8-8-3.58-8-8-8z"/>
+					<text x="8.5" y="14.5" font-size="5" font-family="sans-serif" font-weight="bold" fill="currentColor">15</text>
+				</svg>
+			</button>
 
-				<!-- Skip forward 30s -->
-				<button
-					type="button"
-					onclick={skipForward}
-					class="p-2 rounded-full text-(--color-muted) hover:text-(--color-text) hover:bg-(--color-surface-2) transition-colors"
-					aria-label="Skip forward 30 seconds"
-					title="Forward 30s"
-				>
-					<svg class="w-6 h-6" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
-						<path d="M12 5V1l5 5-5 5V7c-3.31 0-6 2.69-6 6s2.69 6 6 6 6-2.69 6-6h2c0 4.42-3.58 8-8 8s-8-3.58-8-8 3.58-8 8-8z"/>
-						<text x="8.5" y="14.5" font-size="5" font-family="sans-serif" font-weight="bold" fill="currentColor">30</text>
+			<!-- Play / Pause — largest, centred -->
+			<button
+				type="button"
+				onclick={togglePlay}
+				class="w-18 h-18 rounded-full bg-(--color-brand) text-(--color-surface) flex items-center justify-center hover:bg-(--color-brand-dim) transition-colors shadow-xl"
+				style="width: 4.5rem; height: 4.5rem;"
+				aria-label={audioStore.isPlaying ? 'Pause' : 'Play'}
+			>
+				{#if audioStore.isPlaying}
+					<svg class="w-8 h-8" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
+						<path d="M6 4h4v16H6V4zm8 0h4v16h-4V4z"/>
 					</svg>
-				</button>
-
-				<!-- Next chapter -->
-				{#if audioStore.nextChapter !== null && audioStore.slug}
-					<a
-						href="/books/{audioStore.slug}/chapters/{audioStore.nextChapter}"
-						class="p-2 rounded-full text-(--color-muted) hover:text-(--color-text) hover:bg-(--color-surface-2) transition-colors"
-						title="Next chapter"
-						aria-label="Next chapter"
-					>
-						<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
-							<path d="M6 18l8.5-6L6 6v12zm8.5-6L23 6v12l-8.5-6z"/>
-						</svg>
-					</a>
 				{:else}
-					<div class="w-9 h-9"></div>
+					<svg class="w-8 h-8 ml-1" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
+						<path d="M8 5v14l11-7z"/>
+					</svg>
 				{/if}
-			</div>
+			</button>
 
-			<!-- Secondary controls: Speed · Auto-next · Sleep -->
-			<div class="flex items-center justify-center gap-3 pb-3 shrink-0 flex-wrap">
-				<!-- Speed -->
-				<div class="flex items-center gap-1 bg-(--color-surface-2) rounded-full px-2 py-1 border border-(--color-border)">
-					{#each SPEED_OPTIONS as s}
-						<button
-							type="button"
-							onclick={() => (audioStore.speed = s)}
-							class={cn(
-								'px-2 py-0.5 rounded-full text-xs font-semibold transition-colors',
-								audioStore.speed === s
-									? 'bg-(--color-brand) text-(--color-surface)'
-									: 'text-(--color-muted) hover:text-(--color-text)'
-							)}
-							aria-pressed={audioStore.speed === s}
-						>{s}×</button>
-					{/each}
-				</div>
+			<!-- Skip forward 30s — medium -->
+			<button
+				type="button"
+				onclick={skipForward}
+				class="p-2 rounded-full text-(--color-muted) hover:text-(--color-text) hover:bg-(--color-surface-2) transition-colors"
+				aria-label="Skip forward 30 seconds"
+				title="Forward 30s"
+			>
+				<svg class="w-7 h-7" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
+					<path d="M12 5V1l5 5-5 5V7c-3.31 0-6 2.69-6 6s2.69 6 6 6 6-2.69 6-6h2c0 4.42-3.58 8-8 8s-8-3.58-8-8 3.58-8 8-8z"/>
+					<text x="8.5" y="14.5" font-size="5" font-family="sans-serif" font-weight="bold" fill="currentColor">30</text>
+				</svg>
+			</button>
 
-				<!-- Auto-next -->
-				<button
-					type="button"
-					onclick={() => (audioStore.autoNext = !audioStore.autoNext)}
-					class={cn(
-						'flex items-center gap-1.5 px-3 py-1.5 rounded-full text-xs font-semibold border transition-colors',
-						audioStore.autoNext
-							? 'border-(--color-brand) bg-(--color-brand)/15 text-(--color-brand)'
-							: 'border-(--color-border) bg-(--color-surface-2) text-(--color-muted) hover:text-(--color-text)'
-					)}
-					aria-pressed={audioStore.autoNext}
-					title={audioStore.autoNext ? 'Auto-next on' : 'Auto-next off'}
+			<!-- Next chapter — smaller, clearly secondary -->
+			{#if audioStore.nextChapter !== null && audioStore.slug}
+				<a
+					href="/books/{audioStore.slug}/chapters/{audioStore.nextChapter}"
+					class="p-2 rounded-full text-(--color-muted)/60 hover:text-(--color-text) hover:bg-(--color-surface-2) transition-colors"
+					title="Next chapter"
+					aria-label="Next chapter"
 				>
-					<svg class="w-3.5 h-3.5" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
+					<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
 						<path d="M6 18l8.5-6L6 6v12zm8.5-6L23 6v12l-8.5-6z"/>
 					</svg>
-					Auto
-					{#if audioStore.autoNext && audioStore.nextStatus === 'prefetching'}
-						<span class="w-1.5 h-1.5 rounded-full bg-(--color-brand) animate-pulse"></span>
-					{:else if audioStore.autoNext && audioStore.nextStatus === 'prefetched'}
-						<span class="w-1.5 h-1.5 rounded-full bg-green-400"></span>
-					{/if}
-				</button>
+				</a>
+			{:else}
+				<div class="w-9 h-9"></div>
+			{/if}
+		</div>
 
-				<!-- Sleep timer -->
-				<button
-					type="button"
-					onclick={cycleSleepTimer}
-					class={cn(
-						'flex items-center gap-1.5 px-3 py-1.5 rounded-full text-xs font-semibold border transition-colors',
-						audioStore.sleepUntil || audioStore.sleepAfterChapter
-							? 'border-(--color-brand) bg-(--color-brand)/15 text-(--color-brand)'
-							: 'border-(--color-border) bg-(--color-surface-2) text-(--color-muted) hover:text-(--color-text)'
-					)}
-					title="Sleep timer"
-				>
-					<svg class="w-3.5 h-3.5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
-						<path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M20.354 15.354A9 9 0 018.646 3.646 9.003 9.003 0 0012 21a9.003 9.003 0 008.354-5.646z"/>
-					</svg>
-					{sleepLabel}
-				</button>
+		<!-- Secondary controls: unified single row — Speed · Auto · Sleep -->
+		<div class="flex items-center justify-center gap-2 shrink-0">
+			<!-- Speed — segmented pill -->
+			<div class="flex items-center gap-0.5 bg-(--color-surface-2) rounded-full px-1.5 py-1 border border-(--color-border)">
+				{#each SPEED_OPTIONS as s}
+					<button
+						type="button"
+						onclick={() => (audioStore.speed = s)}
+						class={cn(
+							'px-2 py-0.5 rounded-full text-xs font-semibold transition-colors',
+							audioStore.speed === s
+								? 'bg-(--color-brand) text-(--color-surface)'
+								: 'text-(--color-muted) hover:text-(--color-text)'
+						)}
+						aria-pressed={audioStore.speed === s}
+					>{s}×</button>
+				{/each}
 			</div>
 
+			<!-- Auto-next pill -->
+			<button
+				type="button"
+				onclick={() => (audioStore.autoNext = !audioStore.autoNext)}
+				class={cn(
+					'flex items-center gap-1.5 px-3 py-1.5 rounded-full text-xs font-semibold border transition-colors',
+					audioStore.autoNext
+						? 'border-(--color-brand) bg-(--color-brand)/15 text-(--color-brand)'
+						: 'border-(--color-border) bg-(--color-surface-2) text-(--color-muted) hover:text-(--color-text)'
+				)}
+				aria-pressed={audioStore.autoNext}
+				title={audioStore.autoNext ? 'Auto-next on' : 'Auto-next off'}
+			>
+				<svg class="w-3.5 h-3.5" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
+					<path d="M6 18l8.5-6L6 6v12zm8.5-6L23 6v12l-8.5-6z"/>
+				</svg>
+				Auto
+				{#if audioStore.autoNext && audioStore.nextStatus === 'prefetching'}
+					<span class="w-1.5 h-1.5 rounded-full bg-(--color-brand) animate-pulse"></span>
+				{:else if audioStore.autoNext && audioStore.nextStatus === 'prefetched'}
+					<span class="w-1.5 h-1.5 rounded-full bg-green-400"></span>
+				{/if}
+			</button>
+
+			<!-- Sleep timer pill -->
+			<button
+				type="button"
+				onclick={cycleSleepTimer}
+				class={cn(
+					'flex items-center gap-1.5 px-3 py-1.5 rounded-full text-xs font-semibold border transition-colors',
+					audioStore.sleepUntil || audioStore.sleepAfterChapter
+						? 'border-(--color-brand) bg-(--color-brand)/15 text-(--color-brand)'
+						: 'border-(--color-border) bg-(--color-surface-2) text-(--color-muted) hover:text-(--color-text)'
+				)}
+				title="Sleep timer"
+			>
+				<svg class="w-3.5 h-3.5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
+					<path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M20.354 15.354A9 9 0 018.646 3.646 9.003 9.003 0 0012 21a9.003 9.003 0 008.354-5.646z"/>
+				</svg>
+				{sleepLabel}
+			</button>
 		</div>
 
 	</div>