Tom Corven

The official blurb

On a remote coast in Scotland, a boy opens his eyes to a world he does not recognise. Almost dead, he stumbles on a desolate cottage where he meets the beautiful Katriana and a man she professes to be her uncle.

Stormbound and haunted by visions, the boy, Tom Corven is his name, soon realises that finding Creggan was no accident. But as he uncovers the truth of his unique place in the universe, Tom must find and control the power he harbours before it destroys him. Only then will he be ready to fight the evil stalking him to Creggan and only then will he understand that the fate of billions rests with what he does next.

My Review

This is a delightful story set in modern Scotland and follows as the blurb above states the experience of "the boy" who wakes on a bleak island beach with no memory.

It's a real mystery story where each episode leads the reader through a clue to the preceeding events until we start rolling forwards in a roller coaster of excitment, magic and adventure.

I was constantly waiting for the next episode ( I was using Podiobooks to release 1 episode a week to my podcatcher ) but didn't want to listen because I knew the story would be coming to an end. I was totally absorbed and drawn into the story, and this was enhanced by the loverly reading by the author.

Reading = 3/3
Production = 2/3
Story = 3/3

Total = 8/9

You can find this at Podiobooks

The Cosmic Computer

The offical blurb

Conn Maxwell returns from Terra to his poverty-stricken home planet of Poictesme, “The Junkyard Planet”, with news of the possible location of Merlin, a military super-computer rumored to have been abandoned there after the last war. The inhabitants hope to find Merlin, which they think will be their ticket to wealth and prosperity. But is Merlin real, or just an old rumor? And if they find it will it save them, or tear them apart? (Summary by Mark Nelson)

My Review

This is an old public domain story by H. Beam Piper and is read by Mark Nelson. It's a classic scifi adventure. I would go as far to say that its "pulp" story well told. It starts small with family members interacting and quickly expands into a world wide adventure. Ray guns, space ships, nuclear explosions, could you want more? Well actually you could. You could want a fantastic reader and flawless audio production... your got it!

Reading = 3/3
Production = 3/3
Story = 3/3

Overall = 9/9

You can find this at Librivox

AmerIndian 2192

The official blurb

AmerIndian 2192 is a science-fiction novel that explores the intriguing possibilities of Native Americans in mankind's star flung future. AmerIndian 2192 presents the story of two brothers, Wovoka and Keokuk, restoring the Native American people to a Homeland where their vibrant culture can thrive. Lodge ships, Cybershaman rituals and Tsimshian high technology are all elements in this action-oriented tale of interstellar politics and personal struggles.

My Review

This is a very good story. The hard scifi really appealed to me. The writing is superb and the visuals ( in your mind ) are stunning. The story is full of excitement and adventure and builds to a tremendous climatic ending. I was sucked in and totally absorbed by the this story.

Sadly, not the best of reading and the audio is a little noisey. However after 2 chapters I didn't notice these and was away among the stars.

Reading = 1/3
Production = 2/3
Story = 3/3
Overall = 6/9

You can find this at : Podiobooks

Audio Promo MP3