Comments on: Chasing the Bard http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/ News from the Staff of Podiobooks.com Thu, 04 Dec 2008 03:48:35 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3 By: Shannon http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-245473 Shannon Sat, 08 Nov 2008 12:04:28 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-245473 I enjoy reading Shakespeare and fantasy. Chasing the Bard perfectly combines the two into a wild adventure spanning the life and times of one of the most, if not the most, famous authors in history. Ballantine has a wonderful take on magic - Art as she calls it - and its relation to humans and the mythical Fey. The two races have a long history, expertly hinted at throughout Chasing the Bard. I found this was expertly woven together a tale of battle, heroism, love, honor, magic, and humanity for a wonderful story that pulls the listener into the world and keeps them begging for more. I enjoy reading Shakespeare and fantasy. Chasing the Bard perfectly combines the two into a wild adventure spanning the life and times of one of the most, if not the most, famous authors in history. Ballantine has a wonderful take on magic - Art as she calls it - and its relation to humans and the mythical Fey. The two races have a long history, expertly hinted at throughout Chasing the Bard. I found this was expertly woven together a tale of battle, heroism, love, honor, magic, and humanity for a wonderful story that pulls the listener into the world and keeps them begging for more.

]]> By: Philippa Ballantine http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-229849 Philippa Ballantine Sun, 28 Sep 2008 03:34:40 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-229849 Thanks for Hannelore- I did try to be gentle with history, so hopefully with was more a gentle kiss than a full on rape. =) As for the warning, I find it better to err on the side of caution especially with people from different countries listening. Certainly if this was just a New Zealand audience I wouldn't have bothered with the warning except on the sex scene. I do try not to fall into the cultural gap- though recently I have unexpectedly plunged into it. Glad you enjoyed the podiobook and thanks for the feedback. Thanks for Hannelore- I did try to be gentle with history, so hopefully with was more a gentle kiss than a full on rape. =)
As for the warning, I find it better to err on the side of caution especially with people from different countries listening. Certainly if this was just a New Zealand audience I wouldn’t have bothered with the warning except on the sex scene. I do try not to fall into the cultural gap- though recently I have unexpectedly plunged into it. Glad you enjoyed the podiobook and thanks for the feedback.

]]> By: Hannelore http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-229738 Hannelore Sat, 27 Sep 2008 20:53:59 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-229738 I do like this book, despite the liberties Mr Ballantine is taking with history. But of course, one can only quote Dumas the Elder. When he was accused of "raping history", he agreed and added that he did make "some fine bastards" nonetheless. What does annoy is the warning of strong language in front of every chapter. I despise being patronised. I haven't found anything unfit for children, either. A metaphor is something a child should understand before reading anything beyond "run, Spot, run", so the single(!) sex scene doesn't warrant a warning. And the rest is about as violent as any Disney film - and less explicit. The audio itself is a veritable HowTo. The narration is easy to understand (even for a German like me), the music doesn't overwhelm the listener and the voice talents add the certain something. Thank you, Ms Ballantine :-) I do like this book, despite the liberties Mr Ballantine is taking with history. But of course, one can only quote Dumas the Elder. When he was accused of “raping history”, he agreed and added that he did make “some fine bastards” nonetheless.

What does annoy is the warning of strong language in front of every chapter. I despise being patronised. I haven’t found anything unfit for children, either. A metaphor is something a child should understand before reading anything beyond “run, Spot, run”, so the single(!) sex scene doesn’t warrant a warning. And the rest is about as violent as any Disney film - and less explicit.

The audio itself is a veritable HowTo. The narration is easy to understand (even for a German like me), the music doesn’t overwhelm the listener and the voice talents add the certain something.

Thank you, Ms Ballantine :-)

]]> By: madjo http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-216019 madjo Sat, 30 Aug 2008 23:32:23 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-216019 btw, I of course meant "Elizabethan" not "Victorian". :) btw, I of course meant “Elizabethan” not “Victorian”. :)

]]> By: Megan Pawlak http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-209720 Megan Pawlak Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:43:01 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-209720 Wow. I listen to my podiobooks at work. There were a NUMBER of scenes where I had to choke back tears. I get comments from my co-workers cause I constantly laugh, snort, or make commetns under my breath when I listen to my stories. This book was wonderful. I bought both of them on August 8, 2008. I'm reading Congo right now by Micheal Crichton but I can't decide if I'm going to read Billi or Bard! >.< both so good. One thing that really hooked me on the reading of the podcast was the terrific voice production. Tee Morris knows how to work his characters. Casting him as Will was perfect. They have such great chemistry together. The blending of history and fiction was astonishing. I have to admit that I'm not a big fan of Shakespeare. The only productions of his plays I enjoy are ones that have been updated for language or otherwise taken out of their original time setting. But taking Will and putting him in a position with mystical/mythical (not sure which word is better here) powers is fantastic. It's a whole new spin on a literary master. Wow. I listen to my podiobooks at work. There were a NUMBER of scenes where I had to choke back tears. I get comments from my co-workers cause I constantly laugh, snort, or make commetns under my breath when I listen to my stories.

This book was wonderful. I bought both of them on August 8, 2008. I’m reading Congo right now by Micheal Crichton but I can’t decide if I’m going to read Billi or Bard! >.< both so good.

One thing that really hooked me on the reading of the podcast was the terrific voice production. Tee Morris knows how to work his characters. Casting him as Will was perfect. They have such great chemistry together.

The blending of history and fiction was astonishing. I have to admit that I’m not a big fan of Shakespeare. The only productions of his plays I enjoy are ones that have been updated for language or otherwise taken out of their original time setting. But taking Will and putting him in a position with mystical/mythical (not sure which word is better here) powers is fantastic. It’s a whole new spin on a literary master.

]]> By: Jessica http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-209148 Jessica Thu, 14 Aug 2008 20:50:49 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-209148 Absolutely addictive! Thank you! Absolutely addictive! Thank you!

]]> By: madjo http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-209121 madjo Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:49:34 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-209121 Chasing the Bard. Follow the worlds most famous bard in his midsummer nightmare. This is a story set in Victorian England, but with a twist. There are Fey, manipulative faeries, who are trying to get William to help them save their world from destruction. It's a very moving tale, filled with excitement and adventure. It does have strong language (especially chapter 13, which I have to admit not having listened to, for personal reasons), so it's not really suited for younger listeners. But I will guarantee you. You will absolutely like this story. Go, and listen to Dark Goddess Pip. You will not regret it. :) Chasing the Bard. Follow the worlds most famous bard in his midsummer nightmare.

This is a story set in Victorian England, but with a twist. There are Fey, manipulative faeries, who are trying to get William to help them save their world from destruction.
It’s a very moving tale, filled with excitement and adventure.

It does have strong language (especially chapter 13, which I have to admit not having listened to, for personal reasons), so it’s not really suited for younger listeners.

But I will guarantee you. You will absolutely like this story.
Go, and listen to Dark Goddess Pip. You will not regret it. :)

]]> By: Philippa Ballantine http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-191355 Philippa Ballantine Mon, 30 Jun 2008 07:51:46 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-191355 Thanks for the feedback- podcasters and authors live on such things. The good news is that the sequel to Chasing the Bard will be coming out on 08.08.08. http://www.chasingthebard.com/?p=117 Puck gets in on the promotion. Thanks for the feedback- podcasters and authors live on such things. The good news is that the sequel to Chasing the Bard will be coming out on 08.08.08. http://www.chasingthebard.com/?p=117 Puck gets in on the promotion.

]]> By: Sophia http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-191317 Sophia Mon, 30 Jun 2008 03:12:42 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-191317 Love this story, and the narration is fantastic. Very good work Philippa and thanks for putting it out there for us. Love this story, and the narration is fantastic. Very good work Philippa and thanks for putting it out there for us.

]]> By: Valerie http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-191303 Valerie Mon, 30 Jun 2008 01:16:26 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-191303 Hi there, Philippa! Thank you so much for sharing Chasing the Bard with the world! AMAZING!!! I do hope all ends well, though. I would love for you leave the door open for more stories of the lovely Fey. You couldn't have done any better with the voice talent. Everyone has been spot on! (Although, you, Miss Pip, could probably read the phone book and still have a huge fan base!) I am looking forward to the conclusion of Chasing the Bard and all your future works. Hi there, Philippa! Thank you so much for sharing Chasing the Bard with the world! AMAZING!!! I do hope all ends well, though. I would love for you leave the door open for more stories of the lovely Fey. You couldn’t have done any better with the voice talent. Everyone has been spot on! (Although, you, Miss Pip, could probably read the phone book and still have a huge fan base!) I am looking forward to the conclusion of Chasing the Bard and all your future works.

]]> By: Chris http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-191250 Chris Sun, 29 Jun 2008 21:07:59 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-191250 Hey Philippa, Just seen this one and looking forward to it. Loved your other work :) Hey Philippa, Just seen this one and looking forward to it. Loved your other work :)

]]> By: Philippa Ballantine http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-188460 Philippa Ballantine Sun, 22 Jun 2008 17:16:16 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-188460 Thanks everyone. I am so glad you are enjoying the story. I plan to have it all out there, barring problems by the beginning of August. Thanks everyone. I am so glad you are enjoying the story. I plan to have it all out there, barring problems by the beginning of August.

]]> By: Jodi http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-188344 Jodi Sun, 22 Jun 2008 10:04:02 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-188344 I ABSOLUTELY love this story! As soon as one episode is finished I'm ready for the next one. Thank you Philippa! I ABSOLUTELY love this story! As soon as one episode is finished I’m ready for the next one. Thank you Philippa!

]]> By: Gail http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-187961 Gail Sat, 21 Jun 2008 16:24:26 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-187961 Thank you, Philippa, for this great story. You make it sound easy! Thank you, Philippa, for this great story. You make it sound easy!

]]> By: whiskyman http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-182740 whiskyman Sat, 07 Jun 2008 02:25:24 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-182740 This podcast is great. I found this last week and listened to the first 6 episodes in one day! This is great. Thanks for the great podcast. This podcast is great. I found this last week and listened to the first 6 episodes in one day! This is great. Thanks for the great podcast.

]]> By: Nate Lowell http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-177636 Nate Lowell Sat, 24 May 2008 12:35:50 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-177636 Chasing the Bard is a great story! I've been subscribed over at her site, too, and Pip has an amazing production going on here. Podiobook fans of fantasy will be delighted. Chasing the Bard is a great story! I’ve been subscribed over at her site, too, and Pip has an amazing production going on here. Podiobook fans of fantasy will be delighted.

]]> By: Barry Bounous http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-177060 Barry Bounous Thu, 22 May 2008 21:08:51 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-177060 Been listening from her web site. Very very fine work on all parts! Been listening from her web site. Very very fine work on all parts!

]]> By: Duane http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-176980 Duane Thu, 22 May 2008 18:15:09 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-176980 Boooo for making me wait so long to find this title! I've listened to as many podiobooks as I can get my hands on, and I can say this one easily lands a spot in the top 3. It is the right combination of everything - well written, good story, well produced, excellent voice talent. I actually found the show just last week while hunting for Shakespeare stuff, and was all "What the heck? How have I missed this for so long?" Now I know. Evo's fault. :) http://www.shakespearegeek.com Boooo for making me wait so long to find this title! I’ve listened to as many podiobooks as I can get my hands on, and I can say this one easily lands a spot in the top 3. It is the right combination of everything - well written, good story, well produced, excellent voice talent. I actually found the show just last week while hunting for Shakespeare stuff, and was all “What the heck? How have I missed this for so long?” Now I know. Evo’s fault.

:)

http://www.shakespearegeek.com

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