Comments on: The Immortals http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/ News from the Staff of Podiobooks.com Tue, 18 Nov 2008 22:01:44 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3 By: Josh http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-236782 Josh Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:41:51 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-236782 This book was amazing. As with all Tracy Hickman books that I have read/listened to, absolutely amazing character development. I have already talked my wife and friends into reading the book while I have been listening to it at work..... Great Job Mr. and Ms. Hickman, I love your work. This book was amazing.
As with all Tracy Hickman books that I have read/listened to, absolutely amazing character development.
I have already talked my wife and friends into reading the book while I have been listening to it at work…..

Great Job Mr. and Ms. Hickman, I love your work.

]]> By: looloof http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-217400 looloof Tue, 02 Sep 2008 06:31:42 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-217400 I was hopeful about this book and it started well enough but while the writing is fine I find the some serious flaws in both the father- son relationship and the military command. As a Jew and someone who grew up on holocaust stories - one thing that always comes up is the importance of blood, of family. The need to keep explaining why the father is there as well as his own explanation is ridiculous - he's his son, and that's it. We see this in other situations such as what parents will do for their sick child (including breaking the law and donating organs) or the support for a convicted child. While not all parents are like this - they are more like this than any family that is not blood related. I find the focus on hurt feelings during a time when the focus should be survival unbelievable and absurd. The reaction of the son is equally ridiculous - please read life accounts from the holocaust, Bosnia and every other war situation. Another point that is lacking is all internment camps (including the ones for the Japanese in the US) even when not set out to kill have a problem of food and starvation - and people will eat anything and hungry people usually obsess and become violent over food. Thirdly in a orderly army like the US the order of killing people would come from the top, clearly - so it was in Germany, Bosnia & probably Turkey. I was hopeful about this book and it started well enough but while the writing is fine I find the some serious flaws in both the father- son relationship and the military command. As a Jew and someone who grew up on holocaust stories - one thing that always comes up is the importance of blood, of family. The need to keep explaining why the father is there as well as his own explanation is ridiculous - he’s his son, and that’s it. We see this in other situations such as what parents will do for their sick child (including breaking the law and donating organs) or the support for a convicted child. While not all parents are like this - they are more like this than any family that is not blood related. I find the focus on hurt feelings during a time when the focus should be survival unbelievable and absurd. The reaction of the son is equally ridiculous - please read life accounts from the holocaust, Bosnia and every other war situation. Another point that is lacking is all internment camps (including the ones for the Japanese in the US) even when not set out to kill have a problem of food and starvation - and people will eat anything and hungry people usually obsess and become violent over food. Thirdly in a orderly army like the US the order of killing people would come from the top, clearly - so it was in Germany, Bosnia & probably Turkey.

]]> By: Derek http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-203392 Derek Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:13:40 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-203392 Okay the bad bits first. The title music is too loud, I found myself wincing when it came on and that detracted from it's place in the story. My other gripe was the use of echo that some times obsured the narration. Okay that's my rant. The writing and the idea is excellent. This is an intelligent near future tale that is totally believable. The characterisation is outstanding with multidementional characters who really do seem to come to life. I particularly liked the fact that some very minor characters developed considerable and played strong roles. I liked the end and will recommend this title to my friends. Thanks Okay the bad bits first. The title music is too loud, I found myself wincing when it came on and that detracted from it’s place in the story. My other gripe was the use of echo that some times obsured the narration. Okay that’s my rant.
The writing and the idea is excellent. This is an intelligent near future tale that is totally believable. The characterisation is outstanding with multidementional characters who really do seem to come to life. I particularly liked the fact that some very minor characters developed considerable and played strong roles.
I liked the end and will recommend this title to my friends.

Thanks

]]> By: Brian http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-179108 Brian Tue, 27 May 2008 23:46:25 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-179108 I liked the book...I read it several years ago and enjoyed it then....but I have to say...the beginning of each episode "A cautionary tail....blah blah blah" was sappy as HELL. I wouldnt have minded it if it had been at the VERY beginning....but GOD...stop reminding me.... I liked the book…I read it several years ago and enjoyed it then….but I have to say…the beginning of each episode “A cautionary tail….blah blah blah” was sappy as HELL. I wouldnt have minded it if it had been at the VERY beginning….but GOD…stop reminding me….

]]> By: Steven Davies http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-158829 Steven Davies Mon, 07 Apr 2008 11:05:41 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-158829 Thank you for this information about the bacterial vaginosis natural cures. Thank you for this information about the bacterial vaginosis natural cures.

]]> By: Daniel http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-151490 Daniel Thu, 13 Mar 2008 02:48:28 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-151490 I liked this book and both wanted to hear how it ended and didn't want it to end. I found myself listening to the story after I turned off the car, was done with my workouts or when the power went out in a storm. Make sure you listen to the whole thing before you listen to the author's Final Word. I liked this book and both wanted to hear how it ended and didn’t want it to end. I found myself listening to the story after I turned off the car, was done with my workouts or when the power went out in a storm. Make sure you listen to the whole thing before you listen to the author’s Final Word.

]]> By: Linda http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-148962 Linda Wed, 05 Mar 2008 20:31:24 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-148962 Wonderful! I am enjoying the story and am glad I waited until the entire book was available. I am listening and being pulled into the story along with your characters. One question...The Music...Is there a CD available of the music? Wonderful! I am enjoying the story and am glad I waited until the entire book was available. I am listening and being pulled into the story along with your characters.
One question…The Music…Is there a CD available of the music?

]]> By: Dr. Todd S. Warner http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-139797 Dr. Todd S. Warner Sat, 09 Feb 2008 21:56:18 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-139797 Sorry to be the bearer of bad news Pixiedyke but studies show the risk of STD transmission between women varies significantly depending on the STD. Herpes, HPV (genital wart virus), and bacterial vaginosis are transmitted easily between women during sex. HIV, hepatitis B, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, though not as easy as the former to be transmitted, is not only possible but fairly common. Check your facts and practice safe sex always. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news Pixiedyke but studies show the risk of STD transmission between women varies significantly depending on the STD.

Herpes, HPV (genital wart virus), and bacterial vaginosis are transmitted easily between women during sex. HIV, hepatitis B, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, though not as easy as the former to be transmitted, is not only possible but fairly common.

Check your facts and practice safe sex always.

]]> By: pbmaxca http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-138639 pbmaxca Thu, 07 Feb 2008 16:06:06 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-138639 I don't remember how I stumbled onto this story, but I'm glad that I did. It's been a long time since I've found so much entertainment and have been touched by a piece of fiction. I love the mix of sci-fi technical jargon and the old west feel that comes through this book! I don’t remember how I stumbled onto this story, but I’m glad that I did. It’s been a long time since I’ve found so much entertainment and have been touched by a piece of fiction. I love the mix of sci-fi technical jargon and the old west feel that comes through this book!

]]> By: Pixiedyke http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-114029 Pixiedyke Wed, 19 Dec 2007 02:10:51 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-114029 Not to blow your premise or anything, but lesbians are the lowest risk group for sexually transmitted diseases of all kinds, especially those that are spread primarily through blood contact. Know your avenues of transmission, dude. Not to blow your premise or anything, but lesbians are the lowest risk group for sexually transmitted diseases of all kinds, especially those that are spread primarily through blood contact. Know your avenues of transmission, dude.

]]> By: Keith http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-105899 Keith Mon, 03 Dec 2007 18:50:04 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-105899 This is a very well written book with a great story line and superb production. Each chapter I read left me wanting more. I is a dark tale that seems that it would depress but the heroic characters just living a life in hell are an inspiration. I recommend this book to anyone that values their humanity. Now for my usual couple of nits. They are not particular to tis particular work but seem all too common in audio books. First and least important is that the same intro and wrap up are used throughout. After even the first 20 chapters that becomes tedious. Secondly is the audio level that does not work with unpowered speakers forcing the use of headphones. It seems that producers just do not consider the range of listeners. A good example of how to do it can be found with the podcasts on twit.tv. This is a very well written book with a great story line and superb production. Each chapter I read left me wanting more. I is a dark tale that seems that it would depress but the heroic characters just living a life in hell are an inspiration. I recommend this book to anyone that values their humanity.

Now for my usual couple of nits. They are not particular to tis particular work but seem all too common in audio books. First and least important is that the same intro and wrap up are used throughout. After even the first 20 chapters that becomes tedious. Secondly is the audio level that does not work with unpowered speakers forcing the use of headphones. It seems that producers just do not consider the range of listeners. A good example of how to do it can be found with the podcasts on twit.tv.

]]> By: Stan Slaughter http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-98649 Stan Slaughter Sat, 24 Nov 2007 17:00:45 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-98649 Just read the book blurb and I am intrigued enough to download the first chapters to see how it goes BUT I do have problems with how the blurb reads. It seems to imply that AIDS and is a mostly gay disease. The blurb may have just been poorly worded ("the camp’s gay barracks"?) it reads as a cliche and sort of implies the book might be filled with similar simplistic cliches and viewpoints. Like I said though, I'll give the book a try and see for myself. P.S. I'm not a liberal gay rights advocate of any kind (Texas Republican), but I don't think that the gay population makes up the majority of the AIDs cases anymore and detecting the sentiment that AIDS = GAY in the blurb made me wince. Just read the book blurb and I am intrigued enough to download the first chapters to see how it goes

BUT

I do have problems with how the blurb reads. It seems to imply that AIDS and is a mostly gay disease. The blurb may have just been poorly worded (”the camp’s gay barracks”?) it reads as a cliche and sort of implies the book might be filled with similar simplistic cliches and viewpoints.

Like I said though, I’ll give the book a try and see for myself.

P.S.

I’m not a liberal gay rights advocate of any kind (Texas Republican), but I don’t think that the gay population makes up the majority of the AIDs cases anymore and detecting the sentiment that AIDS = GAY in the blurb made me wince.

]]> By: Nick Marsh http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-30849 Nick Marsh Thu, 14 Jun 2007 11:12:38 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-30849 Wonderful, devastating, moving... and terryifying. I bought this book as an American import many years ago. Listening to it now, the terrible thing is that we seemed to have moved closer in so many ways to this frightening vision of the direction of American policy. Guantanemo, anyone? Thankyou, Tracy, for giving us hope and a vision of what it really means to be human is these troubling times. Wonderful, devastating, moving… and terryifying. I bought this book as an American import many years ago. Listening to it now, the terrible thing is that we seemed to have moved closer in so many ways to this frightening vision of the direction of American policy. Guantanemo, anyone?

Thankyou, Tracy, for giving us hope and a vision of what it really means to be human is these troubling times.

]]> By: Tom Boucher http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-29125 Tom Boucher Sun, 03 Jun 2007 06:36:32 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-29125 I downloaded about 10 chapters for my trip to Europe, and got through all of them, ending up with 20 at the moment. At chapter 19 'Sunshine' that was the most well written, read, and thought out portion as well as the most disturbing, sad, and awful thing I've read/heard in a long time. I mean I was struggling through the earlier chapters hoping that it couldn't get much worse and it really needed to 'get better' and then hit that. Wow. Probably didn't help that I have a little girl close to that age (5 goin on 6) so it hit me emotionally pretty hard. Great work. Can't wait to finish the rest. I downloaded about 10 chapters for my trip to Europe, and got through all of them, ending up with 20 at the moment.

At chapter 19 ‘Sunshine’ that was the most well written, read, and thought out portion as well as the most disturbing, sad, and awful thing I’ve read/heard in a long time.

I mean I was struggling through the earlier chapters hoping that it couldn’t get much worse and it really needed to ‘get better’ and then hit that. Wow. Probably didn’t help that I have a little girl close to that age (5 goin on 6) so it hit me emotionally pretty hard.

Great work. Can’t wait to finish the rest.

]]> By: Leszek Rybicki http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-26615 Leszek Rybicki Tue, 15 May 2007 12:51:53 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-26615 Very touching. Thank you Tracy Hickman. More than the problem of judging others or forgivenes, what touched me in the story was the immortality of what we leave behind. We bleed data and information but so rarely we leave something organic, alive. It can be a paperbook or a podiobook, a movie or a youtube flick, but if it lived within the creator before it was even made, it will live after the creator is no longer alive. And how is any of us now different from the predeceased? Most of us waste our lives assembling the same useless contraptions over and over without taking a step back for a better view. Never realy meeting the people around us. Using euphemisms and drawing lines whereever we feel uncomfortable. I thought it was just another sci-fi when I subscribed. Now that it's over, I see the world in a different way. I will die someday, but how much alive am I right now? Very touching. Thank you Tracy Hickman.

More than the problem of judging others or forgivenes, what touched me in the story was the immortality of what we leave behind. We bleed data and information but so rarely we leave something organic, alive. It can be a paperbook or a podiobook, a movie or a youtube flick, but if it lived within the creator before it was even made, it will live after the creator is no longer alive. And how is any of us now different from the predeceased? Most of us waste our lives assembling the same useless contraptions over and over without taking a step back for a better view. Never realy meeting the people around us. Using euphemisms and drawing lines whereever we feel uncomfortable.

I thought it was just another sci-fi when I subscribed. Now that it’s over, I see the world in a different way. I will die someday, but how much alive am I right now?

]]> By: David http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-26525 David Mon, 14 May 2007 17:10:06 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-26525 Great book! I might have missed this along the way or in a podcast, but what is the name of the theme music? I would like to add it to my collection. Any help would be appreciated. Tracy, you are a great writer. I look forward to reading some of your other works. Great book! I might have missed this along the way or in a podcast, but what is the name of the theme music? I would like to add it to my collection. Any help would be appreciated.

Tracy, you are a great writer. I look forward to reading some of your other works.

]]> By: Tim http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-26137 Tim Fri, 11 May 2007 19:33:37 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-26137 I've been an avid reader since I was a child. I couldn't even begin to guess at the number of books I've read so far, but I've thought about it and can honestly say that I can't remember ever being as moved by a story as The Immortals has moved me. How often can you say 'I laughed, I cried' and mean it? Thank you, Tracy for writing this. I've read some of the other posts here, and I have to agree with those who find this scenario plausible. In fact, I could see myself jumping on the bandwagon and voting yes on internment camps and feeling justified doing it if I lived in a time like that. This story has caused me to think of myself in a way I never had. This is a beautiful story, and I'm sad to see it end. Hopefully there's another podiocast in the works. I’ve been an avid reader since I was a child. I couldn’t even begin to guess at the number of books I’ve read so far, but I’ve thought about it and can honestly say that I can’t remember ever being as moved by a story as The Immortals has moved me. How often can you say ‘I laughed, I cried’ and mean it? Thank you, Tracy for writing this.

I’ve read some of the other posts here, and I have to agree with those who find this scenario plausible. In fact, I could see myself jumping on the bandwagon and voting yes on internment camps and feeling justified doing it if I lived in a time like that. This story has caused me to think of myself in a way I never had. This is a beautiful story, and I’m sad to see it end. Hopefully there’s another podiocast in the works.

]]> By: Vee http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-25343 Vee Sat, 05 May 2007 03:56:59 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-25343 Tracy, Thank you. This has to have been one of the most emotionally impacting books I've ever had the pleasure of listening to. No. Scratch that. Not "one of". THE most emotionally impacting books. I admit that I had a hard time listening to it, at first, it was too slow-paced, too strange. I'm glad I kept subscribed to the feed, though. This was worth every moment of my time that I spent listening to it. Bravo, say I, for a spectacularly written story. And an astoundingly well-produced audio novel, as well. Your recognition as a master worldsmith is not unfounded. Please, I hope you'll continue writing these masterpieces for many years yet to come. Tracy,
Thank you. This has to have been one of the most emotionally impacting books I’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to.
No. Scratch that. Not “one of”. THE most emotionally impacting books.
I admit that I had a hard time listening to it, at first, it was too slow-paced, too strange. I’m glad I kept subscribed to the feed, though. This was worth every moment of my time that I spent listening to it.

Bravo, say I, for a spectacularly written story. And an astoundingly well-produced audio novel, as well. Your recognition as a master worldsmith is not unfounded. Please, I hope you’ll continue writing these masterpieces for many years yet to come.

]]> By: Jon http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-24772 Jon Sun, 29 Apr 2007 14:58:13 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-24772 Its rare that I find a story that has so much impact on me emotionally. It is truly a beautifully written piece. Thank you Tracy for such a thought provoking book, I shall recommend this to many and most certainly will be adding it to my list of books to purchase. Its rare that I find a story that has so much impact on me emotionally. It is truly a beautifully written piece. Thank you Tracy for such a thought provoking book, I shall recommend this to many and most certainly will be adding it to my list of books to purchase.

]]> By: Tracy Hickman http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-24574 Tracy Hickman Fri, 27 Apr 2007 18:20:43 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/05/22/the-immortals/#comment-24574 My thanks to everyone who has joined us this journey and for your touching responses to this book. I am please to announce that Margaret Weis Productions will be releasing the print version of this book in September of this year (2007). My thanks to everyone who has joined us this journey and for your touching responses to this book.

I am please to announce that Margaret Weis Productions will be releasing the print version of this book in September of this year (2007).

]]>