View from Valhalla

Tag: podcast

  • Podcast Review #35: Dead Mech

    Title: Dead Mech
    Author: Jake Bible
    Genre: Science Fiction/Horror
    Released: 26 September 2009 – 27 June 2010
    Located: iTunes, Podiobooks, Author’s Site
    Formats Available: Podcast, Dead Tree version coming soon
    Rating: R for intense violence and gore, strong sexual content and pervasive profanity

    A while back you might remember I made a concerted effort to fill the void created in these reviews by the lack of horror. I believe I mentioned at the time that it is probably my least favorite of the speculative fiction categories, and it remains so. As I was looking for a good story or two to review I was amazed to find how popular zombie fiction had become. (I know, sometimes I’m a bit slow on the uptake.) I don’t remember who recommended Jake Bible’s Dead Mech to me, or even if it was one I stumbled upon on my own, but I just finished listening to the last ep and had been holding this review until that episode dropped. Thank goodness for author’s that release on schedule (even a Sunday release schedule… Sunday? Really?).

    So, on to the review.

    Synopsis: After the zombie apocalypse decimates the world, human civilization tries to put itself back together again. Their secret weapon: the Mechs. But what happens when a mech pilot dies in his mech and becomes a zombie? Hell on earth is unleashed… (Minor quibble.. authors, you put A LOT of work into your stories and then the podcasting of them. Consider providing a synopsis that, even if it is brief, give me a very good idea about what your story is about. I’m more likely to listen.) (Stolen from podiobooks.com)

    Production: Mr. Bible bills his story as the world’s first “drabble” novel. Don’t know what that is? Don’t feel bad, neither did I. In a nutshell, a drabble is a 100 word story. Exactly 100 words. So, Mr. Bible has written a novel that is broken into 100 word bites. Not chapters necessarily, but scenes, characters point of view, etc. What does this have to do with production? Simply that at the end of each drabble, the story pauses. No music, no sound effect, just nothing. for an obscene amount of time. Like at least a minute. Well, not really probably more like five seconds. Still, it seemed much longer.

    Mr. Bible did one other thing in his production that I really have to admit I would not recommend. Author “metadata” (all those things that author’s share with us that might or might not have anything to do with the story) is really fun and I usually subscribe to the iTunes or author’s site versions so as to be able to listen in on it. However, if you are going to place it at the beginning of the ep, I believe it should be kept relatively concise and keep on tract. Several of Mr. Bible’s intro’s approach the 10 minute mark. Yes, I know that I could have subscribed to the Podiobooks version and then I would not have this complaint. And of course, that is a very valid argument. And truthfully, now that this story is complete, I would suggest you do. (Well, it should be complete at Podiobooks before you get that far anyway.)

    Cast: Mr. Bible does a straight read on his Dead Mech but does provide a good amount of inflection. He really doesn’t do much in the way of voice characterization, but it really doesn’t need it and the story stands up quite well.

    Story: Dead Mech is a horror story. It really is. But it is a horror story in the vein of Aliens where it is very dependent on the science fiction element. Mr. Bible does a very good job on blending the two. Mr. Bible also provides a disclaimer at the beginning of each episode letting the listener know this story is really intended for adult audiences. Believe him. I have never heard this much profanity in a podcast before. (It came to me as I was mowing the yard while listening to an ep that I can imagine Mr. Bible counting the words of the latest paragraph and finding himself at 98, so why not throw two 2 more f-bombs in to [that is meant as a light hearted musing only folks] wrap it up nice and tidy. If that in itself is a stopping point for you, don’t bother. There are also detailed scenes of gore and sexual violence, violence and cannibalism. Seriously. And we’re not talking zombies munching of humans either. However, this is a story that I’ve never heard before in any variation. I love the idea of his Mechs and the specialized duty they are capable of.

    Verdict: I didn’t love Dead Mech, but I sure didn’t hate it either. I liked it. And it is telling that it is one of the podcasts that I wait for every week to listen to. For horror (and me) that is really saying a lot. I would recommend it if you are a horror fan and you don’t mind frequent and considerable profanities. It isn’t Shakespeare or Dostoyevsky, but what is? It is a good story, read moderately well that will keep you entertained. If this was a movie, I’d call it a summer popcorn flick, and there is definitely a need for that.

    Disclosure: I don’t follow Mr. Bible on Twitter but will probably be correcting that sooner or later. To my knowledge, he doesn’t follow me either and I don’t remember every exchanging Tweets with him.

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  • Podcast Review #32: Half Share

    Title: Half Share
    Author: Nathan Lowell
    Genre: Science Fiction
    Released: 29 April 2007 – 2o May 2007
    Located: Podibooks, iTunes, Author’s Site
    Formats Available: Podcast only (soon to be dead tree from Ridan Publishing)
    Rating: PG/R There is much in the way of sexual innuendo and some sensuality.

    As many of you are aware, Mr. Nathan Lowell recently had the first of the Golden Clipper series books, namely Quarter Share, released by Ridan Publishing in a variety of formats. (I hope you have made your purchase all ready.) I purchased it and slowly read through it over the last week. Well, okay, three days. BUT, I can guarantee you that I made myself ration it out because it was just as good in print as it was with Mr. Lowell reading it. And if you have ever purchased one of your favorite podcast turned dead tree, you know how large that satisfaction can be. (Of course, if you have had the alternate experience, you know why this satisfaction is so, well, satisfying.)

    After reading Quarter Share, I of course had to listen to the whole Golden Clipper series again. Come on, how many of you did the same? Be brave, fess up. Naturally, that led me to fall in love with Mr. Lowell’s universe all over again and I couldn’t refrain from providing this long over due review of Half Share.

    So, on to the review.

    Synopsis: After Ishmael Wang is promoted to the environmental section, he’s caught in a swirl of mystery, doubt, belief, lust and a really nice fitting pair of jeans. He has to come to grips with what it means to be a spacer while he’s still trying to figure out what it means to be a man. Join Ishmael, Brillo, Pip, and the rest of the crew of the Lois McKendrick as they help the newest member of the crew adjust to life in the Deep Dark.Half Share is the sequel to Quarter Share, also available at Podiobooks.com.Note: Some scenes in Half Share involve adult themes, nudity, sex and references to religions not based on Judeo-Christian traditions. Listen at your own risk. (stolen from Podiobooks site)

    Production: I must reiterate from my review of Quarter Share, Mr. Lowell is a master of less is more when it comes to production. No one, and I do mean no one, does a narrated, straight read story better. For this style, this is as good as it gets. Very simply, a brief piece of music provides an introduction to the story, Mr. Lowell provides the chapter title, which tells us where Ishmael is, and the story commences. So simple. Such Genius.

    Cast: Mr. Lowell has proven his narration skills time and time again. I introduced (yes, I take the credit whether deserved or not) one of my Twitter circle to Mr. Lowell in Ravenwood. Being a self proclaimed voice snob, she validated my proclamation of Mr. Lowell’s abilities (Yes, K, I do mean you).

    Story: As is par for Mr. Lowell’s Golden Clipper stories, there really is no conflict in Half Share. It is more a process of self discovery on the part of Ishmael. I’ve never been fond of this type of story, but it works for Mr. Lowell, and it works in such a way as to leave no doubt that he shouldn’t change a thing. I must also say that until reading my copy of Quarter Share, I can honestly say I never even noticed the stories were written in 1st person narrative. I hate 1st person narrative. Except when Mr. Lowell writes it (okay, a few other exceptions, but I can guarantee, they are very few). Again, I wouldn’t want him to change a thing.

    Verdict: Half Share is my least favorite of the Golden Clipper stories. Yes, you can flame and hate me now. In fact, please do. I love discussion. That being said, it is still one of the best ten podcasts I’ve ever listened to, and the Golden Clipper is in the top two series ever. I’d even put it up against Lord of the Rings in my list, and if you know me, that says a lot. But you see, if you listen to more than one story (or read for that matter) by an author you by nature most likely prefer one to the other. It doesn’t mean they’re not both good, just one isn’t your favorite. This was Half Share for me. I loved it, just not as much as the others. Why? Well, I’ve never been called a prude or a Puritan, oh wait…. I have. And that is your answer. However, even with that fact, all the adult situations in Half Share go to providing a good background for making Ish the man he is/will become, so I’m happy to have been allowed to see it. In closing, let me state now, I’ve all ready got my order in for the signed hardback (by which I mean I will sign up as soon as it becomes available.).

    Disclosure: I currently follow Mr. Lowell on Twitter. He will always answer questions and is very affable. I was not asked to write this review and received nothing in the way of compensation. He is one of my very top favorite authors and I am thrilled to be able to buy his books in dead tree form.

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  • Podcast Review #31: The Red Panda – Season One

    Title: The Red Panda – Season One
    Author: Gregg Taylor
    Genre: Super Hero Crime Fantasy
    Released: 15 October 2005 – 10 June 2006
    Located: iTunes, Author’s Site
    Formats Available: podcast only at this time
    Rating: G for mild old time radio type violence and a good ol’ “Yes boss!” adventure

    During the spring of 2007 I was desperate to be entertained and had subscribed to a number of Old Time Radio shows. I love the old shows. I’d listened to The Shadow, Gunsmoke, Fort Laramie, The Six Shooter (Jimmy Stewart radio is not to be missed), The Green Hornet and numerous others.

    Of course by this time I had also discovered podiofiction and had subscribed to many podiobooks. Still, I was craving a self contained story that also had a greater story arch. I missed that and after a bit of looking on iTunes I discovered Decoder Ring Theatre.

    Now, some of you might think I’m stretching my own rules a bit. You may be right, but I think it is very close to the line, and hey, it’s my blog. Decoder Ring is built around two hallmark series. The Red Panda and Blackjack Justice. Each are released in turn in two week intervals with The Red Panda in the spring, Blackjack Justice in the fall and something unique in the summer. For the purposes of this review, we will be looking at season one of The Red Panda.

    So, on to the review.

    Synopsis: In the desperate days of the Great Depression, one man brought justice to the dark alleys and gas-lit streets of Toronto. Secretly one of the city’s wealthiest men, he lives a dual life as a masked man of mystery. Only his trusty driver, Kit Baxter, who joins him in his quest in the guise of The Flying Squirrel, knows who wears the mask of The Red Panda! (stolen from Podiobooks website, though now I can’t seem to find the page)

    Production: Decoder Ring Theatre is very much a professional operation. Mr. Taylor, the writer of all of DRT’s standard stories, I believe is also the director and producer of the eps. However, this may be incorrect. Regardless, each episode is a fully produced extravaganza and and auditory masterpiece.

    Cast: The Red Panda is a full cast audiodrama modeled very obviously after old time radio dramas. The cast members are all top quality professional voice actors and deserve to be recognized for their contributions. Unfortunately, I really don’t have the time to do that here. Instead I am providing a link to the cast page available at the DST wikipedia article. Two actors that have to be mentioned though would be the aforementioned Gregg Taylor, who plays the title character of the Red Panda, and his wife, Clarissa Der Nederlanden Taylor in the role of the Flying Squirrel. Both due a superb job and it is one of those voice duo’s that when you find out they are married just makes you more happy for some reason. Their chemistry just clicks.

    Story: As previously mentioned, each episode is a self contained story. There are times when, for one reason or another, this is exactly what I need. Season one introduces several other recurring characters (including several villains) and really allows you to get to know the two lead characters pretty well.  In this first season, most of the baddies the intrepid duo faces is in the guise of gangster types and supervillains. This is a great show, but the characters have such a chemistry about them that you just can’t get enough.

    Verdict: Seriously gang, they just don’t get much better than this. If you have not subscribed yet, and you have ever enjoyed a good story well told, this really should be one you subscribe to. Now.

    Disclosure: I do follow the @Decoder_Ring on Twitter, but I have never tweeted with them or had any conversation in any other manner. I was not offered anything in recompense for this review.

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  • Podcast Review #29: Cybrosis

    Title: Cybrosis
    Author: P.C. Haring
    Genre: Science Fiction
    Released: 1 January 2010 – 14 May 2010
    Located: Author’s Site, iTunes
    Formats available: podcast only
    Rating: PG-13 for violence and a bit of language (always listen before sharing with your family, we might have different views)

    This has been a very busy spring. I’m having a hard time remembering what was going on January 1st. I believe I was ramping up to listen to Nathan Lowell’s highly anticipated Ravenwood when a heretofore unheard of podcast, Cybrosis, was brought to my attention. I might be able to lay the blame with Richard Green (a.k.a Mainframe) or perhaps Thomas Reed (a.k.a. trreed) but I might just as easily stumbled up on it on my own. Regardless, the author, P.C. Haring was a name I was familiar with from my Twitter circle (@pcharing). He seemed like a good enough bloke, and there are really few scifi productions in the podiofiction realm at the moment, so I decided to give it a shot.

    So, on to the review.

    Synopsis: Cybrosis is a cyberpunk action adventure novel filled with conspiracies, betrayals, and surprises. When a simple mission goes wrong, CNSCP Agent Ciris finds herself falling through a rabbit hole and into a conspiracy that threatens everything she knows about the cybernetic technology that keeps her alive. (Stolen and mashed up from iTunes and the author’s site.)

    Production: I don’t know what Mr. Haring does for a living (I think he’s mentioned accounting, believe it or not (tax seasons over… lay off the poor guy)), but this production really is top notch. He makes appropriate use of consistently good production techniques and has paid attention to his mentors.

    Several production notes. I have said previously that I was going to stop mentioning the story so far except when I had something to add to previous statements. This is one of those times.

    Mr. Haring did something I haven’t heard before. He had guest voices introduce the episode (which was nice), but then had a consistent voice presence for TSSF. While I haven’t changed positions on the use of the device, I really liked this way of going about it. This is an example of good production. Repetition lets the audience know what is coming and draws us in from the very beginning.

    Secondly, though Mr. Haring is far from the first podcaster to do this, I always appreciate the added touch of redoing the lead in on the final episode to signify the final episode. It just seems to me to be a mark of pride on the creators part that I can’t help noticing. Podcasters, I don’t know if I’m alone, but I DO notice these things.

    Cast: The cast from Cybrosis, which truly is a full audiodrama (not the silly 3 or more people stipulation either -poke poke) has a cast that most first time podcasters would kill for. However, I will say that I had never heard Heather Welliver in the lead role before, and she truly and honestly nailed it. Her star is on the rise folks, and you heard her in Cybrosis early on.

    Story: Cybrosis starts out with a high adrenaline chase scene and never backs down. I don’t know if I’ve ever heard a work of podiofiction that kept the pulse pounding rate going through as much of the story as Cybrosis did. If you mainline this one, the twenty episodes are going to fly by.

    Verdict: Cybrosis is a great science fiction podcast that should have great and long lasting appeal. It isn’t “high art” perhaps, but it is great fun and would make a great summer blockbuster movie. I always looked forward to the weekly drops (which happened very regularly and according to schedule) and will miss having this one in my feed.

    Unless you’re philosophically opposed to fun, cyborgs, splosions or strong female characters, stop hesitating and go subscribe. Now.

    Disclosure: I have never met P.C. Haring, although I do follow him on Twitter. I was not asked to provide this review. Mr. Haring DID  ask me a question about mix levels early on, but that was the only input I ever provided during the release, other than an occasional “hurray”.

    —

  • Podcast Review #28: Hoad’s Grim

    Title: Hoad’s Grim (sorry, no graphic available)
    Author: Jack Kincaid
    Genre: Creature Horror
    Released: August 2008 – March 2009
    Located: iTunes, Author’s Site
    Formats Available: podcast only at this time
    Rating: Really and truly ADULT… STRONG R for violence, language, adult situations (read “sex”) and strong horror elements

    Every so often, I ask for recommendations when I’m running a bit low on podcast material. I did this a while ago and Dan Rabarts (@rabarts on Twitter) recommended Hoad’s Grim. Being up for something different, I went looking for it. It wasn’t an easy find, but upon finding it, I FINALLY was able to download and eventually subscribe to this podcast (yes, in this case, two separate processes.) To be truthful, I was just feeling stubborn that day I think and decided I WAS going to listen to this story.

    So, on to the review.

    Synopsis: A synopsis is not provided for this podcast, or “audiobook drama” as the production repetitively refers to itself, so I will be forced to do something I’ve never done before, provide one of my own making (points subtracted).

    Chad the handyman is charged with removing a freezer from the property once inhabited by the Hoad family. He does so. The next day it has returned. So begins a recurring series of disturbing occurrences, including suicide, murder, abduction and man ghouls and monsters. (Now you know why I don’t do synopsis.)

    Production: I encourage you to look back two weeks at my review of Dan Sawyer’s Down from Ten at this point. I held that podcast up as the epitome of what production could be. I still do. Hoad’s Grim comes close at times though. If there is a difference, it would be in the fact that I believe that Hoad’s Grim was outsourced while Mr. Sawyer definitely was responsible for Down from Ten. Does this make the productions values less, or detract from the story in anyway? Of course not! This podcast really was created as an audiobook drama and contains NO metainformation. What you get is story, and only story.

    Cast: According to the author’s site, all the voicework for this podcast was provided by four voices. At least four are all that are credited. None of these names were ones I was familiar with. Mr. Kincaid was included as one of these voices as well. Let me state that whether you like the character’s voices or not, they are done EXCEEDINGLY well. I don’t know if this was a paid cast or not, but the result does indeed sound very professional. (I will also say, that no, I DON’T enjoy all the character’s voices. They all are a bit overdone, but they do tend to grow on you. Even the narrator, which sounds like a European Vincent Price on crack.)

    Story: This is definitely a unique story and one that reminded me greatly of a feature length story from The Night Gallery, Outer Limits or possibly The Twilight Zone if written by someone like Steven King.

    I am not a huge horror fan. I like a good story, but I’ve rather overdosed on horror lately. I’ve got one or two more in the pipe, but for the most part I will be looking at other genres soon. Hoad’s Grim takes some work to like, or rather, at least it did for me. I will say I had to listen to approximately 3/4 of the eps before I was hooked. This might have been a bit due to the ebullience of the actors, but truthfully, I think it is more the story itself. I’m just not a big fan of King and similar writers.

    After having said that, however, I will say that after I hit that 3/4 mark, I mainlined the rest of the eps and was really looking forward to seeing how the story ended. This podcast DID take me almost six months to complete, but I am now glad that I made the effort.

    Oh, and by the way, let’s briefly talk about effort. The only place you’re going to find all the eps in one place is on the author’s site. And then only in download form. If you go to the RSS link, or iTunes you won’t be able to find the first 11 episodes. This really is inexcusable. I completely understand anybody that would give up on a story, regardless of ANYTHING else, when the author doesn’t make an effort to make the content available. (If the error is somehow on my part, I humbly and profoundly apologize, but after HOUR’S of annoyance, I don’t think it is.) That being said, I am glad I made the effort.

    Verdict: Do you like Steven King? Gremlins and ghoulies? Blood and gore? Gross out images that really play with your mind? If so, Hoad’s Grim is for you and Mr. Kincaid’s has your number. If not? Run from this story like all the demon’s from hell are chasing you.

    Disclosure: I do not follow Mr. Kincaid on Twitter. I don’t know if he’s even ON Twitter. I had previously never heard of him and have never heard of any members of the cast of Hoad’s Grim. Since I began doing podcast reviews, I’ve never reviewed a podcast I knew less about.

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  • Podcast Review #27: Earthcore

    Title: Earthcore
    Author: Scott Sigler
    Genre: Science Fiction/Horror
    Released: 25 March 2005 – 26 November 2005
    Located: iTunes, Podiobooks
    Formats Available: podcast only at this time
    Rating: As is true for all Sigler stories, this is an adult only ride.

    One of the first author’s I found when I started listening to podio fiction was Scott Sigler. I’ve listened to all of his podcast fiction, some with a greater interest than others. The stuff of his I’ve liked, I’ve really really liked, the others, meh. (The plaid tanks will soon be rolling down my street, I know. Oh well, truth is truth.)

    Having previously reviewed Tee Morris’s Billibub Baddings and the Case of the Singing Sword, and Mark Jeffrey’s Max Quick The Pocket and the Pendant, I decided it was about time to include the third jewel in the triple crown of founding stories and let everyone know what I think about Scott Sigler’s Earthcore. I often forget that Earthcore was Sigler’s entry into podcasting, because I listened to Ancestor first. A fact which I have had to be corrected on more than once.

    So, on to the review.

    Synopsis: Deep below a desolate Utah mountain lies the largest platinum deposit ever discovered. A billion-dollar find, it waits for any company that can drill a world’s record, three-mile-deep mine shaft. EarthCore is the company with the technology, the resources and the guts to go after the mother lode. Young executive Connell Kirkland is the company’s driving force, pushing himself and those around him to uncover the massive treasure.

    But at three miles below the surface, where the rocks are so hot they burn bare skin, something has been waiting for centuries. Waiting … and guarding. Kirkland and EarthCore are about to find out firsthand why this treasure has never been unearthed.

    Production: if you have ever listened to a Sigler story, I’ll simply say this one, even though the first, really isn’t much different. He does a straight read while giving each character a unique voice and keeps everything very easy to listen to. I realized a while back that, for me, if you’re not going to do a full cast podcast audiodrama, Sigler is the man to emulate. (If you disagree, feel free to share your favorite.) I really believe Sigler captures the essence behind “less is more” with his production in Earthcore.

    Cast: The cast is huge for this story, just as it is for all Scott Sigler novels. I can hear you now, “WAIT.. what are you talking about, Scott always does a straight read!” Yup, you’re right, and Earthcore is a straight read too with only Mr. Sigler behind the mic. However, I figure when you’re the FDO™, you are in actuality a cast of millions. Unfortunately, in Mr. Sigler’s world, all women sound remarkably similar and very manly (Still, better than I could do). Another realization for me. When I listen to a single voice podcast, I prefer characters to have as different of a sound as the author can give them naturally as opposed to electronically manipulating those same voices. Even if they do sound like Sigler’s women. (Don’t know FDO™? Give any of Mr. Sigler’s stories a listen, and you will.)

    Story: Earthcore is by no means my favorite story. It isn’t even my favorite Sigler story. However, it is a decent story that kept me interested and and kept me guessing until the end. I will also say that if you’re an observant listener, you’ll definitely see some crossover among Mr. Sigler’s stories. Something I personally enjoy. Especially since you must be an observant listener.

    Verdict: I enjoyed Earthcore enough to recommend it. Mr. Sigler was still very much an emerging author when he released Earthcore. That being said, I prefer it over the Infected books. (Yes, I said it. Disagree? Why?)

    If I’m correct in my recollections, I believe Earthcore had initially been picked up to be published, but then through buy outs and consolidations missed it’s release. This is truly sad, because it is a much better story than most of books ive read in the genre. I know I’m not the first to make this comparrison, bu if you enjoy the works of Michael Crichton, I suggest you give Mr. Sigler’s Earthcore a try.

    Disclosure: I do not follow Mr. Sigler on Twitter (@scottsigler), although I’m sure many of you would chastise me for this. I did not receive anything as recompense for this review, nor was I asked to make it.

    —

  • Podcast Review #26: Down from Ten

    Title: Down from Ten
    Author: J. Daniel Sawyer
    Music by: Danny Schade
    Genre: um…..
    Released: 21 June 2009 – 18 April 2010
    Located: Author’s Site, iTunes

    Formats available: podcast only
    Rating: Strong R or above

    After having listened to J. Daniel Sawyer’s first podcast novel, Predestination and Other Games of Chance, I knew that I would automatically be giving the next thing he produced a chance. Down from Ten is that next thing. It was that simple.

    So, on to the review.

    Synopsis: In early January, a group of friends get together for an annual retreat; eight artists, scientists, and authors cloistered together in a mansion in the mountains above Redding, California for ten days of games, conversation, exhibition, and hedonism, while isolated from the outside world. It might all have been quite pleasant, if it weren’t for the biggest California snowstorm in over twenty years. When the storm hits, the house is buried in an avalanche, leaving our heroes with no way to hike out. Instead, they must find a way to survive and stay sane while waiting for rescue – which becomes difficult when they all start having the same dream.

    A comedy in the tradition of The Shining and A Clockwork Orange, a romance in the tradition of Clue and Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency, and a mystery in the tradition of Paint Your Wagon and Time Enough For Love, Down From Ten will thrill you a little, chill you a little, and tickle your fancy in ways you wouldn’t want your children to see.

    Down From Ten boasts an original score, a full voice cast, and professional soundscaping.
    Intended for adult audiences.

    (Stolen from the author’s site.)

    Several notes on the synopsis. Yes, I know I don’t usually comment on the synopsis, but I feel I need to in this case. First, the intended for adult audiences really isn’t a suggestion. It is notification. There isn’t a single episode that is suitable for the entire family. If you decide to listen, you should know this going in. Second, I have a feeling that there will never be a work of fiction Mr. Sawyer writes that will be easily classifiable, easily listened to, or easy to create a synopsis for. While Down from Ten is everything the synopsis states, it is also nothing at all like the synopsis. It is much more.

    Production: Let me simply state here. I’ve never been much of a worrier about production. I am all about the story, and even more about the characters. If you’ve read any of my reviews, you probably all ready know this. Many times I’ve written something along the lines of, “The production isn’t great, but the story is, so the production never bothered me.” Not exact, but along those lines. I’ve also heard a few podcasts that I have complimented for their production. There are a few podcast author’s that spend great amounts of time and effort on the production, and that always shows through. I of course notice, and appreciate. I’ve always stated though that I would listen to a great story even if the production was pretty bad. However, I’ve stated the reverse too. No matter how great the production, I would never listen to a podcast that had a weak or bad story. Then came Mr. Sawyer and Down from Ten. This production is nothing short of absolutely amazing. If you listened to this without really listening to the production, please go back and listen to at least one ep again. Please. Each location within the story has it’s own sound. If you’re listening with headphones, you’ll notice where each character is speaking from in the room in regards to you, the listener. Mr. Sawyer is a professional in this line of work (seriously, check his bio) and it has never been more apparent than with Down from Ten.

    Cast: The cast for Down from Ten reads like a freaking Who’s Who of podcast fiction. Tee Morris. Pip Ballantine. Nathan Lowell. Nobilis Reed. Christiana Ellis. Kitty Nic’Iaian, Miss Kalendar, Chris Lester, Gail Carriger and Spinderfly. Also guest viola playing by P.C. Haring. They each do an admirable job and together are amazing. Each and every one nailed their roles. Really, what more can I say? If you are familiar with most of their work, that should speak volumes.

    Story: From the very first ep, I could tell Down from Ten would not be a podcast that I could just listen to casually. Some podcasts I can listen to while I do pretty much anything. Not Mr. Sawyer’s. If you have anything that is going to demand your attention more intently that reminding yourself to breathe, I’d say save Down from Ten for another time.

    Down from Ten will not be for everyone. I don’t think Mr. Sawyer is necessarily trying to offend anyone, but I do believe he wants to make his audience think. If this requires a “shot across the bow” of conventionally held morals or beliefs, he’ll definitely attack with all cannons firing.

    Verdict: I will say that all the characters were expertly written and acted. That is what happens when you have a great writer working with some of the best voices in the business today. I will also say that I didn’t really like any of them much. HOWEVER, they ALL interested me, even if it was because I wanted to see them beat to a pulp. Down from Ten is amazing in it’s scope and it’s detail. It has THE most surprising ending I’ve EVER heard in a podcast and I defy anyone to see it coming.

    If you want something that is highly unique, lovingly and lavishly produced, challenging to conventional thought and with an ending that will make you want to relisten to see if there were clues you missed, don’t wait any longer.

    However, if you’ve become upset or irritated when you’ve read something that contradicts your belief system, I suggest you might want to give this one a pass.

    Disclosure: I have never met J.D. Sawyer, but have followed him on Twitter since beginning the Predestination podcast. He is not what I would call verbose in that setting, but will talk to you if you have something to say that interests him. I have not received anything from him in return for this review. (I wrote this disclosure for Predestination, and upon rereading it, I’ve decided I can’t do much better. In between the two stories I have conversed with Mr. Sawyer substantially more. He is a very interesting individual and one that I do admire.)

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  • Are you eligible: Parsec Award eligibility list

    For those of us, social media pros and fans alike, that want to make an informed decision when nominating our favorite stories for a parsec, I decided to try to put together a list of possible nominees. If you are a podcast author, or just a fan of a particular author that isn’t listed, I would love to add you to the list. This is a work in progress. Please send the necessary information to submissions at viewfromvalhalla.com and I’ll update the list as soon as possible.

    The submissions policy for the Parsecs can be found here. I am not recommending that you nominate anyone, I am just wanting to try to help everyone know who is eligible.

    Following are a list of the categories with eligible podcast in each category. If you’re curious on what makes a podcast eligible in that division, you can find that information here.

    Best Speculative Fiction Story (Short Form)

    Release Me by Tee Morris
    Breakers by Paul Elard Cooley
    Mountain Home by John Mierau
    Destruction by Katharina Maimer
    Disappearance by Mick Bordet

    Best Speculative Fiction Story (Novella Form)

    Tumbler by Brand Gamblin
    Some Other Scotland by Mick Bordet
    Tattoo by Paul Elard Cooley
    Last Man Home by John Mierau

    Best Speculative Fiction Story (Long Form)

    GalaxyBillies by Mike Plested
    The Gearheart by Alex White

    Best Speculative Fiction Audio Drama (Short Form)

    Dagger of the Mind by Tee Morris

    Best Speculative Fiction Audio Drama (Long Form)

    Down from Ten by J. Daniel Sawyer

    The Dreamer’s Thread by Starla Huchton
    Weather Child by Philippa J. Ballantine

    Best Speculative Fiction Video Story

    Best Speculative Fiction Magazine or Anthology Podcast

    Erotica a la Carte by Philippa J. Ballantine
    Every Photo Tells by Katharina Maimer and Mick Bordet

    Best New Speculative Fiction Podcaster/Team

    Tumbler by Brand Gamblin
    Every Photo Tells by Mick Bordet and Katharina Maimer
    The Gearheart by Alex White

    Best Speculative Fiction Fan or News Podcast (Specific)

    Best Speculative Fiction Fan or News Podcast (General) (Audio or Video)

    Get Published hosted by Mike Plested

    Best Podcast about Speculative Fiction Content Creation (Audio or Video)

    Best Fact Behind the Fiction Podcast (Audio or Video)

    Best Speculative Fiction Comedy/Parody Podcast (Audio or Video)

    GalaxyBillies by Mike Plested

    Best Speculative Fiction Music Podcast (Audio or Video)

    Wander Radio

    I would also like to remind everyone of the following statement taken directly from the Parsec Awards website: Each podcast only needs to submitted once. The Parsec Awards are not a popularity contest and duplicate submissions will be combined with any existing submission for a podcast. If you wish to second a nomination for a podcast please do so by adding a comment to the submission page.

    One final disclaimer: I am posting what I am told is eligible and make no claims of eligibility myself. Please be sure you check for yourself where your favorite podcast belongs.

    Good luck to all podcasters. I wish you could all win.

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  • Podcast Review #25: The Zombie Chronicles: Escape

    Title: The Zombie Chronicles, Volume 1: Escape
    Author: James Melzer
    Genre: Horror
    Released: 01 September 2008 – 06 May, 2009
    Located: iTunes, Podiobooks, Author’s Site
    Formats Available: Podcast, soon to be Dead Tree.
    Rating: Zombie violence is actually rather less than anticipated in this story and sexual situations are nonexistent. Adult language is present, though not in an extreme abundance. However, this IS a zombie horror novel, for that reason, I will give it a PG13/R rating. Depending on your parenting style, it may/may not be minivan appropriate. I would not listen to it with my 11 year old. (Rating disclaimer: I listen to podcasts during my commute. Situations, language, et cetera that make an impact on me will be noted. However, I’m not taking notes as I drive and something might escape me notice.)

    I’ve mentioned before, although my choice of reading material trends towards fantasy, I will read almost anything. This is true of my listening choices as well. I realized recently that though I listen to much general fiction, even more science fiction and fantasy, horror is definitely underrepresented. I currently am trying to rectify this with three horror titles on my iPhone. Two happen to be zombie titles. I truthfully had not heard of Mr. Melzer until recently, but when I did, I was intrigued and happy to give him a listen.

    So, on to the review.

    Synopsis: When an asteroid passes by our planet and leaves a trail of death in its wake, a quarter of the population have become the living dead.

    Twenty-five years later the zombies are under the control of the government. Citizens are chosen to participate in Project Mirror, a cloning project in which their “mirrors” are used as food for the undead. When one man discovers that something in his blood is being used to create an army of super-zombies, he decides to help his mirror escape. In doing so he uncovers a secret so guarded that the powers that be will stop at nothing to eliminate him and all those that he loves.

    The Zombie Chronicles: Escape is the first book is a series of edge-of-your-seat thrillers that will take you on an adventure beyond your wildest imagination and leave you wanting more with each episode.

    Production: The production of Escape is pretty straight forward. It is not perfect, but it is far from poor. I read a piece of advise on Twitter recently from one author saying basically NEVER change a production element once a podcast has begun. This might be good advice, but I really don’t care if an author makes a change to try to improve something. Mr. Melzer, somewhere early on, changed his theme music. While normally this would probably pass without mention, I really think the newer theme was a much better choice. Although the original was fine, it was a bit “bright” for a zombie story in my attention. I’m also very pleased that Mr. Melzer chose NOT to use a The Story So Far device in his podcast.

    Cast: This story is pretty much a straight read by Mr. Melzer and he does a fine job. Some of the characters are a bit similar sounding, and I think the story could have benefited by a bit slower pace, but these are minimal concerns. His accents aren’t that good (except for Yoda, which he nailed), but they would be better than mine if I were trying to do the same.

    Story: I have a bias against first person narrative. I’ve never really worried about it, I just avoid many stories because of it. Maybe I’m doing myself a disservice, but in my experience it takes a really good author with strong characters to keep my interested in a first person narrative. Escape is written in first person. In fact, we don’t even learn the name of the protagonist until near the end of the story. The story is unique in a number of ways that I can’t explain because it would contain spoilers. However, I can state that the story was strong enough that I listened all the way through.

    Verdict: Mr. Melzer has crafted a fine story in Escape. It might not be to everyone’s liking, but what is? I can honestly say it is unlike any zombie story I’ve ever seen or watched. It is lacking in the over the top violence usually inherent in this genre and much more effort has been made trying to create a situation where zombies make sense. Did Mr. Melzer succeed? For me, yes. I did enjoy Escape and would recommend it to anyone that enjoys non gruesome zombie horror. Escape is an excellent start to what I’m sure will be a very popular series. Remember, however, it IS only a start.

    Disclosure: I’ve had one brief chat with Mr. Melzer on Twitter regarding the validity of how people are approaching the free model of distribution. (Seriously brief) At this time I do not follow him, but will more than likely rectify that soon. I have no idea whether he follows me or not. I was not offered any incentive to write this review.

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  • Podcast Review #24: Morevi: The Chronicles of Rafe and Askana (Remastered)

    Title: Morevi: The Chronicles of Rafe and Askana (Remastered)
    Author: Tee Morris (with Lisa Lee)
    Genre: Fantasy
    Released: 29 November 2007 – 25 December 2008
    Located: iTunes, Podiobooks, Author’s Site
    Formats Available: Podcast, Dead Tree.

    So, back in 2008 (again) after having completed Billibub Baddings and the Case of the Singing Sword, I of course had to find out if Tee Morris had written anything else. Little did I know at the time that Mr. Morris was one of the original three podcasting authors. I went to iTunes and typed in his name and was happy to find Morevi Remastered. Thankfully, it had been going for a while all ready so there were some episodes “in the bank”. I eagerly subscribed and began the Morevi experience.

    So, on to the review.

    Synopsis: Morevi, a landlocked kingdom shrouded by jungles and mystery, falls under the rule of Askana Moldarin. In the dawn of this New Age, hidden traitors in her own regime threaten to destroy everything. The First Queen, independent of council, seeks help to reveal the conspiracy against her…

    Enter Rafe Rafton, captain of the Defiant. (Stolen, once again, from Podiobooks.com)

    Production: Morevi Remastered was unusual in its production. The production was indeed the catalyst for the remastering this podcast. I could definitely hear a difference between the portions of the podcast that came from the original, and the parts that had been added. As anyone that has consistently read these reviews should know, the production quality probably counts the least in importance for me. However, if you must have audio that doesn’t variate at all in order to enjoy a story, Morevi may not be your best bet. One other production element worth mentioning was the volume. Mr. Morris makes reference of this in one of the meta portions of one of the episodes and it is something that I definitely noticed. Morevi is not recorded with the intention that you will be able to shake the walls with the sea battles (well worth hearing) and other assorted production elements. There are times I could have wished it were louder. Still, the production on Morevi is far above merely satisfactory.

    Cast: The cast of Morevi is almost a who’s who of podcasting. Through listening to Morevi I went on to search for Philippa Ballantine and Christiana Ellis to name just two. The vocal work is simply amazing and every single member of the cast sells their part in an emphatic manner.

    Story: Pirates. Ninjas. Need I say more? Actually, that is about all I needed to know to subscribe. Want more? Morevi is an epic fantasy and I do mean epic in every sense of the word. The flavor of Morevi borrows heavily from the cultures of Western Europe and Asia, both of which I enjoyed very much. The scope of the story carries the crew through the panoramic views of two worlds, mixing fantasy with historical fiction.

    Verdict: Quite simply I have never enjoyed a fantasy novel more than I enjoyed Morevi. It truly is the rule that is use in this genre. I do not try to hide the fact that I am a rabid fanboy of the story and I highly recommend the sequel, Legacy of Morevi, available only in print. While this verdict might seem a little over the top compared to most of the reviews I write, I give credit to Morevi for cementing my love of podiofiction as an art form that I wanted to delve into. I cannot recommend it highly enough if you enjoy fantasy epics.

    Rating: Following a request in the comments of last weeks review, I plan on trying to provide a guide for perspective listeners. Morevi does include a fair amount of violence and a bit of sexual content. While most episodes would be safe for work, depending on your violence threshold where kids are concerned, it might not be minivan safe. I would rate Morevi most appropriate for young adults and beyond.

    Disclaimer: As stated previously, I do count Mr. Morris as a friend and am looking forward to the day when I will meet him in person. However, he didn’t know about this review before it was released, he didn’t ask me to provide one, and offered me nothing in way of compensation.

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