Toothless
Welcome J.P. Moore to the site. Today he begins releasing the serialized audiobook version of his historical fantasy novel, Toothless:
France, 1180 AD: an ancient evil is on the march. The Black Yew leads an army of demons through Europe, laying waste with a devastating plague and destroying the relics of Christendom. After losing his wife and daughter, a failed Templar rejoins his comrades in the crusade against the Yew’s army. But the dice are cast against the living, and the Black Yew’s demons slay him, impressing his reanimated corpse into their ranks. He is gifted. He shows great promise as a servant to the Yew. But life is not yet done with him.
If you want to follow J.P.’s release schedule, get the default feed. Or if you want to retain a bit more control and enjoy the book at your pace, then a custom feed is right for you. Either way, it’s a free audiobook for your enjoyment.



April 3rd, 2009 at 3:54 am
Enjoying this quite a bit thus far. Just wish it didn’t sound like the narrator was inside a shoebox when recording it.
April 3rd, 2009 at 4:05 pm
This is my first book with podiobooks. So far its a good book. The narrator should invest in a usb mic though.
April 4th, 2009 at 7:08 am
Thanks for the feedback! I hope the audio isn’t getting in the way too much, but am glad that you enjoy the story. I have two more chapters coming soon; that’ll round out Book I. I’ll rustle up a USB mic before recording Book II.
April 7th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
I’m enjoying this book a lot. Reading comments around this site, I know there’s a big debate about audio quality. Is it as important as the writing, the story, etc. Yeah, the audio quality here isn’t perfect, and I’m glad the author/narrator is upgrading his microphone. I’ve got to say, though, that this is one fine story. I’m waiting for the next chapter!
April 7th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
Great storytelling! The whole use of words and lanquage and moral relativism is freakin awesome! no problem with the adio quality here, issa good read.
April 8th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Good story but a really really bad name “Black Yew”. I doubt that it is meant this way, but I had to read the title a couple times as it sounds very anti-semitic. The title will likely turn people away from reading it.
April 8th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Absolutely not my intent! A yew, of course, is a type of tree, and a particularly evil-looking one in the right light. Others have any feedback on this?
April 8th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Came here to lavish praise on this book, my first Podiobooks book. I read earlier comments. I agree that the language is beautiful. The novel somehow manages to be an original zombie story. This is a feat. I don’t think there’s any issue with the title or the names. I’d caution anyone against an unfounded interpretation, here. The story’s too good.
April 8th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
that’s a wonderful relief! thanks for clarifying!!
April 9th, 2009 at 9:12 am
Book I, Chapter VIII marks the end of the first act. Enjoy! Once the USB mic arrives, I’ll begin recording Book II.
April 9th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
I’m very much enjoying this book. The narrator makes you feel a part of the story and uses rich language to paint the pictures in which the characters live. Looking forward to future chapters.
April 14th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Thoroughly enjoying the Toothless. Good job so far!!! The scene of where he meets up with his wife and daughter was truly … ‘holy crap’ (in a good way)
thanks again for podcasting the books!!!
April 18th, 2009 at 10:05 am
Book II begins! New mic, so it should sound much better. I’ll redo the earlier chapters as time allows. Enjoy!
April 19th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
The new mic is fantastic. The sound clarity is crystal clear. And now, we have werewolves and clairvoyants! It just keeps getting better and better. While I expect the book will have a spectacular ending, I will be sorry to see it end. I hope that this novel is not the last we will see of this dark and exciting world you’ve conjured up.
April 29th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
am glad to this continuing, is really good storytelling.. like reaaaaaaaaaally good storytelling!
May 8th, 2009 at 5:53 pm
Awesome! The best zombie story ever! Keep it up!
May 26th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
I appreciate your storytelling gift, Jeff. Keep up the great work!
May 27th, 2009 at 7:01 am
Thanks, Iwata!
June 4th, 2009 at 4:00 am
I’ve just posted the last chapter of Book II. It should pass through to you soon.
Short vacation before Book III begins … see you all soon! Please continue to spread the word!
June 22nd, 2009 at 10:51 am
Sound quality never bothered me. Black Yew always made sense. The story is just too good. Is this your first????
June 22nd, 2009 at 7:15 pm
Thanks for the kind words, Barry. Check out my website for some more of my writing, including a novel I wrote a few years ago that’s now available from Double Dragon eBooks. Though I’ve done some podcasting, this is my first podiobook, and a novel I’m particularly proud of.
June 25th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
I hae just finished Book I and am keen for more. My only gripe is that there aren’t more chapters and I might finish this too quickly as I am really engrossed.
The story telling and language is very professional and I love the Concept of the Black Yew. Imagining this tree exuding evil power being slowly pulled across the countryside is quite interesting. Can’t wait to hear what is coming up.
June 26th, 2009 at 7:22 am
AudioAG — thanks! Working hard to stay ahead of you! Book III, and the novel, should be done by sometime in July/August. If you’re enjoying it, please spread the word!
June 28th, 2009 at 4:41 am
Book III, Chapter III is now available! Chapter IV will be a bit delayed, next week.
July 3rd, 2009 at 2:59 pm
I’d buy the paper version. I think the audio quality is fine and you’re really good at it. Can’t wait to hear the rest!
July 3rd, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Thanks, Adam! Please spread the word!
July 4th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
Well Adam was right, I just listened to the first chapter and it’s really good. I think I’ll go listen to the rest of them.
July 6th, 2009 at 11:36 am
Thanksm, Wickian! Glad you’re enjoying it!
July 7th, 2009 at 2:34 am
Up until recently I never would have listened to an audio book, thankfully Mr.Moore’s ‘Toothless’ has changed this.. damn, I lead a sheltered life before this point
So anyway, the book is extremely well written, I can honestly say that I’m sad that it is not in print (as of yet).
The characters are engaging, the gritty turmoil-filled world is intriguing and haunting, the tale is dark but hope is shining in the distance, the whole tale flows beautifully.
A major turning point has just happened in the story and I can’t wait for the next recording!
Thanks Mr.Moore for writing, recording and entertaining us all with Toothless.
Cheers.
Scott.
July 7th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
Scott–Wow! Thanks! You guys keep me going! Thanks for all of your support!
July 24th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
This is my first podio book as well. I can say with confidence that it’s set a pretty high standard for any future listening. Can’t wait for the ending!
August 1st, 2009 at 6:31 am
Thanks, Mister Adam! Glad you’re enjoying it!
August 15th, 2009 at 7:36 am
What a wonderful book. The story is fresh, well thought out, and superbly told. JP’s narration is spot on for the story he presents us; slow and full of lament. The characters are so well constructed that it wasn’t until I read someone else’s comments that I realized they were potential stock figures, like zombies and werewolves. But JP creates them so uniquely and individually that they are anything but off the shelf fantasy icons. Well done! His command of the 12th century genre is marvelous, and there is absolutely no way to anticipate the plot turns. The only caveat I might offer to potential readers is that there are a considerable number of sword vs body interactions, so the faint of heart may take note. But I find the book intriguing and look forward to whatever JP graces us with in the future.
August 15th, 2009 at 7:41 am
Craig,
Thanks for the kind words! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Check out my web site for some future plans.
“… sword vs. body interactions …”
-J. P. Moore
August 25th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Full review of Toothless here:
http://podagogue.blogspot.com/2009/08/podcast-novel-review-toothless-by-jp.html
“The writing is simply superb, painting the bleak yet inevitable collapse of civilisation before the Black Yew in infinite shades of mist and grey, scoured with blood and decay. Moore wraps his words around your ears like a fog, swirling to reveal the dying world in awful, sorrowful slivers.”
Follow the link to read the full review.
August 31st, 2009 at 11:21 am
1/2 way through this audio book. Splendid & origional story!
It makes for an enjoyable ride home in the car – look forward to it!
Excellent writing, oral & visualization makes one really feel what is going on.
Appreciate your work on this!
September 1st, 2009 at 3:21 am
Thanks, Sleet! Glad you’re enjoying it! Please spread the word!
October 25th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
I can tell you how much I enjoyed this book the quality of the writing, narration etc. the whole package was first rate, kudos. I will be spreading the word, may family said I was lost to them while listening. The historical context made it seem closer to a darker history that was, rather than an alternate fantasy.
Thanks
October 27th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Thanks for that! Glad you enjoyed it! The positive comments mean A LOT.
April 14th, 2010 at 8:05 am
I finished Toothless this morning. An awesome book, I really enjoyed it. While the entire book was great, I enjoyed the ending, particularly. Still giving me some shivers.
Thank you, JP, for a wonderful experience.
April 14th, 2010 at 3:21 pm
Thanks, Andrew! I’m really glad you enjoyed it! Please spread the word!
June 30th, 2010 at 1:05 pm
Excellent story. Ending was perfect. Thanks!
July 3rd, 2010 at 9:38 am
Thanks, Brenda! Please spread the word!
July 3rd, 2010 at 6:12 pm
Toothless!Toothless!Toothless! Great ending. I need more.
July 9th, 2010 at 5:51 am
Thanks, whiskyman! I’m churning over follow-up short story (maybe even full blown sequel) ideas. My time right now, though, is monopolized by finalizing the print edition (available from Dragon Moon Press in October/November) and working on another project.
Please spread the word about Toothless! So glad you liked it!
July 31st, 2010 at 12:34 pm
WOW – Book started a little slow – but picked up quick….Loved the whole thing – move over Scott Sigler – Earth Core. This book rates up there. Thanks
August 1st, 2010 at 1:49 pm
Thanks for that! You put me in good company, there. Please spread the word!
August 1st, 2010 at 1:49 pm
Thanks for the kind words! You put me in good company, there. Please spread the word!
October 8th, 2010 at 8:29 am
Finished listening to this book about a month ago, first audio book for me. Forgive me if my memory is a little hazy.
I really liked the imagery in the first book, I got right into your world and wanted more.
The second book felt a little less in depth to me, not sure why, possibly because of the character shift. I think I liked Toothless too much to need a shift in focus. Although his introspection was well laid out here.
The last book was somewhere in between I and II, I think I was just blown away with book I and the latter two didn’t seem to feel the same to me.
The ending was perfect, I thought, I can’t obviously say much except I liked the way you portrayed the desires of everyone involved.
I thought I would be honest, so no offence intended. I will search for more of your work because of this book though!
I really hope you delve more into this world as I loved the idea of seeing through the other side.
Great work and look forward to more!
October 12th, 2010 at 5:28 pm
Thanks for that, Drevix! Glad you enjoyed it!
July 29th, 2011 at 8:27 pm
Wow, I actually had to have my mp3 player taken away from me so I would stop listening. This story was great, the imagery painted, the back stories, and the continuity throughout.
And yes there will be more from this author. (Can’t wait)
August 4th, 2011 at 12:58 pm
Thanks, Chet! Glad you enjoyed it! Please spread the word!
October 10th, 2011 at 4:59 am
Hi, fantastic audiobook! – your blooming affair with intriguing & beautifully descriptive prose is a refreshing & addictive tonic.
can you tell us when ‘the Old God’ will be available?
thanks again
collin