Collin Earl brings us another family-friendly title to the site, today starting the free serialized audiobook version of his fantasy novel The House of Grey:
14-year-old Monson Grey faces the same challenges that any freshman high school kid would. Difficult classes, weird teachers, food fights…girls. Except Monson Grey is not Monson Grey. At least, when he looks at himself in the mirror, the scarred face staring back is not someone he recognizes. Now he finds himself attending an extraordinary school, the recipient of an incredible scholarship, among ridiculously rich classmates, and with no memory of how he got there or what to expect. As bizarre events start to unfold around him, Monson wonders what secrets lay locked in his hidden past. Add all this to a mysterious silver stone, an Indiana-Jones-copycat professor, Merlin the wizard, and even Atlantis, and you’ll find yourself in a fantastic tale in which magic does exist and everything is never as it seems.
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on Friday, September 5th, 2008 at 3:31 pm and is filed under New Books.
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September 5th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
I am hooked on this book! It’s not fair there’s only five episodes out. The writing is great and the sound quality is next to professional, when I started to listen to it I thought there was no way this is free, but it is! I can’t wait for more and for the hardback to come out, hint hint this better get printed
September 6th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
I love the first episode and can’t wait to have time to hear the rest of the book! I don’t listen to/read much fantasy, but this book really caught my attention! Good work!
September 8th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
What’s not to love about this book. The narration is superb with the best anunciation and sound quality I have heard since I started listening to Podiobooks. Chris has the best voice I have heard so far including Tee Morris. As for the story it is great. I can feel the frustration that Monson feels in not knowing what is going on when everyone else seems to know. Along with the embarrasment of letting others around him know he doesn’t have a clue. There are so many unanswered questions the story keeps you wanting to continue right away to find the answers. The large amount of humor makes you really like and care about the charactors. I find myself laughing out loud. Collin Earl really writes as if these are 14 year olds talking(still remember what it was like-huh?)There is a great deal of mystery surrounding the school which creates alot of intrigue so the story never drags. I am impatiently waiting for more. So far this book gets my highest rating.
September 9th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Thanks for the kind feedback! We are so glad that you are enjoying the characters and the story. Keep tuning in and we promise more comedy, suspense, and mystery to come!
September 16th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
Okay I don’t normally take the time to comment (shame on me, I should!) but I have to comment and say how VERY MUCH I am enjoying this story. It doesn’t get too technical nor does it drag on and on with tiny details, it just keeps moving forward with a great story. I like Monson’s character, I adored Molly (I hope we get to hear from her again later on) and I love his friends so far.
Please hurry up and post more quickly!
September 20th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
This is a very good mix of mystery and humor. I’m at the end of the first chapter and I’m already laughing out loud. I love the literary references. It’s going to be hard not to get impatient for more chapters when I catch up to the reader!
October 1st, 2008 at 2:47 pm
I am totally hooked on this book… great characters, plot full of mysteries that keep you curious, and a nice (but not excessive) dose of humor. I quickly came to care about Monson, and I’m desperate to figure out his past and find out what happens next… I’ll be checking my computer obsessively until the next episode drops.
October 2nd, 2008 at 10:50 am
When is the next podcast being released?
October 2nd, 2008 at 11:06 am
Kelsey,
The next episode should be out tomorrow; we ran into some issues but we are quickly fixing them. Thanks for you patience!
October 11th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
Just barely starting the book, but really enjoying it! Can’t wait to listen to more! Great work!
October 14th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Great book so far. The story line is very interesting, the writing quality is excellent, sound quality is top notch, and the chapters are very well narrated. Beware: this book is highly addictive and you will soon find that the chapters can’t come quickly enough!
October 15th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
This is such a great book. i listened to the first episode from itunes and now i’m addicted to the story. And it makes me so mad that i can’t get the 11th episode. >:( Well keep up the awesome job. I’m just awed by your amazing talent.
October 15th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Olivia, Peter, and Jen,
Thanks so much for the comments. We are thrilled that you like the story. As for episode 11, it should be working now so don’t hesitant to download. Thanks so much for your support!
October 16th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
I love it. I’m not sure why, but it do. Maybe it’s the mix of high school drama or the mystery of Monson’s past. As a reader, I can’t wait for the next episode, and I’m still waiting for Monson to meet a person from before the accident. At first, I really wanted it to be Cyann, and she and Monson could be childhood friends/fencing partners. To be honest, I still want it.
As a writer, I like how it was set up, without a lot of boring history that no one really needs, and I’m practically in love with some characters and totally despise others. Just keep it up.
October 17th, 2008 at 3:33 am
Thank you so much for coming out with this podcast!!! It is wonderful and I think I am going to get my kids listening. Keep up the good work!!
October 19th, 2008 at 8:08 am
Greta and Warriormum,
Thanks so much for your kind words. As a new author hearing that you like the story, even with all its weaknesses, really warms me up. In the hopes not sounding cheesy. I really appreciate your kind comments it pushes me to keep writing.
Cyann is a GREAT character; one of my favorites. She is fun to write and i know chris has a good time working with her. All i have to say is if you are a Cyann fan you will like the up coming chapters; she gets some great development in the not too distant future. (I know it feels like forever when you are waiting week to week.) Anyway, just know that Cyann and Klyie have some exciting things coming.
And thanks for listening.
Collin Earl
October 22nd, 2008 at 11:42 am
Hey boys and girls,
I just wanted to let everyone know that the forum at the House of Grey website is finally up. This is a place where you can give us all your feed back (Good, Bad or indifferent); so I hope we’ll see you over there. Chris and I are hoping to have a more open channel with our readers so this is a pretty neat development for us. Thanks everyone for listening; you have no idea how grateful we are.
Collin Earl
October 25th, 2008 at 9:23 am
Hello Again,
I know that many of are wondering where the new episode is and I just wanted to tell you that we are working on it. We are having (again) some issues with the publishing system. The good news is that you can listen to the new episode at the blog, which is now officially up. http://houseofgreybook.com/blog/ –once you’re done pop over to the forum and tell us what you think. And again so sorry for the delay.
Collin Earl
November 3rd, 2008 at 3:32 pm
I love this book!! I love how there’s a lot of mystery, suspense. That’s the kind of stuff I look for in a book. I also look for humor, but honestly this is one of the few books I’ve read that has made me laugh out loud! Keep up the GREAT work!
November 7th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
I’m an English prof who has read and listened to a LOT of books, and this one is just phenomenal. Suspenseful as whatnot, laugh out loud funny, and full of smart references, this entertaining podiobook is refreshingly charming, yet “clean”. The characters are impressively well- rounded; I especially like the mysterious Casey. Dude. Despite the fact that it’s about drama happening to teenagers, it’s spectacularly engaging, and fans of YA literature will love “The House of Grey”. I listened to the first 14 episodes in a couple of days, and I’m waiting on tenterhooks to see what happens to Monsen and his friends. The only thing that I don’t like about this books is the fact that the intro song isn’t available for purchase.( I’ve listened to “Cosmonauts of Augustine” about 3 gazillion times on MySpace-it’s very uncool the site says Figure of Fiends aren’t a band anymore.)
Keep up the good work, Collin and Chris! All my friends and I are your new, dedicated fans.
November 9th, 2008 at 1:48 am
I love the book so far!
The name Cashious Kay reminded me of Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali). Is that intended or only a coincidence?
November 9th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Gepgelmik,
Thanks for the kind feed back. Coming from someone who’s trained in the english language that means a great deal. You also told me something I didn’t know. I have been waiting for the Bio from Figure of Fiends for weeks now. They neglected to tell me they broke up. HA! Crazy uh? I may have to look for new intro music. Anyway, i am glad that you are enjoying the story.
Yasmin,
I must admit that Cassius Clay did have some inspiration when it came to Casey, but its a really long story so I will probably not relay it here. If you would like to here the story pop over to the forum on the website and I will give you a full account. its a weird one.
November 9th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
This is a really excellently written *and* read book. It’s great in so many ways. I’ve listened to many podiobooks but this is the only one that I’ve listened to twice and it is still captivating my imagination. I’m on chapter 14 and I hope there are many more to come!
November 23rd, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Collin and Chris,
I seriously can’t wait anymore, waiting to know what happens next! I come back every night to see if there is another chapter up and let me tell you, I lose interest in books very quickly but I am addicted to this story.
Please hurry up with releasing the rest of the chapters!
I hope you get the rest of the chapters out SOON and that you continue writing and podcasting for podiobooks.com because I love your style!
~Rain
November 24th, 2008 at 8:02 am
Rain,
I’m sorry that we are causing you such distress (at least we know you are enjoying the story) if you need your fix a little earlier in the week the feed at the website is always ahead of podiobooks and itunes. You can also get some of the written versions of the chapters, engage in discussion and sign up for an advanced viewing (I don’t say hearing because it sounds funny) of my next series Tournament of Blades. And thank you for the compliment we have enjoyed our time here on podiobooks and are very thank for your support.
Collin Earl
November 30th, 2008 at 10:38 pm
Why are you sorry for Rain? You haven’t been sorry for me!! Rain I’ve cried and cried for the chapters to come out faster, rained on Chris’ shoulder (you like how I twisted that up Rain, rain on Chris’ shoulder…forget it) begging for the chapters to come out faster, they laugh at me but give you pity.
I’m also hooked on the book, but this last chapter has sealed the addiction for me, now I know Cyann has powers, she had to, what girl can beat a guy in fighting, just kidding just kidding, I also know Grey has some powers (I guess…I think…thanks Colin) as well and his may be stronger. Now with the cliffhanger at the end that Mr. Earl is getting known for (I also feel Chris enjoys the cliffhangers too) I will continue to rain tear drops (there it is again, huh huh…I hate you all) on both their shoulders to come faster with the chapters.
March 27th, 2009 at 1:29 am
I’m really enjoying this podiobook. Even though I have been out of high school for over 30 years, this school doesn’t seem like any of the ones I attended. I almost wish they had been. Please don’t stop giving us episodes at least till the end of this book. Monson and his friends are intriguing, by the way, when will Monson figure out that Cyan is actually the girl for him? He really can’t be that dense. LOL! Keep up the good work, and never quit writing.
April 28th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
I’m waiting on Pins and Needles. Oh and btw, I like the book so far……. I might LOVE the book if the next episode was released soon!
April 28th, 2009 at 8:34 pm
Thanks for the love Shavone.
Episode 31 will post on the site tonight and will be available on Podiobooks.com shortly there after. So glad to hear that you are enjoying the book!
June 13th, 2009 at 1:30 am
It’s time for a really big chapter, with vast personal revelations shaking the very cores of several of our favorite characters, thrilling gargantuan battles with martial artist wizardry, and some hard-earned answers to many of the most mysterious questions plaguing our hero . To make space enough in this proposed double chapter, any scene where Monson is being bombarded with innuendo from friend or foe could be edited without discussion.
Humbly, that is all ask.
June 13th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Stephen, Not sure if you’re in the psychic business, but this next chapter will be spot on to your predictions. Should be out very, very soon!
June 13th, 2009 at 8:40 pm
And here I thought I was just being greedy. I’m looking forward to 34’s release. Thanks.
June 16th, 2009 at 3:56 am
mmm, that tasted good. I enjoyed 34 very much, thank you.
I would love it if you could get The House of Grey produced as an anime. It really would lend itself perfectly story wise and visually to the anime medium. So far, it a much better idea and story than Code Geass or many other popular titles. If the right production company helped develop it, The House of Grey could be an international hit. I truly believe this and want it to happen for you.
June 16th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
that is very kind of you to say Stephen. I always thought the House of Grey had anime like qualities as well. Not surprising I guess as anime really influenced the story. If we could figure out a way to get it moving in that direction…I’m TOTALLY down. Lol.
June 24th, 2009 at 5:17 pm
I’ve stepped outside of several bounds with this book. First, I don’t usually grab a Podio unless it’s complete. Second, I don’t often leave feed back, (shame on me i know!!). Third, I’m not a huge fan of modern fantasy. I stumbled upon this book a few days ago and for some unknown reason did not check to see if it was complete. I also failed to read the info about the book. So I entered the House of Grey completely blind so to speak. With all this in mind, I’ve listened to this incredible story 10-12 hours a day. I just couldn’t turn my ipod off and take a chance of going into withdrawals. So I logged on today to see if the episode 35 was out and after sitting here dumbfounded I hopped over to the forum and read that it’s not going to be released until the end of the week!! The rest of the week is going to be VERY long.
Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for such an epic and compelling story. I’m on pins and needles waiting for the next episode. I’ve recommended House of Grey to everyone I know and now my 2 boys are listening (it’s the most quite I’ve had from them in several years lol).
I can’t say enough about this story - It’s changed the way I look at modern fantasy. I am truly thrilled about all the Parsec nominations and will hop over to the forum to add my list of favorite episodes just as soon as I narrow them down. Keep up the magnificent work!!
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:27 pm
Collin, I love this story so much.
I added a link to the podiobook podcast page for the book on Stumbleupon so I really hope that helps your ratings because people NEED to hear and enjoy this story.
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:56 pm
Runic and Shay.
Can I first say Runic that your comment almost brought chris and I to tears. We are still new at this so your comments and encouragement are very important to us. The fact that you took the time to step out of your confort zone, listen and share the story really means a great deal to Chris and I. I love the fact that you are listening to it with your family. IT warms me seriously. I wrote this story so that a variety of age groups could enjoy it so its very satisfying for me to hear that. Wonderful! Thanks.
Shay, THANKS so much with sharing your love of the story. This marketing idea has been proven to work by some of the greats on this site, but it can’t be done without people like you. Without you listeners taking the time to invest in us authors we would be nothing. We can not do this without you! So Thank you Thank you THank you. I can’t thank you enough for not only listening but sharing the story with people.