Under the Stairs
John Lyon, historian, new homeowner, stumbled through a gateway into an alternate reality under the stairs of his old house. And. . . here he was, running a dangerous bluff; trying to pass himself off as a powerful Mage in this land that the natives called Stil-de-grain.
This was what he wanted? An adventure? Some excitement to fight depression? If so, he’d succeeded beyond all measure… And all John could think about was getting home.
May 10th, 2006 at 11:04 am
This is probably the worst Podiobook in the history of the world. The audio is terrible and….I can’t get to the story BECAUSE the audio is so terrible.
May 10th, 2006 at 8:54 pm
I’m going to give this one some more time. Granted, the audio’s kinda tough, but that can always be fixed in chapters to come. I’m interested in the narrative voice the author started with, and want to see how this story progresses. Haven’t written this one off yet, and hope it turns out well!
-George
May 31st, 2006 at 5:39 am
I actually like this book. The story is interesting, and the sound isn’t THAT bad. Aliens and Satanic Creatures Wanted is WAY worse.
June 16th, 2006 at 10:21 am
Jon: I’m glad you like my Dad’s book. I’ve been so busy lately, I haven’t had time to serialize the rest of it. I’d be happy to send you the entire MP3 version on disc (for free). Just send me your name and address to: mail@johnstockmyer.com.
July 22nd, 2006 at 12:06 pm
It took a bit of time to get into the story but I really enjoyed the story. Will you be posting the next book on Podiobooks?
July 24th, 2006 at 6:49 am
Yay, finally it is finished! I’ve been waiting for ages for this! Thanks John.
July 27th, 2006 at 12:53 am
As you get into this book, it helps to have a map of Bandworld to look at, because geography plays an important role. Go to: http://www.johnstockmyer.com/uts/index.html to see the map.
Also: many of the events/battles/people in this book are borrowed (very closely in some cases) from real history. My Dad’s “real job” is being a European Historian. . . just like John Lyon.
December 11th, 2006 at 12:16 am
WTF. good story robotman,but you left me hangin in the the middle of a war, not 2 mention a crisis of magick ..wheres Von rovin? I need more!
HOOK ME UP PLEASE
January 7th, 2007 at 12:33 am
Glad you like the book. Yes, the end of the book does leave the reader hanging a bit, with John Lyon ducking out in mid-crisis. . . but I can assure you that Pfnaravin returns with a vengance in book 2: Back Under The Stairs.
Unfortunately, I have not had the time to convert the printed book into audiobook format. Until I do, your only option would be to purchase the book. Sorry!
February 11th, 2007 at 10:37 pm
I am not sure why there was some whining about the audio. I had no problem. I did down load and listen to it later than the others so perhaps there was some fix since then. The main character was likable and the others had depth. The story was a fun ride. Of course the end did leave one hanging a bit but that is the nature of (a serialized sci-fi story) beast.
Steven
May 17th, 2007 at 12:08 pm
Great story so far! Can’t wait for the second book to be placed on PB. As far as audio quality, I don’t think it’s a problem with the quality, it seems more that the recording is a bit choppy on phrases, but it’s not so bad as to ruin the story.
Jordan
December 14th, 2007 at 5:42 am
I loved and Hated the cliff hanger… Take a class with Scott Sigler on reading your book b4 printing it. You get more fan back up that way
March 20th, 2008 at 6:59 am
I found your voice to be rather rough and at times I could not distinguish between characters, but overall I enjoyed the book and would look forward to listening to a sequel.
March 30th, 2008 at 2:54 am
John, I love the book, I actually just purchased the second and third parts and also, ‘Two Worlds Under the Stairs’, which doesn’t appear to be listed on your site. Not sure if it’s the 4th?
The audio wasn’t a problem for me.
Great job!
August 10th, 2008 at 10:24 am
I really liked the reading tempo you gave this book, the story was really amazing too, although I’m still hoping for audio versions of the sequels, but the somewhat stilted reading tempo gave the story a very otherworldly feel. great job!
February 26th, 2009 at 2:48 am
Great job! I really enjoyed the book, and found your narration to be entertaining. I don’t believe that narration of an audiobook should be simply reading as if in conversation, and you read the way I like it!
Any news on when the second book might be coming out?
I was greedy for the story to finish, but now, I just need more.
July 15th, 2009 at 2:06 am
Hi John,
Robin from Australia here.
I just wanted to say I have today finished listening to under the stairs, which I downloaded from Podiobooks, (Donation on the way)
I enjoyed the book and could not wait to see what was going to happen next, although I felt it took a while to get started.
You created a very interesting world with lots of new concepts. Keep up the good work.
By the way, will you be releasing part 2 on Podiobooks?
July 25th, 2011 at 2:25 pm
John, Just finished this very entertaining book. Thank you for recording it but I have to complain! I was left wanting to know what is happening to Golden and Platina. ARGH! Oh well, have to wait for the next one. LOL Thank you for the map of the worlds, it does help it mak more sense now.
I did not mind your recording style once I got into your cadence. It actually added to the story. I cared about the characters, even the blind butler. I enjoyed watching the discovery of the magic and do hope who ever gets control of the crystals now, has a much restraint as John Lyon.
July 25th, 2011 at 2:30 pm
Hmmmm, the link did not work for the map.