View from Valhalla

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  • Podcast Review #125: The Mask of Inanna

    originally published March 26, 2012

    Title: The Mask of Inanna
    Author: Alicia E. Goranson
    Genre: Darkish Fantasy
    Released: 21 February 2012
    Located: iTunes, Podiobooks
    Formats Available: Podcast only

    Rating: PG for violence

    As I’ve noted here before, my introduction to all things podcast was through my finding Old Time Radio shows in podcast form. I love Old Time Radio. I love podcasts. So when I stumbled upon The Mask of Inanna at Podiobooks.com and read that here was a work of podiofiction about an OTR show and cast, I immediately downloaded and began to listen.

    So, on to the review.

    Synopsis: The world isn’t kind to dreamers.

    Like any boy of the radio era, Leonard Allen dreamed of hitting big in New York and Hollywood; to write or host that one big show that would make everyone notice. Even after he had his chance at both, that dream still burns inside him. He’s always been able to spark the divine somewhere in his work. And he’s been noticed.

    He doesn’t know the lengths people will go to take advantage of such gifts. So when the mysterious David Lewis asked him finish his classic radio drama “After Dark” after a half-century from a pirate radio station in a New England lighthouse, Len didn’t realize it wasn’t as simple as that. The truth is that Lewis served a more powerful entity than even public opinion: the goddess Inanna, Sumerian patron of love and war both.

    Sometimes, a god wants a sacrifice. Sometimes, a god wants praise and devotion. But the most fickle, and the most dangerous, are those who demand a show.

    Journey into the creative mind of award-winning author Alicia Goranson, as she explores the nature of power and those who covet it in a genre-busting work that blends classic fifties radio drama, tense, paranoia-fueled thrillers, and the intimate knowledge born of a career working behind-the-scenes in the performing arts. Marvel at a stunning collection of award-winning stage actors, the Post-Meridian Players, as they provide the voice and heart to a cast of over thirty. Follow Allen and Lewis as their ideological conflict threatens to consume their friends and family, a battle neither can yield.

    Is magic simply a tool, or a living thing to be respected? Does man have a right to make demands of the gods? What lengths would you go to for the power to protect what you love? Whatever you believe, don’t get caught out After Dark, in THE MASK OF INANNA.

    Production: Wow. I don’t know if I’ve ever listened to a work of podcast fiction with a cast this large. If I have, it was by Dan Sawyer. This is radio theatre at its finest. This is audio drama. There is no narrator. There is no need. This is Decoder Ring Theater without the humour. (Not a typo.. I WANT the u there.) The Mask of Inanna is produced by Alicia Goranson. It is a feast for the ears. Simply, the production is as good as it comes.

    Grade: A+

    Cast: This is a very large cast that goes by the name of The Post-Meridian Radio Players. I’m guessing they’re all professional or semi-professional actors/actresses. I’ve never heard of them before, but their mic presence was amazing. Each actor voiced his character with aplomb and created a tableau awash with colorful voices to delight the ears.

    Grade: A+

    Story: The Mask of Inanna is good. It’s very good. That doesn’t mean I don’t have a quibble or two with it though. First of all, due to the nature of the story, it is told in a rotating pattern of flashbacks and present day. I’ve always hated this device with a passion. I’d MUCH rather have the back story told at the beginning and then give me a “jump” to the current story line. However, I do understand why it was necessary with Mask and I can’t say that it was too much of a detriment to the story. Also, when certain effects are used on some of the supernatural characters, I felt the audio might have been a bit shrill. Small complaints in a work this big.

    Grade: A-

    Verdict: I do recommend that you give The Mask of Inanna a listen. It is quite a different type of podcast than most of what you will hear on Podiobooks.com. I’m guessing the majority of my readers/listeners will greatly enjoy it. Let me know!

    Disclosure: To be honest, I’d never even heard of anyone connected with The Mask of Inanna before giving this story a listen. However, I will be looking for these names in the future. Nothing was offered or accepted in return for this review.

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  • Podcast Review #119: Heku

    originally published February 13, 2012

    Title: Heku
    Author: T.M. Nielsen
    Genre: vampire love story
    Released: 28 July 2011
    Located: Podiobooks, iTunes
    Formats Available: podcast and free ebook available through all the regular channels
    Rating: R for violence and adult content

    Occasionally, I get a query from someone on my Twitter stream from a friend asking if I’ve listened to a particular story they’re trying to decide whether to listen or not. This is exactly the case with Heku. I was asked about it by Micahel Simpkins. I thought I do him a favor and give it a listen.

    So, on to the review.

    Synopsis: Chevalier has never been told no. For thousands of years he’s sat on the Equites Council, ruling body of his heku faction, and for thousands of years his every order has been followed immediately and without question, until now.

    One of the most important rules of the heku, is that no one is to feed from unwilling donors. Following a tip that a young mortal woman is being brutally attacked by his own kind, he seeks her out and immediately begins to experience unnatural feelings for the woman.

    Emily, a beautiful rancher from Montana, has spent her entire life being violently attacked by beings she assumed were vampires. It isn’t until she meets Chevalier that she learns of her startling family history, a history that immediately throws her into the volatile world of the heku.

    In a bid to protect her, Chevalier moves Emily into his isolated coven, which marks her as a prime target for the Valle and the Encala, enemy factions of the heku. Emily fights to fit into the militaristic world of the heku as her head-strong personality and independent ways turn their perfectly balanced world on end. She immediately befriends Kyle, a heku from Chevalier’s coven, and together they find Emily a niche among the immortal.

    Emily’s violent past interferes with Chevalier’s plans, and he must first undo what her abusive ex-husband did before he can convince her how much he cares about her, and how much she’s worth to his faction. Chevalier’s growing feelings for Emily are unnatural to his kind, and must be hidden from the rest of the Equites Faction if he’s to remain a formidable part of their Council.

    His jealous tendencies rage as Emily gets closer to Kyle, and both heku struggle to make her realize how important she is to the faction and how endangered she now is. (Stolen from Podiobooks.com)

    Production: The production of Heku is nothing special, but it isn’t terrible either. It is simply the story, without any layering or added effects. On the positive side, there are no environmental noises or repeated lines. Nothing to get in the way of, or add to the story. Each episode opens and closes with a sampling of a song that the author credits in each ep.

    Grade: B/B-

    Cast: Heku is a self read by the author. The author does an adequate job of voicing her characters. I have no idea of the age of the Ms. Nielsen, though she sounds relatively young. This is to her advantage as her heroine is in her early 20’s and all the rest of the characters are ageless.

    Grade: B

    Story: Emily is a young woman who has many wonderful qualities. She is breathtakingly beautiful with red hair and green eyes. She is slender and athletic and an accomplished equestrian and animal lover. She is also vampire bait. Her blood draws vampires. The sweetness of it is intoxicating. She believes this is normal and everyone experiences much the same. She believes her abusive husband can turn them to ash, when in reality she does this herself. Yes. She is indeed special.

    Grade: F or a charitable D-

    Verdict: If you’re a fan of Twilight (yes, Mae.. you ,^) ) you might as well download this now. Ms. Nielsen either met that perfect storm of ideas with Ms. Meyer in isolation, or she was greatly inspired by her. Seriously, Twilight fans, download this one now. If you don’t like Heku it will probably be because you feel Ms. Nielsen ripped off your favorite series. However, Twilight fans, you might as well quit reading this review now.

    For everyone else, this is the most miserable story I’ve ever heard in podiobook form. The characters are derivative. They are ridiculously and unashamedly hedonistic to the extent that they manipulate and abuse the ones they reportedly love.

    There are no werewolves here, but that didn’t stop Ms. Nielsen from throwing in an (entirely unneeded) third person into the romantic tension she tried to create. I say tried, because it didn’t work for me. I truly hated all the characters and found myself yelling at the audio in my ears “DIE YOU IDIOTS DIE”. Yes, to the heroes. Blessedly, the story is relatively short at only 16 episodes. That is 8 hours of my life (at least) that I would have rather spent at the dentist.

    Emily is content to be manipulated and believes her abuse to be her fault. Wait. Maybe that isn’t her fault. Maybe her idiot of a husband Keith beat that belief into her. Well then, it would be the duty of the new love interest and boss Heku to help her discover her own worth. Well, he doesn’t. He commits further acts of abuse on her person in several situations where she displeases him. She is weak. She has no value except what he gives her. If Bella made you angry, Emily is going to piss you off.

    And yes, I do realize the Heku aren’t truly vampires. They’re just immortals that were once human (well, most anyway), live on human blood, dislike sunlight, and possess super human speed (though they can’t outrun a horse). Obviously, not truly vampires at all. What was I thinking?

    Heku is the first of eight (yes, really) books in the Heku series. All of them can be found on Amazon.com. I see the second is also released as a podiobook.

    Mike, as penance you should listen to both of them. With your daughter. I expect an in depth character analysis of each.

    The rest of you non-Twilight fans, remember to stay away from this one.

    If you loved Heku tell me why. Warning though, I will debate this one on anything other than personal preference. And of course, that is primarily why I hated it.

    Disclosure: I’ve never had any contact with Ms. Nielsen. Nothing was received in return for this review.

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  • Podcast Review #86: Frank – Boiling Point Volume 1

    originally published June 20, 2011

    Title: Frank – Boiling Point, Part 1
    Author: Neil Colquhoun
    Genre: Horror/Fantasy
    Released: 29 October 2010 – 3 December 2010
    Located: Author’s Site
    Formats Available: podcast only

    Rating: R for violence and language

    I love it when authors contact me and ask if I’ll listen to their stories. Truly. I love it. I never promise to review, but I do try to listen. Neil Colquhoun contacted me after hearing Mr. Sigler drop my promo in ep 16 of the Starter (a fact for which I am very grateful) and queried whether I’d be interested in listening to his podcast. I subscribed and gave it a listen. After listening, I knew I’d end up reviewing.

    So, on to the review.

    Synopsis: Frank, a mysterious bounty hunter gets more than he bargained for in his latest assignment. Becoming mixed up in the beginnings of a gang war, he has to contend with a team of hit-men, who are not like your usual guns-for-hire!
    It’s a story about a bounty hunter, a dead-but-alive hitman partnered with an alive-but-should-be-dead criminal, an escort girl, a man who has a taste for something bad… and the Devil! (stolen from the Author’s site)

    Production: Mr. Calquhoun does a quite decent job at the production of  his story. It is a straight forward production without much in the way of bell and whistles. This fits the story quite well and I can appreciate a good bit of minimalism.

    Grade: B+

    Cast: Frank – Boiling Point Volume 1 is a self read by the author. It doesn’t have a huge cast and there is quite a bit of narration. Mr. Calquhoun does a fair job at this and those listening to the story will have no problem with the vocals of Frank as long as they don’t have a bias against a Scottish brogue.

    Grade: B+

    Story: Frank is the story of a bounty hunter of demons. Thee are several plot points that I’m not clear on, but I’m assuming they’ll be filled in as the story progresses. The characters are quite diverse and I have to admit, kept me interested all the way through. The story seems to be more character driven than action. If you’re a fan of Buffy, you might want to give this one a shot.

    Grade: B

    Verdict: As most everyone would know by this point, I only review completed works. However, while this story isn’t what I would call complete, the podcast is. Mr. Calquhoun called this story complete at 7 episodes. It is definitely a novella and simply the opening work in a larger story. If you prefer not to listen to stories that don’t have a firm ending (yet), you might want to wait a bit for this one.

    Shameless plug: Don’t forget, if you send an audio comment to me at Odin1eye at viewfromvalhalla dot com, I’ll include it in the podcast version of this episode next weekend (or when I receive it). You can also leave voicemail, for this or any other story, at the Valhalla Hotline simply by calling 956-307-ODIN (6346)

    Disclosure: As mentioned above, I received an email from Mr. Calchoun inquiring whether I had listened to his stories or whether I would be willing to. Before and since, I have had no contact with him.

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  • Podcast Review #76: The Hidden Institute

    originally published April 11, 2011

    Title: The Hidden Institute
    Author: Brand Gamblin
    Genre: Science Fiction/Alternate futuristic fantasy
    Released: 6 March 2011 – 28 March 2011
    Located: Author’s Site
    Formats Available: podcast, ebook, dead tree
    Rating: PG-13 for some violence and brief strong language

    So after weeks of reviewing books that I don’t remember where or when I heard about them, I find Brand Gamblin’s The Hidden Institute has been completed and though I had all ready had it on my radar, I admit to bumping it way up due to the fact that Richard Green enthusiastically recommended it. Having enjoyed Tumbler by the same author, it didn’t take much persuading on Richard’s part.

    So, on to the review.

    Synopsis: Cliffy is a child born on the streets of a Neo-Victorian world. Witnesses to a murder, he blackmails a nobleman, receiving a unique bribe. In exchange for his silence, the nobleman introduces him to the Malcolm Rutherford Holden Institute of Regentrification. There, Cliffy learns to walk, talk, and act like a nobleman, so that he may infiltrate high society. But that type of fraud is punishable by death, and when Cliffy uncovers a plot to assassinate a head of state, he’s hunted by more than just the aristocracy.

    Royal intrigue, daring escapes, sub-dermal machines, and bear polo. A grand adventure in a not-so-distant world. (Stolen from Amazon.com)

    Production: Although this is the second book I’ve heard by Mr. Gamblin, it is the first that was a self read. This changes the production somewhat in my mind. The production is very well done. The episodes are very nicely timed and no obvious errors were made. The music Mr. Gamblin chose is entirely appropriate for this story. However, if there is one production area I would note being bothersome, that would be the length of the musical interlude between scenes. Though I enjoyed it, it seemed very long. Of course this could have been due to the fact that I mainlined all 15 episodes in a two day period.

    Grade: A

    Cast: Mr. Gamblin does an excellent job in not over-selling his characters. Each character is unique and breaths with a life of his/her own without an over effusive reading. Very nicely done.

    Grade: A

    Story: The Hidden Institute is a unique story that is really unlike anything I’ve ever heard before. In interviews, I’ve heard Mr. Gamblin refer to it as Harry Potter meets Henry Higgins (you know, My Fair Lady? The professor chap in charge of ladyfying Ms. Doolittle?). This is a fair elevator pitch, though it is a bit darker than either of the tones recalled by those stories (yes, I know Harry gets dark, but the series doesn’t feel that way). This story is still completely young adult (13+) friendly.

    Grade: A

    Verdict: I enjoyed The Hidden Institute very much and I really believe you will too. Mr. Gamblin has done a remarkable job of characterization and world building. I know I’ve mentioned it somewhere before, but it is worth mentioning here again. I’m not a big fan of world building when it is obvious that is the goal. World building completed within the guise of the story, however, when done well is quite enjoyable. The Hidden Institute is proof of that.

    As a final thought, the paperback is available on Mr. Gamblin’s website. That’s where I ordered it from, and you should too.

    Disclosure: I do follow Brand on Twitter and I do tweet with him on occasion. I was not offered a Bear Polo season pass or anything else in exchange for this review however. Darn.

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  • Podcast Review #68: Lost Gods

    originally published February 14, 2011

    Title: Lost Gods
    Author: Drew Beatty
    Genre: Fantasy
    Released: 31 December 2008 – 5 May 2009
    Located: Podiobooks, iTunes
    Formats Available: podcast and ebook
    Rating: PG-13 for violence

    Almost a year ago I put out a call for suggestions. Our friend Dan Rabarts suggested Mr. Beatty’s Lost Gods. As I usually do in such cases, I favorited the suggestion so I could come back to it in the future and then forgot about it. Recently I ran out of podcasts that were ready for a review, so I checked my favorites and rediscovered this suggestion. So, a year later, here we are.

    So, on to the review.

    Synopsis: Kweku Anansi is just another member of the African diaspora, trying to make a place for himself in his adopted home of Toronto, Canada. He dreams of better days, of a time when he could be stop running small time cons just to make the rent. He dreams of the life he used to live, centuries ago when he was revered as a god.

    A chance encounter with a fellow con man with a dark and secretive past of his own, plunges them both into the dark world of the lost gods, gods who would do anything to be worshipped again. Including destroying the world, if necessary.

    How far will Anansi go to reclaim his godhood? What will he give up to have true power again? The answers can be found in “Lost Gods”. (Stolen from Podiobooks.com)

    Production: As with many “legacy” podcasts, Lost Gods suffers a bit from the era in which it was created. I mean, this podcast is almost three years old. Still, the quality holds up well and this story is easy to listen to. None of the production elements get in the way except for (wait for it) The Story So Far. Yes, I know, I beat this device and my disdain for it into the ground early on in these reviews. I haven’t mentioned it in a long time and do so here only because while listening to Lost Gods, it occurred to me how long it has been since I have heard a traditional TSSF being used. I am happy to note that it seems that many authors have discontinued their use.

    The only other production note worth making is that, once again, the author has missed his edit marks and left too many occurrences of flubbed lines in the final product. While I can easily see how this might happen, it does take me out of the moment and makes the story less enjoyable by doing so. In order to receive an A rating, only one example of this will be allowed. Unfortunately Lost Gods has many more than one occurrence.

    Grade: B

    Cast: Lost Gods is an author read straight read. Mr. Beatty does a decent job of differentiating his characters through the use of vocal intonation and accents, so it is easy to tell whom is speaking in almost all situations. My only issue with the read was the characters delivery of lines in a “sing song” way of talking. While this is simply a personal reflection, it was quite distracting and repetitively made me switch off the story for a break from these vocal patterns. Sing song is probably not nearly the best way to describe it, but I am, at the moment, at a loss to describe it any other way.

    Grade: C

    Story: A story built on the mythos of a multitude of old gods? Is it any wonder that I might find this interesting? I did enjoy this story and the modern characterizations of a pantheon of gods from different mythos and time periods. The idea that these gods are among us in human form is not new, but Mr. Beatty’s take on this trope is interesting and not something I’ve come across before.

    Grade: B

    Verdict: Quite simply, I liked this story. It wasn’t the most philosophical or deep story I’ve ever read, but it was fun and enjoyable. I recommend it for what it is: a story based on multiple mythologies of gods from different eras.

    Disclosure: I do not follow Mr. Beatty on Twitter and I don’t believe he follows me. I don’t believe I’ve ever had a discussion with him.

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  • Podcast Review #65: Prometheus Radio

    originally published January 24, 2011

    Title: Prometheus Radio Theatre: Season One (2005)
    Director: Steven Wilson
    Genre: Science Fiction
    Released: 2005
    Located: Author’s Site, iTunes
    Formats Available: podcast only at this time
    Rating: R for sex, violence, and adult situations

    Well, this weeks review is another of a modern day old time radio show. I’ve explained before how much I enjoy OTR and how it was one of the stepping stones for me in finding and loving podcast fiction. I have previously reviewed two other works that Steven H. Wilson created. The 1st was taken liberty, and at the time I reviewed it, I gave it a mediocre recommendation because I felt that I had walked into the middle of a series. The second was Prisoner of the Red Planet and I gave it a much better rating as it reminded me very much of the writings of ERB John Carter series which I enjoyed very much. I recently asked for suggestions (am ALWAYS needing new content) and @Nobilis Reed and @BRKyle suggested Prometheus Radio Theatre, and the rest is history.

    So, on to the review.

    Synopsis: PRT, a group of experienced Baltimore-are Fan actors, writers and directors, is embarking on what we like to think is a bold, new path. We’re bringing original, SF radio dramas to Fan audiences at area conventions. The Arbiter Chronicles, which author Steve Wilson describes as “a sort of Hornblower the Vampire Slayer in Space.” Arbiters tells the tale of young midshipmen and women in a future Navy, went the human race has expanded off earth, and things ain’t as bright and cheerful as some might expect. (Stolen from iTunes)

    Production: The production for Prometheus Radio Theatre is much in line with what they’re trying to emulate. Old time radio dramas. There are some differences, but the feel is much the same. If you’ve ever listened to old time scifi serials, you’ll know what I mean. They do use panning for characters to a much larger degree. In fact, I was using only one ear piece and the effect was used to such an extent that you couldn’t hear the other half of the conversation. After going back to both ear pieces, I noticed on two accounts where the character switched from one ear to the other mid sentence. Not a terrible production by any means, but all in all it falls in the range of average for me.

    Grade: C

    Cast: The voice actors for Prometheus Radio Theatre range in age and style to a great degree. There are some stage and television actors that you might recognize that have guest starred and they, along with the regulars, do a very nice job of keeping you in the moment. I was quite pleased with all of the cast and was especially impressed with Steve Wilson’s son, Kyle (I believe) in the boy god story arch.

    Grade: A-

    Story: The stories are good. They are not great, but they are good. After having heard two other examples of Mr. Wilson’s work, I’m inclined to believe the 15 minute or less episodes (yes, that is correct, they are SHORT) contributes to the “soso-ness” of the stories. Seriously, there is no way I could create a story that could be delivered in 10 minute intervals, but Prometheus does on a regular basis.

    Grade: B

    Verdict: Most of the time I’m listening to podiofiction, I’m looking for something that will take me at least my commute (30″). However, there are times I’m looking for something longer or shorter and I do enjoy something that I can jump in and swim with. Prometheus Radio Theatre fits this bill nicely.

    Disclosure: Same ol Same ol. Don’t know any of the players, haven’t been bribed and or persuaded to do a review by any concerned. Someday, someone will offer me something. Oh, believe me,  I’ll take it. But I’ll tell you I did. Cheers!

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  • Podcast Review #64: FETIDUS: The Damned Heir

    originally published January 17, 2011

    Title: FETIDUS: The Damned Heir
    Author: James Durham
    Genre: Zombie/horror/supernatural/crime drama
    Released: 9 July 2010 – 11 January 2011
    Located: Author’s Site, iTunes
    Formats Available: podcast only at this time
    Rating: R for sex, violence, zombie cannibalism

    It takes me a while to get around to listening to podcasts sometimes. I don’t know about all of you, but occasionally I’ll hear of a podcast that I think will be interesting and then for one reason or another never get around to subscribing, or at the very least trying out an ep. For me, this was FETIDUS. Sometime around the end of October, I finally subscribed and started ravenously devouring the episodes. This wasn’t an issue because I believe at the time there were 16 episodes or there around. It became an issue in November. More on that later.

    So, on to the review.

    Synopsis: FETIDUS: The Damned Heir by James Durham is the first sci-fi/horror novel and original music score set in the grim and fetid alleyways of a post-apocalyptic Washington, DC, circa 2034. In this first novel, Art Blanchard, a jaded Washington lobbyist who works for The Foundation for the Ethical Treatment of the Innocently Damned, Undead and Supernatural (FETIDUS), takes up the blackmail case of a mysterious woman, which leads him on a twisted adventure filled with noir-humor, suspense and horror.

    Production: The production of FETIDUS is really top notch. I make no claims to be a professional sound editor. When I make comments about production quality, I am not pretending to know all the ins and outs of that production. However, I have listened to enough to know what sounds good and what really needs some work. FETIDUS sounds good. VERY good. The music, audio and effects are all put together in a manner that enhances the story. This is a full blown audiodrama and all of these elements work together very well. Mr. Durham wrote the music for the podcast as well and each piece fits the mood of the narration very well indeed. Only one portion of the production bothered (read “annoyed”) me, and that was the opening sequences with the doubling (echoing) effect. Later eps were a bit better, and the effect sounded neat, but at times made it difficult to understand.

    Grade: A+

    Cast: I’ve never heard of most of the cast. They are not the usual suspects. The one exception to the rule is Matthew Wayne Selznick. However, it is one of the most professional recordings I’ve heard. Rather than list the rather full cast, I’ve decided to include a link to the cast page here. I don’t know if these were paid performers, as most of them list voice artist on their resumes, or whether they performed free of charge, but if you have a full cast podcast pending, you might want to check with these folks schedules.

    Grade: A+

    Story: A detective type story in a world inhabited with zombies, vampires and other supernatural beings and where government has gone crazy enough to legislate their treatment? Heck, I was hooked from the description. The story is decently written and each episode moves in a straight line towards the ultimate conclusion. And I will say, this story went to places I never anticipated. There are plenty of areas in this story that are inappropriate for younger audiences. This is also a case where the story is an exception to my rule. I didn’t really like any of the characters to a large extent. However, I would say that as an ensemble the characters all fit together well and worked for the world in which they live. Also, while not intending to “spoil” anything for anyone, this story really doesn’t end so much as set itself up for future development. Still, if you enjoy the story, this isn’t a bad thing.

    Grade: B

    Verdict: I liked FETIDUS. If you haven’t listened to it, I will recommend to the soft horror crowd. However, I think you get the better end of the deal as the release schedule here near the end was very long between eps. When I went to the site to compile the information for this review, I noticed that the author did leave updates there, but there were none placed in the stream, so for those of us that subscribed through iTunes and didn’t go to the site, we were left in limbo for quite a while. This is not your typical zombie, vampire, supernatural story, but it is done well and it’s uniqueness makes it quite enjoyable.

    Disclosure: I don’t follow the author or any of the cast, and with the exception of Mr. Selznick (when I reviewed his very good story Brave Men Run), have never communicated with any of them.

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  • Podcast Review #63: Title Fight

    originally published January 10, 2011

    Title: Title Fight
    Author: Scott Sigler and Matt Wallace
    Genre: Sci Fi/Sports
    Released: 2 November 2010 – 11 November 2010
    Located: iTunes, Podiobooks, Author’s Site
    Formats Available: Podcast
    Rating: R for excessive violence and language

    My good friend Richard Green answered my query for content this week with the suggestion that I give Title Fight a listen. As I have been meaning to get to it, and do to the fact that I loved The Rookie and am currently greatly enjoying The Starter (Title Fight takes place in the same universe during the same time period) it was an easy decision for me to decide to give it a listen. Due to the fact that it is really a novella and only ten episodes made it a very easy, quick listen.

    So, on to the review.

    Synopsis: Parsec Award-winning author Matt Wallace and New York Times best-selling novelist Scott Sigler team up to bring you TITLE FIGHT, a strange and brutal tale that combines science fiction with mixed martial arts (MMA).

    Set in the universe used for Sigler’s books THE ROOKIE and THE STARTER, TITLE FIGHT is MMA cage fighting in the far future, where augmented sentients often battle to the death. Lethal human contender Chiyal “The Heretic” North wants to be the greatest fighter of all time, but to get that title he has to take it from aging intergalactic heavyweight champion Korak the Cutter. Korak, undefeated in the ring and the hero of his Quyth race, knows the time has come to hang it up, but he also knows his legacy will be forever tarnished if he doesn’t take this one last fight.

    With millions of dollars at stake, Chiyal and Korak have to handle sponsors, high-tech corner crews, managers with agendas of their own, and evade the influence of gangster and fight-fixer Gredok the Split-Head.

    In this winner-take-all tale, Wallace and Sigler deliver blows so severe you’ll need a standing eight-count between every episode. The bell will ring, the blood will fly, but only one fighter can leave with the galactic heavyweight belt. (stolen from podiobooks.com)

    Production: Title Fight is a typical production by Mr. Sigler. It has the tell tale scary as heck scene changing sound effect (well, it probably wasn’t frightening at one point, but after you’ve heard it introduce as many gruesome scenes as this one has… well, enough said) and all of the production hallmarks that you’ve all come to know from Mr. Sigler.

    Grade: A-

    Cast: The cast for Title Fight is huge, easily rivaling that of any podiodrama I’ve listened to. It also consists of Mr. Sigler. This is only conflict of ideas if you’ve never listened to one of Mr. Sigler’s stories.

    Grade: A

    Story: Title Fight takes place in The Rookie universe and occurs pretty much at the end of that novel and is a nice bridge into The Starter. It is completely independent of either of those much larger works, but has ramifications for the cast of those stories. This story is built around the octagon of mixed martial arts fighting. With my own background in martial arts, I did find that aspect of it very interesting. However, even if you’ve never entered a martial arts school or a gym, you’ll be able to follow the action sequences with little problem. As long as you don’t mind violence. Because violence there is. Non-stop. From beginning to end.

    Grade A-/B+

    Verdict: I enjoyed Title Fight very much. That being said, my favorite stories of Mr. Sigler has to be these Rookie universe stories and Ancestor. If you’ve ever been interested in listening to a Sigler story but haven’t had the time to invest in something you were afraid wasn’t your cup of tea, I’d suggest you give Title Fight a try. At only ten approximately half hour episodes, it isn’t a podcast you need worry about the time investment. It IS violent. VERY violent. It does contain course language. If you’re not afraid of these warnings, give TItle Fight a listen. I think you’ll be glad you did.

    Disclosure: I do follow Mr. Sigler on Twitter but I don’t think we’ve ever truly talked. I have great admiration for his approach to podcasting but could not be considered a Sigler junkie by any stretch of the imagination.

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  • Podcast Review #60: The Guild of the Cowry Catchers, Book 1: Embers

    Title: The Guild of the Cowry Catchers, Book 1: Embers
    Author: Abigail Hilton
    Genre: Fantasy
    Released: 5 December 2009 – 18 February 2010
    Located: Podibooks, iTunes, Author’s Site
    Formats Available: Podcast only at this point
    Rating: R for violence and sexual situations

    Sometimes fate conspires for you. During the middle of my NanoWriMo series on Nathan Lowell, I decided to try a new podcast. One I had only remotely heard of. I didn’t even know who the author was. Just a title. That title was The Guild of the Cowry Catchers. I downloaded the available eps and away I went.

    So, on to the review.

    Synopsis: Among the querulous island kingdoms of Wefrivain, the only unifying power is religion – a wyvern cult ruled by an eccentric High Priestess. The system is under attack by a gang of pirates called the Guild of the Cowry Catchers who prey on Temple treasure ships. The Temple Police charged with eradicating this menace keep disappearing.

    Enter Gerard, a young prince, exiled from his small kingdom for rashly marrying the court minstrel. He has been chosen by the High Priestess as the new captain of Police. Gerard is smart, honorable, and a little naive. To break the pirate ring, he must cooperate with a wily, amoral colleague, who has already tried to kill him twice. As Gerard struggles to protect his talented wife, obey his seductive employer, and forge a complicated friendship with his dangerous co-worker, he becomes increasingly aware that the pirates have a legitimate quarrel with the wyverns. Dark secrets lurk in the Temple dungeons, and solving them will cost Gerard far more than his honor.

    The Guild of the Cowry Catchers is a fullcast audio experience featuring the voices of Nathan Lowell, Norm Sherman, Kim the Comic Book Goddess, Chris Lester, Kimi Alexander, and many more. Cowry Catchers is also an illustrated podcast, with high quality watercolor illustrations available on the website. You may remember Abigail Hilton’s first series, the Prophet of Panamindorah. Cowry Catchers is a darker, grittier story set in the same world. It is not for children. Subscribe, and experience a Panamindorah you’ve never heard before. (Stolen from Podiobooks.com)

    Production: Whenever I begin a podcast I’ve never heard of, I try to go in with an open mind and no preconceptions. However, if I’m guilty of any one stereotype, it is my expectation of subpar production by an author I haven’t heard of. How arrogant can I get? Ms. Hilton might have been unknown to me, but she produces a podcast most masterfully. I will try to keep this in mind when I listen to the next unknown (to me) author. This is also Ms. Hilton’s second series of stories from what I gather, the first, by her metaconversation admission was a young adult series set in the same universe. I should, and will, listen to that first set to establish growth.

    Grade: A

    Cast: Full Cast. And what a cast. Rather than try to list them all, i’ve provided a cast link to the author’s website. However, the lead voice talent is Nathan Lowell. This was not intentional. I had no idea. Really. But seriously, if you have a podcast novel that you’re producing and you can get Mr. Lowell. You’d be silly not to. Chris Lester and Dan Sawyer also do a terrific job. However, the best performance from a talent unknown to me (read that caveat closely) is Norm Sherman. I’ll be watching for him in the future.

    Grade: A

    Story: This is a fantasy pure and simple. It takes place on a different world, and although the characters are humanoid, there is not a human in the entire story. Whenever I read/hear a story that contains no human species, I am reminded how easy it is to point out flaws in the human character when using nonhumans without stepping on anyone’s toes and without becoming preachy. Ms. Hilton does a good job of inserting thought provoking commentary on the human condition without interrupting a very good story. This is a story of gods that may or may not be normal and their meddling with their mortal instruments. Blind devotion becomes wary introspection.

    Grade: A-

    Verdict: I have only one complaint about The Guild of the Cowry Catchers. But before I share, let me state, this is an adult story. Ms. Hilton does state this repetitively. It doesn’t start out as such, but you don’t want immature listeners getting hooked only to yank it away or to expose them to something you would prefer not to. That being said, my issue is that the Guild seems to be comprised of 5 books. Only books one and two are currently produced. Each one is more the length of a novella than of a full blown novel, and they don’t end nicely. If you listen, and I do encourage you to, I would also encourage you to keep them on your harddrive because I believe you will probably have to relisten to a couple of eps minimum before the next “book” begins.

    Disclosure: I’ve never met Ms. Hilton, virtually or otherwise. I do not follow her on Twitter and to the best of my knowledge, she doesn’t follow me. Although I am quite a fan of many of the voice talent, not a single one shared their involvement (shame on you, lol).

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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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