Heart of the Ronin
Please welcome Travis Heermann to the site. He’s releasing a serialized audiobook version Heart of the Ronin, soon also available in print!
Thirteenth-century Japan is a dangerous place, even in a time of peace. Capricious gods, shape-changing animals, and bloodthirsty demons are as real and unpleasant as a gang of vicious bandits. From the wilderness emerges a young, idealistic warrior with his father’s mysterious sword on his hip, a wise, sarcastic dog at his side, and a yearning in his heart to find a worthy master. He dreams only of being samurai. Little does he suspect the agony and glory that await him when his dreams come true.
Finding a master should be easy for a warrior as skilled as Ken’ishi, but the generations-long wars for the Imperial throne have ended. The land has settled into an uneasy peace and cast multitudes of proud, powerful warriors to the four winds. The new peace means that these masterless warriors, ronin, often must stoop to crime and banditry to feed themselves. Ken’ishi finds himself plagued by the hatred and mistrust of peasants and samurai alike.
When he saves a noble maiden from a pack of bandits, he and his faithful dog become enmeshed in the intrigues of samurai lords, vengeful constables, Mongol spies, and a shadowy underworld crime boss known as Green Tiger. But Ken’ishi has a few secret weapons of his own, granted to him by his mysterious past and his magical upbringing. If only he knew more about his mysterious past, his parents’ murder, and the sword that seems to want to talk to him. . . .
Heart of the Ronin is an action-packed historical fantasy, set against the backdrop of ancient intrigue and impending war, the first of a sweeping three-part epic filled with deadly duels and climactic battles. Creatures of folklore and myth are as real as the katana in one’s hand. And just as deadly.
Today we’re releasing the first 6 episodes. Grab the default feed and you’ll get them when Travis releases the next. Or nab a custom feed and you get to pick how often new episodes come down!
December 12th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
You can even check out the video trailer for the book here!
http://www.travisheermann.com/trailers.htm
Thanks so much to the great people at Podiobooks for making this possible!
December 13th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Hi! I’m three chapters in, and excited about the book so far. I’m looking forward to listening to more!
December 13th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Oh, p.s. I meant three episodes, not chapters. Sorry about that.
December 27th, 2008 at 5:48 am
This is a great read so far. The quality of the recording as well as the smooth voiceover make for an enjoyable and immersive experience. The writing style has a fine mix of Eastern flavor, painting an elegant but also cruel fantasy feudal Japan. The story itself is interesting. While the premise sounded somewhat cliché at first, I noticed nothing of the sorts while listening to this book. I am intrigued in the way you describe the fights. Though they are not as big as I hoped (still at episode nine so far) there is a certain elegance when you describe how a katana moves.
One of the things that bug me is the overly frequent use of music whenever there’s a scene transition. Can you imagine listening to your music player, eyes closed, volume bumped up to enjoy the richness of the reader’s voice, and then suddenly you’re bombarded by the RETETETET of the same music tune you’ve heard many times before. A much more subtle sound (like a stone falling into a pond), or perhaps a lengthy pause could be used instead to indicate changes in perspective. At least you could reduce the volume of the RETETETet to a retetetet.
In any case, I am eager to listen how the story will unfold, particularly with regard to the Mongol threat. I’ll be eagerly following this work.
January 23rd, 2009 at 12:01 am
I like every part of the the experience thus far. Yes, I even like the the RETETET part and think it fits very well…talk about conflicting opinions. Yet, I would not care too much if it changes to something else because the story and narration are so great.
January 23rd, 2009 at 5:17 pm
I appreciate Exlor’s comments, and they make perfect sense. I’m also glad to hear that Ellipsis likes the current music. I think what I will do for future episodes is to employ different types of transition music, depending on the mood of the scene.
January 23rd, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Six episodes in and it’s a great tale so far. I am looking forward to the developing plot with the Mongols, the irritated villagers, and our hero’s past. Danielle has a wonderful voice to listen to.
Comments about the music seem to be a trend. The music, IMHO, is very nice but it is waaaay too loud. There I am listening to Danielle’s wonderful voice tell the story when all of a sudden, WHAM!, the music bridge kicks in. Keep the music, or take Exlor’s suggestion. Just turn down the level, dude!
January 27th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Hello avid Ronin fans! From the voice behind the story, I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who is listening and commenting on the podcast! I appreciate all the notes about me and my performance and I continue to be excited by the entire project. I’m always happy to receive your comments and questions and look forward to suggestions as well. As ever, feel free to email Travis with anything for me and I’ll be thrilled to respond. Thanks for listening!
February 16th, 2009 at 8:36 pm
I love the story, hate the music.~
February 20th, 2009 at 7:01 am
I honestly can’t see why people hated the old music, it is pretty epic sounding. Anyway the new music is equally good (though less epic). Moreover, I must say that this has become one of my favorite books on podiobooks.
April 7th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
I know they were probably supposed to be edited out, but those two Vlad Dracule-ean “blaaahs” at the end of the file were hilarious. Anyone who has done vocal recording should get a kick out of it. You could be a muppet, Danielle (and that is not meant to be an insult).
April 10th, 2009 at 7:57 am
Ironically, I’ve done a “what muppet should you be” quiz and … yes, the results have spoken. Gonzo. I’m taking it for the compliment it is. Travis, no more editing at 1:00 a.m.!
April 29th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
what happened? its been like 2 weeks and no post!! I wanna know wat happens next?? how does the hero come back to his first love? does she ever have a baby? how far does the evil plot go? ahhh!
April 29th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
Next episode, coming soon~~! Just gotta finish editing.
April 29th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
glad to hear it!! i can’t tell you how great your book is. i’ve passed it on to my entire family and all my friends. It really is great!!
April 29th, 2009 at 8:52 pm
Thank you, Madison! I’m really glad to hear it. OK, back to editing…
May 6th, 2009 at 10:40 am
Concur with Exlor’s comments above: particularly “… an enjoyable and immersive experience.”
July 16th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
I enjoyed this story and its presentation right up to the moment I realized it was over. It’s fine to leave avenues open for a possible sequel, but to leave so many major story lines unresolved is just wrong. Each book, even in a series, has to tell a complete story. At the point where this book ends, the story is nowhere near complete.
I’m very disappointed that what had been a great story that was well told came to such an abrupt ending.
July 21st, 2009 at 4:39 pm
I’m glad you enjoyed the story thus far. Rest assured that more story is coming…
September 1st, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Question: I don’t like reading/ listening to unfinished books because I get frustrated and impatient waiting for the rest of it. I really want to listen to this, but when you say there is more coming, do you mean in another book, or are there more chapters in this book? Should I hold off on it? Thanks.
September 1st, 2009 at 8:50 pm
Heart of the Ronin is the first book in a trilogy. There are two books yet to be written. While Heart of the Ronin leaves some plot threads open for later volumes, it is a complete book, and the podcast of this novel is finished.
September 2nd, 2009 at 5:41 pm
“Some plot threads” is just a wee bit of an understatement. Off the top of my head I can’t think of many threads that were tied up. Don’t get me wrong – I loved the book so far but to call it a complete book is a stretch.
September 22nd, 2009 at 12:08 am
This was such a fantastically written story, I was very sad to see it come to an end. I fell in love with all the characters, even the mean ones because every hero must have it’s protagonist. I sympathised with the lowest on the totem pole…well, because they were so downcast but still held their dignity. I also sympathised with the upper class because their traditions and heirarchy held them rigidly in place.
Please don’t leave us hanging…give us more! By the way, did I mention the writing and naration were also excellent? Well, I should have, sorry for the forgetfullness. Also, PLEASE, by all means, continue writing as well as you have so far. I can’t wait to hear more from you and feudal Japan.
Just have to add…my favorite character is the dog. hehe
December 13th, 2009 at 8:48 am
Hello Mr. Heermann I just want to say thank you for writing such a great story. It was an amazing read. Can’t wait for the next one.
May 2nd, 2010 at 12:09 pm
I really loved this, but like some of the other comments I was very disappointed with the end. Too many threads left hanging even for a series.
I would like to have seen a bit more of the ‘transformation’ – I felt that that whole area of this story was lacking, sort of jumped out from nowhere – (although I was listening while I was at work so entirely possible I might have just missed it)
Other than that – I thought it was great and I cant wait for the next book.
July 20th, 2010 at 6:25 pm
Excellent story. I loved it. Of course I was disappointed with the “end” if you can call it that. Obviously it is just the “arc” that is over. The story was well written, and the characters were well developed. Great job…awaiting the next scroll. I do have one constructive criticism about this book. The music intros were a bit too long and overly loud compared to the spoken word.
August 29th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
Just finished. First Podiobooks.com story I felt I must comment on. Great writing and pace, based on how fast the 30 parts went.
Frustrated at ending but I feel that way when ever I come to the end of a part in a multi part series. Loved the mystical creatures thought them original.But what i think has a great future are the investigative adventures of Ken’ishi and Norikage. Looking forward to next installment.
December 16th, 2010 at 9:09 pm
“I’m glad you enjoyed the story thus far. Rest assured that more story is coming…” — July 21, 2009
Not to nag…. but can you give us an idea as to when to expect the sequel? I wouldn’t care if I hadn’t loved the book!
February 24th, 2011 at 8:29 pm
As wonderful as this story was, Mr. Heerman has given no indication for over a year and a half as to when to expect the sequel. I certainly do not consider Heart Of the Ronin a “complete” novel. Way to many things left hanging. Please Mr. Heerman throw us a bone!
April 8th, 2011 at 7:25 am
John,
I’m working on the sequel right now. I’m planning on having a finished draft by the end of summer. Thanks for your patience!
August 4th, 2011 at 8:50 am
Heart of the Ronin has a Facebook page! I’m posting regular updates there.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Heart-of-the-Ronin/155963681137209?sk=wall