After two highly entertaining podcast finds on podiobooks.com, I decided to search the site for something new - and a bit more light-hearted than the intense 7th Son series.
I came across a little YA audiobook fantasy adventure called Shadowmagic and decided to give it a shot. It took an episode or two to get used to the author's voice, which seemed a bit gruff (like a Boston stand-up comedian) for a youthful fantasy book - but after a time, I was so swept up in the story I set that aside and enjoy it immensely.
Turns out author John Lenahan IS a stand-up comedian as a day job - go figure. It definitely explains the joyful snark and humor of the characters.
I came across a little YA audiobook fantasy adventure called Shadowmagic and decided to give it a shot. It took an episode or two to get used to the author's voice, which seemed a bit gruff (like a Boston stand-up comedian) for a youthful fantasy book - but after a time, I was so swept up in the story I set that aside and enjoy it immensely.
Turns out author John Lenahan IS a stand-up comedian as a day job - go figure. It definitely explains the joyful snark and humor of the characters.
The tale is a fun and witty take on the fantasy adventure genre. Almost high school gradute and chronic smartass, Connor finds out (quite dramatically) that he isn't really from our world - he's from a land of Celtic legend, Tír na nÓg. In fact he's a Prince - and almost everyone wants him dead... | “A Lord of the Rings for the 21st century. Only a lot shorter. And funnier. And completely different.” -John Lenahan |
Exploring 'The Land' with Connor and his friends is a fantastically good time. The story is chock full of magic, prophesy, mystery, and adolescent blundering. The writing is evocative and fun, allowing you sweeping visualizations, out loud laughs, and some tears as the author personally reads you his wild tale.
The book was so well reviewed and successful on podiobooks.com that it was picked up by Harper Collins for publishing. Surprisingly, they allowed John Lenahan to offer the second book, The Prince of Hazel and Oak, free for the listening on the site as well.
With the publishing of the final book of the trilogy, Sons of Macha, only available in book form (so far), as well as the publication of the trilogy anthology in one volume, Harper Collins has very recently pulled the first two books from free listening on podiobooks.com, however, you can still search them and subscribe on Apple iTunes podcast app. I highly recommend these podcasts, and I will certainly be buying the printed edition to read the end of Connor's story very soon! |