Ravenwood
Listener-favorite Nathan Lowell returns to the site with Ravenwood. Best known for his Solar Clipper series, Nathan’s latest book is the first in a new series — and a new genre:
A Tanyth Fairport Adventure.
After twenty winters on the road, Tanyth makes one last pilgrimage in her quest to learn all she can about the herbs and medicinal plants of Korlay before settling down to write her magnum opus. Her journey is interrupted when she stops to help a small village and learns that much of what she knows of the world may not be quite as it seems.
In this work, Nathan Lowell blends wiccan tradition and shamanistic lore into a fantasy quest and creates a world for a new – if unlikely – heroine to explore. She learns that the familiar sometimes hides the fantastical and that, even when you think you’ve made your decisions, life doesn’t always agree.
Nathan likes to release lots of chapters at once. I suggest taking a custom feed for this serialized free audiobook so you get your episodes sent down one at a time. You an always release more if you like. That way you’ll be assured your podcatcher won’t miss any downloads. Of course, if you like managing things on your own, the default feed is available, too.
January 4th, 2010 at 7:49 am
He’s a robot. I knew it.
January 4th, 2010 at 9:45 am
Nathan’s great natural knack for storytelling is as strong as ever, and his prose has improved. His writing is even more lyrical and beautiful, he’s become an even better writer. I’m really enjoying what I’m hearing so far. It is going to be a fun ride seeing what Nate does with the Fantasy genre, I really like his different take on Sci-Fi with the Share books.
January 4th, 2010 at 10:26 am
After I finished listening to Captain’s Share, I was missing Nathan’s marvelous story telling. So for the first time I went back and listened to a podibook a second time. Not just one book but the entire series including South Coast. I finished last month and looking for what’s next. Along comes Ravenwood. Nathan, thank you is not enough.
January 4th, 2010 at 11:09 am
Thanks for the kind words, Dan. My goal was to take the tropes of fantasy and twist them the way I did with Sci-Fi.
Hope you like action stories, Michael. This was a lot of fun to do and I hope folks who “don’t like” fantasy will give it a try the same way people who “don’t like science fiction” came aboard the Lois McKendrick.
January 4th, 2010 at 11:25 am
Nathan, you are one heck of a storyteller and a helluva great writer. I am thoroughly enjoying Ravenwood thus far. Thank you once again for creating and sharing your work with us.
January 4th, 2010 at 2:01 pm
I love it. Way to go, Nathan!
January 4th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
I’ve devoured the first five episodes and am already hungry for more. A tip of the hat to you, Mr. Lowell!
January 4th, 2010 at 4:23 pm
This is just so good. Thank you.
January 4th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
Not usually my genre, but if it comes from the desk of Nathan Lowell, I want to listen to it. Glad that you brought something out so soon after the story of Captain Wang – it just went by so fast…
January 4th, 2010 at 8:37 pm
Thanks for giving it a try. Lemme know how you like it.
January 4th, 2010 at 10:04 pm
Nathan, thanks for allowing us to accompany you on this wonderful voyage. I can’t wait to see where this one takes us.
January 5th, 2010 at 9:05 am
Thanks! I’m looking forward to finding out, too.
Sure I know how *this* book ends, but the next one? Can’t wait to discover it so I can share it with you all.
Owner’s Share first, tho.
January 5th, 2010 at 9:48 am
I listened to the first five epodes of Ravenwood and enjoyed them. Nathan Lowell deserves the title of Master Storyteller. Regardless of the setting, his stories and characters are absolutely compelling.
With that said, this story has not captivated me the way Quarter Share did at the start. I must admitt to a biased being more of a fan of Sci Fi than fantasy, but it goes deeper. One of the pleasures of the Solar Cipper universe is the depth of the fictional details. Descriptions of the sounds made while docking, the functioning of ship environmental systems, and the workingman’s mnemonic phrases all brought an unearthly world to life with astonishing vividness.
Ravenwood has the same depth, but it doesn’t feel unworldly. So far the setting is reminiscent of Little House on the prairie season two. It is harder to fascinate us or at least me with a world we know and to varying extents live in.
January 5th, 2010 at 9:49 am
Nathan, I’m enjoying the new book. Thanks for all the effort you put into getting the stories out to us. I am wondering what kind of timetable you are looking at for when the episodes will be released and ultimately when the final episode will post. Thanks, and keep up the good work!
January 5th, 2010 at 10:15 am
Michael, good, then it’s working. Where the initial set up for the Solar Clipper universe was meant to capture the unearthly, I wanted Ravenwood to be utterly common. I need to lull you all into thinking that nothing is happening. Little House on the Pairie is good. Episode 6 will change all that. I hope.
Jon. The timetable is my normal one. ASAP. I expect the last of the 16 episodes will be released within two weeks, three at the outside.
January 5th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
And now for something completely different…then again, maybe not so much. Deceptively simple and charming, yet that pesky raven keeps showing up, to give this tale a title. So much raven symbolism to choose from, I can’t wait to see which way this goes. In any case, a new Nathan Lowell book is always a treat.
January 6th, 2010 at 4:01 am
I listened to the Share serioes last month and loved them all. looking forward to listening to Ravenwood. He is a truley awesome talent.
January 7th, 2010 at 5:40 am
Here we go again! Time for late nights and long drives just so I can listen. Oh I’ve caught up already!!!
Nathan this is just as captivating as all your stories so far and the production is exceptional. I hope it continues to make me smile and laugh as well as feel sad as much as your previous works.
There does seem to be a continued theme of good food and tea (what no coffee!) does this reflect some of your own loves in life?
Thank you again for your hard work and frequent release schedule. How do you find the time?
January 7th, 2010 at 7:27 am
Thanks, Mark. I’m glad you’re enjoying it.
Coffee isn’t known in Tanyth’s world, and tea is lighter to carry on your back.
I do like a nice cuppa tea now and again, and when I was writing this I got much more heavily into tea, its history, and preparation. Now I find myself brewing coffee in the morning and a pot of tea when I get home in the afternoon.
As for time, I don’t sleep much. Something I need to work on when this book’s production finishes.
January 7th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
Nathan’s stories are the only ones I have found that I am able to listen to over and over again. The stories are compelling without the violence associated with most main characters. I hope Nathan never tires of writing these stories as I have enjoyed every one so far. Thank!
January 8th, 2010 at 7:41 am
Ahh…happiness! and completely unexpected. I didn’t realize you would be publishing this now.
Don’t know how you do it. There must be some magic involved. It’s like your writing, your voice, the textures, the characters, and the plot all come together to weave a kind of spell. At some point, it kicks in and then I’m pretty much onboard for the whole trip because it never lets up.
Thanks so much for your work, Nathan. These stories make me happy.
January 8th, 2010 at 4:34 pm
Nathan, you made good on your promise.
I am captivated and can’t wait to see where the story goes next.
January 8th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
Thanks for all the kind words!
Nigel: I actually had planned to have it done before Christmas because I had this other little project to do in January – getting the print edition of Quarter Share up and running. I’m glad you are enjoying it. It’s been a lot of fun for me to do.
Michael: You had me worried. I’ll confess. I *thought* I had the story right, but one never really knows. I’m glad I kept you through the transition.
January 9th, 2010 at 8:52 am
Hey Nate,
I was looking for a pick me up and once again you deliver. I am Living with my grandpa at the moment he has cancer. I cook clean and help him get around. Not much I can get away with doing like watching TV to relax but while he is asleep I pop in the head phones and have a go. Just what I needed to get over the hump.
Once again your story telling is classic…. you are one heck of a writer and I am so proud you are going to get published I will with out a doubt buy each book as it comes out and any other you deliver in the future for a long time to come.
Thanks good Sir and good day to you. May the All mother bless you and yours and keep them safe!!!
Dustin
January 11th, 2010 at 5:16 pm
Nate,
I Gotta say I am falling in Love with Ravenwood. When I first Downloaded QuarterShare Those many Moons Ago I was not at First enthralled by the story or narration, But, as I gave it a chance It grew on me. and I’ve been a fan Ever since. How you’ve evolved as the stories rolled out is amazing. Now , you’ve switched genres altogether. Ravenwood and the Golden Clipper Universe is a testament to good writing and storytelling. I was a little surprised at the weaving of Wiccan and shaman traditions into the story. Having studied Wicca myself in my lifetime I am pleased that it is being respectful to the Path. I wonder . Have you any experience with either tradition, or, is it a product of a research and a worn out Library card?
January 11th, 2010 at 6:36 pm
I know several followers of the Path.
January 19th, 2010 at 2:05 pm
I looked forward to NaNoWriMo 2009 with great hopes that Nate would have something new and delightful at the end of it. Yet again, he provided a wonder to behold! I can’t wait until all of his novels make it into print, so that I can share them with folks that don’t do podiobooks.
Like some of the other commenters, I have traveled for a time down the Wiccan path. I’m also something of an amateur herbalist. Given these two items, I was excited to see Nate give both their due, in fact if not in direct name.
I’m a huge fan of the Golden Age, and was excited about the Shaman’s Tales. I’m looking forward with great pleasure to see what the road holds for Tanyth. I feel blessed and thankful that I know about the stories that Nathan Lowell breathes into life.
January 19th, 2010 at 2:31 pm
(spoon drops and clatters noisily on the floor…)
What? Done? Seriously?
WOW.
January 19th, 2010 at 2:42 pm
Your stories and your story-telling never cease to amaze me. What a great story! And the final episode… WOW!
January 19th, 2010 at 5:00 pm
Yup. Stick a belt knife in it. It’s done.
Nov 1 to Jan 19 – first word to last episode.
Thank you all for the wonderfully kind words of support and enthusiasm. This has been an interesting journey for me and I’m looking forward to visiting again with Tanyth Fairport and learning more about the Hermit of Lammas Wood.
Owner’s Share, and Cape Grace next, tho, and don’t forget I’ve got a lot of work to do to get the paper versions ready for press so we’ll have autographing by the end of May
January 19th, 2010 at 5:49 pm
I would enjoy discussing this book with a group – preferably with a cup of tea in my hands and sitting in sight of a fireplace.
I can’t remember ever feeling that way about a book before.
Thank you Nathan Lowell for a really fine story, I enjoyed it very much. (And always I look forward to more!)
January 19th, 2010 at 9:57 pm
It took a few episodes for me to get into this story. While I’ve never been a big fantasy buff (I’m a sci-fi guy), I had expected the usual dragons, princesses, barbarians, mages, orcs and so on. You’ll find none of those in Ravenwood. Instead, you have what Nathan does best: a tale about real people with real problems and how they overcome the obstacles in their path. And I’m just fine with that. I look forward to hearing future stories featuring Tanyth Fairport.
January 21st, 2010 at 9:14 am
My wife and I bought a mint plant for the windowsill in the kitchen to use for cooking. The other night this story inspired me to make fresh mint tea. It was truly wonderful. We have a new evening ritual. Once more, thank you, Nathan.
Gail, let us know when and where. We will be there with mint leaves.
January 21st, 2010 at 4:54 pm
I enjoyed this book immensley. I am still trying to decide whether this is set in the future, after the demise of our present technology, or before the onset of the current technological society we are now immersed in. Either way, I find Tannith a great heroine for the 21st century.
January 22nd, 2010 at 2:23 am
Nathan
I just completed Ravenwood and it was spell binding the story is great and you are a master storyteller. I travel a lot so I love to listen to a good stories and when I started Ravenwood I found my self at 1 AM still up listening to your story and needing a cup of chamomile tea, it is hard to but a great story down.
Great novel and it is as good as the Solar Clipper stories and I need more.
Thank you
Jim
Germany
January 22nd, 2010 at 5:05 am
Thanks so much to all of you for your support and encouragement! I’m so pleased you’ve enjoyed this side trip to Lammas Wood.
Gail: The tea thing is insidious. I bought a teapot and am investigating the world of loose tea myself.
Michael: I’m very glad that your early assessment has turned into something more enjoyable. One tries but can’t be sure of success.
Laky: There are clues in the book that will tell you something about where the story takes place. Kinda.
Jim: Every time I get a note from an international listener, I’m amazed. I know the internet is global, but these reminders. There will be more. I need to finish a couple of other little projects first, but we haven’t seen the last of Tanyth Fairport.
January 23rd, 2010 at 12:09 pm
Just finished Ravenwood and it was an amazing story. I have listened to all your Solar Clipper stories several times and was unsure about this story when it was initially released since I tend more towards SCIFI and space stories. I tend to wait until the book is complete since I don’t like to have to wait and for the next chapter (just me). Once I got into the book it was hard to stop. Great story, great narration. I was very surprised I enjoyed this story as much as I did! Looking forward to your next book in any series!
January 23rd, 2010 at 4:15 pm
Thanks, Mike, and thanks to everybody who’s taking a chance with me on a genre shift.
This is a very different place for me to be writing in, but it’s still one of “my” stories, I think.
I got a lot of people who “don’t like sci fi” to give it a try with Quarter Share and I’m hoping I can convince a few people who don’t like fantasy to make the trip over the river and through the woods with me.
January 24th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
Superior story and the narration couldn’t be better even if it was a full audio drama with professional actors. Your whole SF Share series and your new Fantasy Tanyth Fairport series have your strong writer’s and reader’s voice in common and I’d highly recommend all your works, especially “South Coast” from your “Shaman’s Tale” series which bridges the genres and strikes the deepest chords in me — that is a classic which is now part of me.
January 25th, 2010 at 8:40 am
Two episodes left and I will have devoured this book in just a few days. Nathan takes a decidedly different tact with this book as it is set in an ancient land rather than a futuristic one. But no matter, he doesn’t disappoint. He proves once again that superior character development, amazing narration and a great story provide amazing entertainment.
January 29th, 2010 at 5:56 pm
Another great story, Nathan!! I was pleased to see the same quality of characters and plot in this story as there were in your “Share” sci-fi series. Some who have read this and think they don’t like sci-fi might test the waters with “Quarter Share.” Thanks for the many hours of quality entertainment!
February 14th, 2010 at 8:16 am
This story was wonderful, as are the Solar Clipper storiws. I really love the way you weave such character and detail into your stories. I hope you write more along this vein.
February 14th, 2010 at 2:04 pm
I’m planning at least one more. There’ll probably be others.
February 16th, 2010 at 8:10 am
This book sounds good so far. Is this a stand alone novel? In other words, are you planning to write more in this universe that aren’t connected to this peice?
February 16th, 2010 at 3:57 pm
There will be at least one and possibly two direct sequels.
I suspect, very strongly, that that will become a new world to explore for me with stories of the King’s Own, the possibilities offered by the magic, and even some larger political and economic works related to the broader world.
February 22nd, 2010 at 10:32 pm
Nate strikes gold again! A wonderful story, can’t wait to hear what happens next.
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:20 pm
Aww, thanks for the great comments, everybody!
I’m really looking forward to seeing what happens next myself.
February 23rd, 2010 at 8:49 pm
Nate, please tell me there is more of this on the horizon. Like with your Share Series, this is one excellent story. I hope it will be a series too. You keep the miles passing by with enjoyment.
February 24th, 2010 at 3:30 am
There is definitely more on the way.
I need to finish the Share series, and do another Shaman’s Tale but I’ve still got stories to tell
March 4th, 2010 at 12:12 pm
Hey, this Shaman’s Tales series. Do you have some of it published here or is it just under another name? I tried searching under YOUR name but somehow it doesn’t work that way.
Good stuff!
Kim
March 4th, 2010 at 2:41 pm
The only Shaman’s Tale so far is South Coast. There’ll be another one — Cape Grace — this fall, if all goes according to plan.
And you *should* be able to find it by searching my name.
Although you’ll need to be over on the main Podiobooks.com site for it to work the way you expect. This is a blog and it doesn’t index the main site in its search.
March 26th, 2010 at 7:42 am
FYI, for you Shelfari users, I have created a book entry for Ravenwood, allowing you to add it to your bookshelf:
http://www.shelfari.com/books/14694627/Ravenwood
Cheers,
jason
March 27th, 2010 at 2:59 pm
Nathan,
Would like to say that I am a huge fan of your work. I have read, recommended, and donated towards each entry in your Solar Clipper series. I am now on Ep 10 of South Coast.
I recently finished reading Ken Follett’s “Pillars of the Earth”, and not too long before that Galdabon’s “Outlander”. They are three very different works, of course, but the similarity in setting led me to thinking specifically about what was different.
Two things came to mind:
1. I would encourage you to expand the emotional repertoire of your characters. I know that ‘calm under pressure’ is one of the trademark attributes of your lead characters, but that should not prevent them from experiencing feelings of rage, depression, joy and sadness. South Coast, in particular, being set in a medieval-like period would have felt more real to me had it acknowledged that most humans probably lived lives of deprivation, mean-ness and violently struggled to survive. I bit of that here would have interjected a sense of realism.
2. I would also like you to try to expand the conversation range of your characters. Peasant farmers in medieval times do not all speak like highly-educated barons. They use explicatives, they scream slurs, and some times poor grammar. The course of the discourse is not always “Yes, mum. No, mum.” in real life. I like the fact that you avoid the heroic monotone of Sword and Sorcery fiction “I shall slay thee with the divine sword that I bear before you!” But normal people are at times impolite, they misspeak, they curse. Throw a bit of that in, just for flavor.
Just my two cents,
Jason
March 28th, 2010 at 8:52 pm
Indeed they do, Jason, and you’re right about the choice of language. For the stories I’ve written, those were conscious choices and done for a reason. In future stories, you may see some surprising choices.
As for South Coast being set in “a medieval-like period,” are you sure you’re not confusing that with Ravenwood?
South Coast is set in the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper…
April 22nd, 2010 at 10:59 am
Sometimes you hear a story that makes you want to slap yourself on the forehead and scream, “Why didn’t I write this?” Ravenwood is just such a story! Nathan Lowell has tapped into the same storytelling groove of the Tales of the Golden Age of the Solar Clippers and weaves us the tale of Tanyth Fairport. An unassuming middle-aged traveler and student of nature who harbors greater powers than even she realizes. There are no great battles here, no warrior Princess on an avenging quest, just the the quiet compelling story of one woman’s journey into her power. The Wiccan and shamanistic references he uses gives this tale a grounding in reality that makes it feel more like living history than fantasy, and that’s a very good thing. And of course Nathan’s fabulous delivery only heightens the feeling that this is a story best told by the hearth, with only the sound of a crackling fire in the background. I’ll be listening to this one over and over again, just like all of Nathan Lowell’s other podiobooks.
April 22nd, 2010 at 3:37 pm
Thanks, Paulette.
I hear the Empress Sword is pretty cool, too, ‘cept for the guy you got reading the part of the King.
May 3rd, 2010 at 4:41 pm
WOW, Nathan…. What can I say?
Once again you have blown me away with Ravenwood. The only downside to listening to one of your books, is the let down that happens when I am done and there is nothing new to fill my MP3 player with.
I absolutely loved this tale! I loved these characters and I so want to hear more of them. Although, I see no reason why this story could not have taken place in the Solar Clipper Universe.
A couple of things that really stand out. 1) I have no idea what religion you believe in or if any, but if you are not invited to do the blessing at any and every family gathering, your family is totally missing out. 2) The final podcast episode (don’t remember the chapter number) would have done Scott Sigler, Phil Rossi, and JC Hutchins Proud. I would not mess with Mother Tanith, and if I had, I think I would get my junk checked by a doctor before I started smelling like meat. Just saying!
Keep bringing it, my MP3 player needs it!
May 3rd, 2010 at 7:10 pm
I’m glad you liked it, Will. I had a lot of fun writing it and recording it.
There’ll be more. I promise.
June 7th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
Discovered this while aimlessly floating around, as one does! It’s not normally my thing, but I gave it a go and all I can say is thank you! I hope there are more stories from Tanith. Parts of this story made me wince, and parts made me go “awww”. I’m truly grateful to Nathan for releasing it!
June 7th, 2010 at 2:31 pm
Thanks, Sherida!
I’m glad you liked it. There’s a sequel planned for early 2011
June 9th, 2010 at 5:24 pm
Hi Nate
I’ve been away from podiobooks for a while. real life does these things to you as you well know. I installed itunes on my new computer and the first thing I looked for were your Ish books.Just for another listen.
What a delight to see that you had something else out there and that it was complete. I listened to the whole thing in one go.
What a wonderful heartwarming tale. I want to live in Ravenwood. Got my bags packed and hoping there is still an empty hut.
Congratulations on another triumph
Sue
June 9th, 2010 at 7:28 pm
There’s at least one — even after I move in
Thanks, Sueper. There’s more content just around the corner and, in case you missed the news, the books have started coming out in text versions.
June 10th, 2010 at 5:22 pm
Yeah I got your email. Thats what prodded me to sort out the computer and come back, but it didnt mention this one. Sneaky
August 9th, 2010 at 4:42 pm
Thank you for another riveting story. I planned to listen to this during my commute this coming week, the story was so engaging I could not stop, I had to listen straight through to the end. This is the first of your stories that brought a tear to my eye. Somehow Tanyth is an easier character to bond to, and have empathy for than the charmed life of Mr Whong.
Thanks again.
August 9th, 2010 at 5:00 pm
You’re very welcome.
Tanyth, in many ways, was easier to write as well. Being unconstrained by first person, having a wider range of action available, and being able to examine a life from an advanced, and less naive, perspective gives the Tanyth Fairport stories a texture that’s not available in the Trader’s Tales.
I’m glad you enjoyed it and watch for the sequel early in 2011.
August 28th, 2010 at 3:47 pm
Not only is this a wonderful story, but it’s in a brand new world that you can pull a lot of other stories from. I’m enjoying all your stories – whether it’s a story in space or in Ravenwood or anywhere else you want to take us – and getting to listen to the stories over and over again.
You also have a very nice speaking voice. There is something extra nice about hearing a story read by the author. It’s partly that you know exactly how you meant the words to be said. Added to that is your ability to encompass the characters’ emotions, thoughts, and actions into very concise words that make for a very enjoyable listen.
I can’t figure out a better way to say this, so I hope you understand what I mean. You tell stories in a gentle way, even when the story gets rough. I really like that.
Thanks for everything Nathan, especially your time. Looking forward to whatever is next!
August 29th, 2010 at 3:44 am
Thank you, TBL…I’m REALLY looking forward to getting to play more in Tanyth’s World.
So many stories to write, so much new ground (in more than the geographical sense) to explore.
October 22nd, 2010 at 12:15 pm
I loved Ravenwood Nathan. Listening on the train after a frantic day at work, I could just feel myself relax and breathe when I put on my ipod. I’m really going to miss Tanyth terribly and will look forward to the sequel with great anticipation. Thanks so much!
November 8th, 2010 at 1:36 am
Hey I was wondering if there were any books I would need to listen to or read prior to this one. I just want to make sure before I start listening.
Thanks,
Marlee
November 9th, 2010 at 6:06 pm
This is the first book of this series.
November 12th, 2010 at 2:41 am
Thanks so much
February 6th, 2011 at 6:57 pm
Nathan is one of my most favorite podcast authors, so I was rather depressed at the thought of the Share books being finished…then BAM…Ravenwook is before me…every bit as good and with the same flavor as the Share Books. Took me three days to finish it. Thanks Nathan.
July 6th, 2011 at 4:43 am
Another Podiobooks site killer series
July 7th, 2011 at 6:40 am
I’m hoping!
July 15th, 2011 at 9:10 am
I enjoyed listening to this book very much. Tanith is a lovely character, and Nathan tells the story very well. This is my first experience of audio books, but it certainly won’t be my last, I am going to look for some more of this authors work right now.
July 15th, 2011 at 10:23 am
Thanks, Wendy.
There’s plenty more out there.
July 21st, 2011 at 3:08 pm
I loved this book. Great characters and story. Any updates on when the next book will come out?
July 22nd, 2011 at 10:06 am
I’m really hoping for this fall.
I need to do Cape Grace first — those people have been awaiting since 2007 for the sequel — but after that, R2
October 12th, 2011 at 5:11 am
Really unjoyed Ravenwood, I ended up sucking my husband into listening a lot too, really can’t wait for the next one. Really is a wonderful story!
October 15th, 2011 at 1:13 pm
Thanks, Lyonte.
The book is getting released to print by the end of this month, and I’m planning on doing the sequel early next year.
December 5th, 2011 at 6:40 am
Hi Nathan,
Any news on the sequel are you going to have a Christmas Present for us?
If so thank you.
No Matter what have a great Christmas and best wishes for the New Year
And Thank you again for all your stories I have just listened to the Share series for the 3rd time and enjoyed it just as much as the first time. I don’t often listen to things more than once.