South Coast
Nathan Lowell has gathered a loyal following (I’m one) with his Trader’s Tales series from his Golden Age of the Solar Clipper uber-series. (Quarter Share, Half Share & Full Share). He’s spun off a new series from that, called the Shaman’s Tales, and starts it off with the first book, South Coast:
A Shaman’s Tale from the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper
Otto is Richard Krugg’s only son and heir to the Shaman’s gift. The only problem is Otto doesn’t want it. He wants to be a fisherman. When company policies force unwelcome changes onto his life and threaten even the security of the village, Otto discovers that being a shaman isn’t optional.
Jimmy Pirano is caught between the devil and the deep green sea when new production quotas are handed down from corporate headquarters. Locked into a century of existing practice, Jimmy is forced to find new ways to fish and new places to do it in or face the very real possibility that Pirano Fisheries will lose the St. Cloud franchise.
Join Otto, Richard, and Rachel Krugg as they struggle with what it means to be the son of a shaman. Cast off with Jimmy, Tony, and Casey as they navigate the shoals and shallows of corporate fishery along the South Coast.
December 9th, 2007 at 10:28 pm
Whooo hooo! Another Nathan Lowell Novel! And it’s in the same universe as the previous ones. Makes one wonder how many planets Nathan has running around his mind…
Could lead to a whole LOAD of stuff…
I’m glad to have a peak at it.
If this book holds true to his form, you will get a few chuckles out while listening to it.
December 9th, 2007 at 10:36 pm
Thanks, Randy!
This one is a bit different and those who are looking for more conflict and less “perfect” characters will find something to like here. We still don’t have fist fights and the characters DO use some four letter words here and there (no f-bombs), but i had a LOT of fun writing this book during NaNoWriMo. I hope all the fans of the Trader’s Tales who were interested in whelkies and the whole South Coast shaman mythos will enjoy this book, too.
December 10th, 2007 at 12:24 am
I’ve missed Nathan’s universe, and I’m excited to jump back in. I throughly enjoyed the *Share books without the conflict – Now to hear his writing _with_ conflict will be a real treat!
December 10th, 2007 at 2:14 am
Episode 1 was quite a pleasant experience, kind of like “sorbet for the brain” after all of the super-hero (Playing for Keeps, Superhuman Times), sci-fi (Pirates of Sufiro, Children of the Old Stars) and horror/thriller (Nocturnal, 7th Son) that I’ve been listening to lately.
I feel sorry for Otto, especially when he found out that his father was not quite sure about “the gift” himself. The last scene with Otto and Richard was really touching on a number of different levels. I really liked it.
Tony and Jimmy sound like “management” that has both a clue and a heart, meaning that they appear to understand that the demands of the Home Office will have a fairly big (and negative) impact on the people that are under them.
I’m really looking forward to seeing how these different sets of folks develop through the rest of the book and beyond.
Thanks for the wonderful universe, Nathan!
December 10th, 2007 at 7:30 am
What a wonderful Christmas present, a new Nathan Lowell novel! I’m off to show my appreciation the only way I know how. By clicking “Donate.” Have a happy holiday.
December 10th, 2007 at 8:13 am
And for the record, Lar did not lie. His donation came in two minutes after his comment was posted. Hooray, Lar!
December 10th, 2007 at 8:59 am
Thank you, Lar … and all the people who have donated. I’m constantly humbled by the dedication of all the people who have supported the books over the last year. I’m looking forward to see what happens in 2008!
Don’t forget you can share the Solar Clipper love at the Lois McKendrick Ship’s Store!
December 10th, 2007 at 2:50 pm
Since Nathan mentioned the store, I love drinking my coffee from an “official” mug I got at the Lois McKendrick Ship’s Store.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first three books, partly because Ish had respect for women of all ages, but mostly because they were just darn good stories. In fact, I liked them so much, I named three new kittens Ishmael, Pip, and Beverly after characters in the stories. I would have had a Brill too, but my husband named her first.
South Coast sounds like it will be the best of them all. I look forward to hearing more.
December 13th, 2007 at 11:11 pm
Ah more from the golden age of the clipper is a good thing. Looking forward to this one.
December 14th, 2007 at 6:45 am
I dont think you’ll be disappointed, Nigel!
But I’m a tad biased.
December 14th, 2007 at 2:22 pm
Someone needs to call J. C. Hutchins. I figure we need at least three of you, Nate. One just to write, one just to record and one to do the mundane things like go to work. In fact, perhaps two or three to write. I’m sure it takes you more time to write the books than to record them.
I can’t wait for the next few chapters. I’ve already listened to the first 5 three times.
I’m also on listen number 6 of the Share books. This time I’m making my roommate listen with me. She is really enjoying it so far.
December 14th, 2007 at 3:16 pm
There’s 5 more spisodes on the server now .. we’re waiting for the PB update which should happen this weekend sometime. With ANY luck, you’ll have the whole thing by Christmas, all wrapped up in a bow.
December 14th, 2007 at 5:41 pm
Hey Evo any chance you could make the update happen sooner
If so I’ll buy you a some Stone’s Arrogant Bastard Ale the next time I’m in Arizona;)
December 14th, 2007 at 8:58 pm
Had to laugh when Otto got caught out for listening in on his parents’ discussion by his Mom NOT hearing his bed squeak. *sending Nate lots of luck (only the goood kind)*
December 15th, 2007 at 10:23 am
Sorry Evo. I *knew* I shouldn’ta mentioned it.
December 16th, 2007 at 2:29 am
What can I say about Nathen Lowell to express his excellence without being repetitive? Nothing I suppose. Once again he comes up trumps with another tale from the golden age of the solar clipper. Anyone who is a regular here at podiobooks.com pretty much knows there is an established league of authors who can be depended on for good content, engaging stories, and fiction of a calibre that will not dissapoint. Nathen Lowell sits casually among this elite with an understated wealth of talent and distinction that really needs to be be experienced. You will not be sorry.
December 18th, 2007 at 8:25 pm
BONUS! 5 New Eps! And it’s only Tuesday!!! My Christmas wish is coming true!
December 18th, 2007 at 8:35 pm
Woooot! Just found the 5 eps for today! Downloading now. Thanks!
December 18th, 2007 at 8:42 pm
I’m hoping to deliver the whole book by year end .. if i can make it by Christmas, that’s gravy.
And thanks for the plug Jim. I dont do another podcast, nor do I promote like Sig and the Hutch do, but I *do* try to put out good content.
December 21st, 2007 at 10:18 am
Hey gang! Merry Christmas.
The book is now complete, so all you folks who wanted something to listen to on the drive to Grandma’s house … there ya go!
December 21st, 2007 at 4:20 pm
Thank you Santa! You too, Nate!
December 21st, 2007 at 4:46 pm
w00t!
WOW!!! Awesome!!! Another finished book! –
I hope to at least buy you a cup of coffee if I ever get back to Greeley….
December 21st, 2007 at 10:35 pm
It was worth every penny. Great work. Thanks for another top notch work.
December 22nd, 2007 at 6:37 am
You’re welcome! It was a fun romp!
December 23rd, 2007 at 9:40 pm
Another great book from Nate. I loved the idea of the Shaman’s and the Welkies and I’m glad we got to learn more about them in this story. Can’t wait to see what is next up Nates sleeves.
December 26th, 2007 at 7:16 am
A word of congratulations is due!
Nathan, congratulations on being the only author to have 3 books in the best of 2007 Podiobooks list!!! Not only that, at least one book is always in the “today’s” list and “top ten.” 2~3 titles are in both “overall” categories! You’re always in all 4 categories of the podiobook charts.
I hereby nominate Nathan for Rookie of the Year award!
December 26th, 2007 at 10:11 am
Thanks, Thomas!
It was a great surprise to find all three of the ‘Share books on the list and I’m flattered to be in the same company as that group of podio-authors.
2008 is gonna be a great year, too, I think.
December 26th, 2007 at 1:47 pm
Nate,
South Coast is a powerful, moving story — I’m listening at a measured pace so as to enjoy each episode as it deserves. Thanks for all the work you do writing, recording, and producing these podcasts. I’m also looking forward to the stories coming up in 2008!
December 27th, 2007 at 11:02 pm
Nate-
Another job well done! You just have to promise me that in the next book (there is going to be a next book, right?) you’ll find a way to include both game theory and Monte Carlo simulations in the plot. My biggest problem is that I read (listen-to) these episodes too quickly. I quick grow attached to your characters, and find it hard to leave them behind.
-jason
December 28th, 2007 at 12:02 am
Game theory and Monte Carlo simulations?
That’ll be an interesting challenge. Given that the whole production and trade construct is based on non-zero-sum games, I might argue that I’ve already arranged for the first.
The second … hm …
January 3rd, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Hello Nate
I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas and wish you and yours a very happy new year.
I was very strong and waited until after the holiday to start listening to South Coast.
Then I listened to the lot all in one go :O)
Couldn’t leave it alone
I was awake all night and it was worth it.
Well done yet again, what a brilliant story.
sue
January 3rd, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Aww, thanks, Sue!
Happy New Year to all of my listeners. The coming year is looking very exciting with my voice going onto some new projects even while I’m working Double Share.
South Coast was a departure from the Ishmael line, but I really think it might be the strongest one yet.
Don’t forget you can suggest a name for the new ship at the redesigned Trader’s Diary ( http://durandus.org/golden ) and I’m still accepting artwork for the logo of the new company.
I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to getting back to writing about Ishmael and I only hope that the story of Sarah Krugg doesn’t get in the way.
These pesky characters have a way of not letting me write what I wanna write.
January 7th, 2008 at 5:06 am
Loved South Coast!
I was wondering.. Is there a chance that the plot line of this novel and Ishmael’s story might intersect at some point?
I think that might be a very interesting combo.
Sincerely,
Anton Bondar.
January 7th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Yes. The sequel to South Coast — Cape Grace — will intersect with Half Share
January 20th, 2008 at 3:28 am
You have to understand my usual fare is space opera and high fantasy so I wasn’t sure about this when I started listening to it.
But a few episodes in and I really got into. I never would have thought commercial fishing could be so fascinating
January 20th, 2008 at 7:17 am
Thanks, Zippy.
I’ll confess, I was a little uncertain myself going in. Once the characters got their feet on the ground, tho, it seemed to work out.
Hope you tried out the other books, too. They’re space opera — but maybe I’ve started the first “space soap opera” with them
January 24th, 2008 at 8:49 am
Excellent work Nathan. I like the development of characters and plot. I’m not sure why I like this and the Share stories so much, but…well…I do. Now I’m also very pleased to hear about Double Share will happen. The way the stories are set up, there seems a lot of paths to take; I hope you never get tired of telling these yarns!
January 24th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
Thanks Mike.
It’s one of those really odd things. I built this universe and even after a year of telling stories here, I still seem to have more to do than I have time to write.
Double Share WILL be out. NOT on the schedule I want, but the reasons for that will be revealed as soon as I can.
January 27th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Wow, what great character development. Like your previous store I just love all the characters. You are truly a Master Story Teller. Thanks, can’t wait for your next story. I love the “share” series and I’m looking forward to “Double Share”.
January 28th, 2008 at 7:43 am
Thanks, TR.
I probably shouldn’t admit this, but so am I.
February 14th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Love love love the series. I’ve listened to all three books over the last week or so and sat in the middle of my office and cried when Ish left the ship to go to college. I can’t wait to listen to Double Share and in the mean time I’m going to take on South Coast.
February 15th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
I hope you like it. Personally, I think it might be the best of the bunch.
On the plus side, it was the fourth book of the year. On the minus side, it was written during NaNoWriMo so … word count was a consideration, rightly or wrongly.
February 16th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
I loved each of the 4 books and will be watching for more. You tell a great story with clever solutions to problems. The characters are probably the best part–they are so interesting and believable and varied. I especially enjoyed the healing power on the Lois. And your reading of your work is very pleasant to listen to–good voice, good quality, nice music.
February 16th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Thanks, Anita! *blush*
February 21st, 2008 at 7:43 am
Hi Guys,
Absolutely loving NL’s work, and really looking forward to listening to this one, but is anyone else having a problem with track 18? It seems to get me in every one of his books so far – just one track will not work! I was reall hoping this one would break the jinx. Well, I’ll listen to it anyway, but I might have to buy a CD or something to fill in the gaps
February 21st, 2008 at 7:53 am
you can always go to the title page – scroll to the bottom – right click and save the file there.
March 9th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
South Coast is a wonderful book, even better than the excellent Quarter-Half-Full-Share series. I’m glad it takes place in the same universe, and I’m especially happy to find out more about the shamans. Nathan Lowell, you are amazing. Keep writing. Please, keep writing.
March 9th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
I’m writing as fast as I can.
Double Share is late
But the good news is that when it IS ready, we’ll have a new backend at Podiobooks to push it out!
April 7th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Well, Nathan (Nate?), as I’m sure you have figured out by now, you have quite a following. And with good reason, too. Your stories are “real.”
They say the “devil is in the details” and I believe that is where your stories many others. You provide minute details of the daily lives of the characters involved. Little things like what they had to eat, and the
April 7th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
rats…hit the enter button too soon.
As I was saying, little things like what they had to eat, what they were wearing, and what they were thinking. These little things help us to get a sense of the world the characters are inhabiting. I much prefer the details to the “f-bombs” and poor languange so many other authors seem to use to fill their pages.
Keep up the good work and PLEASE don’t hurry your next novel. While, like so many others, I’m anxious to download the next one, I’d much rather get a well developed story and not something that was hurried. With that, I’ll be patiently waiting…
April 9th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Thanks, Puddy.
It’s coming, I promise.
At the moment, my day job is eating me alive, but it’s coming.
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:23 pm
I just got finished sending a donation for Full Share and here’s another complete Nathan Lowell book. Oh, Happy Happy Joy Joy!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:19 am
I’m so glad you’ve found the book. I think this one is actually the best of the bunch so far.
And thanks for the donation!
July 28th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Thanks for this great book with a different view of the golden age. I’m half way through and loving it. I looked back through the comments on your other books to figure out what the release schedule had been. I hope that I don’t have to wait 6 months for every new book, but if that is what it takes to continue the quality writing, the intricate details of a “speculative” world, and the broad and sympathetic characters, it is well worth the wait. These books shouldn’t be free, and I hope that others are putting their money where their mouths are as well. (I reccomended these to my brother, and I will make sure that he pays as well). ((It was a promo on COHPodcast that made me aware of your books.))
October 18th, 2008 at 7:24 am
Loved It! When can i get some more?
Thanks for some excellent stories Nathan. Loved the share stories and south coast is just as good. Thank you.
October 18th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Cape Grace *should* be out in December
December 12th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
Nathan, you did great again. I both liked it and in some ways didn’t. I think part of what I didn’t like was the not knowing sometimes, like in the end, what subtleties were going on between, say, father and son. But in general, I loved the story and can’t wait for more!
December 13th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
I’m glad you liked it in general
There’s a lot of similarity to the Share series here in that at least some of the story is told by what isn’t said. The relationship between Otto and Richard is one of those things that I was careful never to spell out explicitly, but I *think* it’s all there.
February 26th, 2009 at 8:51 am
Nathan, first, I commend you on your effort, you should rightfully be very proud of yourself. I see you get a lot of very positive feedback, and this should rightfully warm your heart. That said, I want to give you a little less than positive input. First let me say I have written an novel and am working on a second, so I’m not a snarky critic, but one who understands your effort. I read the first 4-5 sessions of South Coast, and the first 3-4 of Quarter Share, before I stopped. Your narration is great, sound quality excellent, cadence good. The stories are imaginative, self-consistent, and well sculptured. But, and there’s always a but, they are dull. I don’t mean to say boring, just ‘eh’ dull. Maybe the books lead into high drama, surprise, action-o-plenty, or wild sex scenes, but it took too long to get to them, and the pace suggested if there were great rewards ahead, it would take some time to get to them. I say the same regarding David Weber’s Off Armagedon Reef series, so I’m not picking on you, just wanted to give you an honest, free, opinion, in the ‘for what it’s worth category’.
April 3rd, 2009 at 4:00 pm
I am a long-term fan of Nathan Lowell and I believe I have listened to all the books in the series. This one is quite unique in that it all happened on land. Like in his other books, I am dazzled by the complex discussions concerning economics and problem solving. This is unusual in my experience of science fiction and is certainly part of Lowell’s signature. Otto and Richard were interesting characters and their development was quite satisfying. Also, it is interesting that the planet this story was set on was featured in some of this other stories and much of the lore was introduced. A very pleasent read and a great performance. Please keep writing, Nathan Lowell!
October 1st, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Thanks, Craig. Sorry I didn’t see this until just now and I apologize for taking so long to reply.
No. They don’t lead up to space battles, epic sex scenes, or any of the other adventure tale tropes that make up 99% of sci fi. It’s not that the stories have a pacing problem. That *is* the pace. The stories are built around the characters and locales, and the goal is to create compelling stories of common people in places that are far removed from here.
Yes. For somebody looking for Weber or Drake or Ringo, these are the wrong books. I’m sorry you spent so much time on them and thank you for taking the time to leave your feed back.
October 2nd, 2009 at 12:01 pm
A non-spoiler to those visiting South Coast for the first time but having listed to Sara Kroog’s story. If you think that Otto is going to be an abused kid in this story: he’s not. I think you’ll really like his parents.
October 3rd, 2009 at 3:16 am
I had no idea there was another book in the series outside of the Share novels. Something to tide me over between Captain’s Share releases… well, the first few anyway.
If Craig really is an author, he should be taking notes, not criticizing. Any action beyond the incidental would likely detract from Nathan’s stories.
Quandmeme, why would people assume that her father had been abused? Sarah was not abused by him.
November 7th, 2009 at 8:45 am
The only word I can come up with to describe your writing is “elegant”. It’s not at all forced or dependent on tired cliches like so many podcast novels I’ve listened to. The subtlety is refreshing. Your characters are people I’d want to know. Don’t change anything. (Except, perhaps, writing faster: I’ve listened to all your podcasts now, and am itching for more!)
P.S.- Did anyone notice when Otto saw Ishamel’s dolphin swimming on the beach and picked it up? I can’t wait for his father (I assume that’s the man with the booth on the space station.) to meet Ishmael and to see if there’s anything else going on in this side of the story!
February 2nd, 2010 at 5:48 pm
Nathan, well what can be said? You have the perfect balance in all your books from narration style to the music. I did all the share series thru to Captains 2x’s and now twice thru South Coast. The attraction for me? They are good, clean, masterfully done books. No nasty language or extreme violence. Just really nice characters that I like enough to want to be like. They show respect, humility, and courage to the people around them. I really got to like Richard & Rachel – they seem to shine in each others presence and yet have their own individual strengths that they are not afraid to enforce.
Your ability to narrate and your voice are both exceptional. The way you have written these stories are by far not DULL at all. Your books are very refreshing from alot of the trash I have stumbled across and had to stop listening to due to the violence and strong language or just plain negative dark story plots. And you don’t have to write a book to know what is good.
I am looking forward to Owners Share and Cape Grace. I have also downloaded Ravenwood and will start it tomorrow. By the way I listen at work and have gone thru all these books 2x’s in about 3 weeks. I am a much nicer and happier person because of them. Can not say thank you enough.
February 2nd, 2010 at 9:45 pm
I’m so pleased you’re enjoying them.
Ravenwood is a bit darker, because of the nature of the world there. It’s a fantasy world and is a bit more adventuresome. I’ll be interested to find out how you like it.
Owner’s Share should be out this spring. Cape Grace this fall. Operative word is “should” there
February 3rd, 2010 at 6:34 pm
Nathan,
Could not resist and pulled out my card for a donation just to let you know how much I appreciate your books. Gave a donation for each book of the Shares series. Please keep writing and thankx so much.