Comments on: Chasing the Bard http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/ News from the Staff of Podiobooks.com Sun, 12 Feb 2012 20:41:49 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: Paul http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/comment-page-1/#comment-331560 Paul Thu, 27 Oct 2011 22:53:57 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-331560 Without doubt the best audio book I've listened to, it had me hooked from chapter one. The story is incredibly compelling, an excellent fantasy that is truly imaginative but not at all hard work to buy into like so many in this genre can be. The authors voice is delightful to listen to and I'm very much looking forward to starting Digital Magic next! Without doubt the best audio book I’ve listened to, it had me hooked from chapter one. The story is incredibly compelling, an excellent fantasy that is truly imaginative but not at all hard work to buy into like so many in this genre can be. The authors voice is delightful to listen to and I’m very much looking forward to starting Digital Magic next!

]]> By: Tam http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/comment-page-1/#comment-329983 Tam Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:55:15 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-329983 I am so glad I found this after it was complete to download! I could not stop listening! The voices and effects were a wonderful addition (and must admit the male voices were delish!) I loved the twist (perhaps?) of Shakespeare's history and thought the story from one world to the other flowed quite well. Couldn't she step back in time and alter things so that we get another delightful romp with the characters? :) Off to cyber stalk the author and cast in the hopes of finding more adventure! LOL! I am so glad I found this after it was complete to download! I could not stop listening! The voices and effects were a wonderful addition (and must admit the male voices were delish!)
I loved the twist (perhaps?) of Shakespeare’s history and thought the story from one world to the other flowed quite well.
Couldn’t she step back in time and alter things so that we get another delightful romp with the characters? :)
Off to cyber stalk the author and cast in the hopes of finding more adventure! LOL!

]]> By: Patrick Scaffido http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/comment-page-1/#comment-329521 Patrick Scaffido Sun, 14 Aug 2011 18:54:58 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-329521 I really wanted to read Geist but it's not a podiobook so subscribed to this. I'm very nervous about any story featuring either Puck or Shakespeare and this has both. I'm now excited every time I see that I'm getting a new episode. There was a specific point in the story when I went from "this is nice" to "holy crap this is awesome" and that was around the time Puck gets super powers and we find out really surprising and awesome background stuff about Sive. I hadn't realized I'd gotten so attached to the characters till I cried at the end of that chapter. I don't want to give away too many spoilers to people aren't spoiler friendly, but let me say this: Stick with this book till Puck's big fight at the villain's castle. There'll be an apple figuring prominently in a scene slightly prior. You'll be hooked. I really wanted to read Geist but it’s not a podiobook so subscribed to this. I’m very nervous about any story featuring either Puck or Shakespeare and this has both. I’m now excited every time I see that I’m getting a new episode.
There was a specific point in the story when I went from “this is nice” to “holy crap this is awesome” and that was around the time Puck gets super powers and we find out really surprising and awesome background stuff about Sive.
I hadn’t realized I’d gotten so attached to the characters till I cried at the end of that chapter. I don’t want to give away too many spoilers to people aren’t spoiler friendly, but let me say this:
Stick with this book till Puck’s big fight at the villain’s castle. There’ll be an apple figuring prominently in a scene slightly prior. You’ll be hooked.

]]> By: Barbara http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/comment-page-1/#comment-328375 Barbara Thu, 19 May 2011 03:16:42 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-328375 I could not finish this book. The author's narration was rushed and the obviously altered voices of Puck and the other small characters was extremely annoying to listen to. Also, Oberon has an American accent while his sister does not. I found it just too jarring and the story was not compelling enough to overcome these audio annoyances. I could not finish this book. The author’s narration was rushed and the obviously altered voices of Puck and the other small characters was extremely annoying to listen to. Also, Oberon has an American accent while his sister does not. I found it just too jarring and the story was not compelling enough to overcome these audio annoyances.

]]> By: John Smith http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/comment-page-1/#comment-327111 John Smith Mon, 14 Mar 2011 10:53:31 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-327111 well written, good story, well produced, excellent voice talent. More Please well written, good story, well produced, excellent voice talent.

More Please

]]> By: Wednesday http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/comment-page-1/#comment-324500 Wednesday Tue, 04 Jan 2011 06:17:44 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-324500 I just loved this book! The story was amazing and I was completely absorbed. I am an avid fantasy reader, a Shakespeare fan and a bit of a mythology buff. Chasing the Bard was a treat for me on each of those levels. Even the voice and audio aspects are downright enjoyable. I found myself often waiting for certain characters laughter. This is one of the books I make sure to recommend. I just loved this book! The story was amazing and I was completely absorbed. I am an avid fantasy reader, a Shakespeare fan and a bit of a mythology buff. Chasing the Bard was a treat for me on each of those levels. Even the voice and audio aspects are downright enjoyable. I found myself often waiting for certain characters laughter. This is one of the books I make sure to recommend.

]]> By: Chas Blanchard http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/comment-page-1/#comment-319244 Chas Blanchard Wed, 31 Mar 2010 03:23:30 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-319244 One of the first podcast novels that I listened to & still one of the very best out there. Pip has crafted a wonderful story and made an amazing production from it. Go and listen to this enthralling story. You will not regret it. =) One of the first podcast novels that I listened to & still one of the very best out there. Pip has crafted a wonderful story and made an amazing production from it. Go and listen to this enthralling story. You will not regret it. =)

]]> By: Romi http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/comment-page-1/#comment-319047 Romi Sun, 07 Mar 2010 10:11:22 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-319047 I loved this book and the voice talents were exceptional (except for Queen Lizzie who was somewhat stilted). The story captured me and the writing was wonderful. My only slight quibble is with some of the words, which were read incorrectly. I found this disconcerting. For example: taut, is not read as if there is an 'n' in it. That would be taunt, which has a totally different meaning. Ditto: triumvirate is not read try-um-vr-ee-ate but try-um-vee-rate! Great job though. I loved this book and the voice talents were exceptional (except for Queen Lizzie who was somewhat stilted).
The story captured me and the writing was wonderful.
My only slight quibble is with some of the words, which were read incorrectly. I found this disconcerting.
For example: taut, is not read as if there is an ‘n’ in it. That would be taunt, which has a totally different meaning.
Ditto: triumvirate is not read try-um-vr-ee-ate but try-um-vee-rate!
Great job though.

]]> By: Martin http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/comment-page-1/#comment-318044 Martin Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:49:12 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-318044 I am not a big fantasy genre guy, but this story quickly had me sucked in!!! Great story, great reading, great audio quality - truly awesome :-) I am not a big fantasy genre guy, but this story quickly had me sucked in!!! Great story, great reading, great audio quality – truly awesome :-)

]]> By: Brian Rathbone http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/comment-page-1/#comment-317010 Brian Rathbone Wed, 23 Sep 2009 04:59:02 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-317010 Beautifully written and wonderfully narrated. 5 star, highly recommended. Beautifully written and wonderfully narrated. 5 star, highly recommended.

]]> By: Jedanatc http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/comment-page-1/#comment-316850 Jedanatc Tue, 01 Sep 2009 23:34:15 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-316850 WOW!!! What an excellent story! Very creative! WOW!!! What an excellent story! Very creative!

]]> By: rabarts http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/comment-page-1/#comment-300893 rabarts Sun, 28 Jun 2009 22:22:26 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-300893 Read my review of Chasing the Bard here: http://podagogue.blogspot.com/2009/06/podcast-novel-review-chasing-bard-by.html "Ballantine writes fantasy that is enchanting and compelling, weaving the multiple worlds of the fey and human together with grace and skill. The fantastic realm that lies but a breath beyond our own is composed with delicate crafting, Ballantine's worldbuilding carefully disguised as setting and character. And when the need arises, Ballantine can turn to the dark and brutal with as much skill as she writes of charm and love." Follow the link to read the full review. Read my review of Chasing the Bard here:

http://podagogue.blogspot.com/2009/06/podcast-novel-review-chasing-bard-by.html

“Ballantine writes fantasy that is enchanting and compelling, weaving the multiple worlds of the fey and human together with grace and skill. The fantastic realm that lies but a breath beyond our own is composed with delicate crafting, Ballantine’s worldbuilding carefully disguised as setting and character. And when the need arises, Ballantine can turn to the dark and brutal with as much skill as she writes of charm and love.”

Follow the link to read the full review.

]]> By: Philippa Ballantine http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/comment-page-1/#comment-284507 Philippa Ballantine Wed, 08 Apr 2009 07:20:56 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-284507 Should say that I am aware that the royal plural was used in treaties of the time, however when talking to her friends and family (in the case of the scene with Elizabeth) when she was not speaking in role as representative of the realm no one knows how she spoke. That is the beauty of historical fiction, and us writers wriggle into those gaps. ;) Should say that I am aware that the royal plural was used in treaties of the time, however when talking to her friends and family (in the case of the scene with Elizabeth) when she was not speaking in role as representative of the realm no one knows how she spoke. That is the beauty of historical fiction, and us writers wriggle into those gaps. ;)

]]> By: Philippa Ballantine http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/comment-page-1/#comment-284501 Philippa Ballantine Wed, 08 Apr 2009 06:46:02 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-284501 Thanks for listening Craig. Actually no one has mentioned that. As a Renaissance Queen I am not sure I would agree that Elizabeth I would do that. I would have thought the use of the royal 'we' was a Victorian affectation- especially when just in private conversation and not speaking to representatives of foreign powers. With evidence I'd be prepared to change my mind. Thanks for listening Craig. Actually no one has mentioned that. As a Renaissance Queen I am not sure I would agree that Elizabeth I would do that. I would have thought the use of the royal ‘we’ was a Victorian affectation- especially when just in private conversation and not speaking to representatives of foreign powers. With evidence I’d be prepared to change my mind.

]]> By: craigr1971 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/comment-page-1/#comment-283630 craigr1971 Fri, 03 Apr 2009 20:16:24 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-283630 Pip, I'm a late comer to Chasing The Bard, but what a wonderful work of art (pun intended). One small correction is probably needed. When Sive and Will meet the Queen, she uses the first person single in her lines. She would certainly always speak with the imperial pleural. You probably hear this already, but I thought I'd throw it in, just in case, for a future re-write/edit. Can't wait for more from you, you have the gift. Pip, I’m a late comer to Chasing The Bard, but what a wonderful work of art (pun intended). One small correction is probably needed. When Sive and Will meet the Queen, she uses the first person single in her lines. She would certainly always speak with the imperial pleural. You probably hear this already, but I thought I’d throw it in, just in case, for a future re-write/edit. Can’t wait for more from you, you have the gift.

]]> By: Emilyfromohio http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/comment-page-1/#comment-261326 Emilyfromohio Sun, 28 Dec 2008 17:37:51 +0000 http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/#comment-261326 Although it took me a few chaptors to get into Chasing the Bard, it was worth it. Chasing the Bard will take you on a adventure in the world of the Fay, and Shakespeare. With Tee Morris as Shakespeare, and Philippa Ballantine's well crafted and very welll spoken narration, this is surely one of my favorite podiobooks. The tale that Philippa crafts is a story that everybody will enjoy. Her ability to describe the most stunning of imagery makes everything so vivid in the minds eye. I also love the way that Philipa gets into the character's heads. She tells the reader what each character is thinking, in a smooth, realistic way. The way she can jump from time period to time period and still keep the characters in check is awesome. So, the one thing to describe this book is that it is extremely well written. Stop reading me and go check out Chasing the Barrrd! Right now! Go! Although it took me a few chaptors to get into Chasing the Bard, it was worth it.

Chasing the Bard will take you on a adventure in the world of the Fay, and Shakespeare. With Tee Morris as Shakespeare, and Philippa Ballantine’s well crafted and very welll spoken narration, this is surely one of my favorite podiobooks.

The tale that Philippa crafts is a story that everybody will enjoy. Her ability to describe the most stunning of imagery makes everything so vivid in the minds eye. I also love the way that Philipa gets into the character’s heads. She tells the reader what each character is thinking, in a smooth, realistic way. The way she can jump from time period to time period and still keep the characters in check is awesome.

So, the one thing to describe this book is that it is extremely well written.

Stop reading me and go check out Chasing the Barrrd! Right now! Go!

]]> By: Shannon http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2008/05/22/chasing-the-bard/comment-page-1/#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-page-1/#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-page-1/#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-page-1/#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”. :)

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