Shadowmagic by John Lenahan
The books keep on pouring in around here. Today’s latest is Shadowmagic by John Lenahan:
“Hi, my name is Conor. Other than my father being a bit of an eccentric lunatic, my life was pretty normal until I got attacked in my living room and whisked away to Tir na Nog, the mystical land of the ancient Celts, where it turns out Dad is the usurped heir to the throne and everybody wants me dead because of some prophecy. Don’t you just hate when that happens?”
Shadowmagic is a rip roaring fun fantasy adventure novel by John Lenahan very loosely based on Irish mythology where every chapter ends on the edge of a cliff (or at least a high curb.) Join Conor as he grapples with typical teenage problems like, how to deal with a father’s high expectations, how to survive in the world on your own and how to woo a beautiful girl - that wants you dead. Shadowmagic a podcast novel for young adults from 12 to 112.
July 19th, 2006 at 1:27 am
Very hooking, I couldn’t stop listening from chapter to chapter. Great narration and great story, I can’t wait for the next ones!
July 20th, 2006 at 1:43 pm
Amazing story. I love stories like this. It sort of reminds me of Stephen Lawhead’s Song of Albion Trilogy.
July 24th, 2006 at 1:00 pm
Like a bedtime story for older kids (like us adults!). Characters are lively and lovable, you can’t help but cheer for them. A truly wonderful story and serial. An ancient feel in a contemporary setting, not to be missed….totally engaging and addictive.
July 26th, 2006 at 2:27 pm
can i buy this book -has he written any others - is he single - sounds like a fun guy to hang out with
August 6th, 2006 at 1:36 pm
There’s no title or description for chapter nine. Is it going to be updated with information about this latest chapter?
August 6th, 2006 at 2:20 pm
Whoops. My bad, jumping the gun before all the data has been compiled. I’ve taken the chapter down for now and will repost when the information comes in. Sorry.
August 15th, 2006 at 5:39 pm
This Book is absoloutely amazing. It reminds me of some books in the Baen Free Library in terms of the feel and it is very well written. Is there a print version available for purchase? I hope so, because I love this kind of writing.
August 17th, 2006 at 11:48 am
A blast to listen to! Great story, very well read… I cannot wait for the next chapter!
August 23rd, 2006 at 10:25 am
WOW!! What a rollercoaster! We love this book, my children laugh out loud we are totally hooked. They can’t wait to take a ride in the car to listen to the next episode of Shadowmagic.
September 28th, 2006 at 12:22 am
This is a really great book. Fun, inventive and interesting. I wish I could read / listen it all in one sitting. But then it would be over and that is something I don’t want. John Lenahan well done. It certainly deserves publication.
October 8th, 2006 at 8:22 pm
I love this story! Great theme music too. I cant wait for the next episode.
October 12th, 2006 at 6:25 am
I agree with Tasha very addictive story. I just bought the CD of Lunasa - can’t wait till it gets here…
October 13th, 2006 at 9:34 am
WOW love the story line and wonder like some others is this book in print i have searched for it but to no avile but i cant wait to hear the next episode oh i also just found this site and well done guys great idea and love it i will be bloging about this to my users on my site
October 21st, 2006 at 12:14 pm
I am thoroughly loving this book. John Lenahan has done a terrific job of creating likeable characters who respond in reasonable manner to to situations that are totally beyond reason within our realm of reality. Being of Irish heritage myself, I am enjoying the weaving of Celtic lore into the story. John’s voice is also pleasant to listen to, and he’s good at characterizing all the players in the story. But when I got through chapter 18 and realized that I have to wait for the next chapter, I almost wailed like a banshee. (Note to self: to avoid such agony, check on completion of books before subscribing.)
November 10th, 2006 at 6:19 pm
I feel real sympathy for the people who used to read the serialized stories in monthly magazines. Cliff hangers make me crazy! But I have an edge, right up to the end of chapter 22. And then I’ll have to wait, just like them.
I can’t tell if the best part is the story or having it read to me. Thanks, John, I love it!
November 11th, 2006 at 8:19 pm
A true 5 star book. Fanstasic story telling. Wonderful cast that draw you into thier world. This is one of my first Audio books and it has set the standards extremly high. Great Job.
November 20th, 2006 at 2:19 am
Everyone has pretty much summed up my feelings for the book. The production quality is amazing, the music is so catchy, and the story is just fantastic. I want the whole thing now. I look forward to each new chapter with child like glee.
November 26th, 2006 at 7:55 pm
mmmm.more chapters please!
December 10th, 2006 at 9:36 pm
Exellent Book, i hope after this John will write another book, keep up the great work John!
Brian
December 12th, 2006 at 4:32 pm
Shadowmagic is a great book!! I wait each week with bated anticipation for the next chapter. Great story, great pace, interesting concepts and family friendly! Keep up the good work, John!
December 13th, 2006 at 8:37 am
Hi John,
Love the book. cannot wait for the next chapter.
Look forward to your next books.
Best Wishes Brendan
December 13th, 2006 at 6:12 pm
I am obsessed with Shadowmagic! My students are hooked, I am hooked, and the rest of my family is hooked. Why isn’t this book in print? The character development, plot twists, and setting make this story the most fascinating that I have read/listened to since Harry Potter. We are all waiting anxiously for more…
December 17th, 2006 at 12:36 am
What do I have to say about this? It’s Awesome! If it was a book, I would say that I had a hard time putting it down, but I guess here the proper thing to say would be that it was hard to turn off. Excellent and complex characters. The plot takes all sorts of twists and turns that keep you hooked and listening intently for what will happen next. It starts off a little strange, but don’t let that stop you, I was hooked by the end of the first chapter. This is an excellent work, I can’t wait for the rest of the story and for it to come out in print.
December 18th, 2006 at 1:17 pm
John - Yes, PLEASE keep writing! “Shadowmagic” is something very special, and I delight in it.
December 24th, 2006 at 9:45 am
This is just such an amazing book. I love the humor and sarcasm of the main character as well as the story line. It’s not your typical “magical” adventure that you might expect. I can’t wait until John has a chance to get us a new story!!
December 24th, 2006 at 10:37 pm
Oh, I laughed through most of the chapters, and cried a little during the last few. A rare book where the ending is just as good and well written as the begining, and the middle doesn’t let up.
Lenahan, you are awesome!
~Dodge
December 25th, 2006 at 1:47 pm
Did I hear correctly at the end of chapter 27? First attempt on a novel? Can’t believe that, because it’s one of the most skillfully written novels on Podiobooks.com. The author has real talent, and the book is truly for almost everybody. A gem that HAS to have a continuation.
December 25th, 2006 at 11:02 pm
Wow, I just finished. What an awesome story and such great story telling. I am now a huge fan and now I must wait until a sequal. It is right up there with Firefly in terms of my personal favorites.
December 27th, 2006 at 9:33 pm
I absolutely love this book and enjoyed John Lenahan’s reading of it. He has a perfect reading voice…felt I was a little kid in my PJs listening to a bedtime story. Truly wonderful.
December 28th, 2006 at 6:17 am
Greetings!
I dont’ know if I can adequately express just how much I loved this story. Not only was it well written and put together as an audiobook, but the author tells it with such skill. This has been the biggest treat, and I was so sad when the story was over. John, thanks so much for all your hard work! I do hope that we will be hearing more stories from you in the future…
December 31st, 2006 at 12:23 pm
Wow! this was one of the best! I really enjoyed it. I can’t wait for the next book!
January 1st, 2007 at 9:52 am
In one word: Flawless!
January 7th, 2007 at 3:44 pm
This book is great. I sure hope he writes the sequel soon. I have told my daughter about and I am sure she and her friends will love it. Keep the great work, John!
January 13th, 2007 at 5:57 pm
Wow… I was addicted to this book for three days and today I finished it. I don’t know what to say… it was so awesome.
January 14th, 2007 at 12:57 pm
I enjoyed this book greatly. What I especially liked was the realism of the main character’s responses in a fantasy land. Whilst eating strange foods with mythical creatures, the character will still think of a Macdonalds burger. There’s no sinking into formulaic myth-telling here. The sound quality is excellent, and other aspiring authors planning to read their won works should listen to this as an example of how to get it right.
January 17th, 2007 at 4:18 am
I met John at Podcastcon and took a flier… it stayed on my desk for a few days…somehow I kept finding the flier… and as if drawn by powerful magic I subscribed. Tantalising music, a very human voice and imagery that filled my head…I became hooked.
My 11yr old daughter, with flu in bed, was eavesdropping in my office and became hooked to.
Thank you for doing this, it must have involved herculean will! Great book. Looking forward already to the next one and the haunting enchanting tones of Lunasa to once again fill the walls of my office
January 29th, 2007 at 7:28 pm
Best podiobook I have listened to. John you are a very good reader if the comedy thing does not pan out you should read audiobooks for living. Way better voice and expression than usual
February 4th, 2007 at 10:39 pm
I loved this book! I am very much hoping you will make a second podcast novel! Thank you for creating this even if you do not make a second!
February 17th, 2007 at 7:34 am
Very good story, well told and well presented.
If I have one criticism it would be that too many of the ‘cliffhangers’ turn out to not really be ‘cliffs’ at all, which can lead to a slight feeling of deflation at the beginning of the next episode.
Still, I genuinely enjoyed this.
February 17th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
I totally LOVED this book! The author has created such rich world with endless possibilities. I’m not to proud to beg for more stories from Tir na Nog. Please, oh please!!! I need more!
February 18th, 2007 at 1:12 am
Just a great book all the way around. If John doesn’t get published, there’s something wrong with the publishing industry.
February 19th, 2007 at 3:38 pm
Awesome book, can’t wait for the sequel. There is something wrong with the publishing industry, but books like this will put right whats been wrong. Thank you for the wonderful journey John.
February 21st, 2007 at 2:59 pm
This book is awsome as Robert I can’t wait for the sequel… I want it now. John is a great reader and writer, listning to the new chapter was a top priority every week that it got out. If it got published I would buy it even though I am from sweden and actually getting it would be not that easy.
March 1st, 2007 at 11:07 pm
I loved this book. The characters are great, the plot is exciting. Each chapter leaves you wanting more…including the last one. I look forward to a sequel.
The music for the opening matches the well. And John’s reading of it is very well done.
March 2nd, 2007 at 4:07 am
I have just finished this book. Great storytelling, great characters, great voice. I loved every minute of it. Can’t wait for a sequel.
March 4th, 2007 at 9:43 pm
after listening to the first few chapters one at a time (with the wait in between), I found I just couldn’t wait that long anymore. I downloaded the whole thing and listened in a couple sittings. It was great! I loved every bit of it!.
But, now what am I supposed to do? Puhleeeese hurry up with a sequel
*laughing*
March 8th, 2007 at 3:18 am
This is simply one of the best podcast novels I have been privileged to listen to!!!!! Each character truly comes alive in the novel, the plot is wonderfully original and very detailed. This is the kind of material that should be used to make movies!
March 15th, 2007 at 7:09 pm
this is an awsome audio book that is definatly worth getting i give it one hundred out of then and john pleas keep writing the books they are freaking awsome
April 26th, 2007 at 9:09 am
I loved this podcast, it’s probably one of the best ones I’ve listened to and I’ve recommended it to several friends. It’d make a great book, too.
May 1st, 2007 at 12:02 pm
I loved this podcast, wonderfully read, great entertainment had me chuckling along. Please right more this was a delight!
May 7th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
Come on John! I just finished Shadowmagic and need the next two in the series—please, ah come on already. Thanks for a really good Fantasy adventure!
June 12th, 2007 at 12:37 pm
Really enjoyed this. I normally bribe myself into doing household chores by listening to podcasts. This one I listened to straight through, chores or no chores. I would buy this in print at full price and hope this author/reader will continue the story.
June 21st, 2007 at 5:45 am
Awesome book. I couldn’t stop listening. I was late for work a few times because of it too. I want to own all of this author’s books when he gets them published.
August 17th, 2007 at 1:42 pm
Everything about the book, from your perfect blend of humor and suspense, to your amazing character development, to the fast pace of the storyline, to the way you read the books with such passion and enjoyment, has been simply amazing. I generally listen to the PodCast while driving home in my 2 hour commute (gotta love California traffic… lol), and I have to tell you that I find myself actually looking forward to my drive home, just so I can sit back and enjoy more of your great book.
Excellent job on the book, its head and shoulders above any other podcast I have ever listened to (and that’s a very long list).
Let me know when you get published so I can get a copy of the book and one day read it to my little ones.
August 30th, 2007 at 9:00 am
[…] you haven’t experienced Shadowmagic, just read the comments left by those who have. There’s a reason why Shadowmagic takes the #1 Top Rated book spot. […]
September 3rd, 2007 at 3:38 pm
Congratulations on the book deal, its well deserved.
September 3rd, 2007 at 8:30 pm
This man tattooed my wife Friday night… with the cover image of his novel. Congratulations on the print publication news!!
September 4th, 2007 at 9:12 am
Thank-you for the book, and for being at DragonCon!!!!
Is there anything more I can say?
Oh yeah, THIS BOOK IS WORTH EVERY SECOND OF THE LISTENING TIME!!!
September 4th, 2007 at 9:14 am
this man tattooed MANY wives, and It was an HONOR to have him tattoo my cleavage.
September 11th, 2007 at 2:51 pm
I’ve started listening to Shadowmagic today, and already I’m at chapter 13.
It’s nearly midnight here, but I want to listen to one more chapter (and then one more, and another one more)
Very grabbing, especially because of all those cliffhangers.
*turns his mp3player back on*
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some ShadowMagic episodes to listen to.
September 17th, 2007 at 6:46 pm
John,
2 Thumbs up and 5 stars. Excellent tale - I enjoyed every second of it! I’m astounded to hear that this was your first novel, and if you get the yen to write another, I’ll be thrilled to hear/read it.
I’m taking my nephew on a trip next year and this story will be going with us - I’m sure he’ll love it as much as I did.
September 30th, 2007 at 5:50 pm
Shadowmagic is a wonderful example of terrific storytelling. The characters are warm and genuine, and the backdrop in which they carry our their lives interestingly mystical. The heroic undertones did not overtake my emotional investment in Connor or the gang, which is a welcomed achievement.
The only thing to complain about is the lack of a sequel (hint, hint).
Keep up the great work, and I hope to read more from you in the future!
-jason
October 9th, 2007 at 10:45 am
One of the best podiobooks I have come across in my recent devouring of them. Definitely will be coming back for more in the Shadowmagic series if more are produced!
Great job! Excellent work, across the board! Hope to hear of more tales from the Land!
October 10th, 2007 at 10:17 am
I am so unhappy! I finished Shadowmagic and have nothing to listen to.
This was awesome and I hope you do that sequel.
October 17th, 2007 at 7:00 pm
I loved your story. I engaged with the Characters, and nearly cried at the end. don’t give up, keep writing, I will be on the look out for more in this story
October 22nd, 2007 at 4:30 am
This is a wonderful story. I have always been fond of Celtic Mythology and this story was one of the most enjoyable ones I’ve found in a long time. I look forward to hearing the sequel.
November 2nd, 2007 at 3:46 am
This is a FABULOUS book! It was really great to have such an engaging book that the whole family could listen to on a recent road trip. When the book is printed I will be buying copies for my kids, my parents, my MIL, anyone I can think of!
November 29th, 2007 at 12:23 am
In a word, WOW! This book is a classic. I laughed, cried, and fell in love with the Land. This is not to be missed. Harry Potter came of age, Charlie explored the wonders of the chocolate factory, and now Connor takes us on a journey we’ll never forget.
November 30th, 2007 at 12:06 am
I’ve always believed a piece of work should stand on it’s on, and have abhorred comparisons that are often drawn between works simply because they happen to reside in the same genre. Star Trek is no more Stargate than Shakespeare is Chaucer. This book is without a doubt Magical realism, but the world the author has created stands alone, complete and concise. It is picture perfect world of fantasy which had me captivated from the very onset. However this is not just your average mystical fantasy. The way our present day hero is transported into the mystical realm complete with his contemporary attitudes and humorous personality is seamlessly brilliant. I enjoyed this piece thoroughly and were it up to me this would be another Parsec nominee. I had such a clear vision of this world and it’s particulars; I was so convinced by the complexities of its structure, my engrossment was complete. There were parts in the story were I was overcome with belly-aching fits of laughter. John Lenahan really has the ability to see the essence of humour in every situations and portray it excellently. If I have any criticism at all, it was that the whole affair was over far too quickly. This book is simply superb!
December 4th, 2007 at 10:34 pm
Shadowmagic is just incredible! I wish there were more podiobooks by this author. He has the MOST dynamic voice for storytelling I’ve heard so far. It’s like being told a tale by an enigmatic friend. The story itself is full of wonder and beauty and never lacking in action.
I’ve been addicted since minute 1 of the podcast.
I’ve laughed out loud listening to this and cried too, I’m not ashamed to admit. More, more, gimme more!
December 19th, 2007 at 8:07 pm
I too am wondering if we will get an opportunity to hear John Lenahan again. Please talk him into it if he is dithering.
December 28th, 2007 at 9:07 pm
John Lenahan…your voice made this amazing book all the better! The characters, the ending, the plot, the entire WORLD truly made my never-ending flight back to London something truly memorable!
thanks for the laughs, and hope to hear from you on podiobooks soon..?
=)
December 29th, 2007 at 4:09 pm
I loved it! My first audiobook ever! It’s making the ones after it look bad…
I am stoked for the next ones! I think John’s voice was so great for the character that clearly fit him. It was amazing! Thanks so much for sharing this with us!
January 14th, 2008 at 11:47 am
This is one of the best books I’ve listened to. I wish I had the book itself. Doing the narrating yourself was a damn good idea, I couldn’t imagine someone else doing it. Lunesa did an great job on the music too. I’ll be looking forward to hearing more of both. Thanks
January 17th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Simply amazing!
Please never stop writing AND reading your stories to us John Lenahan! ! I so much enjoyed listening! Same as many others who listened to your story, I too simply couldn’t stop listening to the whole story in one day (night).
Thanks for sharing your talents with us and thanks for the laughs.
5 stars for everything! You’re already on my list of “favourite authors” …. so… please “encore”
January 20th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Thoroughly and delightfully enchanting!
I’m new to using mp3 players, but recently got one for Christmas. I work alone in a physically demanding job without much of a need to converse with others or answer a phone. I had thought to use it for listening to music while I worked, but started listening to podcast stories instead. I had listened to a few, including some of the old Sherlock Holmes radio broadcasts, by the time I listened to Shadowmagic. It was far and away one of the BEST stories I’ve had the occasion to listen to thus far (so far, most others pale in comparison).
I started it at the beginning of my regular eight hour shift, worked an hour of overtime, didn’t turn it off during my lunch break, and listened to the end of the story during the drive home. I’m so glad I didn’t have to wait a week in between episodes. I’d have been like a drug addict, anxiously awaiting my next fix.
The narration was perfect, the story engrossing, the humor actually funny, and the characters well developed and believable (considering this was a fantasy). Without a doubt, I am looking forward to more from Mr. Lenahan and the story of Conor. Many thanks for a terrific story!
January 22nd, 2008 at 8:51 pm
A great audio book.
My whole family enjoyed it and we are sad it is over. I can recommend it whole heartedly with only one reservation.
Some of the language is borderline for preteens.
For young kids you need to say “honey, please don’t say “ass over teacups” to your friends… their mom’s may not understand.”
We can’t wait for the next one!
January 24th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
This is one of the best books I’ve ever had the pleasure of encountering, printed or spoken. I love fantasy and all things Irish so when i saw a fantasy book about irish mythology that was enough to hook me. Course that was only a small part of why this book was so good. The characters seemed very believable. Connor sounded like some one I could meet somewhere in real life and was easy to connect with. The way Mr. Lenahan voiced Connor’s part was perfect. The other characters were done well too. Each chapter seemed to end at a cliffhanger and I found myself listening to 3-4 episodes at a time. But the amazing thing was that I found myself trying to limit the amount of episodes I listened to so it would last longer. You know it’s a good book when you can’t wait to finish it but you never want it to end. That’s the way it was with Shadowmagic. It was one of those books where when it’s over you feel kind of sad for a little while. I have read that Mr. Lenahan intends to write a sequel. I will be eagerly awaiting the next book.
February 18th, 2008 at 7:12 am
By far, the best book I have ‘read’ in several years (and that’s saying a lot, I read several books a week). Excellent narration (I was surprised at the voice quality), compelling characters, and best of all, witty writing. Several times I found myself chuckling at the banter between characters, something that has never happened before in any other book I’ve read.
If I had one complaint, it’s that since I heard this story, I find myself reluctant to start another book, because I know it almost certainly won’t match the quality of Shadowmagic. So it looks like I’m stuck waiting for the sequels (I believe it was mentioned that two are planned?).
I hope the author, John Lenahan, finds great success with his stories. He really deserves it.
March 7th, 2008 at 7:09 am
I have ‘read’ this book twice now and yet I still cannot get enough of it. I love so much that I have pointed loads of my friends and family to it on Podiobooks.
I really hope that this book will be made into a film as I honestly think it is much better than titles such as Lord Of The Rings.
As this is the first audio book I have heard, it is going to take something very special to top this one!
March 19th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Help!
The “report a problem page” isn’t opening for me so I’m posting here… “Chapter 8: Esa” is corrupted and you can’t hear anything past like the 5 minute mark (click to somewhere in the middle of the episode to hear the problem). Hopefully this can be fixed?
March 27th, 2008 at 9:39 am
I really enjoyed this podiobook and it was my first ever. Great audio quality and narration. I hope the author considers doing the two sequels. If he does, I will be sure to download.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
I first listened to this novel about two years ago, and to this day I can’t stop going back to it. It appears as if John’s strength lies in character development. The characters that play out in this story all have a very distinct background and flavor of their own. His development of “The Land” is also excelent. Congratulations Mr Lenahan on a well executed and delivered story. I look forward to hearing more work from you. If you read this book please donate to Mr Lenahan, he deserves every cent or euro that you can spare.
March 30th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
John,
Spectacular writing and narration. Thank you, so much! Cheers.
April 6th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
A fun and fairly lighthearted fairy tale about a young man’s misadventures through Tir Na Nog. I would easily listen to Shadowmagic again and recommend it to friends and family. I especially enjoyed the author’s narration. He really brought the protagonist’s character and wry sense of humor to life and I sincerely hope he plans to write a sequel! Thanks John for bringing us this fantastic story!
April 15th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
John… I have to say…
This is the best piece of fiction I have had read aloud to me.
I have been listening to “books-on-tape” for a while now and only recently discovered podiobooks…. What a great discovery it has been.
The writing itself was well done… Griping, fast paced and a fantastic dose of humor… but the narration… oh the narration!!!
Hearing a book read by a talented voice professional is a truly wonderful experience… Hearing a book read (well) by it’s author… That was a whole new scale!
You get all the tone, inflection and feeling that was truly meant to be… It can never be done so perfectly by a professional.
Thank you John… With all of my heart I thank you for such a great experience.
(Oh… I can’t wait for you to start putting out the next two in the series!)
April 16th, 2008 at 9:56 am
John, this story is absolutely fantastic, really lighthearted with a nice sense of humour and, as several people have said, the narration is impeccable! you really get the feeling you know the characters and fall in love with them and get involved in the story… please post the sequels because I can’t wait to hear more!
April 17th, 2008 at 7:08 am
This book is fantastic, and John you are a superb narrator. This is only the 3rd podiobook that I have heard and let me say, I was not let down. John has a fantastic voice that makes you feel and see what he wrote and reads, and I must say if you like Tom Hanks voice you’ll loves Johns as well. I hope to hear the sequels he spoke of as I am sure that he will but as much into them as he did in to this one. Thank You John!!!
April 20th, 2008 at 10:27 am
this book was amazing, the story was amazing, the characters were amazing and the narration was amazing, John you must continue writing and podcasting!!! cant wait for the next book!!
July 6th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Great story! I just finished it today. It kept me busy on two different long car rides. Keep it up!
July 6th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
I should have added that I just donated $10 after enjoying this book (75% goes to the author).
I encourage everybody else to donate, as well! Support your favorite author, and support podiobooks.com!
July 17th, 2008 at 6:32 am
Wonderful story, great characters, and smoothly narrated. Keep writing, John, we NEED more!
July 22nd, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Am I the only one that finds in annoying when John barrows creatures from other books? Like the Pooka, these are creatures straight out of White Wolf’s Changling nothing has been altered. There is nothing wrong with the creatures themselves, but can’t a guy come up with his own creatures? Maybe show a bit of originality?
July 22nd, 2008 at 3:31 pm
If White Wolf Changling used a pooka, I don’t think it was an original creation.
http://www.irelandseye.com/paddy3/preview2.htm
There’s even a famous play — made more famous by Jimmy Stewart in 1950 — wherein one of the characters is a pooka in the form of a 6 foot white rabbit named Harvey.
I used the term in my own books to describe - not a animal spirited faerie - but the animus of a ship.
The “pooka” is a commonly used term in folklore — right up there with faeries, pixies, and brownings — so I think your attribution of pooka to White Wolf *might* be just a tad off the mark.
July 23rd, 2008 at 3:47 am
Dear Alisanne
Pookas, as well as most of the references in Shadowmagic, are inspired (if only loosely) by actual Irish mythology.
Pookas were first recorded in R. C Crockers collected folklore in 1825. I’ve never heard of White Wolf but I suspect that its author has used the same folk sources as I. The originality that you speak of belongs to the ancient wondering purveyors of oral tales. We are but standing on their shoulders.
You should always do your homework before you accuse someone of plagiarism.
John Lenahan
July 23rd, 2008 at 4:52 pm
To get around Chapter 8’s audio fizzling out part way through (right at 4:48), you can listen to the story with the pop-up embedded player at the book’s home page:
http://www.shadowmagic.co.uk/
the direct link is:
http://www.pupuplatters.com/pupuplayer/pro/pupuplayer_pro.php?id=317&backwards=1
July 24th, 2008 at 3:27 am
Michael, the feed seems fine to me. We had trouble a while back but I thought we fixed it. How long ago did you download it?
John L
July 25th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
I have been listening to Podio.books for several months now. This is probably my 10th or 11th book and by far the best one. Great imagination on the villages, castle and the alive items of nature - talking trees - moving thorn briars - all really cool. I found myself laughing out loud and really hard at times. The narration and voice with tone quality were perfect for the charactors making it all so believable. I also liked the music and the short introductions. With other books the intros were too long and bothersome. Also the cliff hanging ends and the length of each chapter was perfect. I read that there are to be other books. When? I hope I don’t have to wait too long.
July 27th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
After discovering Podiobooks I was a little wary, But after a few books I became hooked. Shadowmagic is easily one of my Favorites (Sorry but Secret World Chronicle is still my favorite but this one is tied with Space Casey and The Red Panda Adventures for a close second. I’m Have way through and looking forward to the rest.
July 29th, 2008 at 6:33 am
At first I thought this was a kid’s book but the “boy” is eighteen. What an awesome book! My favourite of the 4 or 5 podiobooks I have listened to so far. The author’s voice is perfect for the narration. I am really looking forward to more books by John Lenahan.
August 3rd, 2008 at 10:59 am
I *love* it! If you appreciate sarcasm, this book is dripping with it. 18 year olds are pretty good at that. (grin) I suggest listening to it twice, as “I refuse to let you tell that story while we are in a boat!” makes sense the 2nd time around. Ha! I had to turn off the book and laugh out loud for a few minutes! The story line is very well developed, I’m hoping to hear more about where the ideas came from. (hint hint) The characters are great - I’m looking forward to more. John, please don’t leave us hanging for too long.
August 14th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
i loved the book john, are you writing another. this was the second podiobook i listened to and its still one of my favourites, i cant wait for more