John Lenahan

Book source ~ Tour

Doe comes from a world of magic, a parallel or alternate universe to our own. However, he doesn’t remember who or what he is. He instinctively knows how to use magic though and that attracts people to him, some of whom he needs to get away from, but some who are allies. Once in our world he needs to figure out who he is, why he’s there, and where to go. And quickly because bad things are about to happen. If only he could just remember.

I was a little worried going into this book that I hadn’t read the original Shadowmagic trilogy and I’d be lost. But it’s fine. You can totally jump in with this book and be swept away by the story. It does make me want to go back though and check them out, so excellent job!

The story is split into three parts and I think it works great. The first is where Doe lands in our world and has amnesia. Navigating a strange world without a memory is frightening, but Doe handles himself well. The second is where he remembers everything. This is an excellent way to give backstory without info dumping. Then part three is where the peril comes into play.

The writing carries the reader right along with only a few hiccups of convenient plotting and the characters are varied and interesting. This story ends, but it’s just the beginning of something bigger. A foundation well laid.… (más)

Though I've listened to audio books before, this was my first "podiobook". I'm now a huge fan of the format, John Lenahan, and his book, Shadowmagic. My commute to and from school has never been more fun! I deliberately held off on listening to it until I was in my car, unless I was finishing up the last couple minutes of a chapter, which was difficult at times. I frequently had the urge to continue listening, but I told myself it was better to savor it, since it would be over all too soon. I'm already listening to the second book, Prince of Hazel and Oak, and I have a feeling I'll be just a little bit sad when it ends. I'm sure there are other great books on podiobooks.com, but finding them will likely involve a bit of trial and error. Thankfully, they're free.

I can't say for sure, but I think listening to the book, which is narrated by the author, rather than reading a print version, is what got me hooked. I felt like I was being told a story, instead of just being read to, if that makes sense? I think the difference is in the enthusiasm of the author as he narrates. In an author's note at the end of the book, he mentions that he wrote it for his son, and I'm sure that's a factor in his performance. If I had been reading the book, I might have felt that the story was a little silly, but then again, maybe not. I really don't know. I just feel that this is a story that needs to be told rather than read.

With that being said, I have to recommend the "podiobook" version. It's free, so it gives you the chance to try it out without costing anything in case you're not 100% sold on it yet. If you love Fantasy, the childlike feeling of being told a story, or Irish Celtic mythology, you can't go wrong with Shadowmagic.… (más)

I listened to the free "podiobook" version from podiobooks.com.

There isn't anything different to say about The Prince of Hazel and Oak that I've already said about Shadowmagic. I'm still a huge fan of John Lenahan and his books, and the "podiobook" format. The third book in the Shadowmagic series, The Sons of Macha, isn't available as a "podiobook", and I haven't seen it offered as an audiobook anywhere, either, so I was a little sad when The Prince of Hazel and Oak came to an end. My next audiobook has some fierce competition.

If you've already taken my recommendation to listen to Shadowmagic, then listen to the "podiobook" version of this book as well. You won't be disappointed. I've already got The Sons of Macha as an ebook, and I can't wait to find the time to read it.… (más)