Some interesting sites
https://z-library.bz/
https://annas-archive.gl/
https://libgen.im/
24-MAR-2026 I did a new install and had to do the following:
Hexchat
The servers:
Network List is usually the first to open, but if you need to get to it . . .
ctl+s launches Network List
IRCHighway may not show in the list
Left-click Add
In the box for New Network Lift-click twice to ensure you are in edit mode and change the name to IRCHighway.
Now left-click Edit and change the server location to
irc.irchighway.net/6697
Again, make sure your edit sticks.
Check these boxes
Connect to selected server only
Use SSL for all the servers on this network
Accept invalid SSL certificates
Use global user information
Now IRCHighway should be in the list and work to connect.
Undernet is probably in the list but adjustments are needed.
click Edit
The only box that should be checked is Use global user information
02-17-2024 see bottom for steps
You can always try this customized Google search.Ebook Search
Torrents of course
qBittorrent is my favorite portable Torrent client. It sits in my Symenu. I now install qBit for ease of update.
IRC
2019-12-02 Window 10 v1903 fresh install Hexchat worked fine as portable. May vary from PC to PC.
IRC is crazy fast but a little quirky to use.
Hexchat (Even though it seems to install you can pick a portable directory and choose the portable option when offered.) You can also install it if you wish.
(If using as portable, be careful moving the Hexchat folder after you run it. It is best to move the Hexchat folder to where you want to keep it before running Hexchat for the first time. The download folder may need to be re-established. If you get failed downloads, check the location of your download folder.)
Set File Transfers like this . . .
(If trouble connecting, set no SSL option)
Use all fake names of course.
Irchighway no longer allows PIA VPN connections.
Connect to irchighway
/join #ebooks
"@search" book or author (No quotes)
Example: @search silva or @search new girl
Undernet accepts PIA VPN connections (So this is obvious choice)
Connect to undernet
/join #bookz
@search book or author
If a list is offered after you search, click on it. A download will then be offered so accept it.
... Better yet go to settings > transfers and set automatic download without input from you.
... I also have it move the completed file to another folder.
Open the pdf file list and copy/paste the string of what you want.
The strings will look similar to this:
!dragnbreaker White, Randy Wayne - Doc Ford 01 - Sanibel Flats
!LawdyServer 03. THE NEW GIRL by Daniel Silva.epub
Omit the obvious stuff at the end of the string. Usually omit the text after the files suffix. Paste the string into chat and a new offering will be made. Follow the same procedure.
The answers all come from bots and will quickly follow your search but not instantaneously so wait a few seconds. The answer will be an obvious block of different color and should pop up automatically.. Don't worry about "bothering" anyone. Bots do not have feelings so search away. When you are choosing a download string be aware of the different formats ie mobi, epub, etc.
If you need to convert an epub to mobi after download, Calibre is a good option.
On iPad, find a Mobi reader to access a mobi file.
Here is Reddit post on the subject.
Audio books
List of sites
https://libredd.it/r/IllegalLifeProTips/comments/oqsslw/ilpt_heres_the_definitive_list_of_sites_for/
An inseresting site
http://www.mobilism.me/
Amazon Kindle
Go to your account > content & devices > your device and grab the email address. You can email files to your device. Mobi files were the preferred format. Now it appears to be epub.
Steps:
Hexchat seems no longer "portable" so install it.
winget install -e --id HexChat.HexChat
Choose a nickname
Find two networks IRCHighWay & UnderNet
mark them as "favor"
edit both and uncheck Use SSL and check Auto-Connect
In IRCHighWay join ebooks /join #ebooks (right click > settings > autojoin)
In UnderNet join bookz /join #bookz (right click > settings > autojoin)
Search like this @search book or author
Decide where you want list and books downloaded