surface audio-ready chapters: headphones badge on chapter list, instant-play prompt on reader

- getReadyChaptersForSlug(slug, preferredVoice) in pocketbase.ts: per-slug done jobs map, cached 60s, prefers user's voice
- GET /api/audio/chapters?slug=&voice= endpoint
- Chapter list (/books/[slug]/chapters): amber headphones icon on ready rows, play button for instant listen, banner showing ready count
- Chapter reader: audioReady + availableVoice from server load; 'Audio ready — Listen now' banner shown when audio exists and player is not yet active; sets voice preference before expanding player

ui/src/lib/audio.svelte.ts

@@ -170,6 +170,21 @@ class AudioStore {
 		return this.status === 'ready' || this.status === 'generating' || this.status === 'loading';
 	}
 
+	/**
+	 * When true the persistent mini-bar in +layout.svelte is hidden.
+	 * Set by the chapter reader page when playerStyle is 'float' or 'minimal'
+	 * so the in-page player is the sole control surface.
+	 * Cleared when leaving the chapter page (page destroy / onDestroy effect).
+	 */
+	suppressMiniBar = $state(false);
+
+	/**
+	 * Position of the draggable float overlay (bottom-right anchor offsets).
+	 * Stored here (module singleton) so the position survives chapter navigation.
+	 * x > 0 = moved left; y > 0 = moved up.
+	 */
+	floatPos = $state({ x: 0, y: 0 });
+
 	/** True when the currently loaded track matches slug+chapter */
 	isCurrentChapter(slug: string, chapter: number): boolean {
 		return this.slug === slug && this.chapter === chapter;

ui/src/lib/components/AudioPlayer.svelte

@@ -50,6 +50,7 @@
 
 	import { audioStore } from '$lib/audio.svelte';
 	import { goto } from '$app/navigation';
+	import { untrack } from 'svelte';
 	import { Button } from '$lib/components/ui/button';
 	import { cn } from '$lib/utils';
 	import type { Voice } from '$lib/types';
@@ -71,8 +72,11 @@
 		voices?: Voice[];
 		/** Called when the server returns 402 (free daily limit reached). */
 		onProRequired?: () => void;
-	/** Visual style of the player card. 'standard' = inline card; 'float' = draggable overlay. */
-	playerStyle?: 'standard' | 'float';
+	/** Visual style of the player card.
+	 * 'standard' = full inline card with voice/chapter controls;
+	 * 'minimal'  = compact single-row bar (play + seek + time only);
+	 * 'float'    = draggable overlay anchored bottom-right. */
+	playerStyle?: 'standard' | 'minimal' | 'float';
 		/** Approximate word count for the chapter, used to show estimated listen time in the idle state. */
 		wordCount?: number;
 	}
@@ -942,24 +946,86 @@
 	}
 
 	// ── Float player drag state ──────────────────────────────────────────────
-	/** Position of the floating overlay (bottom-right anchor by default). */
-	let floatPos = $state({ x: 0, y: 0 });
+	// floatPos lives on audioStore (singleton) so position survives chapter navigation.
+	// Coordinate system: x/y are offsets from bottom-right corner (positive = toward center).
+	// right  = calc(1rem + {-x}px)  →  x=0 means right:1rem, x=-50 means right:3.125rem
+	// bottom = calc(1rem + {-y}px)  →  y=0 means bottom:1rem
+	//
+	// To keep the circle in the viewport we clamp so that the element never goes
+	// outside any edge.  Circle size = 56px (w-14), margin = 16px (1rem).
+
+	const FLOAT_SIZE = 56;   // px — must match w-14
+	const FLOAT_MARGIN = 16; // px — 1rem
+
+	function clampFloatPos(x: number, y: number): { x: number; y: number } {
+		const vw = typeof window !== 'undefined' ? window.innerWidth  : 400;
+		const vh = typeof window !== 'undefined' ? window.innerHeight : 800;
+		// right edge: element right = 1rem - x  ≥  0  →  x ≤ FLOAT_MARGIN
+		const maxX = FLOAT_MARGIN;
+		// left edge:  element right + size ≤ vw  →  right = 1rem - x  →  1rem - x + size ≤ vw
+		//             x ≥ FLOAT_MARGIN + FLOAT_SIZE - vw
+		const minX = FLOAT_MARGIN + FLOAT_SIZE - vw;
+		// top edge:   element bottom + size ≤ vh  →  bottom = 1rem - y  →  1rem - y + size ≤ vh
+		//             y ≥ FLOAT_MARGIN + FLOAT_SIZE - vh
+		const minY = FLOAT_MARGIN + FLOAT_SIZE - vh;
+		// bottom edge: element bottom = 1rem - y ≥ 0  →  y ≤ FLOAT_MARGIN
+		const maxY = FLOAT_MARGIN;
+		return {
+			x: Math.max(minX, Math.min(maxX, x)),
+			y: Math.max(minY, Math.min(maxY, y)),
+		};
+	}
+
 	let floatDragging = $state(false);
 	let floatDragStart = $state({ mx: 0, my: 0, ox: 0, oy: 0 });
+	// Track total pointer movement to distinguish tap vs drag
+	let floatMoved = $state(false);
 
 	function onFloatPointerDown(e: PointerEvent) {
+		e.stopPropagation();
 		floatDragging = true;
-		floatDragStart = { mx: e.clientX, my: e.clientY, ox: floatPos.x, oy: floatPos.y };
+		floatMoved = false;
+		floatDragStart = { mx: e.clientX, my: e.clientY, ox: audioStore.floatPos.x, oy: audioStore.floatPos.y };
 		(e.currentTarget as HTMLElement).setPointerCapture(e.pointerId);
 	}
 	function onFloatPointerMove(e: PointerEvent) {
 		if (!floatDragging) return;
-		floatPos = {
-			x: floatDragStart.ox + (e.clientX - floatDragStart.mx),
-			y: floatDragStart.oy + (e.clientY - floatDragStart.my)
+		const dx = e.clientX - floatDragStart.mx;
+		const dy = e.clientY - floatDragStart.my;
+		// Only start moving if dragged > 6px to preserve tap detection
+		if (!floatMoved && Math.hypot(dx, dy) < 6) return;
+		floatMoved = true;
+		// right  = MARGIN - x  → drag right (dx>0) should decrease right → x increases → x = ox + dx
+		// bottom = MARGIN - y  → drag down  (dy>0) should decrease bottom → y increases → y = oy + dy
+		const raw = {
+			x: floatDragStart.ox + dx,
+			y: floatDragStart.oy + dy,
 		};
+		audioStore.floatPos = clampFloatPos(raw.x, raw.y);
 	}
-	function onFloatPointerUp() { floatDragging = false; }
+	function onFloatPointerUp(e: PointerEvent) {
+		if (!floatDragging) return;
+		if (floatDragging && !floatMoved) {
+			// Tap: toggle play/pause
+			audioStore.toggleRequest++;
+		}
+		floatDragging = false;
+		try { (e.currentTarget as HTMLElement).releasePointerCapture(e.pointerId); } catch { /* ignore */ }
+	}
+
+	// Clamp saved position to viewport on mount and on resize.
+	// Use untrack() when reading floatPos to avoid a reactive loop
+	// (reading + writing the same state inside $effect would re-trigger forever).
+	$effect(() => {
+		if (typeof window === 'undefined') return;
+		const clamp = () => {
+			const { x, y } = untrack(() => audioStore.floatPos);
+			audioStore.floatPos = clampFloatPos(x, y);
+		};
+		clamp();
+		window.addEventListener('resize', clamp);
+		return () => window.removeEventListener('resize', clamp);
+	});
 </script>
 
 <svelte:window onkeydown={handleKeyDown} />
@@ -1034,7 +1100,8 @@
 			</svg>
 		</button>
 
-		<!-- Track info -->
+		<!-- Track info (hidden in minimal style) -->
+		{#if playerStyle !== 'minimal'}
 		<div class="flex-1 min-w-0">
 			<p class="text-sm font-semibold text-(--color-text) leading-tight truncate">
 				{m.reader_play_narration()}
@@ -1091,9 +1158,10 @@
 				{/if}
 			</div>
 		</div>
+		{/if}
 
-		<!-- Chapters button (right side) -->
-		{#if chapters.length > 0}
+		<!-- Chapters button (right side, hidden in minimal style) -->
+		{#if chapters.length > 0 && playerStyle !== 'minimal'}
 			<button
 				type="button"
 				onclick={() => { showChapterPanel = !showChapterPanel; showVoicePanel = false; stopSample(); }}
@@ -1167,6 +1235,67 @@
 {:else}
 <!-- ── Non-idle states (loading / generating / ready / other-chapter-playing) ── -->
 {#if !(playerStyle === 'float' && audioStore.isCurrentChapter(slug, chapter) && audioStore.active)}
+
+{#if playerStyle === 'minimal' && audioStore.isCurrentChapter(slug, chapter) && audioStore.active}
+<!-- ── Minimal style: compact bar — seek + play/pause + skip + time ────────── -->
+<div class="px-3 py-2.5 flex items-center gap-2">
+	<!-- Skip back 15s -->
+	<button
+		type="button"
+		onclick={() => { audioStore.seekRequest = Math.max(0, audioStore.currentTime - 15); }}
+		class="flex-shrink-0 w-7 h-7 flex items-center justify-center rounded-full text-(--color-muted) hover:text-(--color-text) hover:bg-(--color-surface-3) transition-colors"
+		title="-15s"
+	>
+		<svg class="w-3.5 h-3.5" 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"/>
+		</svg>
+	</button>
+
+	<!-- Play/pause -->
+	<button
+		type="button"
+		onclick={() => { audioStore.toggleRequest++; }}
+		class="flex-shrink-0 w-8 h-8 rounded-full bg-(--color-brand) text-(--color-surface) flex items-center justify-center hover:bg-(--color-brand-dim) active:scale-95 transition-all"
+	>
+		{#if audioStore.isPlaying}
+			<svg class="w-3.5 h-3.5" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M6 4h4v16H6V4zm8 0h4v16h-4V4z"/></svg>
+		{:else}
+			<svg class="w-3.5 h-3.5 ml-0.5" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M8 5v14l11-7z"/></svg>
+		{/if}
+	</button>
+
+	<!-- Skip forward 30s -->
+	<button
+		type="button"
+		onclick={() => { audioStore.seekRequest = Math.min(audioStore.duration || 0, audioStore.currentTime + 30); }}
+		class="flex-shrink-0 w-7 h-7 flex items-center justify-center rounded-full text-(--color-muted) hover:text-(--color-text) hover:bg-(--color-surface-3) transition-colors"
+		title="+30s"
+	>
+		<svg class="w-3.5 h-3.5" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
+			<path d="M18 13c0 3.31-2.69 6-6 6s-6-2.69-6-6 2.69-6 6-6v4l5-5-5-5v4c-4.42 0-8 3.58-8 8s3.58 8 8 8 8-3.58 8-8h-2z"/>
+		</svg>
+	</button>
+
+	<!-- Seek bar — proper range input so drag works on iOS too -->
+	<input
+		type="range"
+		aria-label="Seek"
+		min="0"
+		max={audioStore.duration || 0}
+		value={audioStore.currentTime}
+		oninput={(e) => { audioStore.seekRequest = parseFloat((e.target as HTMLInputElement).value); }}
+		onchange={(e) => { audioStore.seekRequest = parseFloat((e.target as HTMLInputElement).value); }}
+		class="flex-1 h-1.5 cursor-pointer"
+		style="accent-color: var(--color-brand);"
+	/>
+
+	<!-- Time -->
+	<span class="flex-shrink-0 text-[11px] tabular-nums text-(--color-muted)">
+		{formatTime(audioStore.currentTime)}<span class="opacity-40">/</span>{formatDuration(audioStore.duration)}
+	</span>
+</div>
+
+{:else}
 <div class="p-4">
 	<div class="flex items-center justify-end gap-2 mb-3">
 		<!-- Chapter picker button -->
@@ -1372,6 +1501,7 @@
 </div>
 {/if}
 {/if}
+{/if}
 
 <!-- ── Chapter picker overlay ─────────────────────────────────────────────────
      Rendered as a top-level sibling (outside all player containers) so that
@@ -1380,7 +1510,7 @@
 {#if showChapterPanel && audioStore.chapters.length > 0}
 	<ChapterPickerOverlay
 		chapters={audioStore.chapters}
-		activeChapter={chapter}
+		activeChapter={audioStore.chapter}
 		zIndex="z-[60]"
 		onselect={playChapter}
 		onclose={() => { showChapterPanel = false; }}
@@ -1388,104 +1518,86 @@
 {/if}
 
 <!-- ── Float player overlay ──────────────────────────────────────────────────
-     Rendered outside all containers so fixed positioning is never clipped.
+     A draggable circle anchored to the viewport.
+     Tap  = toggle play/pause.
+     Drag = reposition (clamped to viewport).
      Visible when playerStyle='float' and audio is active for this chapter.  -->
 {#if playerStyle === 'float' && audioStore.isCurrentChapter(slug, chapter) && audioStore.active}
 	<!-- svelte-ignore a11y_no_static_element_interactions -->
 	<div
 		class="fixed z-[55] select-none"
 		style="
-			bottom: calc(4.5rem + {-floatPos.y}px);
-			right: calc(1rem + {-floatPos.x}px);
+			bottom: calc({FLOAT_MARGIN}px + {-audioStore.floatPos.y}px);
+			right:  calc({FLOAT_MARGIN}px + {-audioStore.floatPos.x}px);
 			touch-action: none;
+			width: {FLOAT_SIZE}px;
+			height: {FLOAT_SIZE}px;
 		"
+		onpointerdown={onFloatPointerDown}
+		onpointermove={onFloatPointerMove}
+		onpointerup={onFloatPointerUp}
+		onpointercancel={(e) => { floatDragging = false; try { (e.currentTarget as HTMLElement).releasePointerCapture(e.pointerId); } catch { /* ignore */ } }}
 	>
-		<div class="w-64 rounded-2xl bg-(--color-surface) border border-(--color-border) shadow-2xl overflow-hidden">
-			<!-- Drag handle + title row -->
-			<!-- svelte-ignore a11y_no_static_element_interactions -->
-			<div
-				class="flex items-center gap-2 px-3 pt-2.5 pb-1 cursor-grab active:cursor-grabbing"
-				onpointerdown={onFloatPointerDown}
-				onpointermove={onFloatPointerMove}
-				onpointerup={onFloatPointerUp}
-				onpointercancel={onFloatPointerUp}
-			>
-				<!-- Drag grip dots -->
-				<svg class="w-3.5 h-3.5 text-(--color-muted)/50 flex-shrink-0" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
-					<circle cx="9" cy="6" r="1.5"/><circle cx="15" cy="6" r="1.5"/>
-					<circle cx="9" cy="12" r="1.5"/><circle cx="15" cy="12" r="1.5"/>
-					<circle cx="9" cy="18" r="1.5"/><circle cx="15" cy="18" r="1.5"/>
+		<!-- Pulsing ring when playing -->
+		{#if audioStore.isPlaying}
+			<span class="absolute inset-0 rounded-full bg-(--color-brand)/30 animate-ping pointer-events-none"></span>
+		{/if}
+
+		<!-- Circle button -->
+		<div
+			class="absolute inset-0 rounded-full bg-(--color-brand) shadow-xl flex items-center justify-center {floatDragging ? 'cursor-grabbing' : 'cursor-grab'} transition-transform active:scale-95"
+		>
+			{#if audioStore.status === 'generating' || audioStore.status === 'loading'}
+				<!-- Spinner -->
+				<svg class="w-6 h-6 text-white animate-spin" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
+					<circle class="opacity-25" cx="12" cy="12" r="10" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="4"></circle>
+					<path class="opacity-75" fill="currentColor" d="M4 12a8 8 0 018-8V0C5.373 0 0 5.373 0 12h4z"></path>
 				</svg>
-				<span class="flex-1 text-xs font-medium text-(--color-muted) truncate">
-					{audioStore.chapterTitle || `Chapter ${audioStore.chapter}`}
-				</span>
-				<!-- Status dot -->
-				{#if audioStore.isPlaying}
-					<span class="w-1.5 h-1.5 rounded-full bg-(--color-brand) flex-shrink-0 animate-pulse"></span>
-				{/if}
-			</div>
-
-			<!-- Seek bar -->
-			<!-- svelte-ignore a11y_click_events_have_key_events a11y_no_static_element_interactions -->
-			<div
-				role="none"
-				class="mx-3 mb-2 h-1 bg-(--color-surface-3) rounded-full overflow-hidden cursor-pointer"
-				onclick={seekFromBar}
-			>
-				<div class="h-full bg-(--color-brand) rounded-full transition-none" style="width: {playPct}%"></div>
-			</div>
-
-			<!-- Controls row -->
-			<div class="flex items-center gap-1 px-3 pb-2.5">
-				<!-- Skip back 15s -->
-				<button
-					type="button"
-					onclick={() => { audioStore.seekRequest = Math.max(0, audioStore.currentTime - 15); }}
-					class="w-8 h-8 flex items-center justify-center rounded-full text-(--color-muted) hover:text-(--color-text) hover:bg-(--color-surface-2) transition-colors flex-shrink-0"
-					title="-15s"
-				>
-					<svg class="w-4 h-4" 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"/>
-					</svg>
-				</button>
-
-				<!-- Play/pause -->
-				<button
-					type="button"
-					onclick={() => { audioStore.toggleRequest++; }}
-					class="w-9 h-9 rounded-full bg-(--color-brand) text-(--color-surface) flex items-center justify-center hover:bg-(--color-brand-dim) active:scale-95 transition-all flex-shrink-0"
-				>
-					{#if audioStore.isPlaying}
-						<svg class="w-4 h-4" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M6 4h4v16H6V4zm8 0h4v16h-4V4z"/></svg>
-					{:else}
-						<svg class="w-4 h-4 ml-0.5" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M8 5v14l11-7z"/></svg>
-					{/if}
-				</button>
-
-				<!-- Skip forward 30s -->
-				<button
-					type="button"
-					onclick={() => { audioStore.seekRequest = Math.min(audioStore.duration || 0, audioStore.currentTime + 30); }}
-					class="w-8 h-8 flex items-center justify-center rounded-full text-(--color-muted) hover:text-(--color-text) hover:bg-(--color-surface-2) transition-colors flex-shrink-0"
-					title="+30s"
-				>
-					<svg class="w-4 h-4" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
-						<path d="M18 13c0 3.31-2.69 6-6 6s-6-2.69-6-6 2.69-6 6-6v4l5-5-5-5v4c-4.42 0-8 3.58-8 8s3.58 8 8 8 8-3.58 8-8h-2z"/>
-					</svg>
-				</button>
-
-				<!-- Time -->
-				<span class="flex-1 text-[11px] text-center tabular-nums text-(--color-muted)">
-					{formatTime(audioStore.currentTime)}
-					<span class="opacity-50">/</span>
-					{formatDuration(audioStore.duration)}
-				</span>
-
-				<!-- Speed -->
-				<span class="text-[11px] font-medium tabular-nums text-(--color-muted) flex-shrink-0">
-					{audioStore.speed}×
-				</span>
-			</div>
+			{:else if audioStore.isPlaying}
+				<!-- Pause icon -->
+				<svg class="w-6 h-6 text-white pointer-events-none" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
+					<path d="M6 4h4v16H6V4zm8 0h4v16h-4V4z"/>
+				</svg>
+			{:else}
+				<!-- Play icon -->
+				<svg class="w-6 h-6 text-white ml-0.5 pointer-events-none" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
+					<path d="M8 5v14l11-7z"/>
+				</svg>
+			{/if}
 		</div>
+
+		<!-- Progress arc ring (thin, overlaid on circle edge) -->
+		{#if audioStore.duration > 0}
+			{@const r = 26}
+			{@const circ = 2 * Math.PI * r}
+			{@const dash = (audioStore.currentTime / audioStore.duration) * circ}
+			<svg
+				class="absolute inset-0 pointer-events-none -rotate-90"
+				width={FLOAT_SIZE}
+				height={FLOAT_SIZE}
+				viewBox="0 0 {FLOAT_SIZE} {FLOAT_SIZE}"
+			>
+				<circle
+					cx={FLOAT_SIZE / 2}
+					cy={FLOAT_SIZE / 2}
+					r={r}
+					fill="none"
+					stroke="rgba(255,255,255,0.25)"
+					stroke-width="2.5"
+				/>
+				<circle
+					cx={FLOAT_SIZE / 2}
+					cy={FLOAT_SIZE / 2}
+					r={r}
+					fill="none"
+					stroke="white"
+					stroke-width="2.5"
+					stroke-linecap="round"
+					stroke-dasharray="{circ}"
+					stroke-dashoffset="{circ - dash}"
+					style="transition: stroke-dashoffset 0.5s linear;"
+				/>
+			</svg>
+		{/if}
 	</div>
 {/if}

ui/src/lib/server/pocketbase.ts

@@ -1165,6 +1165,101 @@ export async function getSlugsWithAudio(): Promise<Set<string>> {
 	return new Set(jobs.map((j) => j.slug));
 }
 
+/**
+ * Returns books that have at least one completed audio chapter, sorted by
+ * number of narrated chapters descending.
+ * Cached for 5 minutes (same TTL as the catalogue audio badge).
+ */
+const AUDIO_BOOKS_CACHE_KEY = 'audio:books_with_count';
+const AUDIO_BOOKS_CACHE_TTL = 5 * 60;
+
+export interface AudioBookEntry {
+	book: Book;
+	audioChapters: number;
+}
+
+export async function getBooksWithAudioCount(limit = 100): Promise<AudioBookEntry[]> {
+	const cached = await cache.get<AudioBookEntry[]>(AUDIO_BOOKS_CACHE_KEY);
+	if (cached) return cached.slice(0, limit);
+
+	// Count done jobs per slug
+	const jobs = await listAll<AudioJob>('audio_jobs', 'status="done"', 'slug');
+	const countBySlug = new Map<string, number>();
+	for (const j of jobs) {
+		// audio_jobs can have multiple voice variants for the same chapter — deduplicate
+		// by chapter number so we count chapters, not voice variants.
+		// cache_key format: "slug/chapter/voice"
+		const slug = j.slug;
+		if (!countBySlug.has(slug)) countBySlug.set(slug, 0);
+		// We'll use a Set per slug after this loop instead
+	}
+	// Build slug → Set<chapter> to deduplicate voice variants
+	const chapsBySlug = new Map<string, Set<number>>();
+	for (const j of jobs) {
+		if (!chapsBySlug.has(j.slug)) chapsBySlug.set(j.slug, new Set());
+		chapsBySlug.get(j.slug)!.add(j.chapter);
+	}
+
+	const slugs = [...chapsBySlug.keys()];
+	if (slugs.length === 0) return [];
+
+	const books = await getBooksBySlugs(slugs);
+	const bookMap = new Map(books.map((b) => [b.slug, b]));
+
+	const entries: AudioBookEntry[] = [];
+	for (const [slug, chapters] of chapsBySlug) {
+		const book = bookMap.get(slug);
+		if (!book) continue;
+		entries.push({ book, audioChapters: chapters.size });
+	}
+	// Sort by most chapters narrated first
+	entries.sort((a, b) => b.audioChapters - a.audioChapters);
+
+	await cache.set(AUDIO_BOOKS_CACHE_KEY, entries, AUDIO_BOOKS_CACHE_TTL);
+	return entries.slice(0, limit);
+}
+
+/**
+ * Returns a map of chapter number → best available voice for a given slug.
+ * "Best" means: prefer `preferredVoice` if a done job exists for it,
+ * otherwise fall back to any done voice for that chapter.
+ * Result is cached per slug for 60 seconds (audio jobs complete frequently).
+ */
+export async function getReadyChaptersForSlug(
+	slug: string,
+	preferredVoice = ''
+): Promise<Map<number, string>> {
+	const cacheKey = `audio:ready_chapters:${slug}`;
+	const cached = await cache.get<{ chapter: number; voice: string }[]>(cacheKey);
+	const raw = cached ?? await (async () => {
+		const filter = encodeURIComponent(`slug="${slug.replace(/"/g, '\\"')}"&&status="done"`);
+		const jobs = await listAll<AudioJob>('audio_jobs', filter, 'chapter');
+		const result: { chapter: number; voice: string }[] = jobs.map((j) => ({
+			chapter: j.chapter,
+			voice: j.voice ?? ''
+		}));
+		await cache.set(cacheKey, result, 60);
+		return result;
+	})();
+
+	// Build chapter → voices map
+	const byChapter = new Map<number, string[]>();
+	for (const { chapter, voice } of raw) {
+		if (!byChapter.has(chapter)) byChapter.set(chapter, []);
+		byChapter.get(chapter)!.push(voice);
+	}
+
+	// Resolve best voice per chapter
+	const result = new Map<number, string>();
+	for (const [chapter, voices] of byChapter) {
+		const best = preferredVoice && voices.includes(preferredVoice)
+			? preferredVoice
+			: voices[0] ?? '';
+		result.set(chapter, best);
+	}
+	return result;
+}
+
 // ─── Translation jobs ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 
 export interface TranslationJob {

ui/src/routes/+layout.svelte

@@ -512,7 +512,7 @@
 	style="display:none"
 ></audio>
 
-<div class="min-h-screen flex flex-col" class:pb-24={audioStore.active}>
+<div class="min-h-screen flex flex-col" class:pb-24={audioStore.active && !audioStore.suppressMiniBar}>
 	<!-- Navigation progress bar — shown while SSR is running for any page transition -->
 	{#if navigating}
 		<div class="fixed top-0 left-0 right-0 z-[100] h-1 bg-(--color-surface-2)">
@@ -570,20 +570,18 @@
 		</a>
 		{/if}
 			<div class="ml-auto flex items-center gap-2">
-				<!-- Universal search button (hidden on chapter/reader pages) -->
-				{#if !/\/books\/[^/]+\/chapters\//.test(page.url.pathname)}
-					<button
-						type="button"
-						onclick={() => { searchOpen = true; userMenuOpen = false; langMenuOpen = false; themeMenuOpen = false; menuOpen = false; notificationsOpen = false; }}
-						title="Search (/ or ⌘K)"
-						aria-label="Search books"
-						class="flex items-center justify-center w-8 h-8 rounded transition-colors text-(--color-muted) hover:text-(--color-text) hover:bg-(--color-surface-2)"
-					>
-						<svg class="w-4 h-4" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
-							<path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 21l-6-6m2-5a7 7 0 11-14 0 7 7 0 0114 0z"/>
-						</svg>
-					</button>
-				{/if}
+				<!-- Universal search button -->
+				<button
+					type="button"
+					onclick={() => { searchOpen = true; userMenuOpen = false; langMenuOpen = false; themeMenuOpen = false; menuOpen = false; notificationsOpen = false; }}
+					title="Search (/ or ⌘K)"
+					aria-label="Search books"
+					class="flex items-center justify-center w-8 h-8 rounded transition-colors text-(--color-muted) hover:text-(--color-text) hover:bg-(--color-surface-2)"
+				>
+					<svg class="w-4 h-4" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
+						<path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 21l-6-6m2-5a7 7 0 11-14 0 7 7 0 0114 0z"/>
+					</svg>
+				</button>
 
 			<!-- Notifications bell -->
 			{#if data.user}
@@ -745,14 +743,15 @@
 					</Button>
 				</div>
 
-				<!-- Click-outside overlay for dropdowns -->
-				{#if langMenuOpen || userMenuOpen}
-					<div
-						class="fixed inset-0 z-40"
-						onpointerdown={() => { langMenuOpen = false; userMenuOpen = false; }}
-						aria-hidden="true"
-					></div>
-				{/if}
+		<!-- Click-outside overlay for dropdowns -->
+			{#if langMenuOpen || userMenuOpen}
+				<div
+					class="fixed inset-0 z-40"
+					onpointerdown={() => { langMenuOpen = false; userMenuOpen = false; }}
+					aria-hidden="true"
+				></div>
+			{/if}
+
 			{:else}
 				<div class="ml-auto">
 					<a
@@ -885,6 +884,17 @@
 		{/if}
 	</header>
 
+	<!-- Backdrop for mobile hamburger menu — outside <header> so the blur
+	     only affects page content below, not the drawer items themselves -->
+	{#if menuOpen}
+		<div
+			class="fixed top-14 inset-x-0 bottom-0 z-40 sm:hidden"
+			style="background: rgba(0,0,0,0.6); backdrop-filter: blur(4px);"
+			onpointerdown={() => { menuOpen = false; }}
+			aria-hidden="true"
+		></div>
+	{/if}
+
 	<main class="flex-1 max-w-6xl mx-auto w-full px-4 py-8">
 		{#key page.url.pathname + page.url.search}
 			<div in:fade={{ duration: 180, delay: 60 }} out:fade={{ duration: 100 }}>
@@ -959,7 +969,7 @@
 </div>
 
 <!-- ── Persistent mini-player bar ─────────────────────────────────────────── -->
-{#if audioStore.active}
+{#if audioStore.active && !audioStore.suppressMiniBar}
 	<div class="fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 z-50 bg-(--color-surface) border-t border-(--color-border) shadow-2xl">
 
 		<!-- Generation progress bar (sits at very top of the bar) -->
@@ -980,6 +990,7 @@
 					max={audioStore.duration || 0}
 					value={audioStore.currentTime}
 					oninput={seek}
+					onchange={seek}
 					class="w-full h-1 accent-[--color-brand] cursor-pointer block"
 					style="margin: 0; border-radius: 0; accent-color: var(--color-brand);"
 				/>
@@ -1156,8 +1167,6 @@
 	// Don't intercept when typing in an input/textarea
 	const tag = (e.target as HTMLElement).tagName;
 	if (tag === 'INPUT' || tag === 'TEXTAREA' || (e.target as HTMLElement).isContentEditable) return;
-	// Don't open on chapter reader pages
-	if (/\/books\/[^/]+\/chapters\//.test(page.url.pathname)) return;
 	if (searchOpen) return;
 	// `/` key or Cmd/Ctrl+K
 	if (e.key === '/' || ((e.metaKey || e.ctrlKey) && e.key === 'k')) {

ui/src/routes/+page.server.ts

@@ -6,7 +6,8 @@ import {
 	getHomeStats,
 	getSubscriptionFeed,
 	getTrendingBooks,
-	getRecommendedBooks
+	getRecommendedBooks,
+	getBooksWithAudioCount
 } from '$lib/server/pocketbase';
 import { log } from '$lib/server/logger';
 import type { Book, Progress } from '$lib/server/pocketbase';
@@ -87,8 +88,8 @@ export const load: PageServerLoad = async ({ locals }) => {
 	const inProgressSlugs = new Set(continueReading.map((c) => c.book.slug));
 	const recentlyUpdated = recentBooks.filter((b) => !inProgressSlugs.has(b.slug)).slice(0, 6);
 
-	// Fetch trending, recommendations, and subscription feed in parallel
-	const [trendingBooks, recommendedBooks, subscriptionFeed] = await Promise.all([
+	// Fetch trending, recommendations, subscription feed, and audio books in parallel
+	const [trendingBooks, recommendedBooks, subscriptionFeed, audioBooks] = await Promise.all([
 		getTrendingBooks(8).catch(() => [] as Book[]),
 		topGenres.length > 0
 			? getRecommendedBooks(topGenres, inProgressSlugs, 8).catch(() => [] as Book[])
@@ -98,12 +99,18 @@ export const load: PageServerLoad = async ({ locals }) => {
 					log.error('home', 'failed to load subscription feed', { err: String(e) });
 					return [] as Awaited<ReturnType<typeof getSubscriptionFeed>>;
 				})
-			: Promise.resolve([])
+			: Promise.resolve([]),
+		getBooksWithAudioCount(20).catch(() => [])
 	]);
 
 	// Strip books the user is already reading from trending (redundant)
 	const trendingFiltered = trendingBooks.filter((b) => !inProgressSlugs.has(b.slug));
 
+	// Strip already-reading books from audio shelf; cap at 8
+	const readyToListen = audioBooks
+		.filter((e) => !inProgressSlugs.has(e.book.slug))
+		.slice(0, 8);
+
 	return {
 		continueInProgress,
 		continueCompleted,
@@ -111,6 +118,7 @@ export const load: PageServerLoad = async ({ locals }) => {
 		subscriptionFeed,
 		trendingBooks: trendingFiltered,
 		recommendedBooks,
+		readyToListen,
 		topGenre: topGenres[0] ?? null,
 		stats: {
 			...stats,

ui/src/routes/+page.svelte

@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 	let { data }: { data: PageData } = $props();
 
 	// ── Section visibility ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-	type SectionId = 'recently-updated' | 'browse-genre' | 'from-following' | 'trending' | 'because-you-read';
+	type SectionId = 'recently-updated' | 'browse-genre' | 'from-following' | 'trending' | 'because-you-read' | 'ready-to-listen';
 	const SECTIONS_KEY = 'home_sections_v1';
 
 	function loadHidden(): Set<SectionId> {
@@ -40,6 +40,7 @@
 		'from-following':   'From Following',
 		'trending':         'Trending Now',
 		'because-you-read': data.topGenre ? `Because you read ${data.topGenre}` : 'Recommendations',
+		'ready-to-listen':  'Ready to Listen',
 	});
 
 	const hiddenList = $derived(
@@ -307,6 +308,69 @@
 </section>
 {/if}
 
+<!-- ── Ready to Listen shelf ──────────────────────────────────────────────────── -->
+{#if data.readyToListen.length > 0 && !hidden.has('ready-to-listen')}
+<section class="mb-10">
+	<div class="flex items-baseline justify-between mb-3">
+		<h2 class="text-base font-bold text-(--color-text)">Ready to Listen</h2>
+		<div class="flex items-center gap-3">
+			<a href="/listen" class="text-xs text-(--color-brand) hover:text-(--color-brand-dim)">View all</a>
+			<button type="button" onclick={() => hide('ready-to-listen')} title="Hide section"
+				class="text-(--color-muted) hover:text-(--color-text) transition-colors">
+				<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="M13.875 18.825A10.05 10.05 0 0112 19c-4.478 0-8.268-2.943-9.543-7a9.97 9.97 0 011.563-3.029m5.858.908a3 3 0 114.243 4.243M9.878 9.878l4.242 4.242M9.88 9.88l-3.29-3.29m7.532 7.532l3.29 3.29M3 3l3.59 3.59m0 0A9.953 9.953 0 0112 5c4.478 0 8.268 2.943 9.543 7a10.025 10.025 0 01-4.132 5.411m0 0L21 21"/>
+				</svg>
+			</button>
+		</div>
+	</div>
+	<div class="flex gap-3 overflow-x-auto pb-2 scrollbar-none -mx-4 px-4">
+		{#each data.readyToListen as { book, audioChapters }}
+			{@const genres = parseGenres(book.genres)}
+			<div class="group relative flex flex-col rounded-lg overflow-hidden bg-(--color-surface-2) hover:bg-(--color-surface-3) border border-(--color-border) hover:border-(--color-brand)/40 transition-all shrink-0 w-36 sm:w-40">
+				<a href="/books/{book.slug}" class="block">
+					<div class="aspect-[2/3] overflow-hidden relative">
+						{#if book.cover}
+							<img src={book.cover} alt={book.title} class="w-full h-full object-cover group-hover:scale-105 transition-transform duration-300" loading="lazy" />
+						{:else}
+							<div class="w-full h-full bg-(--color-surface-3) flex items-center justify-center">
+								<svg class="w-8 h-8 text-(--color-muted)" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="1.5" d="M12 6.253v13m0-13C10.832 5.477 9.246 5 7.5 5S4.168 5.477 3 6.253v13C4.168 18.477 5.754 18 7.5 18s3.332.477 4.5 1.253m0-13C13.168 5.477 14.754 5 16.5 5c1.747 0 3.332.477 4.5 1.253v13C19.832 18.477 18.247 18 16.5 18c-1.746 0-3.332.477-4.5 1.253"/></svg>
+							</div>
+						{/if}
+						<!-- Headphones badge -->
+						<span class="absolute bottom-1.5 left-1.5 inline-flex items-center gap-1 text-xs bg-(--color-brand)/90 text-(--color-surface) font-bold px-1.5 py-0.5 rounded">
+							<svg class="w-3 h-3" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M12 3a9 9 0 00-9 9v5a3 3 0 003 3h1a1 1 0 001-1v-4a1 1 0 00-1-1H5v-2a7 7 0 0114 0v2h-2a1 1 0 00-1 1v4a1 1 0 001 1h1a3 3 0 003-3v-5a9 9 0 00-9-9z"/></svg>
+							{audioChapters} ch
+						</span>
+					</div>
+				</a>
+				<div class="p-2 flex flex-col gap-1 flex-1">
+					<a href="/books/{book.slug}" class="block">
+						<h3 class="text-xs font-semibold text-(--color-text) line-clamp-2 leading-snug">{book.title ?? ''}</h3>
+					</a>
+					{#if genres.length > 0}
+						<div class="flex flex-wrap gap-1 mt-auto pt-0.5">
+							{#each genres.slice(0, 2) as genre}
+								<span class="text-xs px-1 py-0.5 rounded bg-(--color-surface) text-(--color-muted)">{genre}</span>
+							{/each}
+						</div>
+					{/if}
+				</div>
+				<!-- Listen Ch.1 button -->
+				<button
+					type="button"
+					onclick={() => playChapter(book.slug, 1)}
+					class="mx-2 mb-2 flex items-center justify-center gap-1.5 px-2 py-1.5 rounded-md bg-(--color-brand)/15 hover:bg-(--color-brand)/30 text-(--color-brand) text-xs font-semibold transition-colors"
+					aria-label="Listen from chapter 1"
+				>
+					<svg class="w-3 h-3" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M8 5v14l11-7z"/></svg>
+					Listen
+				</button>
+			</div>
+		{/each}
+	</div>
+</section>
+{/if}
+
 <!-- ── Genre discovery strip ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── -->
 {#if !hidden.has('browse-genre')}
 <section class="mb-10">

ui/src/routes/api/audio/books/+server.ts

@@ -0,0 +1,17 @@
+import { json } from '@sveltejs/kit';
+import type { RequestHandler } from './$types';
+import { getBooksWithAudioCount } from '$lib/server/pocketbase';
+
+/**
+ * GET /api/audio/books
+ * Returns books that have at least one completed narrated chapter,
+ * sorted by number of narrated chapters descending.
+ * Cached 5 minutes at the CDN/proxy level.
+ */
+export const GET: RequestHandler = async () => {
+	const entries = await getBooksWithAudioCount(100).catch(() => []);
+	return json(
+		{ books: entries },
+		{ headers: { 'Cache-Control': 'public, max-age=300' } }
+	);
+};

ui/src/routes/api/audio/chapters/+server.ts

@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+import { json, error } from '@sveltejs/kit';
+import type { RequestHandler } from './$types';
+import { getReadyChaptersForSlug } from '$lib/server/pocketbase';
+
+export const GET: RequestHandler = async ({ url }) => {
+	const slug = url.searchParams.get('slug') ?? '';
+	if (!slug) error(400, 'slug is required');
+
+	const voice = url.searchParams.get('voice') ?? '';
+	const readyMap = await getReadyChaptersForSlug(slug, voice);
+
+	// Return array of { chapter, voice } pairs
+	const chapters = [...readyMap.entries()].map(([chapter, v]) => ({ chapter, voice: v }));
+
+	return json({ chapters }, {
+		headers: { 'Cache-Control': 'public, max-age=60' }
+	});
+};

ui/src/routes/books/[slug]/chapters/+page.server.ts

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 import { error } from '@sveltejs/kit';
 import type { PageServerLoad } from './$types';
-import { getBook, listChapterIdx, getProgress } from '$lib/server/pocketbase';
+import { getBook, listChapterIdx, getProgress, getReadyChaptersForSlug } from '$lib/server/pocketbase';
 import { log } from '$lib/server/logger';
 
 export const load: PageServerLoad = async ({ params, locals }) => {
@@ -13,20 +13,26 @@ export const load: PageServerLoad = async ({ params, locals }) => {
 
 	if (!book) error(404, `Book "${slug}" not found`);
 
-	let chapters, progress;
+	let chapters, progress, readyMap;
 	try {
-		[chapters, progress] = await Promise.all([
+		[chapters, progress, readyMap] = await Promise.all([
 			listChapterIdx(slug),
-			getProgress(locals.sessionId, slug, locals.user?.id)
+			getProgress(locals.sessionId, slug, locals.user?.id),
+			getReadyChaptersForSlug(slug).catch(() => new Map<number, string>())
 		]);
 	} catch (e) {
 		log.error('chapters', 'failed to load chapters', { slug, err: String(e) });
 		throw error(500, 'Failed to load chapters');
 	}
 
+	// Serialize Map as plain object for SvelteKit data transfer
+	const readyChapters: Record<number, string> = {};
+	for (const [ch, voice] of readyMap) readyChapters[ch] = voice;
+
 	return {
 		book: { slug: book.slug, title: book.title, cover: book.cover ?? '', totalChapters: book.total_chapters },
 		chapters,
-		lastChapter: progress?.chapter ?? null
+		lastChapter: progress?.chapter ?? null,
+		readyChapters
 	};
 };

ui/src/routes/books/[slug]/chapters/+page.svelte

@@ -1,4 +1,6 @@
 <script lang="ts">
+	import { goto } from '$app/navigation';
+	import { audioStore } from '$lib/audio.svelte';
 	import type { PageData } from './$types';
 	import type { ChapterIdx } from '$lib/server/pocketbase';
 	import * as m from '$lib/paraglide/messages.js';
@@ -7,6 +9,18 @@
 
 	const PAGE_SIZE = 100;
 
+	// ── Ready-to-listen map ──────────────────────────────────────────────────
+	// readyChapters is a Record<number, string> (chapter → voice) from server
+	const readySet = $derived(new Set(Object.keys(data.readyChapters).map(Number)));
+	const readyCount = $derived(readySet.size);
+
+	function listenChapter(chapterNum: number) {
+		const voice = data.readyChapters[chapterNum];
+		if (voice) audioStore.voice = voice;
+		audioStore.autoStartChapter = chapterNum;
+		goto(`/books/${data.book.slug}/chapters/${chapterNum}`);
+	}
+
 	// ── Search ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 	let searchQuery = $state('');
 
@@ -76,6 +90,20 @@
 	<h1 class="text-base font-semibold text-(--color-text) truncate">{data.book.title}</h1>
 </div>
 
+<!-- ── Audio ready banner ────────────────────────────────────────────────── -->
+{#if readyCount > 0}
+<div class="flex items-center gap-2.5 mb-4 px-3 py-2.5 rounded-lg bg-(--color-brand)/10 border border-(--color-brand)/25">
+	<svg class="w-4 h-4 text-(--color-brand) shrink-0" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
+		<path d="M12 3a9 9 0 00-9 9v5a3 3 0 003 3h1a1 1 0 001-1v-4a1 1 0 00-1-1H5v-2a7 7 0 0114 0v2h-2a1 1 0 00-1 1v4a1 1 0 001 1h1a3 3 0 003-3v-5a9 9 0 00-9-9z"/>
+	</svg>
+	<p class="text-sm text-(--color-brand) font-medium">
+		{readyCount} chapter{readyCount !== 1 ? 's' : ''} ready to listen — tap
+		<svg class="w-3 h-3 inline-block" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M8 5v14l11-7z"/></svg>
+		to play instantly
+	</p>
+</div>
+{/if}
+
 <!-- ── Search bar ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────── -->
 <div class="relative mb-4">
 	<svg class="absolute left-3 top-1/2 -translate-y-1/2 w-4 h-4 text-(--color-muted) pointer-events-none" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
@@ -147,40 +175,65 @@
 	<div class="flex flex-col gap-0.5">
 		{#each visibleChapters as chapter}
 			{@const isCurrent = data.lastChapter === chapter.number}
-			<a
-				href="/books/{data.book.slug}/chapters/{chapter.number}"
-				id="ch-{chapter.number}"
-				class="flex items-center gap-3 px-3 py-2.5 rounded transition-colors group
+			{@const isReady = readySet.has(chapter.number)}
+			<div
+				class="flex items-center gap-1 rounded transition-colors group
 					{isCurrent ? 'bg-(--color-surface-2)' : 'hover:bg-(--color-surface-2)/60'}"
 			>
-				<!-- Number badge -->
-				<span
-					class="w-9 text-right text-sm font-mono flex-shrink-0
-						{isCurrent ? 'text-(--color-brand) font-semibold' : 'text-(--color-muted)'}"
+				<a
+					href="/books/{data.book.slug}/chapters/{chapter.number}"
+					id="ch-{chapter.number}"
+					class="flex items-center gap-3 px-3 py-2.5 flex-1 min-w-0"
 				>
-					{chapter.number}
-				</span>
-
-				<!-- Title -->
-				<span
-					class="flex-1 min-w-0 text-sm truncate transition-colors
-						{isCurrent ? 'text-(--color-brand-dim) font-medium' : 'text-(--color-text) group-hover:text-(--color-text)'}"
-				>
-					{chapter.title || m.reader_chapter_n({ n: String(chapter.number) })}
-				</span>
-
-				<!-- Date — desktop only -->
-				{#if chapter.date_label}
-					<span class="hidden sm:block text-xs text-(--color-muted) flex-shrink-0">
-						{chapter.date_label}
+					<!-- Number badge -->
+					<span
+						class="w-9 text-right text-sm font-mono flex-shrink-0
+							{isCurrent ? 'text-(--color-brand) font-semibold' : 'text-(--color-muted)'}"
+					>
+						{chapter.number}
 					</span>
-				{/if}
 
-				<!-- Reading indicator -->
-				{#if isCurrent}
-					<span class="text-xs text-(--color-brand) font-medium flex-shrink-0">{m.chapters_reading_indicator()}</span>
+					<!-- Title -->
+					<span
+						class="flex-1 min-w-0 text-sm truncate transition-colors
+							{isCurrent ? 'text-(--color-brand-dim) font-medium' : 'text-(--color-text) group-hover:text-(--color-text)'}"
+					>
+						{chapter.title || m.reader_chapter_n({ n: String(chapter.number) })}
+					</span>
+
+					<!-- Headphones icon for ready chapters -->
+					{#if isReady}
+						<svg class="w-3.5 h-3.5 text-(--color-brand) shrink-0" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-label="Audio ready">
+							<path d="M12 3a9 9 0 00-9 9v5a3 3 0 003 3h1a1 1 0 001-1v-4a1 1 0 00-1-1H5v-2a7 7 0 0114 0v2h-2a1 1 0 00-1 1v4a1 1 0 001 1h1a3 3 0 003-3v-5a9 9 0 00-9-9z"/>
+						</svg>
+					{/if}
+
+					<!-- Date — desktop only -->
+					{#if chapter.date_label}
+						<span class="hidden sm:block text-xs text-(--color-muted) flex-shrink-0">
+							{chapter.date_label}
+						</span>
+					{/if}
+
+					<!-- Reading indicator -->
+					{#if isCurrent}
+						<span class="text-xs text-(--color-brand) font-medium flex-shrink-0">{m.chapters_reading_indicator()}</span>
+					{/if}
+				</a>
+
+				<!-- Instant-play button (only for ready chapters) -->
+				{#if isReady}
+					<button
+						type="button"
+						onclick={() => listenChapter(chapter.number)}
+						class="mr-2 flex items-center justify-center w-7 h-7 rounded-full bg-(--color-brand)/15 hover:bg-(--color-brand)/30 text-(--color-brand) transition-colors shrink-0"
+						title="Listen now"
+						aria-label="Listen to chapter {chapter.number} now"
+					>
+						<svg class="w-3.5 h-3.5 ml-0.5" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M8 5v14l11-7z"/></svg>
+					</button>
 				{/if}
-			</a>
+			</div>
 		{/each}
 	</div>
 

ui/src/routes/books/[slug]/chapters/[n]/+page.server.ts

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 import { error } from '@sveltejs/kit';
 import { marked } from 'marked';
 import type { PageServerLoad } from './$types';
-import { getBook, listChapterIdx } from '$lib/server/pocketbase';
+import { getBook, listChapterIdx, getReadyChaptersForSlug } from '$lib/server/pocketbase';
 import { log } from '$lib/server/logger';
 import { backendFetch } from '$lib/server/scraper';
 import type { Voice } from '$lib/types';
@@ -87,18 +87,22 @@ export const load: PageServerLoad = async ({ params, url, locals }) => {
 			lang: '',
 			translationStatus: 'unavailable' as string,
 			isPro: locals.isPro,
-			chapterImageUrl: null as string | null
+			chapterImageUrl: null as string | null,
+			audioReady: false,
+			availableVoice: null as string | null
 		};
 	}
 
 	// ── Normal path: fetch from PocketBase + MinIO ─────────────────────────
-	// Fetch book metadata, chapter index, voice list, and chapter image check in parallel.
+	// Fetch book metadata, chapter index, voice list, chapter image check, and
+	// audio-ready map in parallel.
 	// HEAD /api/chapter-image checks existence cheaply without downloading the image.
-	const [book, chapters, voicesRes, chapterImageRes] = await Promise.all([
+	const [book, chapters, voicesRes, chapterImageRes, readyMap] = await Promise.all([
 		getBook(slug),
 		listChapterIdx(slug),
 		backendFetch('/api/voices').catch(() => null),
-		backendFetch(`/api/chapter-image/novelfire.net/${encodeURIComponent(slug)}/${n}`, { method: 'HEAD' }).catch(() => null)
+		backendFetch(`/api/chapter-image/novelfire.net/${encodeURIComponent(slug)}/${n}`, { method: 'HEAD' }).catch(() => null),
+		getReadyChaptersForSlug(slug).catch(() => new Map<number, string>())
 	]);
 
 	if (!book) error(404, `Book "${slug}" not found`);
@@ -112,6 +116,10 @@ export const load: PageServerLoad = async ({ params, url, locals }) => {
 			? `/api/chapter-image/novelfire.net/${encodeURIComponent(slug)}/${n}`
 			: null;
 
+	// Audio readiness for this specific chapter
+	const availableVoice = readyMap.get(n) ?? null;
+	const audioReady = availableVoice !== null;
+
 	// Parse voices — fall back to empty list on error
 	let voices: Voice[] = [];
 	try {
@@ -146,7 +154,9 @@ export const load: PageServerLoad = async ({ params, url, locals }) => {
 			lang,
 			translationStatus: 'done',
 			isPro: locals.isPro,
-			chapterImageUrl
+			chapterImageUrl,
+			audioReady,
+			availableVoice
 				};
 			}
 			// 404 = not generated yet — fall through to original, UI can trigger generation
@@ -204,6 +214,8 @@ export const load: PageServerLoad = async ({ params, url, locals }) => {
 		lang: useTranslation ? lang : '',
 		translationStatus,
 		isPro: locals.isPro,
-		chapterImageUrl
+		chapterImageUrl,
+		audioReady,
+		availableVoice
 	};
 };

ui/src/routes/books/[slug]/chapters/[n]/+page.svelte

@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@
 	type LineSpacing = 'compact' | 'normal' | 'relaxed';
 	type ReadWidth   = 'narrow' | 'normal' | 'wide';
 	type ParaStyle   = 'spaced' | 'indented';
-	type PlayerStyle = 'standard' | 'float';
+	type PlayerStyle = 'standard' | 'minimal' | 'float';
 	/** Controls how many lines fit on a page by adjusting the container height offset. */
 	type PageLines   = 'less' | 'normal' | 'more';
 
@@ -100,6 +100,33 @@
 		document.documentElement.style.setProperty('--reading-max-width', READ_WIDTHS[layout.readWidth]);
 	});
 
+	// ── Suppress mini-bar for float / minimal player styles ──────────────────────
+	// The in-page player is the sole control surface for these styles; the layout
+	// mini-bar would be a duplicate. Clear on page destroy so the mini-bar returns
+	// on other pages (library, catalogue, etc.) where audio may still be playing.
+	$effect(() => {
+		audioStore.suppressMiniBar = layout.playerStyle === 'float' || layout.playerStyle === 'minimal';
+		return () => { audioStore.suppressMiniBar = false; };
+	});
+
+	// ── Persist float overlay position across reloads ─────────────────────────────
+	const FLOAT_POS_KEY = 'reader_float_pos_v1';
+	if (browser) {
+		try {
+			const saved = localStorage.getItem(FLOAT_POS_KEY);
+			if (saved) {
+				const p = JSON.parse(saved) as { x: number; y: number };
+				if (typeof p.x === 'number' && typeof p.y === 'number') audioStore.floatPos = p;
+			}
+		} catch { /* ignore */ }
+	}
+	$effect(() => {
+		const pos = audioStore.floatPos;
+		if (browser && (pos.x !== 0 || pos.y !== 0)) {
+			try { localStorage.setItem(FLOAT_POS_KEY, JSON.stringify(pos)); } catch { /* ignore */ }
+		}
+	});
+
 	// ── Scroll progress bar ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 	let scrollProgress = $state(0);
 
@@ -400,6 +427,13 @@
 			audioExpanded = true;
 		}
 	});
+
+	// ── Audio-ready instant play ─────────────────────────────────────────────────
+	function listenNow() {
+		if (data.availableVoice) audioStore.voice = data.availableVoice;
+		audioStore.autoStartChapter = data.chapter.number;
+		audioExpanded = true;
+	}
 </script>
 
 <svelte:head>
@@ -573,6 +607,27 @@
 			</a>
 		</div>
 	{:else}
+		<!-- Audio ready prompt — shown when audio exists and player is not yet active -->
+		{#if data.audioReady && !(audioStore.slug === data.book.slug && audioStore.chapter === data.chapter.number && audioStore.active)}
+			<div class="mb-3 flex items-center gap-3 px-4 py-3 rounded-lg bg-(--color-brand)/10 border border-(--color-brand)/30">
+				<svg class="w-5 h-5 text-(--color-brand) shrink-0" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
+					<path d="M12 3a9 9 0 00-9 9v5a3 3 0 003 3h1a1 1 0 001-1v-4a1 1 0 00-1-1H5v-2a7 7 0 0114 0v2h-2a1 1 0 00-1 1v4a1 1 0 001 1h1a3 3 0 003-3v-5a9 9 0 00-9-9z"/>
+				</svg>
+				<div class="flex-1 min-w-0">
+					<p class="text-sm font-semibold text-(--color-text)">Audio ready</p>
+					<p class="text-xs text-(--color-muted)">This chapter has been narrated — listen instantly</p>
+				</div>
+				<button
+					type="button"
+					onclick={listenNow}
+					class="shrink-0 flex items-center gap-1.5 px-3 py-1.5 rounded-lg bg-(--color-brand) text-(--color-surface) text-sm font-semibold hover:bg-(--color-brand-dim) transition-colors"
+				>
+					<svg class="w-3.5 h-3.5" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M8 5v14l11-7z"/></svg>
+					Listen now
+				</button>
+			</div>
+		{/if}
+
 		<!-- Collapsible audio panel -->
 		<div class="mb-6">
 			<button
@@ -596,27 +651,27 @@
 			</button>
 			{#if audioExpanded}
 				<div class="border border-t-0 border-(--color-border) rounded-b-lg overflow-hidden">
-					{#if audioStore.slug === data.book.slug && audioStore.chapter === data.chapter.number && audioStore.active}
-						<!-- Mini-player is already playing this chapter — don't duplicate controls -->
-						<div class="px-4 py-3 flex items-center gap-2 text-sm text-(--color-muted)">
-							<svg class="w-4 h-4 text-(--color-brand) shrink-0" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
-								<path d="M12 3v10.55A4 4 0 1014 17V7h4V3h-6z"/>
-							</svg>
-							<span>Controls are in the player bar below.</span>
-						</div>
-					{:else}
-						<AudioPlayer
-							slug={data.book.slug}
-							chapter={data.chapter.number}
-							chapterTitle={cleanTitle}
-							bookTitle={data.book.title}
-							cover={data.book.cover}
-							nextChapter={data.next}
-							chapters={data.chapters}
-							voices={data.voices}
-							playerStyle={layout.playerStyle}
-							wordCount={wordCount}
-							onProRequired={() => { audioProRequired = true; }}
+			{#if audioStore.slug === data.book.slug && audioStore.chapter === data.chapter.number && audioStore.active && layout.playerStyle === 'standard'}
+					<!-- Mini-player is already playing this chapter — don't duplicate controls (standard/minimal mode) -->
+					<div class="px-4 py-3 flex items-center gap-2 text-sm text-(--color-muted)">
+						<svg class="w-4 h-4 text-(--color-brand) shrink-0" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
+							<path d="M12 3v10.55A4 4 0 1014 17V7h4V3h-6z"/>
+						</svg>
+						<span>Controls are in the player bar below.</span>
+					</div>
+				{:else}
+					<AudioPlayer
+						slug={data.book.slug}
+						chapter={data.chapter.number}
+						chapterTitle={cleanTitle}
+						bookTitle={data.book.title}
+						cover={data.book.cover}
+						nextChapter={data.next}
+						chapters={data.chapters}
+						voices={data.voices}
+						playerStyle={layout.playerStyle}
+						wordCount={wordCount}
+						onProRequired={() => { audioProRequired = true; }}
 						/>
 					{/if}
 				</div>
@@ -797,7 +852,7 @@
 {#if layout.readMode === 'scroll' && !layout.focusMode}
 {@const atTop = scrollProgress <= 0.01}
 {@const atBottom = scrollProgress >= 0.99}
-<div class="fixed right-4 {audioStore.active ? 'bottom-[5.5rem]' : 'bottom-8'} z-40 flex flex-col gap-2 transition-all">
+<div class="fixed right-4 {audioStore.active && !audioStore.suppressMiniBar ? 'bottom-[5.5rem]' : 'bottom-8'} z-40 flex flex-col gap-2 transition-all">
 	<!-- Up button / Prev chapter -->
 	{#if atTop && data.prev}
 		<a
@@ -856,7 +911,7 @@
 
 <!-- ── Focus mode floating nav ───────────────────────────────────────────── -->
 {#if layout.focusMode}
-<div class="fixed {audioStore.active ? 'bottom-[4.5rem]' : 'bottom-6'} left-1/2 -translate-x-1/2 z-50 max-w-[calc(100vw-2rem)]">
+<div class="fixed {audioStore.active && !audioStore.suppressMiniBar ? 'bottom-[4.5rem]' : 'bottom-6'} left-1/2 -translate-x-1/2 z-50 max-w-[calc(100vw-2rem)]">
 	<div class="flex items-center divide-x divide-(--color-border) rounded-full bg-(--color-surface-2)/95 backdrop-blur border border-(--color-border) shadow-lg text-xs text-(--color-muted) overflow-hidden">
 		<!-- Prev chapter -->
 		{#if data.prev}
@@ -1169,7 +1224,7 @@
 				<div class="flex items-center gap-3 px-3 py-2.5">
 					<span class="text-xs text-(--color-muted) w-14 shrink-0">Style</span>
 					<div class="flex gap-1.5 flex-1">
-						{#each ([['standard', 'Standard'], ['float', 'Float']] as const) as [s, lbl]}
+						{#each ([['standard', 'Standard'], ['minimal', 'Minimal'], ['float', 'Float']] as const) as [s, lbl]}
 							<button
 								type="button"
 								onclick={() => setLayout('playerStyle', s)}
@@ -1182,6 +1237,17 @@
 						{/each}
 					</div>
 				</div>
+				<div class="px-3 pb-2.5">
+					<p class="text-[11px] text-(--color-muted)/70 leading-snug">
+						{#if layout.playerStyle === 'standard'}
+							Full panel with voice picker and chapter browser.
+						{:else if layout.playerStyle === 'minimal'}
+							Compact bar: play/pause, seek, and time only.
+						{:else}
+							Draggable overlay — stays visible while you read.
+						{/if}
+					</p>
+				</div>
 
 				<!-- Speed -->
 				<div class="flex items-center gap-3 px-3 py-2.5">

ui/src/routes/listen/+page.server.ts

@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+import type { PageServerLoad } from './$types';
+import { getBooksWithAudioCount } from '$lib/server/pocketbase';
+
+export const load: PageServerLoad = async ({ url }) => {
+	const sort = url.searchParams.get('sort') ?? 'chapters';
+	const q = url.searchParams.get('q') ?? '';
+
+	const audioBooks = await getBooksWithAudioCount(200).catch(() => []);
+
+	return { audioBooks, sort, q };
+};

ui/src/routes/listen/+page.svelte

@@ -0,0 +1,203 @@
+<script lang="ts">
+	import { untrack } from 'svelte';
+	import { goto } from '$app/navigation';
+	import { audioStore } from '$lib/audio.svelte';
+	import type { PageData } from './$types';
+
+	let { data }: { data: PageData } = $props();
+
+	let q = $state(untrack(() => data.q));
+	let sort = $state(untrack(() => data.sort));
+
+	function parseGenres(genres: string[] | string | null | undefined): string[] {
+		if (!genres) return [];
+		if (Array.isArray(genres)) return genres;
+		try {
+			const parsed = JSON.parse(genres);
+			return Array.isArray(parsed) ? parsed : [];
+		} catch { return []; }
+	}
+
+	const filtered = $derived.by(() => {
+		let list = data.audioBooks;
+
+		// text filter
+		if (q.trim()) {
+			const needle = q.trim().toLowerCase();
+			list = list.filter(
+				({ book }) =>
+					book.title?.toLowerCase().includes(needle) ||
+					book.author?.toLowerCase().includes(needle)
+			);
+		}
+
+		// sort
+		if (sort === 'title') {
+			list = [...list].sort((a, b) => (a.book.title ?? '').localeCompare(b.book.title ?? ''));
+		} else if (sort === 'recent') {
+			list = [...list].sort((a, b) => {
+				const da = a.book.meta_updated ?? '';
+				const db = b.book.meta_updated ?? '';
+				return db.localeCompare(da);
+			});
+		}
+		// default: 'chapters' — already sorted by getBooksWithAudioCount
+
+		return list;
+	});
+
+	function playChapter(slug: string, chapter: number) {
+		audioStore.autoStartChapter = chapter;
+		goto(`/books/${slug}/chapters/${chapter}`);
+	}
+
+	function onSortChange(value: string) {
+		sort = value;
+		const params = new URLSearchParams();
+		if (value !== 'chapters') params.set('sort', value);
+		if (q.trim()) params.set('q', q.trim());
+		const qs = params.toString();
+		goto(`/listen${qs ? `?${qs}` : ''}`, { replaceState: true, noScroll: true });
+	}
+
+	function onSearch(e: Event) {
+		e.preventDefault();
+		const params = new URLSearchParams();
+		if (sort !== 'chapters') params.set('sort', sort);
+		if (q.trim()) params.set('q', q.trim());
+		const qs = params.toString();
+		goto(`/listen${qs ? `?${qs}` : ''}`, { replaceState: true, noScroll: true });
+	}
+</script>
+
+<svelte:head>
+	<title>Narrated Books — LibNovel</title>
+</svelte:head>
+
+<!-- Header -->
+<div class="mb-6">
+	<div class="flex items-center gap-2 mb-1">
+		<svg class="w-5 h-5 text-(--color-brand)" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
+			<path d="M12 3a9 9 0 00-9 9v5a3 3 0 003 3h1a1 1 0 001-1v-4a1 1 0 00-1-1H5v-2a7 7 0 0114 0v2h-2a1 1 0 00-1 1v4a1 1 0 001 1h1a3 3 0 003-3v-5a9 9 0 00-9-9z"/>
+		</svg>
+		<h1 class="text-xl font-bold text-(--color-text)">Narrated Books</h1>
+	</div>
+	<p class="text-sm text-(--color-muted)">Books with generated TTS audio ready to listen</p>
+</div>
+
+<!-- Controls -->
+<div class="flex flex-col sm:flex-row gap-3 mb-6">
+	<!-- Search -->
+	<form onsubmit={onSearch} class="flex-1 flex gap-2">
+		<input
+			type="search"
+			bind:value={q}
+			placeholder="Search by title or author…"
+			class="flex-1 min-w-0 px-3 py-2 rounded-lg bg-(--color-surface-2) border border-(--color-border) text-(--color-text) placeholder:text-(--color-muted) text-sm focus:outline-none focus:border-(--color-brand)/60 transition-colors"
+		/>
+		<button
+			type="submit"
+			class="px-4 py-2 rounded-lg bg-(--color-surface-2) border border-(--color-border) text-(--color-muted) hover:text-(--color-text) hover:border-(--color-brand)/40 text-sm transition-colors shrink-0"
+		>
+			Search
+		</button>
+	</form>
+
+	<!-- Sort -->
+	<div class="flex items-center gap-1 shrink-0">
+		{#each [['chapters', 'Most narrated'], ['title', 'A–Z'], ['recent', 'Recent']] as [val, label]}
+			<button
+				type="button"
+				onclick={() => onSortChange(val)}
+				class="px-3 py-2 rounded-lg text-xs font-medium transition-colors {sort === val
+					? 'bg-(--color-brand) text-(--color-surface)'
+					: 'bg-(--color-surface-2) border border-(--color-border) text-(--color-muted) hover:text-(--color-text) hover:border-(--color-brand)/40'}"
+			>
+				{label}
+			</button>
+		{/each}
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+<!-- Results count -->
+{#if filtered.length > 0}
+	<p class="text-xs text-(--color-muted) mb-4">{filtered.length} book{filtered.length !== 1 ? 's' : ''}</p>
+{/if}
+
+<!-- Grid -->
+{#if filtered.length === 0}
+	<div class="text-center py-20 text-(--color-muted)">
+		{#if q.trim()}
+			<p class="text-base font-semibold text-(--color-text) mb-2">No results for "{q}"</p>
+			<p class="text-sm">Try a different search term.</p>
+		{:else}
+			<p class="text-base font-semibold text-(--color-text) mb-2">No narrated books yet</p>
+			<p class="text-sm">Audio is generated as books are read. Check back soon.</p>
+		{/if}
+	</div>
+{:else}
+	<div class="grid grid-cols-2 sm:grid-cols-3 md:grid-cols-4 lg:grid-cols-5 gap-3">
+		{#each filtered as { book, audioChapters }}
+			{@const genres = parseGenres(book.genres)}
+			<div class="group flex flex-col rounded-lg overflow-hidden bg-(--color-surface-2) hover:bg-(--color-surface-3) border border-(--color-border) hover:border-(--color-brand)/40 transition-all">
+				<a href="/books/{book.slug}" class="block">
+					<div class="aspect-[2/3] overflow-hidden relative">
+						{#if book.cover}
+							<img src={book.cover} alt={book.title} class="w-full h-full object-cover group-hover:scale-105 transition-transform duration-300" loading="lazy" />
+						{:else}
+							<div class="w-full h-full bg-(--color-surface-3) flex items-center justify-center">
+								<svg class="w-10 h-10 text-(--color-muted)" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
+									<path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="1.5" d="M12 6.253v13m0-13C10.832 5.477 9.246 5 7.5 5S4.168 5.477 3 6.253v13C4.168 18.477 5.754 18 7.5 18s3.332.477 4.5 1.253m0-13C13.168 5.477 14.754 5 16.5 5c1.747 0 3.332.477 4.5 1.253v13C19.832 18.477 18.247 18 16.5 18c-1.746 0-3.332.477-4.5 1.253"/>
+								</svg>
+							</div>
+						{/if}
+						<!-- Headphones badge -->
+						<span class="absolute bottom-1.5 left-1.5 inline-flex items-center gap-1 text-xs bg-(--color-brand)/90 text-(--color-surface) font-bold px-1.5 py-0.5 rounded">
+							<svg class="w-3 h-3" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M12 3a9 9 0 00-9 9v5a3 3 0 003 3h1a1 1 0 001-1v-4a1 1 0 00-1-1H5v-2a7 7 0 0114 0v2h-2a1 1 0 00-1 1v4a1 1 0 001 1h1a3 3 0 003-3v-5a9 9 0 00-9-9z"/></svg>
+							{audioChapters} ch
+						</span>
+					</div>
+				</a>
+
+				<div class="p-2 flex flex-col gap-1 flex-1">
+					<a href="/books/{book.slug}" class="block">
+						<h3 class="text-xs font-semibold text-(--color-text) line-clamp-2 leading-snug">{book.title ?? ''}</h3>
+					</a>
+					{#if book.author}
+						<p class="text-xs text-(--color-muted) truncate">{book.author}</p>
+					{/if}
+					{#if genres.length > 0}
+						<div class="flex flex-wrap gap-1 mt-auto pt-1">
+							{#each genres.slice(0, 2) as genre}
+								<span class="text-xs px-1 py-0.5 rounded bg-(--color-surface) text-(--color-muted)">{genre}</span>
+							{/each}
+						</div>
+					{/if}
+				</div>
+
+				<!-- Actions -->
+				<div class="px-2 pb-2 flex gap-1.5">
+					<button
+						type="button"
+						onclick={() => playChapter(book.slug, 1)}
+						class="flex-1 flex items-center justify-center gap-1 py-1.5 rounded-md bg-(--color-brand)/15 hover:bg-(--color-brand)/30 text-(--color-brand) text-xs font-semibold transition-colors"
+						aria-label="Listen from chapter 1"
+					>
+						<svg class="w-3 h-3" fill="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M8 5v14l11-7z"/></svg>
+						Listen
+					</button>
+					<a
+						href="/books/{book.slug}"
+						class="flex items-center justify-center px-2 py-1.5 rounded-md bg-(--color-surface-3) hover:bg-(--color-surface) border border-(--color-border) hover:border-(--color-brand)/40 text-(--color-muted) hover:text-(--color-text) transition-colors"
+						title="Book info"
+						aria-label="Book info"
+					>
+						<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="M13 16h-1v-4h-1m1-4h.01M12 2a10 10 0 100 20A10 10 0 0012 2z"/>
+						</svg>
+					</a>
+				</div>
+			</div>
+		{/each}
+	</div>
+{/if}