So previously there was a way to transfer files from the the Ipad onto the mac - now this is impossible, as the file manager in finder does not allow to transfer files from ipad to mac manually (I dont like the syncing mechanism, sorry). Any tips?

Hello,

Finder’s device manage still supports the old File Sharing protocol. Please expand Finder’s window to view the File Sharing button.

Mount your iOS device on your Mac.

Open finder in side bar your iOS device will be seen as a connected storage device

Drag files between devices . Quite simple imho

What more do need

The management is done on the Mac . You then open the files app on iOS device find the document and open in the appropriate app.

Yes the can . Again navigate to the iso device click on it.

Choose folder find file (On the Mac in Finder and copy it back) Just the same as any mounted device in Windows OR OS X or even Linux.

Only extra step and again its the same for Android you MUST mark the iOS as a trusted device otherwise you will NOT have access to the file system.

Oh and seriously what audiobook system are you using that you cant simply pull the files onto the iOS devices. What have you against synchronising .These types of services are SPECIFICALLY designed this way, not the least to reduce storage space on modern and expensive (per MB) SSDs.